BT Cloud-Based Videoconferencing Offers Full Interoperability

QUINCY, Mass., Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BT Conferencing today announced it has expanded its cloud-based videoconferencing service to allow full global interoperability between a wide choice of manufacturer solutions. 

This enhancement significantly increases the range of devices that can be used in meetings.  Organizations can now use standard or high definition endpoints ranging from telepresence suites to mobile devices, enterprise desktop units and web cameras.  The service supports the videoconferencing industry's major standards (SIP, H.323 and H.320) enabling video meetings to be launched and controlled using a mix of legacy and new devices on the same session.

Originally delivered by BT in 2010 as a managed service for customers, interoperability is now a standard capability within BT's Global Video Exchange family of services. This means it can be incorporated in popular video applications such as everyday business meetings, business-to-business calls, overflow capacity for internal meetings, and large-scale multimedia events.

With more than 50,000 registered conferencing sites around the world, BT exchange customers now have additional connectivity opportunities to extend their reach and maximize their video investment whether it is via per minute or flat rate pricing plans.

Richard Lowe, CEO, BT Conferencing, said: "BT's Interoperability services help customers to receive a greater return on their investment, by reducing the need for travel.  As part of our Global Video Exchange family of services, organizations can now connect to different video endpoint technology both within and outside of their enterprise, giving them the advantage of meeting with whomever they wish, regardless of where they are.  By extending the reach, quality, and effectiveness of communications, we are offering a real alternative to how organizations collaborate with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and partners by helping drive productivity, lowering carbon emissions, and reducing travel costs thereby transforming business."

BT Conferencing's public and private cloud-based videoconferencing services provide managed and hosted communication services for a range of platforms connected on the BT Global Video Exchange. 

As one of the world's largest providers of videoconferencing services, BT has pioneered the development of web-hosted video meeting services, launching video telepresence exchanges, and exchange-to-exchange video communication services with AT&T and TATA.

About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries.  Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services.  BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, BT Retail, BT Wholesale and Openreach.

In the year ended 31 March 2011, BT Group's revenue was pounds Sterling 20,076m with profit before taxation of pounds Sterling 1,717m.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.  BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. 

For more information, visit www.btplc.com

SOURCE BT