SightSpeed’s video conferencing services, which are SIP-based and standards-compliant, deliver high quality video on standard computers and consumer broadband connections as a result of the company’s patented technology. The Sightspeed services are based on more than ten years of research and development originating out of Cornell University.

Privately held SightSpeed is based in Berkeley, California and has about 25 employees. Currently along with its business video conferencing solutions, its client software comes preloaded on Dell Inc. computers marketed as “Dell Video Chat.” There’s no word on whether this buy out of Sightspeed will affect the contract will Dell Inc.

Logitech said the acquisition is part of a move to take video conferencing beyond the computer and into the living room. Currently several companies are looking to integrate video conferencing into television sets, making it a more commonly used means of communication. Logitech shares rose 16 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $14.57 in premarket trading Wednesday.

CEO of BT Conferencing, Aaron McCormack:

[Wire One Holdings] is one of the leaders in videoconferencing and is a great acquisition for [BT]. Last year it was a £150m market; this year we are looking at £250m. In the first quarter it was a bit soft but this quarter it is very robust. We are looking at growth of anywhere between 25 and 40 percent, depending on who you talk to.’”

McCormack also claims there is now a stronger market for videoconferencing due in large part to environmental concerns and a slowing global economy. BT’s purchase of Wire One was completed five weeks ago but the company has waited to make a full announcement until some final details had been settled.