Videoconferencing: Madge Networks 'Video in a Box' Makes It Easy to Set Up IP-Based Video On the LAN; New Solution Gives Users a Quick, Simple Start Into Video Communications - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 3, 1999

Madge Networks, a worldwide supplier of data, video and voice networking solutions, has launched its "Video in a Box" starter kit designed as an all-in-one solution to help organizations deploy IP-based video applications over their local area network. The first product offer of its kind, Video in a Box enables network managers to assess the business benefits of video on the LAN. In addition, the kit provides a simple solution for users to begin using LAN/WAN video communications.

"Many of our customers have been anxious to begin to deploy IP-based videoconferencing on their LANs. Now we can offer them a comprehensive starter kit at a very attractive price point," said Michael Procopio, Director of Network Services at the Camelot Group, a leading communications consultancy in the Northeast of the US. "With Madge's Video in a Box, our customers can start to implement LAN-based video before making a heavy investment across the enterprise."

With all of the necessary expertise and equipment available from one supplier, Madge makes it easier for customers to plan, set-up and complete a working assessment of a single or multi-premise video network carrying applications such as data conferencing and simple video communications. Once customers have verified the advantages that videoconferencing brings, Madge will work with its partners to help them roll-out video applications across the enterprise.

Video in a Box contains the Madge LAN Video Gateway product for either Ethernet or Token Ring, along with four H.323 (IP) and one H.320 (ISDN) desktop video conferencing (codec) units.

A key component of the Video in a Box is the Madge LAN Video Gateway product, which provides standards-based interoperability between IP-based video and existing ISDN-based video conferencing systems. This feature allows businesses to deploy high quality video and collaborative applications quickly, simply and affordably throughout an enterprise. With its stackable architecture, the Madge LAN Video Gateway allows gradual expansion of a video network as demand grows by simply adding extra units as and where required.

Gavin Warnes, product marketing manager at Madge Networks, said: "As with Groupware, E-mail and Internet access, videoconferencing is another communication tool for network managers to deploy on the LAN. We are seeing considerable excitement about the business applications of video over the LAN, especially where it significantly enhances the quality and speed of collaborative working on the desktop. Traditionally, the lack of simple, straightforward ways of getting started with video networking has inhibited many organizations from taking video seriously and evaluating its benefits. That is, until we created the Video in a Box solution.

"Madge is delivering a complete solution with all the equipment and support from one supplier. Users can draw on our considerable expertise in building complete video solutions when rolling out video networking on a global basis."

Video in a Box is available immediately in the US and Europe with a suggested list price ranging from US$15,000 to US$19,000. For further information about Video in a Box, customers can email videobox@madge.com.

Additional information about videoconferencing and the networks required to run efficient video operations can be found at the Video Networking Resource Center at www.madge.com/vnetresource.> 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.