Logitech Gets Very Serious About Video Calling

Whenever a company wants to strengthen one of its research sectors or enter a whole new market sector, it generally applies one of two methods: either create its own team (which sometimes takes a lot of time and lacks immediate results) or purchase another company, which is already active in the respective field. And this is exactly what Logitech did, since it has just acquired Internet Video Communications Services provided SightSpeed, thus proving its interest in the area of video calling.

The acquisition of SightSpeed for 30 million US dollars cash will provide Logitech with video calling technology and a software and services development team that can be focused on future video calling initiatives that can enable cross-platform video communications. The SightSpeed services are based on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), a standard that enables the services to be interoperable with other Internet communication services.

"With this acquisition, we are significantly augmenting our current video R&D resources to help us move more quickly toward our goals for video services that complement the way people socialize, communicate and enjoy entertainment," said Junien Labrousse, executive vice president of Logitech’s Products group.

Practically, what Logitech seems to be doing is prepare a platform for video communications, which will certainly make good use of the company's know-how in the field of computer peripherals (just think of the number of webcams, microphones and wireless audio systems in Logitech's portfolio).

"According to our research, there is a large untapped market of people who want to communicate with friends and family using video. But they want it to be integrated into their family lifestyle, which means going beyond the PC. We believe with SightSpeed we can help create the next wave of video communications enthusiasts," Mr. Labrousse added, proving the fact that consumer-grade products providing seamless and easy video communications functions might be the next big hit to come from Logitech.

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