Videoconferencing: Intel, FORE Systems, Inc. Team to Enhance Video Conferencing Solutions Over Integrated Ethernet and ATM Networks - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 9, 1998

In an effort to bring greater flexibility, quality and investment protection to enterprise customers, Intel Corporation and FORE Systems, Inc. announced Wednesday that they will work together to enhance video conferencing solutions that operate over integrated Ethernet and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, a new initiative under an agreement unveiled by the two companies in May.

Under the expanded agreement, Intel and FORE are working together to ensure the robust operation of Intel TeamStation System and Intel ProShare Video System 500 over integrated Ethernet and ATM networks using FORE's ATM switches.

Additionally, the two companies will jointly develop upgrades of the Intel TeamStation System and Intel ProShare Video System 500 so that they operate with adapters and switches manufactured by FORE, making both video conferencing products capable of communicating over ISDN (H.320) as well as Ethernet and ATM (H.323) networks.

Intel and FORE will also conduct interoperability tests to confirm that their products meet industry specifications for standards-based ATM video conferencing, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) H.323 Revision 2, Annex C standard.

The two companies will also help the reseller channel develop the expertise to create integrated Ethernet and ATM video conferencing solutions for both conference room and desktop applications. Joint Intel/FORE Systems reseller seminars are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 1998. More information is available at www.fore.com/intel.

"Our work with FORE will result in video conferencing solutions that provide customers with greater choice, flexibility, quality and investment protection," said Scott Darling, general manager of the Intel Business Communication Products Operation. "Additionally, offering ATM capabilities in our group and desktop products extends Intel's leadership in H.323 video conferencing."

"Much like FORE's other development efforts with Intel, we believe this teaming of resources focused on video conferencing solutions will produce exciting results for enterprise customers," said Ron McKenzie, vice president, strategic marketing, FORE Systems.

"ATM is the ideal technology to provide consistent quality video through intelligent bandwidth management, prioritization of services and protection of other network traffic, such as voice and data."

In May, Intel and FORE Systems announced an alliance and strategy to provide integrated Ethernet and ATM networking solutions for enterprise customers.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also the leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

FORE Systems is a leading global supplier of networking solutions based on an Intelligent Infrastructure designed to handle the networked applications of today and tomorrow. FORE's Networks of Steel deliver the increased capacity, reduced complexity and unparalleled flexibility and scalability necessary to build networks that last. FMI: 888/404-0444.