Sponsor Spotlight: Taking Collaboration Further
Previously we have reported on HP's Remote Graphics Software as a means to enable collaboration across long distances and allow full function access to remote workstations by remote workers. HP has just opened up a new vista for distance collaboration with more features, speed, security and ease of use. It's called HP SkyRoom and it will add a brand new dimension to your desktop experience.
So what is HP SkyRoom? Well, it is a PC-based collaborative software tool featuring a combination of seamless hi-fi audio, HD-capable video, and high-performance 3D application sharing. It allows rich interactions within your corporate network or even on a Virtual Private Network (VPN). So not only can you share 3D content such as Autodesk Inventor models or high-end film animations, but you can also talk with up to three collaborators, face-to-face, with seamless, jump-free visual and audio clarity. 3D models rotate in real time no matter how far away you are, video is seen simultaneously by all - it's almost like being there.
This life-like clarity is the result of HP-designed software that allows you to share 3D models, video, and rich media content at 15 frames per second or greater while simultaneously interacting with your colleagues via video conference—without sacrificing quality. As with HP Remote Graphics, security is solid, thanks to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption. Your communications and designs remain safe as they pass smoothly across the web, whether around the building, across town, or on the other side of the world.
Since this is a client-to-client application, you won't need any server software, no need to reserve time to communicate, you won't need to send out passwords or presenter and participant URLs. Instead, you simply launch the application and contact your colleagues. It is that simple.
High Performance, IM Simplicity
The HP SkyRoom user interface is set up just like one of the many popular Internet Instant Messenger applications. Your contact information for collaborators, clients, stakeholders, and partners goes into a SkyRoom Contact List, similar to an IM buddy list. This contact list is easily populated from existing contact data, thanks to built-in support for a variety of directory servers such as Jabber, Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007, Google Gmail, and other local contact lists determined by you the user.
HP SkyRoom is also "platform agnostic" - you don't need to use an HP workstation to run HP SkyRoom. Any desktop that meets these minimum system requirements will do.
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz processor or equivalent
- 2 GB RAM; Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
- 500 MB available hard disk space
- No server required
HP does recommend a HP SkyRoom Desktop Audio Kit for best results as it includes a PCI Express audio card, which is required to obtain proper echo cancellation. Most webcams will work, but you will want to get a high-definition one. You probably want to buy the one from HP just to be sure the setup is correct.
Improve productivity, reduce travel costs
What's the big benefit? Low-cost and high productivity. HP SkyRoom ships free on every HP Workstation, and if you need to purchase it the cost is $149.00 per license seat with volume license discounts available. With the cost of travel and lodging today, HP SkyRoom pays for itself the first time you use it.
You avoid the cost and the environmental impact of business travel by using SkyRoom to collaborate and share remotely. Without the time lost to travel, decision making is accelerated and the lines of communication are kept open to foster closer teamwork and more productive relationships throughout your enterprise.
HP SkyRoom is another business productivity tool that ships on HP Workstations. It will help your business reach new heights of productivity and efficiency.
For more information about HP SkyRoom, including a datasheet and an informative FAQ,click here.
