desktop video Optus Cisco Cisco video conferencing at Optus increases collaboration and reduces travel

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1 CASE STUDY Optus Cisco Executives meet using desktop video conferencing Cisco video conferencing at Optus increases collaboration and reduces travel CASE STUDY SNAPSHOT CUSTOMER OPTUS INDUSTRY ICT Requirements A desktop video conferencing system that could be used by key senior executives at Optus to make ad hoc and discreet meetings with their peers without having to go through formal meeting requests and booking systems. Solution The Cisco EX60 desktop system was chosen and rolled out to executives as it allows up to 4 sites to be linked on any one call and it has a high resolution video camera which transmits quality images to an end point computer, supporting better engagement and high definition contentsharing by end users. Results Some of the key benefits delivered by the Cisco EX60 desktop system include: enhancing transformation practices such as being able to resolve critical problems faster, driving innovation by tapping into the collective knowledge pool, providing a more engaging collaboration tool and enhancing teleworking capabilities within the organisation.

2 Optus Cisco Executives need to hold ad-hoc meetings discreetly and easily.

3 2 OVERVIEW Optus is Australia s second-largest telecommunications provider and the only full-service carrier to own and operate a mobile, fixed and satellite network infrastructure in Australia. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SingTel, Asia s leading communications group with operations and investments in more than 20 countries and territories around the world. The SingTel Group serves the corporate and consumer markets and contributes to bringing the best of global communications to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. SingTel and Optus have now re-aligned their business structures and have recognised a greater need for building closer working relationships and adopting more collaborative work practices, especially amongst senior management teams, to gain a competitive advantage. Traditionally, these executive teams would frequently fly between various locations for face-to-face discussions or alternatively, use a large room-based video conference system to conduct their meetings. Neither of these approaches provided the best solutions for bringing people together on a regular basis.

4 Optus Cisco CHALLENGE SOLUTION Managing geographically-dispersed teams over multiple time zones, gaining an understanding around different cultural backgrounds of new teams or dealing with last-minute meetings requests from team members were amongst the key challenges for the senior leadership team within SingTel and Optus. Even though the existing fixed video conferencing facilities could be booked through a formal room booking system within both organisations, senior executives were often faced with managing changing meeting requests or having to work around room availability. This traditional room system did not allow for last minute bookings or quick change requests, especially as it was heavily booked and didn t readily offer alternatives. Another recurring issue for senior executives was the frequency of their interstate or overseas business travel, which meant a lot of down time, working across multiple time zones, back-to-back meetings on arrival and little work-life balance. Both SingTel and Optus saw an excellent opportunity in rolling out the Cisco TelePresence EX60 desktop video conference technology to a number of the senior executives and members within their management teams.this desktop solution could be used alongside the larger room-based Cisco TelePresence system and as a complement to their travel requirements. Optus and Cisco had been in discussions about a proposed executive desktop video solution for senior executives in Australia and Singapore to use a more discreet and easy to access video conferencing system. A key factor for the initiative was around the importance of being able to link to the Cisco IP telephony system currently used throughout both organisations. The objective of the program was to provide senior executives with a video conferencing solution that was engaging, relevant, efficient and easy to use. They required greater autonomy in choosing when they were able to meet with their peers without the constraintsof rising travel costs or the formal room and video conferencing booking systems currently in place. The initial Cisco EX60 desktop video conferencing units were rolled out to a number of executives in Optus in May 2012 and used for around 4 months. Through some executives recommendations a second executive group will commence using this integrated desktop solution in the near future. Optus worked closely with ICT partner Cisco, to secure these desktop devices and to generate interest in using the system initially to get the idea off the ground for the executive rollout. It was a requirement to have a video conferencing solution that had ease of use and is complimentary to the current telephony system said Stephen Firth, Manager Corporate Voice Services, Optus IT Group. Stephen is responsible for rolling out all other Video Conferencing equipment, Cisco Handsets and Contact Centres across Optus. The Cisco EX60 desktop system allows up to four sites to be linked on any one call and it has a high resolution video camera which transmits quality images to an end point computer, supporting better engagement and high definition content-sharing by end users. Some of the key benefits delivered by the Cisco EX60 desktop system include: enhancing transformation practices such as being able to resolve critical problems faster, driving innovation by tapping into the collective knowledge pool, providing a more engaging collaboration tool and enhancing teleworking capabilities within organisations. Andrew Buay, CIO, Optus Group Consumer explains, I believe in bringing the relevant people into meetings as a means of drawing on a pool of knowledge and experience, wherever possible. The Cisco EX60 desktop video conferencing system provides a great channel which enhances faster decision-making processes and delivers a more immersive enduser experience. It is an excellent collaboration and engagement tool. It is an excellent collaboration and engagement tool.

5 4 OUTCOME Since using this desktop system, I have been saving on average around two days of travel time and associated costs per month which I had previously lost in travel time. The user experience is really good with a keypad for easy self dialling capability which is well suited to last minute meetings. The high picture quality on this system makes it better for the user experience, explains Rohan Ganeson, MD, Optus Consumer Sales. The VP of Retail at Optus Consumer division, Philip Wise found that the desktop system has enabled my management team and me to call ad hoc meetings to resolve issues quickly and collectively. I know our customers are going to benefit from this solution, just as we have. It is early days however the executives involved in the rollout have expressed the importance of having an interactive business tool to enable meetings with their peers and teams for faceto-face discussions. Not only does it support a better work-life balance but it also supports the new digital working model that allows you to work from any location. Austin Bryan, VP Communities and Ecosystems, Optus Group Digital Life states, It is becoming increasingly important for organisations to remain competitive by adopting technology that enhances innovative processes. Optus and SingTel are both looking at better ways of responding to their customers and we are indeed adopting work practices that fit within the new normal. The executive video conferencing project provided Optus with key first-hand experience about the challenges being faced when embedding new technology into the business. Even though it is early days, the positive feedback around the benefits being gained by executives are a solid endorsement of the desktop system and will be useful when proposing the system to more executives within the organisation in the future. About Optus Business At Optus Business we don t want to be an ordinary ICT provider. We understand that the decisions you make today are going to have a huge impact on your business tomorrow. So we re always keen to understand more than just your ICT needs we want to understand everything about your business. Backed by the strength of SingTel, we draw on their resources, expertise and global reach, allowing us to offer a truly integrated ICT service. From fixed and mobile connectivity, right through to a comprehensive suite of solutions and managed services, we re committed to redefining ICT. So our customers can get closer to their customers.

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