Citrix shoots for 'telepresence for everyone' solution

Citrix is launching a GoToMeeting beta that it says will make telepresence easy and inexpensive enough to become ubiquitous, targeting SMBs and looking to simplify the experience by providing one-click participation for attendees, with no registration required.

Citrix GoToMeeting and HDFaces offer one-click web, audio and video conferencing.

Citrix CEO Mark Templeton said the open beta of its HD video conferencing solution, Citrix GoToMeeting and HDFaces, would be available to new and existing customers by the end of July.

The new offering provides up to six video conferencing streams at a resolution of 640p x 480p each, for a total maximum resolution of 1920p x 960p. Video optimization automatically adjusts to fit the standard hardware and network each participant is using when video, audio or screen sharing are in use.

Citrix GoToMeeting and HDFaces works with PC or Mac computers and need only a webcam and HDFaces for a telepresence-quality experience.

"High-definition video conferencing has historically been reserved for the few companies able to invest tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in complex telepresence rooms and has remained largely inaccessible to many due to cost, complexities and scarcity," said Bernardo de Albergaria, VP and GM of Collaboration, Citrix Online Services Division at Citrix Systems. "With just a PC or Mac and a webcam, GoToMeeting with HDFaces brings telepresence to everyone."

Citrix is offering a free, 30-day trial of the platform available here.

GoToMeeting with HDFaces, upon general availability, will be included in all GoToMeeting subscriptions at no additional cost. HDFaces, upon general availability, will be included at no additional charge in all GoToMeeting subscriptions. GoToMeeting subscriptions start at $39 per month.

For more:
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