Didata hooks up HSBC with Cisco telepresence

Sophisticated setup of video-conferencing could save thousands of pounds in resources

Integrator Dimension Data (Didata) has deployed a global network of video-conferencing rooms using Cisco telepresence technology for HSBC to save the banking group thousands of pounds in travel costs.

Ken Harvey, chief information officer at HSBC, said in a statement that the network of conference rooms creates a virtual in-person experience with real-time, face-to-face interactions on a giant screen with visual and audio collaboration technologies.

“Our meeting and collaboration tools provide significant increases in productivity, but are no substitute for in-person meetings,” Harvey said.

A meeting using the new video-conferencing network that would have required three employees to travel from Hong Kong to Chicago could save HSBC about £28,000 in airfares and other travel costs, he said.

Michael Robinson, converged communications business manager at Didata, said that telepresence gave its customers improved productivity and user experience. “Didata has deployed more than 200 Cisco telepresence end-points around the world,” Robinson said.