Regus opens telepresence suite in Mumbai

MUMBAI, INDIA: Regus Group, the global provider of innovative workspace solutions, today launched its first telepresence suite in the city. This launch is part of a series, where the group also opened telepresence suites in Shanghai and Singapore.

For the telepresence service, Regus has partnered Cable&Wireless Worldwide for its Managed Video Conferencing (MVC) solution, along Polycom's RealPresence Experience (RPX) solutions and equipment.

The launch of telepresence suites are part of the joint initiative between Regus and Cable&Wireless Worldwide for high definition telepresence suites for Regus' global business centers announced in April 2008.

The telepresence suite offers high definition (HD) quality visual experience with life size images and surround sound powered by high speed connectivity with capacity to accommodate up to 10 people. It follows open standards with H323 compliant unit that allows easy communication and integration with other telepresence suites and video conferencing end points.

According to Regus India's regional vice president Madhusudan Thakur, there has been a demand of telepresence service in the country in the last few years as corporates, small and mid-size businesses as well as individuals want to use a cost effective technology solution for meeting the business needs of face-to-face meetings.

“We are starting with the telepresence suite in Mumbai and in future we will also roll out such telepresence suites across 9 cities in India,” Thakur said. Apart from the newly opened one in Mumbai, Regus has about 2500 video conferencing locations globally.

The London Stock Exchange listed group, globally has telepresence suites at 14 locations including Japan, Australia, Hongkong, Sydney, London and other places. According to Thakur, the group wants to increase the telepresence suite tally to 25 in next two years.

“In past two years due to the financial crises, there's rise in demand and usage of videoconferencing and telepresence across businesses. And one of the key factor is the carbon footprint as videoconferencing and telepresence solutions allows about 75 per cent reduction in travel cost involved in face to face meetings,” Thakur added.

In terms of pricing, the telepresence suite is offered at the rate Rs.24,999 per hour while the videoconferencing suite is available at Rs.6,000 per hour. According to Thakur, the usage rates are reasonable keeping in view with the demands of small and mid size businesses as well as individuals that can gain benefits from it.