(BSNS WIRE) Kinko's Announces Major Product Deal with Sprint & VTEL
Kinko's Announces Major Product Deal with Sprint & VTEL
Business Editors & High-Tech Writers
VENTURA, Calif. and AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15,
1999--
VTEL(R) Corporation to Provide Systems and Software for Kinko's
Newly Enhanced Videoconference System with Sprint Global
Network and Managed Video Solutions
Kinko's(R) Inc., the leader in business communication services,
including the world's largest network of state of the art, retail
public access videoconferencing services, today announced it is
installing VTEL (Nasdaq:VTEL) videoconferencing systems in 150
locations throughout the US and Canada.
Sprint (NYSEQ:FON) is the exclusive provider of the high-speed
data transport network and value added video management solutions.
Each site will be proactively monitored and managed 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Sprint technicians and operators are available for real
time technical assistance. Kinko's customers also enjoy the highest
quality video service available anywhere -- from 800-number
reservations, multi-point connectivity, file sharing, real time
technical assistance, and immediate billing.
The creation of this exciting service offering is the result of a
successful alliance among three leaders in their fields -- Kinko's as
a business communications services provider, Sprint as carrier and
managed network services provider and VTEL as vendor for easy-to-use
videoconferencing hardware and software. The alliance delivers a
robust and affordable videoconference solution for both the general
business and consumer markets.
"Our typical customer is needs-driven, time-constrained and
looking to easily communicate ideas and information. These
enhancements to our videoconferencing system enable us to provide
another communication tool that increases productivity and allows our
customers to save time and money, and express themselves visually,"
says Rick Davis, Kinko's vice president of product management.
Kinko's videoconferencing customers will experience improved
video and audio quality with the new service with VTEL's easy-to-use
PC-based systems and newly enhanced SmartVideoNet Manager(tm) network
management software.
"VTEL's vision is to make videoconferencing and collaboration as
easy and usable as possible," says Stephen Von Rump, VTEL chief
operating officer. "Kinko's network enables consumers to experience a
videoconference that is already up and running, conduct their meeting
and never have to worry about setting up or managing the call. Our
user-friendly interface makes it all possible. With Kinko's
unparalleled dedication to customer service and the strength and
reliability of Sprint's network, together we're making
videoconferencing a powerful and easy reality."
Sprint operates one of the world's largest broadband,
full-motion, broadcast-quality videoconferencing networks. Recognized
nationally for its speed and reliability, the robust Sprint network is
backed by industry-leading service level agreements (SLAs) and
security assurances. In addition to the current deployment of Sprint
ION(sm), an integrated on-demand network that provides voice, video
and data services with virtually unlimited bandwidth, enhanced
videoconferencing is a logical step in the Sprint strategy to support
its customers' real-time business needs.
In addition to superior video and audio, Kinko's provides its
videoconferencing customers add-on services such as Internet access,
auto-send document cameras, and lap-top connectivity for PowerPoint
presentations on large 32-inch television monitors. File transfer,
sharing and collaboration also will soon be provided.
"The combination of the video and network management services by
Sprint, the availability of Kinko's in North America, and VTEL's
hardware and software solutions offer powerful brand recognition for
today's smart consumers," said Kathryn Walker, vice president of
product management, Sprint Business. "Businesses now have enhanced
access to the industry's highest quality, most convenient and
product-enhanced videoconferencing solutions designed to meet
expanding business needs. By participation in this venture, Sprint
continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping businesses do more
by offering reliable, cost effective end-to-end solutions that work."
Founded in 1970 with one store, Kinko's has evolved into the
leading global retail provider of document copying and business
services. Kinko's offers complete business solutions for the retail
customer, the small-office/home-office market, mobile professionals
and the corporations with complex, high-volume document needs. Kinko's
currently operates more than 960 retail locations in the United
States, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Australia, China,
the United Arab Emirates and Great Britain.
VTEL Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of
Digital Visual Communications(SM) 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.
Sprint is a global communications company -- at the forefront in
integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services
and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint
built and operates the United State's only nationwide all-digital,
fiber optic network and is the leader in advanced data communications
services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more
Headquartered in Ventura, Calif., Kinko's is a privately held
corporation with more than 24,000 co-workers worldwide. For additional
information, call 800/2-Kinkos, or visit the company's Web site at
kinkos.com.
VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation, Austin,
Texas. SmartVideoNet Manager is a trademark of VTEL Corporation.
Digital Visual Communications is a servicemark of VTEL Corporation.
VTEL Web site: vtel.com
Sprint Corporation, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., has more
than 50,000 employees worldwide. In 1996 Sprint, Deutsche Telekom and
France Telecom established Global One, one the world's largest
international telecommunications service providers. For further
information, visit www.sprint.com.
All other trademarks mentioned in this release are the
intellectual property of their respective owners.
--30--sw/sa*
CONTACT: Duffey Communications
Rick Toller, 404/266-2600
rickt@duffey.com
or
Lauren Sidman, 404/266-2600
lsidman@duffey.com
or
Kinko's
Laura McCormick, 805/652-4129
lauram@kinkos.com
or
Sprint
Edith Esquenazi, 972/405-5318
edith.esquenazi@mail.sprint.com
or
VTEL
Dave Kamp, 512/437-2636
david_kamp@vtel.com
KEYWORD: TEXAS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED
PUBLISHING RETAIL
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com
*** end of story *** |
