LifeSize, a division of Logitech introduced enhancements to its bridging portfolio to provide flexible, virtualised multiparty support with LifeSize UVC Multipoint (optimised for the resolution of mobile devices) and LifeSize Bridge, now with high-availability clustering. LifeSize is making bridging flexible and reliable to support everything from scheduled video calls with dozens of participants to on-demand mobile video calling. These new bridging solutions enhance the way people choose to work—on-demand and on the go.
One of the driving forces behind this new offering is the evolution of the modern workplace—with more remote workers, fewer physical office spaces and more flexible hours. With this new landscape comes a new challenge: how to effectively collaborate and boost productivity in an increasingly mobile world. Whether the device of choice is a laptop, tablet, smartphone or new software application, companies no longer have to scramble to provide needed infrastructure and support.
“The vision behind the LifeSize UVC Platform is to fundamentally change the way businesses deploy video infrastructure by consolidating multiple applications on a single, virtualized interface, said Michael Helmbrecht, vice president and general manager of video solutions at LifeSize. “Now, we have taken this vision a step further with today’s addition of LifeSize UVC Multipoint. This new offering addresses the needs of the massive BYOD movement whereby the power driving new technologies has shifted from the corporation to employees themselves. We’re addressing both employee and company needs, by offering multiparty video collaboration that is simple to use, manage, and scale with unmatched in price performance.”
LifeSize UVC Multipoint is the industry’s first fully virtualised, standards-based multiparty video calling solution for on-demand meetings. LifeSize UVC Multipoint is also the newest application on the LifeSize UVC Platform, the industry’s first fully integrated, software-based platform for video infrastructure. Unlike anything else on the market today, this software-based MCU features:
Unmatched scalability: First video conferencing bridge that can be purchased one port at a time (£1,128 per port);enables enterprises to buy what they need now and scale as needs grow
BYOD support: Optimised for mobile resolutions
Flexibility: Offers flexible port capacity to enable more users
LifeSize Bridge, the industry’s highest quality and most powerful bridging solution, now supports “high-availability clustering,” which simply means that two or more bridges can be connected to act as one, providing enormous benefits to the user and IT administrator. High-availability clustering on LifeSize Bridge provides the following benefits:
Reliability through failover: Bridge calls will remain intact, even if there is a system failure
Expanded port availability: All employees will have the resources to make an on-demand multiparty call whenever they need to
Simplicity: One administrative interface, one dial plan
Rapid deployment: No additional hardware needed; enable with a license key
For users who want to make a smaller initial investment and scale as their organisation’s needs grow, LifeSize Bridge is now available in lower entry-level capacities including 8 and 12 ports, with a 4-port upgrade option.
"Software-based MCUs are an absolute necessity for more pervasive adoption of enterprise video conferencing,” said Robert Arnold, program manager for unified communications and collaboration at Frost and Sullivan. “With the explosive growth of video communication on smartphones, tablets and notebooks, customers need a flexible and scalable bridging solution that is optimised for these devices. Solutions like LifeSize UVC Multipoint are essential to address that market demand at the apex of this industry.