To: Don Dorsey who wrote (33003 ) 5/7/1998 12:04:00 PM From: Don Dorsey Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 50808
New Technology From ABL Brings Video to Cisco Frame Relay Users - Successful Completion of Interoperability Tests Business Wire - May 07, 1998 12:01 MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 1998--Today, ABL Canada Inc. (ME:ABL.) (TSE:ABL.) announces the successful completion of exhaustive interoperability tests between ABL's VT2C Apollo video codec for Frame Relay, and Cisco Systems' MC3810 multiservice Frame Relay Access device. The combination of leading technologies from ABL and Cisco enables users to leverage Frame Relay networks for mainstream business video applications such as video conferencing, corporate training and video surveillance. "This announcement presents exciting new possibilities for Cisco Frame Relay users", said William McKenzie, President and CEO, ABL Canada Inc. "The successful completion of these tests now extend Frame Relay beyond voice and data to encompass video applications as well." Traditionally, users have been able to benefit from low-cost Frame Relay networks for data and voice applications. Business video services, such as conferencing and training, required the use of multi-line ISDN overlay networks. Besides forcing network managers to operate two separate networks, this scenario presented numerous disadvantages, as ISDN networks are notoriously difficult to install, maintain and operate. With the introduction of the VT2C Apollo video codec, ABL eliminates the need for ISDN overlays, and enables Frame Relay users to leverage their existing networks for any video application. The ABL VT2C Apollo is the first video codec to offer native Frame Relay connectivity to Frame Relay Access Devices such as Cisco's MC3810. Fully compliant with the ITU-T II.320 standard for video- conferencing equipment, the VT2C Apollo provides excellent video and audio quality, at bandwidths ranging from 64 to 1,544 Kbps. On-screen menus provide an easy user interface for call setup and codec control. In partnership with industry leader VideoServer, Inc., ABL has developed solutions to allow multi-point video conferencing across Frame Relay networks, as well as ISDN network connectivity. Those solutions enable Frame-Relay/ISDN bridging functionality for users with existing, ISDN-based video conferencing networks. You can find out more about the VT2C Apollo on ABL's website at abl.ca . ABL Canada Inc., from facilities in Montreal, Canada, develops, produces and markets advanced digital equipment for companies choosing to enhance their network capabilities for the integrated, simultaneous delivery of multimedia voice, data and video. ABL specializes in video codecs, optical fiber multiplexers and broadband switches for multimedia transmission over optical fiber, ISDN, and Frame Relay networks, for wide ranging applications including distance learning, video conferencing, remote surveillance and broadcast and cable television distribution. ABL markets and services its products in over 51 countries through its offices in, Canada, the United States and Europe and through a network of distributors and resellers worlwide. ABL is traded on the Montreal and Toronto stock exchanges under the symbol ABL.