Tuesday August 18, 9:00 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: VTEL Corporation
VTEL Introduces the SETTOP 250, the World's First $4,995 Small Group Videoconferencing System
Bold Move Extends Complete Family of Visual Communications Products
AUSTIN, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- VTEL(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: VTEL - news), the global leader in Digital Visual Communications(SM), today announced the introduction of the SETTOP 250, the world's first sub-$5,000 business-class, small group conferencing system.
''VTEL is again taking the leadership role in the world of Digital Visual Communications. The introduction of SETTOP 250 at the very aggressive price of $4,995 accelerates the mainstream deployment of videoconferencing technology,'' said Jerry S. Benson, Jr., VTEL president and chief operating officer. ''The SETTOP 250 allows customers to inexpensively start or expand their visual communications networks with a single provider -- VTEL, which provides industry-leading visual communication software, services and systems, from desktop to custom room conferencing, incorporating data networks and the Internet.''
Worldwide sales and first customer shipment of SETTOP 250 models will begin in mid-October.
''It is important for the entire communications industry, and for VTEL, to continually expand the range of complimentary systems from which enterprise customers can build their unique, yet complete visual communication solutions,'' said Christine Perey, a Placerville, Calif.-based videoconferencing and multimedia networking consultant and analyst. ''The company's decision to offer settop boxes for under $5,000 will attract the attention of a wide audience of prospective customers currently looking for the most affordable and easy-to-use videoconferencing products.
''VTEL again asserts leadership by dominating the settop product category with unrivaled price performance and ease-of-use,'' said Vinay Goel, VTEL vice president and general manager of the Personal and Workgroup Systems strategic business unit. VTEL is the first to offer a sub-$5,000 business-grade, small group conferencing system, taking the user experience to a higher level with the most intuitive user interface. We fully expect this and future versions of SETTOP 250 to build VTEL's leadership in the settop market.''
Goel adds that customers for the SETTOP 250 can literally be up and running in a videoconference in five minutes or less with VTEL's easy color-coded installation.
''This new attractive price for a small group system means greater opportunity for widespread, affordable use of videoconferencing for remote interactive learning, cultural experiences and continuing education,'' said Dr. Richard E. Contreras, administrator, educational services and director, global studies program, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District (California). ''We certainly see the advantages for students, teachers and business people from all walks of life.''
Product Overview
The SETTOP 250 product family includes multiple models to choose from based on customer requirements. Network connectivity choices include ISDN or V.35, and data rate choices include 128kbps and 384kbps. Pricing for models within the product family start at $4,995 (SRP) for the 128kbps ISDN model. The product will be launched in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German.
VTEL Corporation is the world's largest developer and manufacturer of Digital Visual Communications technology. The company is committed to expanding its leadership position by providing the world's most innovative video networking software, service and systems. VTEL's cutting-edge products bring visual communications from the desktop to the boardroom incorporating data networks and the Internet. With headquarters in the United States, Europe and Asia, the company distributes products through value-added resellers and partners in 61 countries. VTEL's Digital Visual Communications products are deployed in the most advanced corporations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and government operations around the globe.
VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. Digital Visual Communications is a servicemark of VTEL Corporation.
SOURCE: VTEL Corporation |
