HP, DreamWorks will build, sell virtual conference rooms

Hewlett-Packard Co. on Monday jumped into the business of providing the technology — and building the rooms — for large companies to hold virtual face-to-face meetings regardless of the distance between participants.

HP’s Halo Collaboration Studio offers a nearly immersive environment where people can see each other, talk and collaborate remotely as if they were in the same room.

The underlying network, built and serviced by HP, minimizes delays and never crosses the public Internet.

Developed in partnership with DreamWorks Animation SKG LLC, the rooms are targeted at large corporations that are looking to cut down on the amount of time and money spent flying people to different locations.

Each room costs roughly $550,000 with an $18,000 per month fee though the charges vary with the number ordered.

Matthew Fordahl
The Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051213/NEWS0202/512130339/1029/NEWS02