Breaking the videoconferencing mold

Ameritech and Polycom Inc. inked an agreement last week aimed at putting videoconferencing "within reach of the masses." Under the pact, Ameritech will lease videoconferencing equipment to companies while attempting to propel Polycom's newest teleconferencing solution, the ViewStation Smaller Places, into small and medium-sized offices.

The ViewStation SP was developed for medium-sized companies and smaller meeting rooms inside larger companies, said Kim Kasee, vice president of marketing for Polycom's videoconferencing division. While the product cannot be upgraded and does not feature some of the traits designed for larger conference rooms, it's less expensive than the more advanced ViewStation products and offers the same audio and video quality.

"It was not an option to deliver lower video quality at a lower price point," Kasee said.

Customers can rent the ViewStation SP for $199 a month. Ameritech is also targeting large enterprise users with the ViewStation 512 package for $329 and the ViewStation Multi Point package for $399. All packages are bundled with a television monitor, remote installation, overnight hardware replacement and video help desk.

The systems can be leased for a three-year period, with a $1 buyout at fulfillment.

The purchase of a videoconferencing system would offset the cost of one long-distance car excursion or one plane trip, said Brian Buffington, director of data and video marketing for Ameritech.

"Suddenly, if you're a small business person, you can look at the trade-off," Buffington said. "This is the first time that we've had a price point for videoconferencing that we feel is going to open it up to the masses."