PHONE+ magazine, a resource indirect sales of for the telecommunications services and audio conferencing equipment, announced today that Copper Conferencing has been selected as a Top 50 Channel Program. All of the results of the Top 50 channels will be published in the magazine’s 2008 Channel Program Guide special issue, due out in the middle of October.

PHONE+ is very proud to honor the Copper Conferencing and all of the Top 50 Channel Program winners. Copper Conferencing was selected among hundreds of companies who submitted their channel program details in hopes of being recognized as a Top 50 Channel Program. The contestants for this notable selection was voted on by more than 1,000 indirect sales partners. Winners of the award include: communications suppliers, carriers, resellers, master agents and manufacturers. They vote on characteristics that include: extra attention, rapid quotes, sales training or special promotions.

PHONE+ Publisher, Mike Saxby:

PHONE+ is honored to recognize these standouts. Their support for the indirect channel in the telecom industry are much appreciated and lauded.

In addition to recognizing the Top 50 Channel Programs, the PHONE+ Channel Program Guide special issue features the Top 15 Channel Managers.

Today the web conferencing service, Mikogo, announced the release of Mikogo Skype Extra, creating a complete free web conferencing solution. The service requires a single download, that automatically installs upon download and now allows Skype users to collaborate via 4 different communication mediums: voice, chat, video, and now screen sharing.

Mikogo Co-founder, Mark Zondler:

Regardless of whether it’s for business or private purposes, Skype users now have the complete Web conferencing package completely free. Free screen sharing combined seamlessly with Skype’s free calls, free chat, and free video, really give the Mikogo Skype Extra users the perfect means of Web collaboration.

While not as robust and comprehensive as other corporate web conferencing services, Mikogo Skye Extra is a complete solution for small web conferences, and best of all, it’s free. Mikogo free screen sharing, was created by BeamYourScreen, to allow users to host professional online meetings allowing them to collaborate easily with colleagues, clients, suppliers and friends and family.

The addition of Mikogo’s user friendly, free screen sharing services will make online communication more convenient and affordable. By eleminating travel costs and saving time for all parties involved, Mikogo could change the way people and businesses worldwide correspond and collaborate over the internet.

Rapid growth in India’s telecommunication industry has found that the use of telepresence technology is growing at a rate of 53 percent per year. According to the study conducted by India based management consulting firm, Zinnov Management Consulting, the current growth rate is expected to produce sales of up to $40 million by 2012, while the current telepresence market is pegged at $7.2 million.

In the last few years, there has been a quick progression in India’s telecommunications market. The conferencing market in India has evolved from audio conferencing to video conferencing and now rapidly adopting telepresence technology. The rapid progression in conferencing technology has been due to improved broadband infrastructure, the increase in conventional travel costs and environmental concerns and globalization.

Zinnov Management Consulting CEO, Pari Natarajan:

The importance of telepresence needs to be reinforced through specific marketing initiatives as it is the next big wave in conferencing. Customized efforts targeting sectors like Education, Government, BFSI and even SMEs can significantly increase telepresence in India. Various factors like increase in broadband penetration, the rollout of 3G services, Government efforts and initiatives by the BFSI, IT/ITeS sectors paint a very bright picture.

The Zinnov study indicates that many leading professional institutes will migrate to telepresence for guest lectures and classroom discussions, while the government is already investing in conferencing solutions for efficient administration and reduced travel cost.

HSBC has begun implementing Cisco’s video conferencing and telepresence technology to conduct virtual meetings throughout the company’s disparate locations. The technology will allow instant face-to-face meetings around the globe.

Cisco’s video conferencing service provides life-size, high-definition video and recreates the “the interactivity, spontaneity and nuanced communications experience of an in-person meeting”, according to the company. The telepresence system provides a table that can include 6 people on the video conference, with displays, cameras, lighting and microphones, to simulate an actual meeting over the web.

HSBC CIOP, Ken Harvey:

Our current meeting and collaboration tools provide significant increases in productivity, but are no substitute for in-person meetings. Cisco Telepresence gives us the experience and benefit of actually being in the room with colleagues on the other side of the world, without having to pack a suitcase.

Initially, HSBC will install the video conferencing systems to connect locations in London, Chicago, Hong Kong, Mexico City, New York and Dubai. Cisco says the technology will save the bank thousands in travel costs and help promote a cleaner environment by reducing emissions spent through conventional business travel.