(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 12, 2000 ) Anaheim, Calif. - At the TeleCon trade show in Anaheim, Calif., Sony Electronics Inc. (Booth # 301) announced today end-to-end videoconferencing solutions by bundling the Sony PCS-1600 and ContactÔ Videoconferencing Systems with connectivity services from global communications provider V-SPAN.


According to Walter Sebastian, vice president for videoconferencing at Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Company, "The focus of this offering is to simplify the end-users' overall purchase, installation, and ongoing network management of the Sony PCS-1600 and Contactä Videoconferencing Systems. With this agreement, Sony will offer videoconferencing users, all-inclusive, pre-packaged systems and service offerings that can be easily and affordably purchased."

The videoconferencing and audioconferencing network services from V-SPAN will include multi-point connectivity, network provisioning, gateway connection, scheduling and reservations, and help desk for both ISDN-based H.320 and IP-based H.323 equipment. Additional V-SPAN services will include web-based scheduling, network consulting, and event management, as well as product training. These services will be marketed and sold by Sony and its reseller network.

"The growth of virtual communications is fueling the need for ISDN H.320 and IP H.323 endpoints, networks, and connectivity services," said Ken Hayward, V-SPAN Founder and CEO. "V-SPAN's experience in the H.320 world and our focus on delivering next generation IP services, position us as an industry-leader in offering comprehensive solutions to Sony and its videoconference customers."

Sony's PCS-1600 videoconferencing set-top box is customizable to the user's needs and network requirements. The new system offers near broadcast quality video and features a dockable TrakCamÔ camera, a Memory StickÔ port, dual monitor support, auto configuration, an intuitive graphical user interface, easy-to-use Remote CommanderÒ Unit, simple menu structure, on-line help, password protection, auto bonding, easy hardware upgradeability, as well as call log history and full control via a built-in Web browser.


The Sony Contact videoconferencing set-top box is a plug-and-play system that weighs approximately six pounds. The Contact system is the industry's first set-top system to offer a dockable pan/tilt/zoom camera, which can automatically follow a subject, allowing them to move freely. Additionally, the optional wireless document stand can easily integrate any 3D object or PC-based application into the videoconference by simply connecting it to a PC or laptop. The Contact system is available in five different configurations to meet any network requirement.

Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Company (BPC), a unit of Sony Electronics Inc., provides advanced products and systems for a variety of professional and broadcast markets, including production, corporate, industrial, government, security, medical and education. Sony designs products and applications that facilitate the transition to digital technologies and the emerging broadband network era. Sony products and services include those for broadcast acquisition, production, storage, data management, system integration, digital imaging, digital printing, videoconferencing, large and small venue display and projection needs. Sony Electronics had record annual sales of about $12.2 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2000. For more information, visit www.sony.com/professional.

V-SPAN provides virtual global communications solutions over traditional and next generation networks to corporations, carriers, and ISPs. V-SPAN's suite of applications and back office network connectivity services enable on-demand multimedia conferencing and streaming for meetings, events and training. Through its premiere customer service, V-SPAN empowers enterprises to extend their communications reach, reducing business cycles, expanding global presence and maximizing competitive advantages.


V-SPAN's award-winning services include: broadband gateway connectivity between traditional (ISDN) and new media networks (i.e.: Internet, wireless, cable modems, XDSL, VoIP, POTS & public/private switched), multipoint bridging, videoconference network management, Web-Enhanced Teleconferencing, audioconferencing, Managed Conference Services, Internet streaming, worldwide scheduling & reservations and help desk services. V-SPAN corporate headquarters is located in King of Prussia, PA with offices worldwide. For additional information about V-SPAN services and unrivaled customer dedication, please contact 1-888-44V-SPAN or visit our Web site at www.v-span.com.

Joshua Cartagenova
V-SPAN - Senior Marketing Manager
1100 First Ave., Ste 400
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(p): 610-382-4056
(f): 610-382-1601
(e) joshc@vspan.com
www.vspan.com

Contact Information:
V-SPAN, Inc.
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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