Internode invests $500k in Cisco telepresence units

Saves 12,000 trees, but interoperability goes begging.

Internode has announced a $500,000 deal with Cisco Systems to install three Cisco telepresence units.

Internode claims to be the first South Australian company to invest in Cisco TelePresence technology - connecting its Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne offices. 

Internode will use the system to communicate with business partners, vendors and customers.

Using five-year projections based on its 2007-08 activity, Internode estimated the kit will eliminate more than 150 tonnes of carbon emissions. 

The ISP estimated these carbon emission savings to be the equivalent to planting more than 12,000 trees.

"We expect this facility will help us to win new business as well as do an even better job for our existing customers," said Internode CEO, Patrick Tapper.

"Our main reason for installing telepresence is to make Internode's expertise more accessible nationally," he said. "Whether it's a sales meeting or a technical planning session, we can bring in the right person, regardless of where they are located."

Internode is already using the technology to connect its Adelaide and Sydney offices. The ISP will expand the telepresence service to its Melbourne office in September.

Tapper said the company expects to "significantly cut our travel costs and, of course, that translates into a reduced impact on the environment."

Internode national sales manager, Daryl Knight, said the service will enable Internode to invite clients from interstate to have a virtual chat with corporate staff in Internode's Adelaide office. 

Knight confirmed that Cisco units were only able to interoperate with other Cisco TelePresence units, and not those supplied by Polycom, Tandberg and LifeSize.

Knight added that Internode chose Cisco kit because it is "(a) logical progression" which "best showcases the performance of our network".

The company employs 430 staff in its Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne offices.