By Kim Yoo-chul
KT has signed an agreement with Cisco Systems to develop better Web-based video platform solutions for local companies, KT said in a statement, Tuesday.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU), the San Jose-headquartered Cisco will construct platforms hosting real-time images and pictures on mobile devices.
Korea’s telecommunications giant plans to provide telecommunication services using Cisco’s platforms and handle networks, the statement read.
``The partnership is mainly aimed at helping local companies, which have been hesitant to adopt cutting-edge video solutions due to higher costs in investment and network management,’’ a KT spokesman said.
With the support from Cisco, the Bundang, Gyeonggi Province-based company plans to launch its ``Olleh Biz Collaboration Hub’’ in the first half of this year. The KT spokesman declined to give further details.
``In line with the government’s consistent efforts to revitalize `smart working’ systems, KT has so far been allocating more budget to develop technologies with an aim to create new working experiences. We hope the latest partnership helps local corporations increase their productivity,’’ the spokesman said.
Cisco’s regional chief Les Williamson said he was inspired by the decision from KT to form an alliance in the segment and stressed the collaboration would accelerate efforts by local companies to migrate into smart working systems.
KT and Cisco have also been looking at collaborating in business-to-business (B2B) services and cloud computing after KT Chairman and CEO Lee Suk-chae put more emphasis on diversifying the firm’s business portfolios toward non-telecom areas.
KT is the nation’s dominant fixed-line operator and the runner-up in the mobile industry, just behind SK Telecom.
In a strategy to cut its heavy reliance on telecom services in the fully saturated local market, KT is eyeing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia and the former Soviet bloc to find new business momentum, according to KT officials.