AVI-SPL Expecting TelePresence Authorized Technology Provider Status from Cisco

AVI-SPL, a provider of video and audio communications solutions, has stated that it is aiming to achieve the TelePresence Authorized Technology Provider (ATP (News - Alert)) status from Cisco and expects to complete the requirements in early 2010.

The ATP status from Cisco will place AVI-SPL among the among a select group of partners that have presence in all five Cisco theaters with the skills to sell, design, install and support Cisco TelePresence globally. By achieving ATP status, AVI-SPL (News - Alert) can enjoy a new world of opportunities and also equip itself to leverage the strength of Cisco's suite of UC and TelePresence solutions.

AVI-SPL has unveiled a dedicated Cisco (News - Alert) practice focused on Unified Communications and TelePresence solutions. It has also plans to deploy a network of UC and telepresence demo centers at some of its offices around the country for customers to get first hand demonstrations of these solutions.

Cisco claims its TelePresence is a revolutionary solution that creates live, face-to-face experiences over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It combines the reach, intelligence and reliability of the network with the simplicity of a telephone interface to deliver an entirely new way for people to meet and collaborate.

Along with the TelePresence equipment, AVI-SPL looks to provide complete Cisco UC solutions to customers as they look towards a more collaborative network that includes video and collaborative technologies.

AVI-SPL has beckoned Doug Carnell, a 24-year veteran in the Audio and Video services market, to take charge as the vice president of the Cisco practice and lead the initiative as part of Mike Brandofino's Video and UC team.

In a release, Carnell said collaboration with Cisco as a TelePresence Authorized Technology Provider will allow AVI-SPL to provide its customers and partners with cutting-edge technology for their unified communications needs, and enable them to expand beyond the conference room to other parts of their customer's communications environment.

In related news, Polycom (News - Alert) recently certified AVI-SPL to offer telepresence solutions -- and Silver Lake recently opted for AVI-SPL's ConferencePoint.