HP and Marriott International Form Alliance to Open “Public Access” Halo Telepresence Rooms

HP today announced it has entered into an agreement with Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR) to make HP Halo telepresence solutions available for public use at select Marriott locations in major business centers around the world.

The specific locations will be announced at a later date.

HP and Marriott will enable people located around the world to meet in an environment that looks, sounds and feels as if they are just across the table from one another. Participants see each other in life-sized images projected on high-resolution displays and can communicate with no perceived delays, regardless of how far apart they may be.

“In forming this alliance, HP and Marriott are making the benefits of Halo telepresence solutions available to an even larger audience,” said Ken Crangle, general manager, Halo Telepresence Solutions, HP. “Now, Marriott guests and small and medium-size businesses will be able to leverage the power and value of HP’s telepresence technology.”

“The agreement with HP further demonstrates Marriott’s commitment and leadership within the hospitality industry by providing our guests with innovative technology options,” said Lou Paladeau, vice president, Operations Technology, Marriott International Inc. “The addition of telepresence will give us a competitive edge in key markets. We will be able to offer current clients a great value proposition and telepresence will open new lines of business for our hotels.”

HP Halo telepresence solutions at select Marriott hotels will allow the public to take advantage of all the business benefits that Halo offers without the upfront investment. This includes the ability to seamlessly collaborate face to face with multiple companies around the globe at one time, easily share content and ultimately make decisions faster.

Marriott will use the HP Halo Meeting Room edition, which is specifically designed for installation inside an existing conference room space. Marriott customers will benefit from Halo’s fully managed service, which includes 24x7 Halo Concierge support, and access to the Halo Video Exchange Network, which is essential to providing a no-perceived delay, “same room” collaboration experience.