US banking group Wachovia is piloting Cisco TelePresence, a video conferencing and collaboration system that enables virtual face-to-face meetings across multiple locations.
Cisco says that its TelePresence 3000 package delivers life-size images, ultra-high-definition video and spatial audio.
The bank will initally use the Cisco systems to connect staff at its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina with colleagues at the Richmond, Virginia, offices. A wider roll out of the system will be implemented if the pilot is successful, says Wachovia.
Jim Kittridge, senior IT leader and Telepresence product manager, Wachovia, says the technology will substantially change the way employees communicate and collaborate across large distances.
"Through implementing TelePresence technology and reducing travel needs, we can support our goal of expense reduction while also furthering our corporate commitment to environmental responsibility," adds Kittridge.