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( BW)(3COM)(COMS) 3Com Convergence Lab Opens the Door to Distance Learning and Distributed Training; From Demonstration to Deployment Lab Provides Glimpse of the Future of Education
Business Editors/Technology Writers
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 1998--Global data networking leader 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) announced today it's fulfilling real world requirements for schools and corporate environments through the demonstration of end-to-end converged network solutions in its Convergence Lab located in Santa Clara, California.
Converged networks enable voice, video and data traffic to run over a common network infrastructure. Combining advanced standards-based networking products and features with a wide range of third-party multimedia applications, 3Com pushes distance learning and distributed training into the education and business sectors.
"Distance learning will enable us to fulfill our mission of providing the best possible education to every student in our district," said Steve Shotwell, Director of Computer Services at the Troy School District in Troy, Michigan. "To make it a reality, we knew we needed a complete converged network solution. We did extensive research and 3Com was the only networking vendor able to demonstrate a complete distance learning solution integrating both the network and a wide range of multimedia applications in their Convergence Lab."
As a result, the Troy School District is deploying an advanced high-speed converged network from 3Com to link together twenty-two sites including nineteen K-through-12 schools with ATM, Gigabit and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet . This solution will include applications such as videoconferencing, streaming video, telephony and shared whiteboard functionality, and will enable teachers in one school to offer classes to other schools in the district. It will also allow teachers and administrators to videoconference with one another in order to discuss new curricula and programs across the district. Additionally, the educational experience will be enriched by allowing students to interact with their peers in different schools and obtain high-speed access to the Internet and traditional and multimedia data.
"In order to provide the best possible educational environment for our students, we have to be able to leverage existing resources," said Gary Habermann, Director of Technical Resources at Widener University in Philadelphia, PA. "3Com's Convergence Lab helped us understand and design a converged network solution for distance learning. The Convergence Lab exposed us to a large variety of industry standard products to enhance the infrastructure we already had in place."
"The Troy School District and Widener University are both great examples of how we can use the Convergence Lab to work with customers in making converged network solutions a practical reality," said Bob Roman, 3Com director of business development. "3Com is equally committed to working with applications vendors and other key industry players to ensure that the benefits of cost-effective multimedia solutions, delivered over standards-based converged networks, are available for a wide variety of distance learning and distributed training environments."
Application Integration - The Keys To Success
Network infrastructure products are necessary for implementing distance learning and distributed training solutions, but they are not by themselves sufficient. Top-notch multimedia applications for video and data conferencing, multicast video streaming, and telephony also need to be integrated with the network. To provide these applications, 3Com, through the Convergence Lab, is working with leading multimedia suppliers such as FutureTel, Microsoft, Optivision, PictureTel, Starlight Networks and Tegrity.
"The 3Com Convergence Lab allows visitors to see a close-up view of the latest developments in networking and how those capabilities can make a real impact in their teaching environment," said Daniel Platzker, CEO of Tegrity. "Our unique distance learning software includes Webcasting and real-time whiteboard sharing to offer educators and trainers a way to capture information during a class and distribute it over the network. 3Com's Convergence Lab not only provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our products and features, but also yields invaluable feedback to our on-going product development."
"By integrating and demonstrating our industry-leading video streaming capabilities in an advanced, multi-vendor environment, 3Com's Convergence Lab has helped us smooth the integration issues between ourselves, 3Com and other multimedia vendors," added Jim Long, Chairman and Founder of Starlight Networks. "This effort greatly simplifies the work required by end customers and channel partners in creating complete solutions."
Leading the Industry in Converged Network Solutions
In addition to hundreds of corporations and schools, several presidential candidates and public officials have also visited the 3Com Convergence Lab to learn about future directions in networking and to get a glimpse of what education will look like in the future. These visits -- in conjunction with 3Com's complete converged networking product line, participation in standards organizations, and numerous other activities--attest to 3Com's commitment to continuing its leadership role in converged networking.
"At 3Com, we're not willing to wait for tomorrow to make converged networking real," said David Hurwit, 3Com's director of multimedia. "By working closely with customers, partners, and other industry leaders 3Com is making it happen today."
About the Convergence Lab
The 3Com Convergence Lab was established in 1997 to help customers understand how to design and deploy converged networks. The lab develops and demonstrates end-to-end converged network solutions that integrate advanced networking systems and features, along with traditional and multimedia applications from leading vendors. Vertical market solutions demonstrated in the lab include distance learning and distributed training, telemedicine, and entertainment. Other lab activities include publishing design guidelines and technical white papers, identifying requirements for new network features and technologies, and prototyping advanced networking capabilities. 3Com's multi-million dollar investment in the Lab remains unique throughout the entire networking industry.
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