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Monday, November 28, 2011

Cisco Enterprise Tablet for Voice Video and Virtualization

By Rolf Versluis


The new Cisco enterprise Android tablet, the Cisco CIUS, is different from all the other Android tablets for sale. It is not produced for the consumer market, but for the very different Enterprise business user.

The CIUS is hard to classify, because the mobile tablet feature is only one part of its capabilities. It is also a telephone, desktop HD video conferencing endpoint, and virtual desktop client. Additionally, it is designed from the beginning for security. With so many features, the CIUS can be an extremely beneficial device for businesses that are able to put to use all it can offer.

The most engaging part of any CIUS demonstration is the High Definition video conferencing, which can be done with either the front or back cameras. The High Definition video runs at 720p with 30 fps, and is definitely a high quality video conference. It is a very different video calling experience than one gets from Google Talk or Skype, which are smaller resolution with a lower frame rate.

Pros

- Enterprise tablet that is manageable with a restricted App store.

- Cisco Unified Communications endpoint with both video and voice calls.

- Standards based HD video client with 720p resolution at 30 fps and two cameras.

- Secure connectivity with Cisco AnyConnect VPN.

- Available docking station for USB ports and handset

Cons

- Heavier than similar sized Android tablets.

- Requires additional Cisco infrastructure applications to take full advantage of capabilities.

- 7" size too small for full virtual desktop client.

- 7" version has limited external monitor resolution at 1024x600.

- Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 8.5.1 or later necessary for management.

The Cisco CIUS is a new category of tablet device that is focused on a distinctly different end user than the consumer tablets from Apple and other Android tablet manufacturers. When it is used in a business environment that has the right type of back end applications, it can be a very useful device. The two issues of limited screen area and low external monitor screen resolution on the 7" CIUS are a potential hindrance in its use as a general purpose tablet.

This is overall a good product that works well and can be the main device for a businesses mobile deployment. It is a very good choice for businesses that have requirements for security and have existing Cisco voice, video, and virtualization deployments.




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