Sure, Cisco Systems’ Unified Computing System and new servers will likely take center stage at the Cisco Partner Summit 2009 (June 2-4) in Boston. But The VAR Guy will also be checking out two other major themes. One involves Cisco’s rumored interest in a small telepresence company. The other involves Cisco’s plans for the Flip video camera (pictured).
First up, the telepresence rumor. In recent weeks, two Cisco channel partners told The VAR Guy that Cisco has been taking a close look at Lifesize Communications, which specializes in low-cost, high-definition video conferencing systems.
Lifesize is privately held and doesn’t disclose its full financials. But the company does say its revenues grew more than 150 percent in 2008 vs. 2007.
The two Cisco channel partners both say Cisco has been mulling a Lifesize acquisition. But The VAR Guy must concede: He hasn’t been able to nail down additional info, so this tidbit remains a rumor from two of Cisco’s key parthers — both of whom have extensive expertise around Cisco TelePresence.
A Cisco spokesman says the company does not comment on speculative articles. (The VAR Guy wonders: Could they at least bend the rules for speculative, anonymous bloggers?) The VAR Guy has been trading voicemail with a LifeSize spokeswoman, and will keep poking around on this rumor.
Flipping for Consumer Video
Meanwhile, Cisco has completed the buyout of Pure Digital Technologies, maker of the popular, low-cost Flip video camera.
The VAR Guy has been an avid Flip video user for almost two years. And he wonders: Is Flip purely a consumer play for Cisco. Or is there some hidden partner connection here?
Perhaps that’s a stretch. But we’ll see at the Cisco Partner Summit.
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Well, VAR Guy, I knew you would flip for Flip Video and I think that Cisco partners will as well. But partners might consider using a Flip camera as a messaging and marketing tool: a way to deliver relevant content to their customers in an engaging way.
Partners can take advantage of social media’s obsession with all things video by using Flip to connect in new ways to generate demand and customer loyalty. Who knows, there might even be the next Francis Ford Coppola lurking in the Channel. Hint to Cisco: how about a Cisco Partner Oscars at next year’s Summit?
Hmmm…not sure why Cisco would want or need LifeSize. Cisco is using different technology from LifeSize today and also licensed another technology (scalable video coding) from a company called Vidyo. Buying Lifesize doesn’t really solve thier real need, which is video infrastructure (specifcally an MCU). Cisco OEMs a bridge from Radvision today (which just started supporting the same technolgy licensed from Vidyo – a coincidence?). My guess is that Cisco would buy Radvision for its bridge before it bought Lifesize for just video endpoints. Radvision is also probably cheaper than LifeSize and Cisco could buy Vidyo (also cheap) and stick with their current technology model. Or, they could pay more to buy Polycom or Tandberg and get the whole enchilada, plus a large installed base. Either way, not sure this rumor holds much water. Anyone disagree?
@Curious: You’ve got some strong points. The VAR Guy believes Cisco’s alleged interest in LifeSize involves a potential low-cost HD video conferencing play. But your thoughts on Radvision, Vidyo, etc., are interesting and The VAR Guy will check out those technologies.
Side note: Just as The VAR Guy suspected, Cisco’s PR team is armed with Flip video cameras at the conference. Will The VAR Guy’s cover be blown?