Regus invests £32m in HD videoconferencing

Telepresence replicates real meetings

Office rental company Regus has signed a £32m deal to provide a network of telepresence videoconferencing suites in major city locations around the world.

The five-year agreement with supplier Cable & Wireless will see equipment from Polycom installed in business centres in London, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Manchester, Mumbai, Moscow, Frankfurt, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.

The high-definition videoconferencing technology aims to replicate face-to-face meetings without the need for costly and environmentally-unfriendly business travel.

Up to 10 people per site can take part in meetings, with participants shown in real-life dimensions, with genuine eye contact and stereo surround sound, which allows them to pick up non-verbal communications. Collaboration software allows participants to share information and documents as well.

“We know that our customers appreciate the benefits of this leading-edge technology and are excited to use the product,” said Regus chief executive Mark Dixon.

“Companies who use this virtual tool will save time and money on business travel while minimising their impact on the environment. We are revolutionising how people meet by delivering services that will optimise their performance."

The videoconferencing suites can be hired on a pay-as-you-go, hourly basis, and will be available from summer 2009.