PR NewsWire VTEL Launches Industry-wide End-to-end Connectivity Initiative within the IMTC
CEO Pledges Funding and Dedicated Research
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- VTEL(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: VTEL) and
the International Multimedia Teleconferencing Consortium (IMTC) announced
today a program to move the multimedia conferencing industry toward more
inclusive worldwide interoperability standards for end users. The initiative
could result in new standards for network design and user interfaces, and
possible product certification.
The IMTC announced here at its semi-annual members' forum that it has
appointed a task force to study the issue and will establish a working group
to focus on the task force findings. In his keynote address to the forum,
VTEL's chairman and CEO, Dick Moeller, announced VTEL would support the effort
with dedicated research and a $50,000 grant. VTEL's challenge to other
vendors to join its support has already resulted in commitments of support
from MCI, Nortel, and VideoServer.
Interoperability work in the IMTC to date has focused on products and
service compatibility within network types. Since March 1996, the IMTC has
held 20 interoperability testing events for vendors of T.120, H.320, H.323,
and H.324-based products and services.
"VTEL believes the industry should make a significant investment in
working together, in unison, to dramatically improve the predictability of
end-to-end connectivity for visual communications. Certainly standards and
interoperability are necessary, but our thinking as an industry needs to be
more inclusive on a global basis, covering all aspects of the user
experience," said Moeller. "If we can effectively address global, end-to-end
connectivity, the acceptance of all products in the industry will increase
dramatically. Customers are looking for reassurance that the products they
buy not only will work together, but also connect absolutely, positively in a
variety of global operating environments."
"Our member companies have heard from their customers that a complete,
connectable communications solution is necessary for more widespread
deployment of multimedia communications," said Matt Collier of Polycom, Inc.,
the IMTC's newly elected President. "We applaud VTEL's timely proposal to
support this undertaking and are confident that other vendors will follow
their lead."
VTEL Corporation is the world's largest developer and manufacturer of
Digital Visual Communication systems. VTEL's innovative family of products
provide superior video, data and voice quality, are simple-to-use, IP
addressable, and because they are microcomputer-based, highly scaleable and
easily upgradeable. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company distributes
products through value-added resellers and partners in 54 countries. VTEL is
committed to expanding its leadership position by providing the world's most
innovative video networking solutions. VTEL's digital visual communication
systems are deployed in the most advanced corporations, healthcare facilities,
educational institutions, and government operations around the globe.
The IMTC is a non-profit organization promoting the ongoing development
and adoption of international standards for interoperable, multipoint data and
videoconferencing. The San Ramon, California-based consortium includes more
than 150 member organizations from approximately 20 countries. Membership is
open to any interested party, including vendors of audio, document, and video
teleconferencing hardware and software; communications companies;
teleconferencing and Internet service providers; end users and academic
institutions.
VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. Digital Visual
Communication is a trademark of VTEL Corporation.
VTEL Corporation, 108 Wild Basin Road, Austin, Texas, 78746, 512-314-2700,
Fax: 512-314-2792 or VTEL Website: vtel.com
SOURCE VTEL Corporation
-0- 11/11/97
/CONTACT: Dave Kamp of VTEL, 512-437-2636, or david_kamp@vtel.com; or
Steve Wilcox of Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart, 312-988-3009, or
Steve_Wilcox%OAR@notes.worldcom.com; or Deepak Kamlani of IMTC, Inc.,
510-277-1320, or dkamlani@inventures.com/
/Web site: vtel.com
(VTEL)
CO: VTEL Corporation
ST: California
IN: CPR
SU: PDT |
