Williams Communications To Provide Digital Asset Management, Content Distribution for etNetworks' Distance Learning Material

Business Wire, April 24, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2001

MediaXtranet To Enable "On-demand" Access of etNetworks' Content

Williams Communications (NYSE:WCG) today announced its Vyvx(R) Broadband Media unit will provide MediaXtranet(SM) services, including digital asset management and content distribution to etNetworks, enabling on-demand delivery of its distance learning material to customers.

etNetworks provides virtual instructor-led training and education, including IBM learning services, to its customers using high-speed digital satellite networks. Key customers of etNetworks include IBM and Cisco. Its learning library of technology and business courses covers technical and business topics including e-business, Java, RS/6000 and AS/400.

Vyvx will encode etNetworks' distance learning content and archive the content in its media center in Tulsa, Okla. The media center offers networked storage for archiving and digital asset management while enabling content distribution via both narrowband and broadband streams. Once the content is hosted in the media center, etNetworks' customers may then access and request delivery of content utilizing the MediaXtranet's Internet portal technology. Once a customer has requested delivery, the selected content will be automatically put into queue for delivery via Vyvx's satellite services to an etNetworks server located on the customer premise.

"Vyvx's MediaXtranet services will enable us to scale our hosting and storage capacity to meet demand requirements," said John Tyson, president and chief executive officer of etNetworks. "It's Internet portal will allow our distance learning content to be browsed and available on-demand, creating a high degree of flexibility for our customers."

This deal strengthens Vyvx's current relationship with etNetworks whereby Vyvx encodes and originates content for etNetworks' scheduled distance learning services. Scheduled content is delivered to etNetworks customers' via Vyvx's Denver teleport facility.

"We are pleased to be working with a dynamic e-learning company like etNetworks. Their scheduled learning content offers a powerful solution for companies with technical and business training requirements," said Greg Onyszchuk, vice president of emerging markets for Vyvx Broadband Media. "MediaXtranet will unlock the incremental value in that content, enabling etNetworks to offer its training on-demand, whenever their customers want it."

MediaXtranet is built on the foundation laid by Vyvx's 12 years of experience in distributing "mission-critical" live and non-live content for the media and entertainment industries. Vyvx maintains unparalleled broadband connectivity to potential rich media content owners, including more than 100 major professional sports venues, all major news and broadcast centers, more than 600 television stations, plus production houses, major studios and Williams Communications' network customers. Complementing this broadband connectivity, the MediaXtranet utilizes Williams Communications' 33,000-mile fiber-optic network backbone, four regional teleports and satellite capabilities to form an interconnected high-capacity network for content owners.

About Williams Communications Group, Inc. (NYSE:WCG)

Based in Tulsa, Okla., Williams Communications Group, Inc., is the leading broadband network services provider focused on the needs of bandwidth-centric customers. Williams Communications operates the largest, most efficient, next-generation network in North America, spanning more than 40,000 route miles and connecting 125 cities. Reaching more than 100 countries worldwide, Williams Communications provides customers with unparalleled local-to-global connectivity. By leveraging its infrastructure, best-in-breed technology, connectivity and network and broadband media expertise, Williams Communications supports the bandwidth demands of leading communications companies around the globe. For more information, visit www.williamscommunications.com.

About etNetworks

etNetworks is a leading provider of e-learning services to companies with IT and other professionals. Partnering with content providers like IBM, etNetworks provides unlimited training at one affordable price directly to the customer's facility using digital satellite and Internet based communications networks. This economical e-learning service enables etNetworks customers to excel in today's rapidly changing, information intensive environment.

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