Sony Electronics signs strategic agreement with 2CONFER to resell videoconferencing systems

Business Wire, Sept 27, 1996

MONTVALE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1996--Sony Electronics announced a strategic agreement with Illinois-based, nationwide reseller 2CONFER to carry Sony's TriniCom(R) family of videoconferencing products. Effective immediately, 2CONFER, the nation's first videoconferencing reseller, will offer complete sales, installation and training for Sony's line of videoconferencing systems including Sony's popular TriniCom 5000 and TriniCom 4000 rollabout models.

"Sony is very pleased to welcome 2CONFER as a reseller of our videoconferencing products," said Anthony Gargano, senior vice president of application systems for Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Group. "2CONFER's well-known expertise in videoconferencing technology, as well as their needs-based approach to customer service, makes them an ideal reseller for our TriniCom family of products."

"This alliance is a natural evolution for 2CONFER," said Ray Glynn, the company's president. "As the first videoconferencing reseller in the United States, it's natural that we join forces with the leader in videoconferencing technology. Sony's reputation for quality and innovation will add tremendous value as we continue to serve the increasing market for real-time meeting communications."

"Founded in 1980 as Telcorp, 2CONFER provides complete sales, installation and training for real-time meeting technologies including audioconferencing, visual/document conferencing, videoconferencing and training and presentation tools," said Tracey Powell, CEO of 2CONFER. "Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Ill., 2CONFER operates satellite locations in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and San Francisco. Each satellite location showcases a variety of audio, visual and videoconferencing equipment that is available for rental and demonstration."

Sony introduced its tremendously successful TriniCom 5000 system in January of this year. The TriniCom 5000 system, the flagship in Sony's family of videoconferencing products, has contributed to the evolution of videoconferencing by including built-in, four-party multipoint conferencing functionality, Quartet(TM) continuous presence capabilities, and an integrated BONDING(TM) inverse multiplexer. These key features are combined into a single roll-about unit comprised of a space-saving video/audio processor with full duplex audio, a high-resolution 1/3-inch HyperHAD(R) CCD camera, 27-inch Trinitron(R) monitor, wireless remote control system and roll-about cart, all at a suggested retail price of $21,600.

Sony Electronics also announced in May of this year the latest addition to its line of videoconferencing systems, the TriniCom 4000 Rollabout Videoconferencing System. At a very competitive price point, the new system expands Sony's offerings to the videoconferencing market, providing videoconferencing solutions for an even broader range of applications and budgets. The TriniCom 4000 system is easily upgradable to keep pace with a company's evolving videoconferencing needs. With a suggested retail price of $15,900, the high-performance TriniCom 4000 system has all the features needed for most videoconferencing applications, including a wireless remote control and on-screen icon menu. Sony has also applied its expertise in video/audio technology to the TriniCom 4000 system by equipping it with a video/audio processor with full duplex audio, a high- resolution 1/3-inch HyperHAD CCD camera and 27-inch Trinitron monitor.

Editor's Note: For more information on Sony products, readers can call 1-800-472-SONY. For additional press information via fax, please call Sony Access at 1-800-SONY- 022.

The Business and Professional Group of Sony Electronics is a leading U.S. supplier of video and audio equipment for the broadcast, production, business, industry, government, medical and education markets. Sony offers a wide array of products and systems for image capture, production and display. Sony also provides specialized products and systems for data recording, duplication, electronic photography/publishing, videoconferencing, high definition video, interactive and security applications.

CONTACT: Kevin Allen

Sony Corporate Communications

201-930-7834

allenk@ccmail.nhq.sony.com/

or

Michael Goodwin

Technology Solutions

212-696-2000

mgoodwin@tsipr.com