Aethras Desktop Hydra Vega Solution

[Jack]

Aethra SpA, a leader in the global video communication market, today announced the release of Hydra, a unique video conferencing solution developed to provide a ‘no limits’ visual communications network. By extending the scope of traditional room-based video conferencing to integrate PC-based users, Hydra gives you complete freedom to join a multi-videoconference environment whenever, wherever.
At home, from a hotel or on-the-road, it’s easy to interactively participate in a professional multi-conference with just a web-cam and Internet Browser. The Hydra solution takes advantage of the powerful 9-site MCU embedded in the Aethra X-Line endpoints to provide interactive voice and data collaboration sessions and a “Business quality” video experience for all participants, whether they are connected through a high-end conference room solution or a remote PC. Thanks to its flexible and dynamic architecture and very competitive pricing, Hydra opens up a new communications frontier for Small and Medium Businesses in particular.
The only solution of its kind on the market to offer built-in network infrastructure for mixed-mode conferences and firewall traversal, Hydra’s built-in gateway enables a multi-videoconference involving both IP and ISDN endpoints to be activated directly from a PC. In addition, its built-in firewall traversal allows participants to access the company LAN during a multi-conference without the need for additional support. This unique feature allows users to avoid purchasing costly infrastructure equipment and to enjoy seamless connectivity.
Non-user specific software licences enable Hydra to be downloaded onto an unlimited number of PCs within a company and can then be utilized by any six PCs concurrently. The call back function allows the combination of data transmission to the PC screen and audio-video to a video conferencing endpoint, enabling a comprehensive management of data and presentations.
Easy to install and update with Internet Explorer plug-in, Hydra is also a scalable solution, which can be adapted to the growing needs of a successful business.
The Aethra solution enables videoconferencing to expand from the traditional room-based endpoints environment to the desktop scenario, allowing all participants to share the same interactive visual experience, independently of their location. From home, hotel or who knows where, Hydra provides access to enhanced visual collaboration by extending the reach of your
video conferencing network to include home workers, dispersed offices, and employees on-the-move.
Hydra Vega Desktop Solution - Unique Features
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Only solution not requiring external gateway
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Only solution designed specifically to work with an embedded MCU (9X MCU – Aethra Vega X5 and Vega X7 systems)
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Only system capable of activating a multi-videoconference by calling both IP and ISDN endpoints directly from a PC.
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Only system not requiring external gateway for mixed mode IP/ISDN calls
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Only system not requiring external firewall traversal devices to access the company LAN during a multi-videoconference

ANY COMMENTS ABOUT Desktop Video ??

[QCIF]

HI,

Polycom Monday announced two new products designed to make video conferencing and telepresence easier for the enterprise and SMBs. When we spoke with Laura Shay, Director for Product Marketing at Polycom, she said that from the big picture view, "video conferencing is exciting but implementation can sometimes be difficult." With the announcements, Polycom's strategy of "VC2" is to make using a video call as easy as dialing a phone for the end user and as easy to administer and manage as an e-mail account for the IT staff, according to Shay. The two new products announced are the first wave of products designed to make the Polycom vision a reality.

The first Polycom announcement is the Polycom Converged Management Application (CMA) designed to “simplify the deployment and management of enterprise video networks and the use of desktop, group and telepresence solutions for users,” according to the company.
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CMA upgrades the management of conferences, devices and systems and provides gatekeeping, scheduling and directory management. New features compared to the existing Polycom SE200 platform include support for Windows Server 2003, standards-based profile provisioning, standards-based presence, support for up to 5,000 registered users and 1,500 concurrent calls and directory service support that includes LDAP/H.350 directory services, multiple directory support, and tiered directory support. A key component is CMA Desktop, a desktop video application capable of supporting high definition (HD) video, voice and content. The desktop version is included for free with the CMA site license, and the company has a promotional program for existing customers who want to upgrade from the current SE200 platform.

In the second announcement, Polycom introduced the RMX 1000, a scaled down-version of the company’s RMX 2000 multipoint visual communications conference platform with a lower price point and features designed specifically for the SMB and branch office. The notable feature differences for the 1000 series include support for a lower data rate and total users per platform vs. the 2000 series. Pricing for the 1000 model begins at $21,000 while the 2000 series starts at $45,000.

cmadatasheet.pdf

CMA DataSheet

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[Aethra Aus]

To experience the Hydra in a live presentation you can contact the Aethra Australia office to organise a multi site connection. The office number is 02 9089 8858 contact is Tim Chapman.