Interactive Video Wall Integrates Cisco Collaborative Solutions to Deliver a Multi-Purpose Connected Learning Experience

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2012: Cisco demonstrated at GITEX today how it can help schools and higher education establishments transform into 21st century learning environments by delivering innovative classroom or training utilizing collaborative technology solutions. On display for the first time at Gitex was the complete multipurpose collaboration facility 'The Cisco Interactive Video Wall'.

Delivered as part of Cisco's global strategic partnership with Cyviz, leading manufacturer of premium display walls for collaborative environments, and SMART®, the world's leading provider of interactive whiteboards, the Cisco Video Wall combines data-sharing with Cisco TelePresence technology in a way that is quite unique. Utilizing Cisco TelePresence® Synch, a revolutionary technology that transparently integrates supported interactive whiteboards with speakers, a standard interactive whiteboard can be converted into a powerful multifunction collaboration tool that brings together live remote experts and classrooms.

Highlights/Key Facts:

The Cisco Interactive Video Wall offers the capability to display multiple data sources in high-resolution locally, then to connect and share that data with subject experts anywhere in the world. Students can engage in virtual fieldtrips and connect with other classes across the world with the click of a button.

Cisco TelePresence Synch intelligently maps, aligns, and manages the layout of the entire whiteboard so that users can switch between full screen data, full screen Cisco TelePresence, or a combination of both data and live Cisco TelePresence views. This allows educators to leverage the power of an interactive whiteboard to its fullest, while bringing in external sites, other classrooms, or experts to expand the educational opportunities, as well as to maximize the investment in these technologies.

Synch effectively converts a standard interactive whiteboard configuration into a powerful multi-function educational tool that can still be used with either of the individual technologies in a stand-alone operating mode or working together for true local and remote student-to-student or student-to-teacher interaction.  A video call can be added with no loss of functionality on the whiteboard. Educators and presenters can integrate live TelePresence sessions with any collaboration application such as Cisco WebEx, running on the presenter's or teacher's computer.

The majority of interactive whiteboards are connected to a PC or Mac computer whose image is displayed on the whiteboard via a suitable projector. After the computer has been calibrated to the whiteboard surface, touching any location on the whiteboard aligns with the corresponding location on the computer screen. This effectively allows the computer to be operated by a person standing in front of the whiteboard while presenting to a group of people in the same room or to remote participants.

Cisco's Connected Learning solutions support the delivery of quality education to students, utilizing innovative tools which enable educators to improve student outcomes, increase efficiency, enhance safety and security, and expand research capabilities. Cisco's comprehensive solution portfolio of intelligent, network-centric solutions, including video, collaboration, and virtualization, helps the world meet the rapidly evolving challenges of 21st century education..

Executive Quotes: 

Daniel Hanley, Business Development Manager, Cyviz Middle East

"By seamlessly integrating visual communication, advanced visualization and remote collaboration, Cyviz and Cisco join forces today to deliver a truly unique, multi-purpose collaborative work environment.  The ability to display multiple data sources in high-resolution locally, then connect and share that data with subject experts anywhere in the world with a click of a button, dramatically increases the rate at which students can turn information into knowledge.  Cyviz is harnessing the power of Cisco Telepresence during video calls to create new ways of working, such as remote keyboard and mouse control over shared data sources, offering powerful, engaging and productive collaborative experiences."

Dr. Kevin Dunseath, Director Global Education Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Cisco

"At Cisco, we believe that all societies need to be learning societies. The Middle East, with its unique demographics, is particularly well-positioned in this regard. .  Through our innovative technology solutions and partnerships we can connect, engage, and empower learners, educators, and leaders to improve learning, accelerate economic growth, and strengthen social wellbeing. We strongly believe that the future of education is networked. Using the full power of video and mobility, students and educators alike can now collaborate to create and share knowledge as well as enjoy new ways of teaching and or learning."   

Links / URLs:

  • For more information about Cisco's connected learning solutions please visit: http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/education/primary_connectedlearning.html

  • Find more information about Cisco TelePresence solutions visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7060/index.html

  • Cyviz Website: http://www.cyviz.com

About Cyviz:
Cyviz is the premium manufacturer of display walls for collaborative environments. With over 11 years of experience, Cyviz serves global customers in the Defense, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Life Science industries that seek to improve their information workflow for more powerful decision-making. Cyviz is headquartered in Stavanger, Norway with its US Headquarters in Washington, DC. Cyviz, Washington, D.C., is located at Two Potomac Yard, 2733 Crystal Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA. For more information, visit www.cyviz.com

About Cisco:
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO, is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com.  For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.  Cisco equipment in emerging markets is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

© Press Release 2012