So, we’ve talked here about how telepresence can help humanize education, but I’m more and more interested in how telepresence can personalize the learning process.

According to the “Young Adults’ Perspectives on American Education 2011” study conducted by Viacom and The Associated Press, one in four young adults thinks the education system does not understand their values and goals. As a result of this disconnection to their formal education, more 18-24 year olds choose alternative approaches to higher learning, the study found. Students design self-directed curricula, incorporate internships, and teach themselves the knowledge and skills they need for their chosen paths. Read More »

Tags: american education, collaboration, education, higher education, museums, TelePresence, young adults

Cisco Live’s first ever “Industrial Intelligence Day” focusing on manufacturing and industrial customer needs was judged a great success according to the feedback  given at the sessions in Las Vegas this week. In an action packed day attendees heard about trends in network convergence between business IT and Industrial plant networks, and how standard Ethernet IP protocols were becoming prevalent in industrial and control networks.

As Master of Ceremonies, I had the pleasure of introducing Alan Cohen, Vice President, Global Public Sector & Industry Solutions. Alan kicked off the day talking about the care-abouts of executives in Manufacturers and how Cisco is addressing them. He used real-life customer examples such as Coca-Cola, General Motors, GE, Continental Tire and Anglo Platinum. Alan expressed how Cisco was helping these customers address the challenges of  Growth, Market Transitions, Innovation, Risk and Goverance.  This set up a good interactive environment for Bryce Barnes and John Parello to introduce Energy and Sustainability for the manufacturing sector. Bryce pointed out that 35% of all energy usage in the world is consumed by manufacturing industry and we added that that figure goes over 50% if you include the transportation and distribution of those manufactured goods and materials.

After watching John Chamber’s Insightful Keynote, delegates returned to hear Paul Didier and Chris Haley (both Cisco) and Gregory Wilcox (Rockwell Automation) talk about the status and trends for wired LANs including resilience and security with a fascinating presentation on Motion from Gregory. That was followed by wireless strategies from David Wolf and Scott Friberg from Cisco talking about wireless innovations and real-world testing where wireless is now deemed appropriate for time critical applications. Then delegates went to the main tent for a thought-provoking session. Read More »

Tags: Anglo Platinum, automation, Borderless Networks, Cisco, cisco live, ciscolive, cloud, Coke Cola, collaboration, Common Industrial Protocol, Continental Tire, Energy Management, ge, industrial, Industrial Automation, Industrial Intelligence, industrial networking, industrial wireless, innovation, Manufacturing, mobility, Rockwell, security, video, virtualization, wireless

As if desktop virtualization wasn’t complicated enough… let’s throw unified communications in there, and really roll the dice (sticking with the Vegas theme) with getting your small pilot/PoC off the ground.  Right?  Well traditionally, yes, but we’ve actually seen this movie before – one that tells a very similar story of convergence at the desktop that resulted in a major transformation in how enterprises leverage the intelligence in the network to bring two previously disparate worlds together (this reads better with the voice-over guy they use in Hollywood trailers). Read More »

Tags: citrix, collaboration, thin client, unified communications, vdi, View, VMware, vxi, xendesktop, zero client

Whether you work at a specialty boutique firm or a large global enterprise, video is having a profound impact on the way we do business in today’s digitally connected world.  Nowhere is this more visible than at a global architecture firm like Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF).

Headquartered in New York City with offices in six global locations, KPF exemplifies the workplace of the future—that is, one that allows virtual teams to work together anytime, anywhere. My Cisco co-worker Diane Davidson recently had the pleasure of visiting KPF’s New York office, where she was able to see their collaboration infrastructure firsthand.  Not only do they have an environment that allows project teams to work together from any location at anytime, they also have video on every end point—from desktop video phones, laptops, tablets and smart phones to room systems.  According to James Brogan, AIA Director, Firmwide Technology, that’s because face-to-face communication is absolutely critical to the firm’s success. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDND2iYUEL8&feature=player_embedded

Read More »

Tags: collaboration, Professional Services, TelePresence, unified communications, WebEX

Hello all. I’m here at Cisco LIVE preparing for the Public Sector Open Session. At the PS Open Session, you will hear about Cisco’s offerings around Cloud, Cybersecurity and Collaboration. I also hear that they have a special treat for those attending. Someone said something about the Alaska Wildlife Preserve.  We had our rehearsal session this morning, so I got a bit of a sneak peak, but you’ll just have to join us Sunday afternoon to see more.

I will be providing updates on a daily basis, including some videos, of the happenings going on here. Please check back to see what’s happening, some of the highlights, and what Cisco is doing for Public Sector customers.

I would also like to mention that we have some new ways to communicate with us. We have a brand new Twitter account where you can follow what’s happening at @CiscoGovt. And, we’ve recently brought up our Public Sector Community, a place where you can talk with your peers at the Public Sector Customer Connection. This is a place for you to discuss your concerns, issues and wins with other Cisco customers without having Cisco people interfere. Rest assured, we will be listening, and we will make sure you know who is listening, so that you can be sure your conversations are being heard by the right people. But this is intended to be a place where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind. I look forward to seeing your conversations.

That’s if for now. Watch for further updates, videos and happenings from Cisco LIVE 2011.

jc

Tags: Cisco Live 2011, cloud, collaboration, government, public sector