VTEL installs distance learning network for Indiana University's School of continuing studies

Business Wire, Nov 8, 1995

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 1995--VTEL Corporation (NASDAQ: VTEL) today announced that the Indiana University (IU) School of Continuing Studies has added 20 VTEL MediaConferencing(TM) and two multipoint bridging systems to their extensive distance learning network. The Indiana University's Multicampus Technology Project (MCIP) has made it possible for 10 campuses to offer a variety of credit and noncredit educational programs to Indiana citizens wherever they live, work, or study.

The videoconferencing classrooms were the first to go online in a T-1 network that includes advanced technology auditoriums and broadcast studios. The project is also experimenting with running the VTEL systems over an ATM network to conserve costs.

"We need to go beyond thinking that we've just redefined the four walls of the classroom to four walls plus a couple of TV sets," says Michael Yoakam, director of distance learning programs for the School of Continuing Studies. "VTEL provides IOU with the multimedia tools our teachers need to gather and present information in a distance learning environment. With VTEL's standards based platform, we will also be able to interconnect with other vendors' systems currently installed in the university or in the global learning community."

The VTEL system will serve to leverage the classrooms and the network for other applications within the state and beyond, adds Yoakam. "Corporations have expressed interest in delivering IU's continuing education programs to employees, and plans are underway to offer a variety of educational opportunities to schools, libraries, and learning centers statewide."

"VTEL holds over 50 percent of the distance education market and is continuing to develop ways to serve educators with our new Enterprise Series(TM), Windows 95-based product," states Mac McHugh, director of education markets. "VTEL's open PC-based platform also allows for the seamless integration of such peripherals as tracking cameras which give educators the flexibility to move around a classroom freely while staying on the videoconferencing screen. The additional VTEL systems serve to reinforce that VTEL's commitment to distance learning is being increasingly recognized."

Ranked in 1995 as one of the Fortune and Inc. magazines' 100 fastest growing public companies, VTEL is the industry leader in applications-oriented videoconferencing, providing Communication Without Boundaries(TM) to customers worldwide. VTEL and its authorized resellers have installed conferencing systems in some of the largest and most recognized institutions in the United States and around the world, including Microsoft Corp., BMW AG, Baxter Healthcare, VHA, Inc., BancOne, Deloitte & Touche, Credit Suisse, Texas A&M University, U.S. Army T-NET, and 20 state-wide networks. -0-

NOTE: VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. MediaConferencing, Enterprise Series, and Communication Without Boundaries are trademarks of VTEL Corp. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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