Cisco unveils tablets for collaboration and smart grid
Aims to drive uptake of its IP and cloud services with friendlier user experiences
Published: 30 June, 2010
READ MORE: Cisco Systems | Tablet
Cisco has been increasing its activities in home devices for years, aiming to control the IP connection from cloud server and routers to end user experience. The acquisitions of Linksys and set-top box firm Scientific Atlanta were key, and recently it has been focusing on improved consumer design and on new device formats, with even a smartphone rumored. This week, Cisco has shown off two tablet-style devices, one for enterprise users and one for home energy management.
The first is designed to make it easier and more productive for business users to collaborate while on the move. The Cius runs Android on Intel Atom processors and is optimized for some of Cisco's most strategic application areas, telepresence, HD video streaming, and multiparty conferencing. All these play an important role in the IP giant's roadmap to harness the explosion in IP video traffic, especially to mobile devices, to drive its unified communications play.
The new tablet supports 3G and Wi-Fi connections, and comes with a seven-inch screen, which also allows remote access to the user's desktop as well as various cloud services. This will boost usage of key Cisco offerings such as VoIP, unified communications, Webex conferencing and telepresence, said the company, by making these functional and accessible from any location. Apps supporting these processes are pre-installed, and while the Cius may initially enhance the user experience for corporations using Cisco platforms, the next push will be to help enterprises migrate to the cloud, or adopt Cisco services for the first time through more cost effective cloud options.
Customer trials will begin in the third quarter, and the device is expected to be available in early 2011.
Meanwhile, Cisco latest foray into home devices is targeted at the smart grid, with the company introducing a touchscreen, tablet-shaped 'energy controller'. This collects data wirelessly from devices round the home, allowing people to monitor electricity usage and program home energy to reduce consumption and bills. Cisco introduced the device for testing with customers of US utility Duke Energy.
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