FaceMe has low-cost answer to video links

FaceMe with Hitech chief Mark Christensen. Photo / Richard Robinson

A North Shore technology company has come up with a low-cost alternative to expensive traditional conference call systems, until now beyond the means of most small firms.

After lengthy research and development, FaceMe - the world's first business-focused, browser-based video-conferencing system - is ready to go.

Danny Tomsett, general manager for sales and product development at Hitech Solutions, the company that designed FaceMe, says traditional conference systems cost up to $100,000.

Even then, they only link up a limited number of points, while conference callers invited to FaceMe can be anywhere in the world, provided they have access to a webcam, mobile or landline phone and computer.

As many as 20 people can take part in a single conference - as opposed to a Skype conversation, which can only be one-on-one and is low-quality when compared with FaceMe, says Tomsett.

He says a FaceMe set-up will cost $25,000, making it a viable solution for small- to medium-sized companies.

The system works through a server-like appliance installed on the company's premises.

A user name and password allows the company to log into the system and create video-conference meetings.

When the organisation is ready to have a conference, it sends an email out to its customers, or staff members in different locations. The email contains a hyperlink that the customer, or colleague, can click on and be taken through to the conference.

The only hardware required by those invited to the conference is any kind of mobile or landline phone, a webcam and computer.

The audio component is made on a separate land or mobile phone line, with the system prompting calls to all members of the conference.

FaceMe will feature at next week's Planet 2010 technology conference at SkyCity.