3Com to Introduce Interactive and Streaming Multimedia to 15,000 Desktops Using RealNetworks' Technology
Business Wire - December 01, 1997 08:09
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SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1997--
3Com's Global Intranet To Receive Multicast of Live Events,
Multimedia Corporate Communication and Training Using
RealNetworks' Intranet RealSystem 5.0
3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS), an industry leader in data networking, and RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK), the recognized leader in streaming media, today announced that 3Com is deploying RealNetworks' Intranet RealSystem 5.0, enabling interactive and streaming multimedia on its global corporate Intranet.
This deployment will reach up to 15,000 desktops, allowing 3Com employees worldwide to view live or on-demand video programming, such as a corporate communications event or on-line interactive training.
"3Com's decision to deploy the Intranet RealSystem 5.0 is an important recognition of RealNetworks' efforts to continually push the window of innovation and deliver compelling real-world applications across corporate enterprise networks," said Scott Baker, director of web services, 3Com Global Information Systems Division.
"For example, we can achieve tremendous cost reductions and productivity increases by using RealSystem 5.0 to develop and deliver training sessions over our Intranet, allowing our employees to be trained remotely and on their own schedules."
"As a leading provider of network infrastructure equipment, 3Com recognized early on the benefits of implementing multimedia applications on data networks," said Andy Fox, senior intranet marketing manager for RealNetworks, Inc. "As a result, 3Com is both a leader in delivering equipment designed to support networked multimedia applications and an early adopter of these applications internally."
The selection and deployment of RealNetworks' RealSystem 5.0 has been facilitated by the 3Com Multimedia Lab, a multi-million dollar, multi-vendor, and multi-protocol facility. The lab is the result of 3Com's Multimedia Initiative, an effort targeted at facilitating the adoption of multimedia applications by enterprise customers.
By working with major application developers like RealNetworks, the lab will help IS staff by researching, performing tests, and characterizing the effect of networked multimedia applications on existing data and mission-critical applications. With inputs from the lab, 3Com will continue to deliver network equipment with increased bandwidth and services such as class of service, quality of service, and multicast control technologies that are vital to effectively integrate multimedia applications with existing data and mission-critical applications.
RealNetworks' Intranet solution is the strategic platform for streaming media applications on the 3Com(R) Intranet including multicast applications such as the transmission of live events and unicast applications such as corporate communications and training session playbacks. "The new RealSystem 5.0 will provide our employees with larger, higher quality video and easier publishing tools," continued Baker. "3Com network administrators will also benefit from better monitoring and remote administration capabilities from any Web browser with the new Java-based HTML monitor."
"RealNetworks is excited to be working with 3Com in the Multimedia Lab and is pleased that 3Com has chosen to deploy the RealSystem 5.0 across their global Intranet," said Andy Fox, senior intranet marketing manager for RealNetworks, Inc. "Through efforts like these, both companies can continue to deliver great products and multimedia solutions for enterprise customers."
About 3Com
3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to communicate and share information and resources at anytime from anywhere. As one of the world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology, 3Com has delivered networking solutions to more than 100 million customers worldwide. With global reach and local touch, the company provides enterprises, network service providers and carriers, small businesses and consumers with comprehensive, innovative information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and high performance local and wide area networks. 3Com has worldwide revenues of approximately $6.0 billion and employs about 13,200 employees in 45 countries. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at 3com.com .
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK), based in Seattle, Washington, is the recognized leader in the streaming media market. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. RealNetworks can be found on the World Wide Web at real.com .
Note to Editors: 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
CONTACT: 3Com Corporation
Cindy Cooper, 408/326-1742
cindy_cooper@3com.com
or
RealNetworks, Inc.
Johanna Range, 206/674-2202
johannar@prognet.com
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