Kaon 3D Virtual Display Provides More Flexibility for Cisco

March 3, 2016

When Cisco was looking to launch the VersaStack, an integrated collaboration between IBM and Cisco at VMWorld in August 2015, they wanted to make a big impact. First, they had a problem they needed to solve. They only had one full-scale demo built out to take to shows.

A. J. Ramsey, Global IBM Partner Marketing Manager for Cisco, described the demo unit as a “beast of a box” that was expensive and difficult to ship around. On top of that, only larger venues and events could handle the power and size requirements to display the fully functional demo unit.

Cisco partnered with Kaon Interactive to create the Kaon v-Rack, an interactive 3D product demonstration.

The Kaon v-Rack is an immersive experience that provides Cisco’s sales engineers with a tool that is even better at demonstrating the VersaStack’s capabilities than the actual physical equipment.

Ramsey said that the sales engineers like using the Kaon v-Rack because it is easier to use when conducting technical discussions. They can drill down to line diagrams, show switches, and pull out and spin around components. Details they cannot showcase on the physical box.

Not only is the Kaon v-Rack more flexible to demo, but it is also easier to transport, set up and configure.

“The Kaon unit adds to the number of venues where we can have a physical presence,” Ramsey said. “Not just conferences, but maybe it’s some type of big meeting where you want to show a demo.”

The system also adds the ability to run a representation of the full 3D version on a laptop or tablet, so sales reps can take it with them to meetings, expanding even further environments where Cisco can do demos.

Building the physical rack is expensive. Cisco has to buy the components, build it, house it, and ship it. Those racks also have a limited shelf life of about three years before they have to start over.

Ramsey says the Kaon units are more flexible, less expensive, and easy to keep current. In many cases, the Kaon v-Rack is more current than the physical boxes. No matter where is team is located around the globe, they know they have the latest version available. Moreover, it is not just Cisco, IBM has access to the very same resources, and so the two companies are always in synch.

Gavin Finn, CEO of Kaon Interactive, says the lead-time to implement their system is about six to eight weeks and four to six weeks for complex updates after that.

While Finn said that most their customers use the Kaon device less as a presentation tool and more as an engagement tool - that is the customer doing the interaction themselves while talking to a booth staffer, Ramsey’s team expands on that use.

Ramsey recently was in Las Vegas at IBM InterConnect 2016, where they positioned the Kaon unit so it was facing out into the aisles.

He said that when customers would start to engage with the Kaon v-Rack, a sales rep would walk over to engage them in conversation. Alternatively, if customers came into the booth to ask questions, the rep would take them to the v-Rack and start walking them through.

A 3D demo alternative is not just a solution for IT solution providers. The Kaon platform is also being widely used in the medical/scientific and industrial manufacturing industries by companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, GE, Fujitsu, and Schneider Electric.

There will always be buyers that want to see that “beast of a machine” and Ramsey said he understands that so they do still ship the physical VersaStack to larger shows.

“At times, it’s nice to have a physical rack, but [the Kaon v-Rack] is a tenth of the cost to get around,” he added. 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact