Videoconferencing: Madge Introduces Breakthrough Product to Complete Videoconferencing Cost-Equation to Fortune 1000 Companies - Madge Networks Intelligent Switch access drive - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 1, 1999

Madge Networks, a worldwide provider of data, video and voice networking solutions, has introduced its Madge Intelligent Switch product, a state-of-the-art Wide Area Network (WAN) access device designed to bring the power of videoconferencing to small and mid-sized companies. A revolutionary new product for companies who previously found videoconferencing to be cost-prohibitive, the Madge Intelligent Switch allows small businesses to deploy videoconferencing services cost-effectively.

With the Madge Intelligent Switch network access charges are controlled through intelligent network design. The Madge Intelligent Switch is available immediately and competitively priced at a suggested US list price of $8,000. By building a video network with the Madge Intelligent Switch, videoconferencing can be brought right to the conference room or desktop. The Madge Intelligent Switch capitalizes on Madge's expertise in creating high-performance, wide area ISDN (H.320) network solutions designed for the rigors of videoconferencing applications, such as remote meetings, distance learning and telemedicine for large distributed organizations. It allows the aggregation of video, voice and data telecommunications traffic over a single ISDN or T1 circuit and directs the traffic over the least expensive route to the public network. "The introduction of the Intelligent Switch reflects our commitment to meet aggressively the demands of an expanding fortune 1000 videoconferencing market. We can now offer a low cost, yet more powerful, multi-protocol network solution than has previously been available in the marketplace -- until today," said Mike Keilty, vice president and chief executive of Madge's video networking division. Along with providing a low-cost entry point for videoconferencing to smaller organizations, further product highlights include: o Integration of new, low-cost videoconferencing group systems with legacy voice, video and data equipment, allowing cost savings via consolidation traffic through a single circuit. o Configuration and control in a centralized or distributed environment, thus eliminating the need for on-site administrators o Support for a wide range of interfaces for existing video and data equipment, thus eliminating the need to purchase new equipment The Madge Intelligent Switch is easily managed through PC-based Windows applications that provide a GUI-based, intuitive interface to configure, reconfigure and monitor all network operations. "We've seen a real change in the videoconferencing market with major videoconferencing system vendors providing better quality, low-cost endpoint products," continued Keilty. "With the introduction of the Madge Intelligent Switch, we're now able to provide small companies or branch offices the ability to build 'smart' video networks and run cost-efficient videoconferencing operations. We're working with our reseller partners to offer additional affordable bundled solutions and provide customers with rapid payback on their network investment." Founded in 1986, Madge Networks is a worldwide supplier of advanced networking solutions and services. Madge has special expertise in Token Ring data networking, video networking and managed network services, and is focusing on the needs of enterprise users who are considering the deployment of applications over IP (Internet Protocol) -- towards the goal of high-reliability IP-based networks which handle simultaneous data, video and voice traffic. Madge Networks has its main business centers at Wexham Springs, United Kingdom and Eatontown, New Jersey. Information about Madge's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.madge.com.