LifeSize Delivers New Conferencing Bridge

The number and size of video conferences that businesses are holding has been growing. In response, LifeSize announced a new 16 port conferencing bridge that promises to deliver HD quality images to participants.The company unveiled the LifeSize Bridge 2200, which offers companies a modular approach to adding more video conferencing sessions. LifeSize designed the system so it works with any codec, speed, resolution, layout or port. The product supports both scheduled and on demand conferencing. To enhance picture quality, the bridge offers more than 200 resolutions so transmissions can be tailored to each participant's computing infrastructure.

Founded in 2003, LifeSize has focused on delivering high performance video conferencing products at a low cost. In November 2009, Logitech, a maker of webcams and other peripherals, purchased the video conferencing vendor for $405 million.

The LifeSize Bridge 2200 has interesting capabilities. However, its price, which is $65,000, may be higher than what many small and medium businesses are willing to spend on video conferencing equipment. In addition, many corporations are opting for video conferencing services rather than deploying such products themselves. With a service, they do not have to deal with the hassles that come with premise equipment. So, it remains to be seen how much interest the bridge will garner in the small and medium business sector.