Sify, Vidyo launch video conferencing service Sify videomeet; Calls to cost less than Rs 3/min

NASDAQ-listed Indian Internet and IT firm Sify Technologies Ltd and video conferencing company Vidyo have launched Sify videomeet, a video conferencing service for enterprises and emerging businesses.

The service is powered by Vidyo and will allow users to initiate and experience high-definition (HD), multi-point video collaborations beyond conference rooms and without dedicated networks. It can work across multiple devices like mobile phones, Tablets, desktops, laptops, dedicated room systems and real telepresence systems. Therefore, it will work on various operating systems like Windows, MAC, Linux, Apple, iOS and Android.

Moreover, each call will cost less than Rs 3 per minute. Customers can pay a fixed rental for getting unlimited video conferencing access or avail the 'pay-per-use' option. The service also eliminates the need for a multipoint control unit (MCU) or any other video conferencing device at the premises, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.

Daniel Alex, senior VP (network services) at Sify Technologies, said, "Built on the strength of our industry-leading network services and with Vidyo's innovative technology, this new-generation service will empower enterprises of all sizes to collaborate cost effectively and in a secure manner. Our strategic partnership with Vidyo will help us innovate for our customers to keep them ahead in their businesses."

Ashish Gupta, CMO and SVP (corporate development) of Vidyo Inc, said, "Vidyo's adaptive video layering collaboration platform is perfectly suited for emerging markets like India. We look forward to empowering Sify with the technology backbone required to extend this service to other customer segments."

Sify reported a net loss of Rs 7.3 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the same as reported in the previous quarter ended September 30 but lower than Rs 9.6 crore in Q3 FY11. Sequentially, its total revenue was almost flat but compared to Q3 FY11, it rose 4 per cent to Rs 180.5 crore.

A couple of months ago, Sify unveiled a newly designed Sify.com and also introduced a new feature called Web Radio on its home page where visitors play or off the online radio while browsing the home page. Interestingly, Sify's news app for Windows 8 is one of the 15 applications from across the globe to be featured in the news & weather category in the Windows Store for Windows 8 Consumer Preview (the pre-release version of Windows 8).