
TOKYO, Japan, March 1, 2005 --- Sony Corporation, a leading provider of integrated video and voice teleconferencing systems, today announced that two of its most popular video conferencing product lines will integrate tightly with the Cisco CallManager system to enable businesses of all sizes to receive and transmit crisp, clear video and voice signals with hassle-free set-up.
Cisco CallManager 4.0 allows users to make video calls the same way they dial a telephone call. Cisco CallManager is the software-based call-processing component of the Cisco enterprise IP telephony solution. The software extends enterprise telephony features and capabilities to packet telephony network devices such as IP phones, media processing devices, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) gateways, and multimedia applications.
"We have been expanding our presence in the IP communications market since the introduction of the PCS-1 IP-ready videoconference system in 2003," said Yoshinori Onoue, deputy president of Sony, Professional Solutions Network Company. "The integration with Cisco CallManager allows us to enhance the IP communications experience with simple, user-friendly videoconference call set-up for enterprise IP telephones."
The CallManager solution will be integrated with Sony's popular PCS-1 camera, microphone and speaker combination for group videoconferencing, as well as for the PCS-TL50 desktop unit. The Sony PCS-TL50 is an all-in-one video conference terminal with a 20-inch LCD screen, camera, microphone and speaker, ideal for an executive's office or where meeting space is at a premium.
"We are excited to be working together with Sony to continue our mission of making video telephony as easy as placing a telephone call," said Barry O'Sullivan, vice president and general manager of the Cisco IP Communications Business Unit. "With both Cisco and Sony sharing a common objective, our mutual customers will benefit from a solutions approach to providing high-quality, easy-to-use video conferencing products."
| - | Japan: | April 2005 (both PCS-TL50 and PCS-1) |
| - | North America: | April 2005 (both PCS-TL50 and PCS-1) |
| - | Europe: | (To be confirmed) |
| - | Other Regions: | (To be confirmed) |