Forgent Networks Introduces Hosting Edition of Industry-Leading Global Scheduling System Software

Business Wire, Jan 14, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003

Best-of-Breed Scheduler Now Available as Web-Based Scheduling Portal

for Conferencing Service Providers

Forgent(tm) Networks (Nasdaq:FORG), a leading provider of collaboration management software and services, today announced the availability of the Hosting Edition of its Global Scheduling System(tm) (GSS), the industry's leading scheduling and resource management software solution.

The GSS Hosted Edition provides the ability for service providers hosting multiple companies, companies with multiple divisions, or other organizationally separate groups to use one instance of the GSS product and have complete separation and security of their particular data from all other groups on the system.

"The GSS Hosting Edition product is a strong addition to our portfolio in that it expands our market with an offering that specifically targets the service provider sector," said Richard N. Snyder, chairman and chief executive officer at Forgent.

"The services market has driven demand for a hosted scheduling solution that enables them to provide a complete outsourced service offering to their customers. As that market becomes increasingly competitive, providing superior front-end services becomes an important way for these providers to differentiate their offerings and provide additional value to their customers."

With GSS, service providers can deliver a robust scheduling interface to their customers with no custom software development effort on their part. By automating the reservation process with GSS, service providers can offer around-the-clock, real-time responsiveness to their customers.

"The GSS Hosting Edition is included in our IntelliNet(tm) videoconferencing services offering to enable our customers to streamline requests for our services," said Adam Zeitsiff, chairman and chief executive officer at IVCi.

"Users can easily schedule an IntelliNet videoconference by selecting conference rooms and attendees from their Web browser in a completely secure session where they see only the scheduling information appropriate to their company. That information is then passed to IntelliNet, which delivers fully automated and reliable videoconferencing."

GSS Hosting Edition is ideally suited for:

-- Audio, video and Web conferencing service providers

-- Catering service providers

-- Equipment rental providers

-- Support staffing providers

Value-Added Scheduling Services

At the core of GSS is a centralized database engine that performs complete scheduling of all shared meeting facilities, equipment and support staff throughout an enterprise. By deploying GSS Hosting Edition to enable customers to reserve their services, conferencing service providers can also increase their service offering to include scheduling of facilities, audio conferencing, video conferencing, catering, equipment and supplies, and technicians, managed by GSS.

By leveraging these additional GSS scheduling capabilities, service providers can offer their customers a complete conference scheduling solution.

Pricing and Availability

GSS Hosting Edition, which is generally available today, has a base price of $120,000.

About Forgent

Forgent Networks is a leading provider of collaboration management software and solutions that empower organizations to communicate effectively, drive to decisions faster and streamline operations. Our software manages the essential elements of collaboration -- people, resources and technology -- providing one-stop scheduling of all resources necessary for complex conferences, and automation and management of the communications network. For additional information visit www.forgent.com.