Cisco Uses TelePresence For NHL Trivia

Cisco, the official technology sponsor for the National Hockey League (NHL), will be putting its TelePresence video conferencing product to work in activation of this weekend's Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic. As part of the sponsorship, Cisco will be connecting Calgary Flames fans on-site with Montreal Canadiens supporters gathered in the Bell Centre in Montreal via Cisco TelePresence technology. The high-def video collaboration system will allow fans to challenge each other with NHL trivia, as well as chat with NHL alumni including Georges Laraque and Theo Fleury.

Cisco TelePresence technology creates a live, face-to-face interaction over the network through which people can meet, share content, create high-quality video recordings and events, consult with experts and deliver services. While its best known for its ability to enable virtual meetings, the technology has been used previously at the 2009 NHL All-Star game to allow fans in the arena to chat with NHL players and alumni in the green room.

"We are thrilled to have Cisco as a sponsor of the 2011 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic," David Lehanski, group vice president, National Hockey League said. "We have the most tech-savvy fans in sports and, together with Cisco as our technology partner, we aim to give our fans access to NHL players, content and events no matter where they are. With Cisco TelePresence in the Spectator Plaza and Bell Centre, fans of the Flames and Canadiens can fuel their passion for the sport and join in the spirit of the event."

"Cisco is delighted to further demonstrate our ongoing relationship with the NHL as a strategic technology partner, helping the NHL develop new fan engagement opportunities," Nitin Kawale, president, Cisco Canada added. "With Cisco TelePresence, we're looking forward to bringing Canadian fans together for a fun-filled weekend and generate some friendly-spirited rivalry."