Nortel (News - Alert) has launched Multimedia Conferencing 5.0, an in-house audio-and-video solution that makes anytime, anywhere collaboration simple.

 

This latest product in Nortel's Unified Communications (News - Alert) portfolio gives every employee access to their own always-open desktop conference room. Workers can now quickly connect with anyone, anywhere in the world without having to make a reservation.

 

Multimedia Conferencing 5.0 cuts costs dramatically by eliminating third-party conference operator fees, which can range from 3 cents to 20 cents per minute. Thanks to Nortel's latest solution, companies can expect full payback in as few as six to 24 months.

 

Dave Murashige, general manager, Multimedia Applications, Nortel said in a statement that customers have told them that pressures to improve business performance and reduce travel costs are forcing more and more employees to meet virtually.

 

Murashige explained that with Multimedia Conferencing 5.0, businesses get a low-cost software-based solution that stems the pain of pay-as-you-go collaboration.

 

Wainhouse Research reports that significant benefits - including, cost reductions, simplified integration and enhanced security - have fueled a strong movement among organizations to bring collaboration tools in house. Additionally, presence-based systems that support audio and video communications enable workers to resolve problems faster and to process 25-35 percent more transactions per hour. This leads to direct bottom-line improvements.

 

United Kingdom-based consulting firm Unified Group has recently been engaged in trials with Multimedia Conferencing 5.0. George Vlismas, manager of Unified Technical Projects, Unified Group said that the firm is "absolutely thrilled" with the product since Multimedia Conferencing combined with Microsoft (News - Alert) LCS is giving their employees the ability to work more effectively through a single desktop interface for audio and video conferences, desktop calling, presence and instant messaging.