Telstra to begin reselling cloud-based video conferencing product

Telstra has announced it will begin reselling a new, cloud-based multipoint video conferencing service in Australia that will allow businesses using a range of otherwise incompatible video conferencing systems to communicate.

The Blue Jeans Network system is compatible with a range of video conferencing clients, including Google Video Chat and Microsoft Lync, and well as H.323 room video systems from Cisco, LifeSize and Polycom.

Alternatively, users can also use Google Video Chat for Android or one of a number of popular web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari, to join a video conference.

These clients all connect through Blue Jeans Network in the cloud, meaning users of otherwise incompatible video conferencing systems can communicate.

An Australian point-of-presence will be established as part of the rollout.

In a statement, Blue Jeans chief commercial officer Stu Aaron says the video conferencing system does not require any additional hardware or software to operate.

“Cost effective yet professional video can be a great equaliser that opens up opportunities for businesses to connect with organisations of any size, anywhere in the world.

“With Blue Jeans video conferencing all you need is an internet connection and a compatible device with a camera.

“As the service is hosted in the cloud, there’s no software or hardware to install or manage.

“You can connect up to 25 people in the same meeting, whether it’s from a conference room, or from their desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone.”

Telstra Business group managing director Will Irving describes video as a “more engaging medium for sales and purchasing discussions or HR and training activities” than email.

“The flexible workplaces of today are more successful when employees working from home can see their colleagues and customers, and for local businesses to thrive in an increasingly global market, tools like professional video conferencing are an absolute must.”

The Blue Jeans partnership is part of an ongoing shift in strategic focus for the carrier towards cloud-based network applications and services (NAS).

The shift has seen it acquire O2 and NSC while selling off a 70% stake in its Sensis directory advertising business.