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LifeSize Releases LifeSize Control 4.0
IT News Online Staff
2009-02-09

LifeSize Communications, a provider of high definition video communications solutions, has released LifeSize Control 4.0, a full-featured video network management platform that provides centralized management and control of heterogeneous video communications networks and integrates into the enterprise IT framework, enabling video communications as a natural extension to the data network.

LifeSize Control 4.0 provides an easy-to-use graphical interface for administrators to view real-time information on device and network status for leading video endpoints, MCUs and other infrastructure systems. The solution integrates directly with Microsoft Exchange without the need for Microsoft Exchange server patches or Microsoft Outlook client plug-ins, enabling end users to schedule video meetings as easily as scheduling a conference room.

The company said the intelligence of LifeSize Control's Smart Scheduler makes video resource scheduling transparent to the end user by automatically identify and reserving all necessary video devices, rooms and multipoint control units.

"LifeSize Control not only delivers on all of the 'must-haves' of video system management software, it fits into enterprise systems and workflows, as well as extends scheduling capabilities beyond the administrator to the end user," said Andrew W. Davis, senior partner, Wainhouse Research. "LifeSize Control takes video network management to a new level as it's designed to support the way networks work today and scale to support the expanding deployments of HD video communications."

"LifeSize Control 4.0 combines power and simplicity in a robust platform that helps companies get the most out of their video networks," said Craig Malloy, CEO, LifeSize Communications. "Not only does Control manage LifeSize HD video communications systems, it's an open platform supporting video devices by other vendors, which allows organizations to leverage their existing investment forward."

LifeSize Control 4.0 features Smart Scheduler, a management technology that understands the capabilities of all video resources on the network and intelligently allocates and schedules those resources as needed. While video administrators retain control over all video conference equipment, Smart Scheduler makes it easy for end users to schedule video calls.

Using the familiar interface of Microsoft Outlook, scheduling a video call is as easy as booking a meeting. No additional training is required for end users. Users simply book a room via Outlook, from their PC and show up to the meeting; LifeSize Control does the rest. Video network resources are reserved, the call will be automatically established and meeting participants can simply arrive in the conference room and get to work.

For administrators, LifeSize Control 4.0 integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Active Directory structures, requiring no patches on the Microsoft Exchange server and no Microsoft Outlook plug-ins for end users. LifeSize said adding video resources is as easy as adding a new mailbox, just as IT administrators do every day for new employees.

"We architected LifeSize Control with the same design philosophy as our HD video communications systems: deliver a superior quality of experience, unique flexibility and unmatched price performance," said Malloy. "By making it easy for both administrators and end users, LifeSize Control delivers increased system usage, better ROI and higher user satisfaction, resulting in lower travel costs, better communication, increased productivity and faster decision cycles."

LifeSize Control 4.0 dashboard provides real-time status of five key tracking categories required by video network administrators: device inventory, system upgrades, call history, alarms and call status are clearly displayed for administrators to monitor and manage their video network, insuring quality of user experience and network integrity.

In addition to direct Microsoft Outlook integration, new and enhanced system management features in LifeSize Control 4.0 include enhanced MCU management, improved resource management, remote call monitoring with still image snapshots, scheduled remote software upgrades and system provisioning for LifeSize HD video communications systems, and management of LifeSize Networker gateway for IP to ISDN calls

LifeSize Control 4.0 also features several ease of use, reporting and other enhancements including:
- new layouts and templates in the user interface enabling simple system configuration
- enhanced Web control administrator for configuration of Control settings
- enhanced call detail report engine that allows administrators to compile call statistics that can be used to monitor usage, calculate ROI, plan network expansion and document carbon footprint reductions through travel avoidance
- new language support for Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean

LifeSize Control is now available, and can be evaluated with a free 30-day demonstration license supporting up to 500 devices. LifeSize Control software licenses are available for $249 per managed device ( MSRP for 50+ devices).