Cisco, Microsoft and Samsung have jointly announced a set of meeting room solutions today at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024.
The combined room kits see Cisco devices, powered by its RoomOS software, integrated with Samsung smart signage displays featuring Microsoft Teams with Front Row.
Jeetu Patel, EVP and General Manager, Security & Collaboration, Cisco, said: “In today’s era of hybrid work, it is essential that workspaces are reimagined to enable great collaboration.
“This means outfitting conference rooms with intelligent video systems designed to bring immersive collaboration experiences to all participants, regardless of their location.
“Through our collaboration with these industry leaders, we’re delivering something we call Distance Zero, eliminating second-class experiences no matter where you are working.”
The focal point of the collaboration is the integration of video collaboration solutions into Cisco Room Series. These solutions feature Front Row, an inclusive content layout specifically designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms.
Additionally, users can opt for Samsung’s newly unveiled 105″ Smart Signage (model name: QPD-5K) with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K resolution, or Samsung’s 4K Smart Signage screens.
Cisco cited statistics revealing that 98 percent of meetings involve at least one remote participant. However, less than 15 percent of the 87 million meeting spaces worldwide are equipped with video conferencing technology.
Ilya Bukshteyn, Vice President of Microsoft Teams Calling and Devices at Microsoft, said: “Our vision is to deliver enhanced collaboration experiences that meet the needs of today’s hybrid workforce for all organizations and workspaces.
“We are pleased that the collaboration between Cisco and Samsung supports this vision, with integrated solutions supporting equitable meeting experiences that organizations can deploy and manage at scale.”
Further benefits of the collaboration include immersive views with Samsung’s 5K and 4K UHD displays, advanced AI-powered collaboration capabilities, simplified management and deployment through Microsoft Teams Admin Center and Cisco Control Hub, increased scalability for IT and Facilities, and seamless interoperability for users joining Microsoft Teams or Webex meetings on the same device without the need for system reconfiguration.
The products in these solutions are generally available today, with Cisco’s support for 21:9 displays scheduled for release in March 2024.
New Samsung Devices
Elsewhere at ISE, Samsung is unveiling its inaugural Google Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement-certified interactive display, known as the WAD series. Expected to launch in the first half of 2024, these displays, available in 65-, 75-, and 86-inch models, operate on Android 13, providing a seamless and intuitive learning experience for teachers and students.
The WAD series is designed to offer an interactive classroom experience, featuring a suite of educational tools and access to various educational apps through Google Play. It seamlessly integrates with Google services like Google Classroom and Google Drive, presenting a large tablet-like interface with a familiar and user-friendly design.
In addition to its educational functionalities, the WAD series has been meticulously engineered to meet safety and reliability requirements in educational environments. The display provides enhanced protection during electrical surges or high humidity, incorporating technical measures such as a 500V (DC) capacitor to absorb high voltage and a glass type fuse to prevent damage. The application of anti-humidity glue to the critical area of the chipset further ensures the display’s durability, making it particularly valuable for schools situated in regions with high humidity or rainy climates.
Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung, highlighted the significance of their partnership with Cisco in delivering an inclusive collaboration space.
“We’ve entered a new era in which hybrid work is an integral part of the work experience. Employees simply must be able to have full functionality while working online.
“Our partnership with Cisco provides users with an accessible work environment, and at the center of that is our 105-inch QPD-5K display that gives users the feeling they are sitting in the same room as their colleagues.”
