MTN Launches ePresence Solution

MTN Nigeria has launched ePresence, an innovative solution that makes it possible for people in different locations across the country to communicate with each other through a virtual meeting room. Users of this product will be able to hold virtual meetings with others in other locations, in designated facilities provided by MTN. The service, which uses the latest Cisco TelePresence™ technology, has been launched by MTN Nigeria for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are extremely delighted to be the first to bring this innovative service into this part of the world. This service will redefine how we do business and, indeed, will be invaluable to our business community in terms of increased efficiency, and productivity,” said Derek Appiah, chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria.
According to him, MTN ePresence creates a live, face-to-face communication experience over the network that makes it easier for people   to meet, collaborate, share content regardless of their physical locations within the country, using the power of the network. “People will be able to see each other in real life-like sizes, in full high definition video and crisp CD-quality audio,” he said.
The solution was unveiled by Mr. Ahmad Farroukh, MTN CEO and other top officials of MTN in simultaneous events in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, graced by captains of industry and prominent figures in the Nigerian business community.
By using MTN ePresence, Appiah said you save money on air tickets, hotel bills and all other costs associated with business travel. He added that hours spent in lounges, on the plane, in traffic, among others can also be saved and channelled to more profitable use.
The service was developed by MTN in partnership with Cisco Systems and Resourcery, and will be available first in three locations, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Richard Edet, General Manager, Cisco Nigeria said, “Our collaboration with MTN Nigeria and Resourcery to launch our TelePresence Solution in the major business and financial hubs in Nigeria marks yet another transformational landmark project for Cisco in Nigeria. This technology is one of the many ways Cisco contributes to the "going green" revolution as part of a global effort to save our environment for generations yet unborn. We look forward to working with MTN to roll our TelePresence solution in many more locations throughout Nigeria and eventually enable the service worldwide.”
Tani Fafunwa, managing director, Resourcery, said the goal is to be able to empower their customers through technology. “By joining forces with MTN and Cisco we are one step further in achieving this. Innovative technology solutions, like Cisco TelePresence, will help us to take advantage of the abundant market opportunities in Africa to challenge other global players.”