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.
