Cisco’s umi TelePresence and the Channel

Wondering what Cisco’s new umi consumer TelePresence solution will mean for Cisco channel partners?  Initially, not much, according to a recent Cisco blog post on the topic attributed to Richard McLeod, senior director collaboration, WW Partner Organization.

The product and service will be sold through retailers such as Best Buy and service providers such as Verizon. There are no plans to offer the system through channel partners to SMBs. That’s probably because it does not currently interoperate with Cisco’s high-end TelePresence systems for enterprise businesses.

“For the time being, this means it will be business as usual for Cisco channel partners…and we hope you will consider bringing Cisco umi into your own living room to connect with friends and family!”

Cisco says the new service leverages the company’s expertise with TelePresence solutions — immersive HD video conferencing — to bring the same experience to consumers.

“However, Cisco umi was designed specifically for the consumer and was designed to work in consumers’ living rooms.

“Initially, Cisco umi telepresence will not interoperate with Cisco TelePresence business solutions.”

But Cisco goes on to say that there is enormous potential in solutions that connect consumers to businesses. For example, to provide services in education, healthcare, financial services, and smart and connected communities. But Cisco doesn’t say exactly when that will be delivered.