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New Spark Board Changing the Game in Network Videoconferencing and Collaboration

Tony Cuevas

I Spark, you Spark, and pretty soon we’ll all Spark with Cisco Spark Board, the game-changing new addition to the Cisco Spark collaboration platform that also supports smartphones, desktop clients, desk phones, and Telepresence endpoints. Learn why your unified communications portfolio won’t be complete without this all-in-one 4K digital whiteboard and screen-sharing presentation tool.

When it comes to collaborative technology, it takes a lot to impress me and even more to amaze me.

Recently, I attended a Cisco launch event where a new product was announced, and let me tell you, it truly did both. It was very impressive and amazing. Aptly named, as you’re about to find out, I have a feeling this thing is also going to spark your interest!

Cisco introduced the Spark Board, an all-in-one collaboration device that does triple duty as a screen-sharing presentation tool, a digital whiteboard, and a videoconferencing display. According to a recent PC World article (http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/613164), “It’s designed to make it easier to set up and use connected conference rooms, taking the place of a hodgepodge of components that are managed and operated separately.”

The best part is that there are no wires, no dongles, and no remote controls to add to your collection.

To navigate and control your new Spark Board, you can choose from three very familiar options:

  • A smartphone or mobile device running the Cisco Spark app
  • The convenient digital stylus (included)
  • Your own hand directly on the spacious 55-inch touch-screen display

Connect and Collaborate with Spark Board

At first glance, I thought, “it’s a really big iPad mounted on the wall,” and, for the most part… that’s exactly what it is!

But it’s also so much more. The ease-of-use will amaze you. Plus, it utilizes the Cisco Spark global networking platform, which is revolutionizing the way people connect and collaborate on a global scale. Spark is the main attraction in the full line of Cisco collaborative products. Combining voice, video, and text messaging, Spark delivers the functionality meeting participants have always wanted, at the office, at home, or on travel.

With its long history of success with Telepresence and Unified Communications tools, Cisco is well positioned with its latest game-changer. However, it’s not alone in this space. Challenging Cisco in the work chat and collaboration market, the Spark Board faces competition from Slack, Google Jamboard, Atlassian HipChat, and two offerings from Microsoft including Surface Hub and Teams (once an extended feature of Skype).

When I saw the live Spark Board demo, I appreciated the thinking that went into the product’s design. As meeting participants approached the Spark Board with their laptops and mobile devices in hand, the devices auto-connected in ultrasonic harmony. The names and avatars of each participant appeared on the screen as each one was welcomed to the meeting with a friendly personalized greeting.

The host tapped the Share button inside the Spark app to begin the live presentation on the Spark Board touch screen. Using the Spark app, meeting participants were treated to a live presentation which included shared documents, slides, animated sequences, and videos played back in stunning ultra high-def 4K. While traveling, remote attendees could join the meeting from their mobile devices.

Cisco Spark Board: Quick Highlights

Some highlights of the new Cisco Spark Board include:

  • 4K video camera with wide-angle lens helps you view everyone in the room and helps them see you
  • Requires no new remote control to learn, to store, to replace batteries, or to misplace
  • Touch-screen operation with a finger or the included stylus
  • Operates from end-to-end completely in the cloud
  • Built-in standard support for wireless networking (it includes only one cable…the power cable)
  • All whiteboard text, drawings, and other work items are automatically saved in the Spark cloud
  • Standard secure encryption, Cisco WebEx integration, and compatibility with existing Telepresence units connected to CUCM
  • Interactive digital whiteboard supports drawings from multiple participants at the same time
    15 built-in omni-directional microphones with beam-forming technology isolate the current speaker’s voice (requires no additional microphones, wires, remotes, or other equipment on the table as is often seen cluttering up meeting rooms today)
  • Vibrant large 55-inch UHD 4K display (a 70-inch version is expected soon)
  • Eliminates the need for separate hardware; instead of projectors, speakerphones, mics, video screens, and whiteboards, all you need is one Spark Board
  • Powered by an Android OS, with an Apple iOS look and feel

As if that weren’t enough, because it rests on the Spark platform, the Spark Board also supports third-party integrations. Applications can be developed leveraging APIs. (We counted 85 already at the Cisco Spark site at https://depot.ciscospark.com!)

The Final Word

Cisco Spark was launched back in 2014 as a messaging app before being revamped in 2015 as an end-to-end collaboration solution. In just the few short years since then, look how much it has evolved. And I only foresee it getting better and better. Bigger, more responsive, more social, with more features.

Don’t sit this one out. Get in the collaboration game with Spark Board.

Until next time, you can find me on Spark!

Tony Cuevas

Tony Cuevas, Practice Lead, Collaboration and Network, CDI Southeast

Tony Cuevas, Practice Lead, Collaboration & Network, is CDI Southeast’s resident Captain of Collaboration. As a practice lead, he has successfully lead account managers in reinforcing existing relationships and strategically widened the foundation of business, leading to an increase of existing clients. This role required continual application of strategic technical knowledge, and the ability to act as a leader and mentor in a highly competitive sales environment. He specializes in many of today’s leading technologies such as: Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unity Connection, Cisco Contact Center Express, Cisco IM and Presence, Cisco WebEx, Cisco Spark, Cisco Network Infrastructure, Cisco Meraki and VMware NSX. Tony attended Pennsylvania State University and joined CDI Southeast in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, sports, and being active with his wife and three children.