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Q. What is Cisco TelePresence?
A. Cisco® TelePresence is a new technology that creates unique, "in-person" experiences between people, places, and events in their work and personal lives. It combines innovative video, audio, and interactive elements (both hardware and software) to create this experience over the network.
Q. What are the applications for Cisco TelePresence?
A. The broad vision for Cisco TelePresence is to provide "virtual experiences" in many environments, from business into the home, with applications that would not have otherwise been possible with traditional video technologies. Imagine a face-to-face doctor's appointment, a shopping trip, or a visit between the kids and grandparents without leaving the office or even your home. The first application to market will be for business meetings and the business environment, and early uses and applications include:
• Virtual executive administrators and lobby attendants
• Remote interviewing and HR benefits support
• Financial applications such as virtual trading windows and remote bank branch specialists
• Virtual arraignment and deposition
• Remote expert consultation for retail stores
• Face to face customer service and support
The objective is to make subject matter experts, executives and other critical resources readily available regardless of where they may be based. This enables more face-to-face interactions with the right people at the right time, and the examples above are but a few of the applications and business processes that are being transformed using Cisco TelePresence as a strategic tool.
Q. What is the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution?
A. The first application, the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution, delivers life size images, ultra-high-definition video (1080p), spatial audio, and a specially-designed environment that create a "room within a room" meeting space. The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution enables users to have a live, face-to-face meeting experience as if they were all in the same room together, empowering them to interact and collaborate like never before.
Q. What differentiates this solution from videoconferencing?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution is based on an entirely new technology, one that goes far beyond videoconferencing in many important ways:
• Quality and environmental factors-The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution combines life-size video images, ultra-high-definition clarity, and CD-like spatial audio, as well as environmental conditions, to create a unique, "in person" experience. Users will actually feel as if they are in the room with the parties they are conversing with, sitting at the same "virtual table", making direct eye contact, talking to and even talking over other participants, as naturally as if they were together.
• Simplicity-The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution is also designed to be very simple and user-friendly to set up and launch calls. In fact, there are no handheld remotes, menus or manuals with the system. Instead, it uses your enterprise calendar (for example, Microsoft Outlook) to schedule meetings, and one button on the phone to launch a call. Because it uses the tools you use every day, minimal user training is needed and minimal support from IT is required. This "self-service" model makes it scalable across your entire enterprise.
• Architected for Reliability-The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution is built to take advantage of a highly available network and the Unified Communications infrastructure to offer users "dial tone" reliability.
Q. What are the benefits of the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution?
A. With the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution, users will be able to:
• Reduce distance as a constraint to deploying expertise
• Build trust, understanding, and relationships across distances
• Develop new business models for sales, support and supply chain
• Speed time to market and enable faster decision making
• Ensure business continuity options
• Help their organizations to become "green"
Q. Who are the ideal customers for the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution, part of the broader Cisco Unified Communications collaboration portfolio, is meant for geographically dispersed organizations looking for ways to be closer to and communicate and collaborate better with co-workers, partners, and customers in remote locations. It is also suitable for any organization seeking to improve productivity, reduce travel, embrace green initiatives, as well as address business continuity and business transformation opportunities. Global accounts, enterprises, and large commercial customers have these requirements, and spotlight industries include government, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Q. What are the basic components?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution consists of the Cisco TelePresence technology, codecs, cameras, lighting arrays, microphones, speakers, and endpoints that consist of one or more 65-inch plasma screens, and in some models, one-half of a "virtual" conference table. Also included is the Cisco TelePresence Manager, which provides event management, help desk and consolidated device status reporting. It enables integration to enterprise groupware for easy scheduling and launching of Cisco TelePresence calls. Integration with Cisco Unified Communications Manager 5.1 and enterprise groupware provides Cisco TelePresence with just one button to push to launch calls directly from the phone.
Q. What are the differences between the various endpoints?
A. Cisco TelePresence endpoints consist of two models, designed for different numbers of users and different size environments:
• Cisco TelePresence 3000-A virtual table with seats for 6 on each side, including three 65-inch plasma screens, speakers, microphones, and lighting
• Cisco TelePresence 1000-Designed to be flush-mounted along a wall space for easy use in smaller footprint areas (for example, individual offices, bank branches, lobbies, doctor's offices) includes one 65-inch plasma screen, speakers, a microphone, and lighting
Q. Do I need Cisco Unified Communications Manager?
A. In order to deliver a superior, simple user experience, Cisco Systems® requires customers to deploy Cisco Unified Communications Manager with Cisco TelePresence. This, in conjunction with integration to enterprise groupware, provides "one button to push" simplicity for call launch, both for point-to-point and multipoint calls. Cisco Unified Communications Manager can function as a dedicated, video call manager within your organization.
Q. What are the bandwidth requirements?
A. This will depend upon the resolution (720p or 1080p) being used. Generally, between 2 and 3 Mbps per screen is used. It is important to note that this bandwidth does not need to be dedicated bandwidth. Cisco specializes in managing dynamic, real-time applications such as voice and video that rely heavily on the quality and intelligence of the network, and run within the network, not on top of it. When Cisco TelePresence calls are not active, this bandwidth can be devoted to other enterprise applications. When Cisco TelePresence calls are made, quality of service and bandwidth reservation capabilities in the network allocate the bandwidth needed.
Q. What about interoperability with existing video systems?
A. Cisco TelePresence a dramatically different technology than low bit rate, single stream video conferencing, yet is based upon standards such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.264, which enables compatibility with other, standards-based video devices including H.323 and high definition resolution systems. As standards emerge for TelePresence, Cisco will lead the effort to create interoperability standards in the industry.
Q. Does Cisco TelePresence support document sharing?
A. Yes. Cisco TelePresence supports information sharing using the "Auto Collaborate" feature. This unique Cisco innovation allows people in all rooms to instantly see and share information or objects with others, simply by plugging in a device such as a laptop computer or a high definition document camera. An object, document, or any application on a PC can now be shared in plug-and-play fashion. This feature projects images from the most recently activated device to all rooms in the meeting automatically without user invention.
Q. Does Cisco TelePresence support multi-site (multipoint) meetings?
A. Yes. The Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch and Cisco Unified Conferencing for TelePresence are two separate solutions that connect three or more Cisco TelePresence systems in a meeting. Both options scale to 36 video streams per server where a single stream connects to an individual Cisco TelePresence screen. Users can connect 36 individual screens, 12 three-screen systems, or a mix of both. Both solutions also allow all participants to be seen in life-size, high-definition (1080p) images and heard in CD-quality spatial audio. To display participants in multiple locations, both solutions offer voice-activated switching on a site-by-site basis as well as by individual table segment. Site switching displays the entire location of the active speaker, while switching by the individual table segment changes on the display where the active speaker is seated. Users can change the configuration on a per-meeting basis to reflect their preferences.
Q. How do the Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch and Cisco Unified Conferencing for TelePresence compare?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch is a purpose-built, easy-to-install appliance that was designed and built solely to provide multilocation Cisco TelePresence capabilities. Cisco Unified Conferencing for TelePresence is designed to extend meeting access beyond the Cisco TelePresence meeting room by integrating other voice, Web (future), and traditional video (future) solutions. Cisco Unified Conferencing for TelePresence is based on Cisco Unified Videoconferencing and Cisco Unified MeetingPlace® technology.
Q. What is the Cisco® TelePresence Virtual Agent solution?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent solution enables enterprises to create a live, "face-to-face" interaction with customers-over the network. The solution gives a customer the feeling of being "in person" with a specialist agent such as a physician, mortgage broker, or retail expert, using life-size, high-definition video images, CD-quality audio, and interactive elements. The virtual agents are connected to callers through a Cisco TelePresence 1000 and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express, a fully integrated contact center application supporting skills-based routing, built-in interactive voice response (IVR) and queuing, and screen pops of customer data to the agent desktop.
Q. What versions of software are required to operate Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent?
A. Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent requires the current shipping release for Cisco TelePresence and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express running on the platform Cisco Customer Response Solution 4.5(2) SR 1 and 5.0(1). The customer will also require Cisco Unified CommunicationsManager 5.0(x).
Q. How do I build Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent?
A. Customers who already have existing Cisco TelePresence and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express deployments need only to upgrade their Cisco Unified Contact Center Express software to Release 4.5(2) SR 1 or 5.0(1). No additional purchase is required. New customers will need to purchase Cisco TelePresence 1000 endpoints, Cisco Unified Contact Center Express, and Cisco Unified Communications Manager.
Q. How many licenses of Cisco Unified Contact Center Express do I need to operate Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent?
A. The minimum number of Cisco Unified Contact Center Express agent licenses required is one.
Q. How many Cisco TelePresence 1000 endpoints do I need to operate Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent?
A. The minimum number of Cisco TelePresence 1000 endpoints required to operate Cisco TelePresence Virtual Agent is two-one for the customer and one for the agent.
Q. Is Cisco TelePresence available now? Is it available globally?
A. Yes, it is orderable now through specialized ATP partners. Please work with an ATP partner that can support your geographic deployment needs.
Q. Do I need to upgrade my network to support this solution?
A. Please work with your Cisco ATP Partner and account team to assess your network design and readiness. In addition, Cisco TelePresence customers are encouraged to talk to a qualified service provider about a Cisco Certified TelePresence Connection. These are designed to meet the highest standards required to support an optimal Cisco TelePresence Experience, and provide continual assurance that the network maintains its level of quality and meets or exceeds requirements for operational excellence.
Q. What is Cisco® TelePresence Secure Business to Business?
A. It is an end-to-end solution developed by Cisco that uses your existing network and service provider connection to extend Cisco TelePresence meetings beyond your enterprise boundary-enabling you to meet "in person" with customers, suppliers, and partners as easily as you can internally. Any organization that regularly needs to meet with third parties can benefit from this solution.
Q. What new equipment do I need to install in my network to enable it?
A. The Cisco TelePresence Business to Business solution consists of:
• Cisco TelePresence technology
– Cisco TelePresence System endpoint security: authentication, encrypted media, encrypted signaling
– Cisco TelePresence Manager for directory and "one button" scheduling services
• Enterprise network
– Cisco Unified Communications Manager v.5.1 or greater
– Enterprise Network Security: firewall/NAT traversal
– Cisco Voice Gateway for audio fallback to the public switched telephone network
– Network management tools for network pre-assessment, provisioning, monitoring, fault detection, and troubleshooting
• Service provider network
– Network with bandwidth and QoS suitable for TelePresence
– Cisco Session Border Controller for interworked, policed, intercompany call routing
– Network management tools for monitoring, fault detection, and troubleshooting
– Billing and mediation capabilities
Assuming you already have Cisco TelePresence for your intra-enterprise calls and a properly provisioned service provider network, there may be very little for you to do. With respect to firewall / NAT traversal, the enterprise firewall should support the bandwidth and QoS network requirements for Cisco TelePresence.
Q. Who am I going to be able to talk to?
A. Demand for business-to-business communication by Cisco TelePresence will accelerate peering arrangements between service providers, enabling users to call anyone they want to.
Q. How do I locate a service provider to arrange or purchase this service?
A. Contact your Cisco sales representative. Cisco is working with many large multinational service providers to offer the Cisco TelePresence Business to Business service.
Q. When will this service be available?
A. Cisco is beginning early field trials with customers in the second quarter of 2007 and will release this service before the end of the year.
Q. What is a Cisco Certified TelePresence connection?
A. Cisco Certified TelePresence connection is a new class of network connection available from service providers, one that is uniquely optimized for Cisco TelePresence solutions, and takes advantage of a Cisco IP Next-Generation Network (NGN) architecture. Cisco will certify network service providers that deliver and exceed these network performance requirements as part of the Cisco Powered Network Program. Certification is a rigorous process that demonstrates ongoing investment and commitment to architectural, network management, and SLA best practices. This certification is regularly audited by third parties.
Q. What services are required for Cisco TelePresence deployments?
A. Cisco is very committed to a high-quality Cisco TelePresence experience for customers. As such, both room and network assessments will be required as part of the order. Planning, design, and implementation services are available as part of a broad portfolio of services available from Cisco and a select group of certified Advanced Technology Program (ATP) partners. Meanwhile, Essential Operate Service constitutes the core post-sales technical support program and are also sold through Cisco specialized ATP partners. With Cisco TelePresence, Cisco and its partners offer a system-level service and support approach that can help you create and maintain a resilient, converged network that meets your business needs.
Q. Are Services Required?
A. Cisco TelePresence is a new category of real-time collaboration and communications, combining technology, environment and services to create an "in person" meeting experience. Cisco Services for TelePresence are an integral part of ensuring the total customer experience.
Q. What does it mean to be a specialized Cisco ATP partner? Why is that important to me?
A. Cisco certified Advanced Technology Program (ATP) partners can help ensure that organizations assess business needs, design the right solution, and facilitate implementation and maintenance to help ensure network availability. Cisco ATP partners are uniquely qualified and trained to help you implement a Cisco TelePresence solution. The Cisco TelePresence ATP program builds upon a foundation of Cisco' award winning specializations to deliver the training and tools ATP partners need to meet the rigorous requirements of business critical communications. Cisco recognizes ATP partners for their knowledge and expertise in designing, installing, integrating and supporting comprehensive, real-time meeting solutions as part of an end-to-end Unified Communications system.
Q. Where can I find a Cisco ATP partner in my area?
A. Please refer to the Cisco Partner Locator at: http://tools.cisco.com/WWChannels/LOCATR/jsp/partner_locator.jsp.
Q. What type of planning do I require for Cisco TelePresence?
A. When planning the deployment of Cisco Telepresence, your Cisco account team and Cisco Certified Channel Partner will work with you on 4 key deployment aspects.
• Room Assessment Certification
• Planning and Design Services
• Installation Services
• Essential and Select Operate Service
Cisco TelePresence requires two assessment services to insure the quality of the experience and repeatability across all Cisco TelePresence rooms. This is done to deliver and protect the quality of the meeting experience.
Room Assessment Certification-Cisco TelePresence Experience
The Room Assessment survey is part of the final acceptance sign off for Cisco's Certified TelePresence Experience. This is a formal certification process that guarantees the room can ensure a "Cisco TelePresence Experience" every time. The process will be delivered by the ATP channel partner and includes sound, lighting and environmental tests. If a customer's room fails the certification process, detailed room remediation requirements will be provided in order to deliver a "pass" status. (Note: in some cases a customer's chosen room may not pass with any amount of remediation due to lighting, sound or environmental deficiencies, and therefore other rooms may need to be used). It includes both a pre-installation room assessment and a final acceptance certification of the room and the network.
The Room Assessment survey is part of the final acceptance sign off for Cisco's Certified TelePresence Experience. This is a formal certification process that guarantees the room can ensure a "Cisco TelePresence Experience" every time. The process will be delivered by the ATP channel partner and includes sound, lighting and environmental tests. If a customer's room fails the certification process, detailed room remediation requirements will be provided in order to deliver a "pass" status. (Note: in some cases a customer's chosen room may not pass with any amount of remediation due to lighting, sound or environmental deficiencies, and therefore other rooms may need to be used). It includes both a pre-installation room assessment and a final acceptance certification of the room and the network.
Network Assessment-Planning, design, and implementation services are the consultative process to prepare the customers' network for broadband deployments of Cisco TelePresence both on the LAN and WAN. This service offering is critical to the reliability and uptime of TelePresence calls. These services include:
• Project Management
• Customer Requirements Validation
• Network Path Qualification
• Detailed Design Development
• Solution and Site Acceptance Test Plan Development and Execution
• Administrator and End User Training
Installation-Installation services will be performed by the Cisco TelePresence ATP channel partner and will conclude with the final certification.
Essential and Select Operate Service-Cisco TelePresence Essential Operate Service constitutes the core post-sales support program and will be sold through the ATP partners. Essential Operate services include Cisco's award winning TAC support, Warranty RMA, next business day spares support for all electronic components globally, and on site support. Select Operate Services offer remote monitoring and management of all system components (network, Unified Communications and TelePresence) as well as an optional remote assistance help desk for user questions.
Q. Is there a special leasing offer for Cisco TelePresence?
A. Cisco Capital provides the best financing option available for Cisco TelePresence. Please ask your channel partner or Cisco account manager for details regarding special Cisco TelePresence promotions.
For more information, please visit:
• Cisco TelePresence Meeting solution: http://www.cisco.com/go/telepresence
• Cisco TelePresence Services: http://www.cisco.com/go/services
• Partner Locator: http://tools.cisco.com/WWChannels/LOCATR/jsp/partner_locator.jsp
• Cisco Systems Capital® Corporation: http://www.cisco.com/web/ordering/ciscocapital/or6/order_finance_and_payments_concept_home.html
• Certified TelePresence Connections: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns465/networking_solutions_program_category_home.html