Hewlett-Packard has unveiled a visual collaboration and conferencing solution, dubbed HP SkyRoom, which enables real-time communication on Windows-based workstations. In addition to being a video conferencing tool, users can share and edit files online on a real-time basis. Built on the company’s video and imaging engines, HP SkyRoom allows users to enjoy seamless audio, video and 3D application sharing through a network.

Typically, a TelePresence or a full-fledged video conferencing solution would set back a company by many a thousand dollars, just to set it up and get it running. However, HP SkyRoom is available for Rs 8, 375/- per licence (for lifetime) and is also available on a floating licence format. The solution is also being offered as a pre-loaded package on some of the workstations offered by HP, free of cost.

However, there are some limitations with respect to the solution. For instance, at one point of time only four users can be live collaborating and sharing in a multi-locational setting. Also, it requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM with an Intel C2D processor and it runs only on the Windows platform.

Users can allow other participants complete access to their desktop and they can jointly edit documents, spreadsheets and design blueprints etc, on a real-time basis.

With the advent of so many Web-based free and open source collaboration tools, one wonders what purpose a dedicated collaboration and video conferencing tool would serve. "While I agree that these tools are open source and offer reasonable amount of security, probably there is no single solution, which offers both of the above facilities in a single package and at this price point. Plus, our encryption codes ensure that only you and the users you allow have access to the shared files, nobody else can tamper with them," says Anurag Gupta, Country Manager, Workstations, PSG, HP India.

The new solution would be available as a trial pack for 90 days on select workstations and laptops getting shipped from HP hereafter, beyond which buyers need to obtain a licence.