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Technology Stocks : Voice-on-the-net (VON), VoIP, Internet (IP) Telephony -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/3/1999 8:29:00 PM
From: Frank A. Coluccio	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 3178

Stephen, and All, there is some good VoIP discussion on the @Home (ATHM) thread. Come look in, join in, where you see fit. It begins at: Message 7080252 Follow ups at: Message 7084143 Message 7089716 Regards, Frank C.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/4/1999 10:43:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3178

On further review, this is a great product> Comdial Launches Impact FXS Series of Computer Telephony Platforms; Sets New Standards in Scalability and Flexibility January 4, 1999 CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE) Comdial Corporation (Nasdaq: CMDL) today announced that it is now delivering the powerful new Impact FXS family of digital telecommunication systems. These unique platforms are an ideal blend of computer and telephony technologies designed to carry Comdial solutions into the next century. The Impact FXS is scalable up to 544 ports and offers a host of software applications; such as Impact Concierge for the hospitality market, and Impact Avalon for the fast growing assisted living market. Comdial engineers have modularized the hardware and software, which makes the Impact FXS cost-competitive over a broad range of user configurations. Mr. William G. Mustain, President and CEO, said, "With better technology, better design and better performance, our flagship Impact FXS offers a great combination of flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Impact FXS supports the convergence of voice and data into a unique and powerful technology that will serve Comdial customers well into the twenty-first century." Impact FXS Designed with both end users and resellers in mind, the Impact FXS is the ideal switching and applications platform for organizations with up to 500 users. The Impact FXS is a state-of-the-art digital voice switch, with all of the advanced switching features including cost-effective interfaces for ISDN, T-1, and networking over a wide area network. But what distinguishes the Impact FXS from other switching platforms in its class is the on-board PC. This Windows NT(R) based PC, equipped with a modem, allows dealers to order operating system and applications software directly from Comdial, and download it to the switch from Comdial's secure web site. The Impact FXS is an "open" system, therefore third party applications software can be easily loaded onto the on-board PC. Competitive Advantages Scalability - Competitive systems typically provide port expansion through the addition of circuit cards to the main switching cabinet. However, the " overhead" cost, consisting of the common components (power supply, backplane, central processing unit, system services, operating system software, etc.), is the same across all size configurations. This makes smaller systems much more costly on a per-user basis. Comdial engineers have modularized all the common hardware and software, and added two additional cabinets for expansion. As a result, end user costs are relatively equal on a per-user basis across a broad range of user configurations. Flexibility - The needs of business users are rarely the same. Some require advanced capabilities like voice processing, automatic call distribution with caller "screen pops," and IP (Internet Protocol) gateway software to route long distance voice and fax traffic over wide area networks. Competitive switching platforms typically provide these enhancements by adding peripherals to the central switch. The Impact FXS is an "open" platform. The embedded PC is shipped pre-equipped with voice boards and network interface cards (sourced from Dialogic Corp.) and a host of software applications. Comdial dealers determine from their customers what software applications are required, and simply enable the applications after purchasing a secure " magic number" from Comdial. New Software Features - The FXS ships pre-loaded with several new and enhanced feature packages. - VVP-NT - Voice processing and auto attendant software developed by Comdial's Key Voice Technologies subsidiary. - Visual Call Management - Messaging software that provides users on the LAN a graphical user interface from which to manage voice and fax messages. - QuickQ 4.0 - Comdial's latest automatic call distribution software runs on a Windows NT(R) platform, which means other Windows applications can run simultaneously. - Impact Attendant - A new PC-based call-handling package that lets operators see at a glance the status of all telephones and active lines. Busy parties can be discretely alerted to priority calls and on-the-go office workers can be tracked via messages to their pagers. - Impact Group - Groupware that shows the status of all telephones in the group and allows call processing from PC screens, including screen-pops for inbound call handling. - Impact Integrator - CTI enabling software that runs behind the scenes and allows third party TAPI (Telephone Application Programming Interface) applications to be performed from the desktop. Sales Strategy The Impact FXS will be sold through both direct and indirect channels. Sales to large multi-location end users are the responsibility of Comdial's national accounts team. The Impact FXS will also be marketed directly to original equipment manufacturers. Indirect sales will be through qualified Platinum Preferred and Gold Preferred dealers. Comdial has no plans to discontinue its popular DXP and DXP Plus digital switching systems, but does anticipate that sales of these 1992-1995 vintage systems will decline over time as dealers focus on the Impact FXS. Comdial Corporation Comdial is a provider of integrated communications solutions for small and mid-size organizations. The Company's broad product line includes digital switches, wired and wireless business telephones, call center hardware and software, voice processing systems, and Internet Protocol telephony gateways. For more information on Comdial, visit our web site at comdial.com. This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, product demand and market acceptance risks, reliance on key strategic alliances, fluctuations in operating results, delays in development of highly complex products, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company. <<Business Wire, 12-31-98, 07:30 Eastern>>

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/4/1999 11:44:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (11) \| Respond to of 3178

U.S. regulators urged to speed Internet access Related Items December 30, 1998 -- The Telecommunications Industry Association on Tuesday told federal regulators that advanced technology giving consumers faster access to Internet and other services is not being deployed to all Americans at a pace Congress had intended. The technology, called advanced telecommunications capability, would allow consumer access to a range of services through telephone lines, cable lines and even wireless systems. In 1996, Congress amended cable laws allowing such expansion. But the group warned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that this capability is, "not being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. It urged the FCC to remove regulatory barriers to investment in telecom capability and asked that the agency help encourage competition. "We believe there is a clear demand for advanced telecommunications capability and the equipment exists today to deploy such technologies," the group wrote. "The bottleneck in bringing advanced services to consumers resides in regulatory barriers and inadequate access for competitive providers." For example, cable modems are being deployed, but as currently configured they "fall short" of standards qualifying as fully advanced telecommunications capability. Nationwide at the end of 1998, digital subscriber line services (DSL) -- which can be provided through telephone lines -- had about 25,000 subscribers, according to the group. Cable modem services had about 700,000 subscribers. "Considering that in a country of 250 million people, telephone penetration is 94 percent and 65 percent of residences subscribe to cable television services ... it is clear that advanced telecommunications capability is not being deployed," the group said.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/4/1999 10:11:00 PM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3178

A little off topic, but some great one-liners I thought> Where does E-Commerce Fit Into The Channel? What is the meaning of this pesky "e" that keeps showing up in front of the word commerce? Combining the Internet and commerce has lead to a proliferation of ideas, concepts, and business opportunities. At the same time, change is happening so quickly that it has created market confusion when it comes to developing markets and strategies designed to harness the power of the Internet. Changes have come so quickly that many different ideas have been bundled together into "E-commerce." Shopping carts, credit cards, banner ads, portals, direct sales, and much more are thrown together under the E-commerce umbrella. The mantra is loud, yelling "use the Internet and go direct! For that's the value of the Internet!" The noise is so loud that an important message is getting lost. Businesses are forgetting that good old-fashioned commerce, the kind without the "e," is more than just shopping carts and credit cards. Across industries, distribution channels have evolved over time because they deliver value to customers and suppliers. Market development, understanding customer needs, customizing products, installation, planning, product stocking and delivery, support, providing credit, assembly, systems integration, post-sales support, product upgrades, outsourcing, and many other activities are performed by channels. Understanding what value your customers put on these activities and generating revenue from these activities is the basis for running a profitable business. Adding the Internet to the mix does not change the needs of buyers and sellers; E-commerce is simply "good old-fashioned commerce" performed using a new technology. And though every year brings new tools and techniques that change the face of your business, the Internet has brought a magnitude of change never before seen. Further, it appears that the Internet will continue to bring formidable changes into the future. At a very basic level, these changes are driven by dramatically reduced costs and the increased speed of Internet-based transactions and interactions. The headline-making direct merchants have seized upon these economics to drive their business and introduce new services in a very cost-effective manner. These new services could have been offered in the past but not at a price that enough people could afford to make them viable. The opportunity for the channel is to use these new economically-driven technologies to better serve their customers. As you consider putting that pesky "e" in front of "commerce" for your business, start first with the value that your enterprise brings to your customers. Clearly list and identify all of the activities you perform for your customers then start looking around the Internet to see how others perform these tasks. This will be a good starting point for understanding where to add the Internet to your business. Also, spend some time considering brainstorming with your customers about what they would like you to provide and what might be possibilities the Internet offers over the Internet. The economics of the Internet and Web used by companies like that Amazon and Dell are using are available to all businesses. Listen to your customers, think about your business and use technology wisely. 1999 can be the year that the channel becomes an Internet power for you.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/5/1999 11:17:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (6) \| Respond to of 3178

STAR Telecom Selects Clarent Corporation to Supply IP Telephony Technology; IP Telephony Technology Offers STAR Efficient Bandwidth Utilization on Existing Routes January 5, 1999 STAR Telecommunications, Inc. (Nasdaq: STRX) and Clarent Corporation today announced that STAR has selected Clarent to supply IP telephony technology for its growing global network. "We continue to implement more efficient methods of bandwidth utilization, " said Chris Edgecomb, Chairman and CEO of STAR. "We are now able to send a greater number of calls concurrently on existing terrestrial circuits, while expanding our opportunity to offer call origination to internet users from the foreign destination, pending regulatory approval. We anticipate having our first site up in Mexico during January of 1999 and five additional countries in the Pacific Rim during February. We will also implement IP telephony on our global network throughout Germany and the UK in the second quarter of 1999." In 1995, STAR began using compression technology on most of its direct termination routes. Today, more than half of STAR's traffic is routed over its own network. Most of these routes utilize some form of compression technology. Clarent's IP telephony solutions enable STAR to compress voice more efficiently than STAR's existing packet technology, while providing a lower per-minute cost structure for traffic routed over those circuits. "STAR Telecom is known to be a leader in the international wholesale long distance business," said Jerry Chang, President and CEO of Clarent Corporation. "STAR will continue its leadership as it implements IP telephony in the world's high volume minute markets. Clarent is looking forward to helping STAR continue its fast growth trajectory and great industry success. " About STAR Telecommunications STAR Telecommunications is a multinational long-distance provider offering global long distance services to carriers and commercial customers throughout the world. STAR provides international long distance service through a global network of digital switching facilities and both terrestrial and undersea fiber optic cable systems. STAR Telecom holds domestic switching facilities in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, and international switching facilities in London, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Munich. Visit STAR Telecom at www.startel.com. About Clarent Corporation Clarent Corporation is a privately held company and a premier provider of Internet telephony solutions offering clear voice, real-time fax, SS7/C7 integration, universal voice/fax/data ports and a host of other business ready capabilities. Clarent Command Center provides billing and management for a very large network of Clarent Gateways. All Clarent products are backed by a complete, robust, scalable network infrastructure, enabling network and enterprise customers to easily run their business communications on IP telephony. Founded in July of 1996, Clarent is headquartered in Redwood City, California, and also has offices in Chicago,Illinois; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; and in Europe. Additional information about Clarent is available at www.clarent.com. Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. The Company's future actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements discussed herein. A list of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially can be found in the documents the Company files with the SEC, including those contained in STAR's prospectus, and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. <<Business Wire, 01-04-99, 14:46 Eastern>>

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 10:13:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

ICG sells off Netcom accounts Englewood, Colo.,-based CLEC and Internet-services firm ICG Communications this morning announced it has struck a deal to sell the account base of its Netcom Internet subsidiary to national ISP firm MindSpring Enterprises Inc. for $125 million in cash and $30 million in stock. The agreement includes Netcom's dial-up, dedicated and web-hosting accounts, and gives MindSpring rights to the Netcom name. It does not include Netcom's backbone facilities, including nearly 240 POPs throughout the country. The deal is expected to close some time in the first quarter. In a related wholesale agreement, MindSpring plans to access Netcom's network to route Internet traffic.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 11:26:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Tut's HomeRun(TM) Hits Store Shelves FYI January 6, 1999 -- Tut Systems, Inc., a developer of high-speed data connectivity solutions over copper wire, todayannounced that its award-winning HomeRun home networking technology will soon be made widely available by two of the leading consumer PC system and equipment vendors. In separate announcements today, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and Diamond Multimedia Systems (Nasdaq: DIMD) launched products that incorporate Tut's HomeRun technology to provide consumers with the ability to create home networks over the existing copper phone wire already in the home. Compaq's broad line of new Presario Internet PCs and Diamond Multimedia's HomeFree Phoneline home networking solution will enable consumers to build high-speed, cost-effective networks. The new home network-ready products from Compaq and Diamond Multimedia incorporate Tut's HomeRun. The technology was recently chosen as the first specification for home networking by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA). Tut and Compaq — along with 3Com, AMD, AT&T, Conexant (formerly Rockwell Semiconductor Systems), Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, and Lucent — are founding members of the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance, which aims to deliver easy-to-use, affordable, high-speed consumer networking solutions over existing telephone wires. The first specification from the HomePNA is based on Tut's HomeRun technology. About HomeRun Technology HomeRun creates a 1 Mbit/s Ethernet LAN over the existing random structure phonelines already in the home. No new wires or connections are required, and HomeRun operates concurrently with existing telephone (or "POTS") service. The technology provides the bandwidth necessary for today's home networking applications — shared Internet access, shared peripherals and multi-player gaming. HomeRun is also expected to complement the new G.Lite Digital Subscriber Line standard being championed by Compaq, Intel and Microsoft. HomeRun technology was recently chosen as the first specification for home networking by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA). Tut's HomeRun technology recently received two of the industry's highest honors at Fall COMDEX '98 – an MVP Award from PC Computing and PC Magazine's prestigious award for technical excellence. HomeRun has been licensed by several major technology companies including 3Com, Advanced Micro Devices, AT&T Wireless, Compaq, Conexant, Intel, Lucent, Motorola, and National Semiconductor. About Tut Tut Systems designs, develops and markets advanced communications products which enable high-speed data access over the copper infrastructure of telephone companies, as well as the copper telephone wires in homes, businesses and other buildings. These products incorporate Tut's proprietary FastCopper technology in a cost-effective, scalable and easy-to-deploy solution to exploit the underutilized bandwidth of copper telephone wires. The Company's products include Expresso high bandwidth access multiplexers, associated modems and routers, XL Ethernet extension products and integrated network management software. Tut's HomeRun technology, an in-home application of FastCopper, has been chosen by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA) as the initial specification for in-home networking over phonelines. For more information, visit Tut's World Wide Web site at tutsys.com or contact Tut's US Headquarters directly at (925) 682-6510 or (800) 998-4888.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 11:29:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS: International ISP consortium selects Ascend to supply Internet telephony solutions January 6, 1999 M2 PRESSWIRE: Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX enables ISPs to deliver next generation voice and fax over the Internet ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASND), a leader in wide area networking (WAN) and Intelligent Networking (IN) solutions for providers and users of the next-generation public network, today announced that ISPtel, an international consortium of independent Internet Service Providers (ISPs), has standardized on the Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX platform to deliver voice and fax services over the Internet. ISPtel has more than 20 points of presence (POPs) in ten countries enabling members to offer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service on a global basis. ISPtel members are using Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX VoIP gateway, which runs on the award-winning MAX 4000 and 6000 WAN access switches. To ensure international reach for its member services, ISPtel has already established VoIP gateways in the United States (JPS.net), Canada (Globalserve), Australia (ICOMTEL PTY.LTD.), England (Cerbernet), Argentina (Internet de Argentina) the Netherlands (Worldonline), France (ISDnet and Atsat), Egypt (Intouch), Taiwan (Seednet), and Hong Kong (HKnet). Current ISPtel members have more than one million customers. By the end of the first quarter in 1999, ISPtel expects to have members in 25 countries with more than 100 POPs globally. "ISPtel brings members a total business solution so they can easily offer Internet telephony services to expand their customer offerings and further leverage their network investment to quickly roll out new revenue-generating services," said Paul Mc Govern, international marketing director of ISPtel. "We chose Ascend's MAX family of WAN access switches because of its high-density, proven reliability, worldwide deployment and unmatched flexibility for VoIP solutions." ISPtel is an Internet telephony consortium that is building a worldwide voice and fax over IP network comprised of independent ISPs and based on Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX platform. Member ISPs are offering a full range of IP telephony services -- including long-distance fax and voice -- to customers around the globe. With Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX VoIP platform, ISPtel makes it possible for regional ISPs to tap into an international network to deliver comprehensive voice and fax services on a worldwide basis. Voice quality is the focus of the ISPtel network and long-distance VoIP rates are expected to be more cost-efficient than traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) rates. "Joining ISPtel is a great way for service providers to add Voice over IP into their service offerings with a minimum of risk and a low marginal cost, " said Dick Slezak, vice president of Product Management and Business Development, Enterprise Access Division, Ascend Communications, Inc. "By leveraging their existing MAX 4000 and 6000 solutions or taking advantage of Ascend's MultiVoice for the MAX Voice Over IP Starter Kit promotions, Ascend customers who join ISPtel are able to implement terrific value-add solutions from the consortium, such as billing and settlement solutions." Ascend MultiVoice for the MAX VoIP gateway supports the ITU-T H.323 standard for transmitting voice over an IP network. MultiVoice for the MAX is built upon the market-leading MAX WAN access switching platform, which provides toll- quality voice over managed IP networks. The solution provides end-to-end integration with the PSTN, network scalability and carrier-class redundancy. Ascend Continues to Deliver on its MultiVoice Strategy Ascend is driving market acceptance of VoIP with its three-phased MultiVoice Strategy, unveiled in March of 1998. Phase 1 of MultiVoice, MultiVoice over IP and Frame Relay, shipped in Q1 of 1998. Phase 2, MultiVoice over ATM, has been in field trials during Q2 and Q3. The third phase of the Ascend MultiVoice Strategy calls for the transparent integration of a MultiVoice VoIP network with an existing carrier PSTN signaling networks via an SS7 gateway. The Ascend MultiVoice Strategy provides a roadmap for ISPtel members and others throughout the industry that are utilizing Ascend technology to deliver next-generation Internet telephony solutions. Ascend MAPs Way to ISPtel Member VoIP Deployment In advancing its MultiVoice Strategy, ISPtel members will benefit from the Ascend MultiVoice Alliance Program (MAP), which is designed to extend Ascend VoIP solutions through key alliances with "Best of Class" application providers. The Ascend VoIP alliance program includes mainstream applications that provide both PSTN-type features and next generation telecommunications applications. These applications include VoIP billing, fax, roaming, and multimedia/unified messaging services. About ISPtel Launched in 1997, ISPtel is a privately owned Internet telecommunications company building a comprehensive global network of Internet Service points-of- presence offering voice and fax communications over the Internet. Based on Ascend Communications MultiVoice for the MAX technology, the ISPtel Network provides a Total Business Solution to ISPs looking to offer Internet telephony services to their customers. For more information about ISPtel and its services, please send email to info@isptel.com. About Ascend Communications Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASND) develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide. For more information about Ascend and its products, please email to info@ascend.com. For Investor Relations, please call our communications hotline at 800-648-3059 or 760-704-4423 (outside the US & Canada). Additional investor information can also be accessed on our Investor Relations page. The foregoing statements may contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations as a result of factors including, but not limited to, the Company's success in developing, introducing or shipping new products, competition, the mix of distribution channels employed, the Company's dependence on single or limited source suppliers for certain components used in its products, risks inherent in international sales, seasonality and general economic conditions. These and other factors are discussed in Ascend's 10-K, 10-Q and other filings made periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway Alameda, California 94502 Phone: 800/ASCEND4 Fax: 510/814-2300 Email: info@ascend.com <<M2 PRESSWIRE -- 01/05/99>>

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 11:32:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Identifies Free Software Options, But Recommends Title With Manual -- Rep Answers an E-Phone Call January 6, 1999 COMPUTER RETAIL WEEK: The owner of an import/export business visited a well-stocked regional chain to learn about using the Internet for international phone calls. A sales associate recommended VocalTec's Internet Phone, at $49 (ESP). To take advantage of the PC-to-phone feature, users must use Internet telephony service providers, which serve limited areas and charge a fee (which is cheaper than typical international calls). Another option, the associate said, was to buy two copies of the app and send one to the other caller-or have him download the software from VocalTec's Web site. Because Internet Phone is based on the ITU H.323 standard, the associate said, either user could download Microsoft's NetMeeting software or Intel's ProShare software for free-but the Internet Phone's documentation provides detailed instructions.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 11:34:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3178

Acuity's WebCenter Named 1998 Product of the Year By Call Center Solutions, Internet Telephony and CTI Magazines Industry Leading Application for Internet-Based Customer Interaction Chosen <> January 6, 1999 AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/Acuity, the leading provider of Web-based customer interaction solutions, announced today that WebCenter, the company's groundbreaking application for Internet-based customer service and support, was named 1998 Product of the Year by three industry leading publications, Call Center Solutions, Internet Telephony and CTI magazines. Each award recognizes the year's most important and influential products in the industry. Editors of the three publications worked with engineers from testing laboratories at Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) to select the outstanding products of the year. WebCenter Enterprise was chosen as a best-of-breed solution by Call Center Solutions and CTI Magazine for its innovative design and practical implementation in the Multi-Media ACD category. Internet Telephony selected WebCenter as Product of the Year in the Web-enabled Call Center category. "Our editors spent many weeks picking the most important and influential products of 1998," said Rich Tehrani, group publisher at TMC, which publishes Call Center Solutions, Internet Telephony and CTI. "Acuity's WebCenter Enterprise distinguishes itself as one of the most forward thinking and useful products announced in the field of voice/data convergence -- a field that is abundant with new products." "We are honored to receive these awards because they validate our vision of creating a new class of enterprise applications that allow companies to more effectively interact with their customers online," said Mark Saul, president and CEO of Acuity Corporation. "The Call Center Solutions, Internet Telephony and CTI awards also serve to recognize the hard work our Acuity team has put into developing a product that is clearly revolutionizing our industry." WebCenter Enterprise, which debuted in June, provides a comprehensive solution for Web-based customer interaction, empowering companies to deliver effective customer service for ecommerce and support directly from their Web sites. WebCenter Enterprise provides interactive self-service functions; automated email routing and response capabilities; and integration with 3rd party customer information systems, knowledge management applications and computer-telephony integration (CTI) software. The product features a WebACD(TM) that provides robust, customizable routing and queuing of IP-based customer requests; and multiple forms of live communication, including real-time text conferencing, voice-over-IP and telephony callback options. Complementing WebCenter Enterprise, the company recently expanded its suite of customer interaction applications with WebCenter Express, which enables a broader range of Acuity customers to improve ecommerce results and reduce customer service costs through integrated self-help and real-time interaction capabilities in an easy-to-implement, entry-level system.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 11:37:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Internet Calls Cut Expenses -- Device Appeals to SoHo January 6, 1999 COMPUTER RETAIL WEEK: Waltham, Mass. - Convincing small businesses to cozy up to smart phones may seem like a tough task, but the benefits of voice-over-IP telephony almost sell themselves. Unlimited local calls via the Internet often cost $20 to $30 per month or less, but domestic long-distance calls average 10 cents a minute, said Shadi Mahassel, director of business development for Aplio, the only company selling a hardware voice-over-IP product at retail: Aplio/Phone 2.0. Although saving money on phone calls appeals to many users, critics warn that voice quality is a concern with most VOIP hardware and software products. "That's one thing that's still lagging," said Tim Washer, an analyst for Access Media International, New York. "The quality's still not there. I don't know how many people will tolerate it." Problems include noise interference, low volume and the inability to speak at the same time as a conversation partner. Mahassel agreed that voice quality lags for most VOIP products. "With [Microsoft] NetMeeting, you often spend half the time repeating yourself," he said, referring to Microsoft's free VOIP software. On the other hand, he said, Aplio's product, for instance, offers full duplexing, allowing overlapping dialogue. Aplio, a French company, in March released the modem-size hardware product, which carries a $199 expected street price. It is currently sold by Nationwide Computers & Electronics, J&R Computer World and Micro Center stores. Although Aplio/Phone 2.0 is sold by computer retailers, one merchant said it sells better when merchandised with phones. "Aplio is a misunderstood product. I think that the Aplio is not a computer product, and that's the mistake a lot of people make," said Jeff Kirschblum, VP of purchasing and marketing for Nationwide. "If you put it in the computer section, no one's going to know what it is." VOIP often appeals to small businesses. Corporate customers, which receive bulk discounts from phone companies, don't need to skirt long-distance rates. Because telco competition for SoHo customers is of lower intensity, most small firms aren't offered such discounts. Washer said SoHo customers are increasingly turning to VOIP software for servers. VocalTec, an Israeli company, pioneered the market for VOIP software in 1995 with Internet Phone, a client-side application. Microsoft and Intel entered the market in 1996 with their respective NetMeeting and ProShare applications. Although Intel and Microsoft give away the software, VocalTec sells Internet Phone at stores. Scott Wharton, VocalTec director of marketing, said sales of Internet Phone have increased. PC Data, Reston, Va., however, said sales have "tapered off" since March 1998. Copyright c 1999 CMP Media Inc.

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/6/1999 12:47:00 PM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Netspeak picks up a great choice> John C. Mitchell to Join NetSpeak as Chief Architect Lucent Technologist Brings Extensive Multimedia and IP Product Strategy Development Experience January 6, 1999 BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/NetSpeak(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: NSPK), today announced that John C. Mitchell will join the company as Chief Architect. Previously Manager of Multimedia Architecture and Platforms, Enterprise Communications Systems at Lucent Technologies, Mr. Mitchell will direct all technical product strategy planning, development and management activities. Mr. Mitchell brings an extensive communications, voice and multimedia background to NetSpeak with over 30 years of product innovation and development. In his previous role at Lucent Technologies, Mr. Mitchell was responsible for identifying, specifying and prototyping new enterprise communications products and capabilities. Most notably, Mr. Mitchell directed the proof-of-concept development for Lucent's ISDN and IP real-time communications systems, now employed in Lucent's Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU) and H.323 products. He also oversaw the definition and evaluation of technology for SS7 call routing for enterprise applications. "John is a skilled leader in product innovation and will be a significant addition to our technology team," said Michael R. Rich, NetSpeak President and Chief Operating Officer. "His vast experience in multimedia architecture development and IP-based communications will play an integral role in bringing NetSpeak technology to the next level." Prior to his nine-year role in Multimedia Architecture and Platforms, Mr. Mitchell served as Development Manager for Lucent's Definity(R) PBX Software. He also served as Development Manager of Data Networking Systems. Mr. Mitchell holds a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Michigan State University. About NetSpeak Corporation NetSpeak Corporation, based in Boca Raton, Fla., develops, markets, licenses and supports a suite of intelligent software modules which provide business solutions for concurrent, real-time interactive voice, video and data communications over packetized data networks such as the Internet and Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). NetSpeak's products allow organizations to build new voice and video-enabled communications networks, or to add these communications capabilities to their existing enterprise. For additional information visit NetSpeak's World Wide Web site at netspeak.com . NetSpeak, NetSpeak Logo, WebPhone and Mini WebPhone are Trademarks of NetSpeak Corporation. Other brand and product names may be Registered Trademarks or Trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE NetSpeak Corporation

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/8/1999 8:20:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

Turn an Ordinary TV Into a Video Telephone With Innomedia's Breakthrough 'InfoView' Innovative Video Conferencing System Uses Standard TV and Telephone Lines, <> LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/Now you can have face-to-face, full motion video conversations with distant friends, family and colleagues -- without using your PC! The innovative InfoView(TM) video conferencing system from InnoMedia turns ordinary televisions into sophisticated, high-quality video telephones that work with regular phone lines, allowing you to see both the face and the body language of people you call either from home or the office. Just turn on your TV and InfoView video camera, dial the desired number from your regular telephone, press the pound key to activate InfoView's user-friendly on-screen menu, and press a number on your telephone key pad to activate InfoView. When your call is connected, you'll see both yourself and your connecting party simultaneously on a split screen. If you want to view only your connecting party, simply press the appropriate code on your phone keypad and your own image will disappear. There's no need for an extra telephone or special ISDN line because InfoView transmits both voice and video simultaneously over the same standard telephone line. And there's no need to worry about unauthorized users because InfoView allows you to establish a password access code for maximum security. The system provides optimum image clarity and image refresh rate, and it has the unique ability to adjust to changing telephone line conditions to maintain the best possible video image quality. You can also manually tune the system to adjust the video to your preference simply by pressing a combination of phone keys. The camera has remote zoom, pan, and tilt capabilities for both the local and remote InfoView, again controlled through your telephone keypad. When used with the InfoView Auto Answer mode, this function allows you to call your home or business from a remote location for security or surveillance purposes. Parents can call home to check on their children and their babysitter; telecommuters can call work to hold a video conference from their home office. A "picture shot" feature makes it possible to capture and present high-resolution still-frame pictures that can be saved on videotapes as still-frame pictures for later reference. For maximum flexibility, you can even plug in an external video camera or camcorder and play recorded tapes to viewers on the other end. InfoView allows users to remotely switch the 2 camera sources, between the internal built-in camera and an external video source. InfoView also lets you record video calls or maintain remote monitoring tapes with a conventional VCR. This feature, controlled through the on-screen menu, is helpful in business situations where you cannot be part of a meeting but would like to record the proceedings for later viewing. "With InfoView, adding video to a phone call has become truly simple for the first time," said Mr. Ng Kai Wa, InnoMedia CEO. "There is no longer a need to use a PC as an intermediary or to bring additional bandwidth into the home or office. Talking face to face is now as easy as turning on your TV and making a phone call." InfoView is FCC approved and supports the ITU-T H.324 standard, enabling it to communicate with other InfoView units as well as conventional PC-based H.324-compatible video conferencing systems. InfoView Features The InfoView system includes a high-quality 1/4" CCD color camera and a unit about the size of a cable TV box with a built-in, pre-programmed V.34 33.6 Kbps modem and all the firmware needed to make the system work. It plugs into any non-digital phone and TV. Future product upgrades will be downloadable from a dedicated InnoMedia dial-up server utilizing the user's phone line; no PC will be required. Additional features include: * On screen user-friendly graphic-based selection menu for easy navigation * Dual-screen standard mode to view self and other party simultaneously * High quality video output to TV or VCR * High quality image freeze and transfer * Password-protected Access security option * Automatic answer mode * Advanced motion estimation to optimize the compression needed for each user * Local and remote digital zoom, pan and tilt control capability InfoView is available through InnoMedia's distributors and has an MSRP of $349.99. For more information, call 408-562-3535 or visit www.innomedia.com. About InnoMedia Founded in 1995, InnoMedia is a privately-held company with operations in Santa Clara, California, Hsinchu, Taiwan and Singapore. InnoMedia is a leading supplier of Internet telephony, video conferencing and wireless data communication products for the home and office. The company employs its patent pending technology in the development of intelligent communications devices that are designed to save cost and enrich the user's communication experience. InnoMedia specializes in communication products that are innovative, easy-to-use and bring a new level of value to consumers, making the practicality and efficiency of InnoMedia's products accessible to households around the world. SOURCE InnoMedia, Inc. /CONTACT: Lauren Tascan, 212-772-3900, or e-mail, lauren@sspr.com, or Michelle Strykowski, 415-956-1180, or e-mail, michelle@sspr.com, both of S&S Public Relations, Inc. for InnoMedia, Inc.; or Isabel A. Gonzales of InnoMedia, Inc., 408-562-3541, or e-mail, igonzales@innomedia.com/ /Web site: innomedia.com [Copyright 1999, PR Newswire]

To: Stephen B. Temple who wrote (2264)	1/8/1999 8:47:00 AM
From: Stephen B. Temple	Respond to of 3178

GST TELECOMMUNICATIONS: GST becomes first carrier to deploy CIENA's DWDM equipment across VITA network M2 PRESSWIRE: CIENA's MultiWave products launched together VANCOUVER, Wash. -- GST Telecommunications, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSTX) today announced that it is the first carrier to optically integrate its long-haul network with portions of its local networks using CIENA Corporation's (Nasdaq: CIEN) dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) systems without using SONET/SDH multiplexers or regenerators. GST is optically connecting the networks utilizing CIENA's MultiWave Sentry and MultiWave Firefly DWDM systems together. The application, which has been deployed as part of GST's Virtual Integrated Transport and Access (VITA) network, is now carrying customer traffic. "Combining CIENA's DWDM equipment allows GST to leverage its VITA network and increase bandwidth while using less equipment and eliminating unnecessary SONET gear,'' stated Joe Basile, president and chief executive officer of GST. "Perhaps even more significant is that we've built the foundation to rapidly expand our capacity to meet increased customer bandwidth requirements and to maximize our ATM, frame relay and high-speed IP backbone services while effectively managing our capital expenditures.'' GST recently announced the turn up of 13 cities on its "next generation'' VITA network. The VITA network combines GST's voice and data networks onto a single networking platform providing GST with improved economics and greater versatility of services for its customers. GST has deployed CIENA equipment as part of its VITA network infrastructure. All of GST's networks are DWDM compatible. Currently, GST has deployed CIENA's long haul DWDM product on its fiber route that runs from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to Phoenix as well as on its California long haul route between Los Angeles and San Francisco. CIENA's local network product is now deployed in Las Vegas and Phoenix, allowing GST to move out of leased space and into GST's own hub. "As the lines blur between Integrated Communications Providers (ICPs) and interexchange carriers (IXCs), it becomes more apparent that the optical integration of long haul and local networks using DWDM products is equally beneficial to local carriers and IXCs,'' said Patrick Nettles, chief executive officer and president of CIENA Corporation." CIENA's DirectConnect technology enables carriers to mix SONET/SDH, ATM and IP traffic on a common optical network while eliminating the intervening synchronous layer on builds of ATM and IP networks. It also simplifies network architectures, lowers the cost of bandwidth by eliminating traditional SONET/SDH regenerators and enables scaleable in-service network expansion as additional bandwidth is required by customers. GST Telecommunications, Inc., an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP) headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., provides a broad range of integrated telecommunications products and services, including local dial tone, Internet, long distance, and enhanced data services throughout California and the United States. Facilities-based GST continues to focus on its western regional strategy by anchoring its next generation networks in local markets and connecting them via long haul fiber networks. Visit GST's web site at www.gstcorp.com.