Madge Networks, a worldwide supplier of data, video and voice networking solutions, has launched the industry`s first product enabling IP-based video conferencing over Token Ring local area networks (LANs). Combining Madge`s Token Ring and video networking core competencies, the Madge LAN Video Gateway product offers a cost effective route for organisations to start or expand their use of videoconferencing and multimedia application-sharing over their existing Token Ring network infrastructure.
"The Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring provides us with an opportunity to extend our use of videoconferencing, and capitalise on the multiservice capabilities of our corporate Token Ring network," said Luis Castillo, research analyst at the Principal Financial Group, a financial services company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. "Users in our corporate headquarters can now benefit from collaborative video meetings with colleagues elsewhere on the LAN or in distant satellite offices."
Manfred Amos, manager of telecommunications and network technology at Behr, a vehicle air conditioning and engine cooling manufacturer based in Germany, added: "As a customer-focused company, it is important for us to communicate regularly, not only with our own offices, but also with our partners. The Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring will allow us to hold video conferences with our development partners which will make our product development process more efficient. Furthermore, it is a great cost benefit to us that our existing Token Ring network supports video applications."
Maximising usage of the existing LAN, the Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring eliminates the need to run ISDN connections to desktops and conference rooms, therefore reducing the associated costs. It enables multimedia communications for Token Ring users by providing standards-based interoperability between IP-based H.323 video on the LAN and existing ISDN-based H.320 videoconferencing systems.
For global videoconferencing, the gateway provides dial-on-demand access to WAN bandwidth via ISDN, the most cost effective wide area transport for videoconferencing. Combined with the Madge AccessSwitch switch, which enables high speed video calls over ISDN, the Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring delivers high quality LAN/WAN conferencing and connection to existing video equipment. With seamless LAN/WAN connectivity, LAN video users can access video systems worldwide via ISDN, allowing them to communicate easily with colleagues, customers and suppliers regardless of their location.
Fully scaleable, the gateway provides an attractive low cost entry point for the initial deployment of video networking. A LAN video network can start with just one Madge LAN Video Gateway unit, which can be scaled easily by adding additional units under common control as demand grows within the organization.
The Madge LAN Video Gateway makes full use of Token Ring`s priority scheme, enabling quality of service for LAN video users when used in conjunction with Madge switches such as the Smart Ringswitch Plus, Smart Ringswitch Express or Smart DeskStream. The transmission of time-sensitive content above non time-sensitive applications functionality was built into Token Ring architecture from the outset and is a major factor in the inherent ability of the technology to support multimedia applications such as videoconferencing. In addition, the Madge LAN Video Gateway gatekeeper function allows network managers to implement policy networking to enable control of bandwidth usage and user privileges.
"The addition of the Token Ring version of the Madge LAN Video Gateway product to our range of LAN/WAN video networking solutions is certainly good news for Token Ring users. Now Token Ring users will be able to reap all the cost and productivity benefits that high quality videoconferencing over the LAN and WAN brings," comments Anthony Brown, director of video networking product marketing at Madge Networks.
"Token Ring is inherently very well suited to supporting new applications such as videoconferencing. With Madge`s expertise in both Token Ring and video networking we are positioned to be able to provide our customers with innovative and cost effective solutions for their networks."
The Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring is targeted for availability in March 1999 at a recommended list price from US$11,000.
The Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring expands the company`s video networking solutions, which includes an Ethernet version of the Madge LAN Video Gateway, the WAN AccessSwitch product line and the integrated VideoSwitch multipoint conferencing unit (MCU). Benefits include:
4 simultaneous H.320<>H.323 conversions
Allows for low cost wide deployment over the LAN, as well as allowing LAN users call to and be called by remote users over the WAN.
V.35 and ISDN BRI WAN modules
LAN-WAN video calls can be made at both low and high speed, delivering either better quality or lower cost video to the user
Integrated gatekeeper
Delivers easy-to-use call control to the user, and allows the network manager control of bandwidth usage and privileges.
LAN-to-ISDN connectivity
The Madge LAN Video Gateway for Token Ring provides transparent connectivity between H.323-based video stations on Token Ring and local or remote ISDN-based video systems.
One-stop shopping
Madge`s LAN Video Gateway Token Ring and companion products comprise the only standards-based, single-vendor solution on the market that provides all components necessary to build a scaleable, cost-effective video network: WAN switching, LAN-to-ISDN interworking, multipoint conferencing and call control.
Flexible and scaleable video networking
Madge`s WAN AccessSwitch provides scalability, flexibility and control for connecting video networks to carrier services, including support for inverse multiplexing, corporate dial plans and digit manipulation.
Affordable connections to carrier networks
Working with the Madge LAN Video Gateway, the WAN AccessSwitch provides cost-effective alternate route access to a mix of private leased lines and public carrier networks with support for ISDN PRI, BRI, T1 and E1.
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Madge Networks
Founded in 1986, Madge Networks (NASDAQ: MADGF) 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.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Statement Investors should take note that certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and may not give full weight to all of the potential risks (e.g., difficulties in developing and manufacturing high technology products, changing industry standards, competition, the challenge of managing expenses to changing revenue and changed priorities and resource allocation resulting from these and other factors). Forward-looking statements included in this press release include statements which refer to targeted product availability in March 1999, product pricing and other statements which are not completely historical. Actual results, actions or events could differ materially. For more information on risk factors, please refer to Madge`s SEC filings, including Madge`s most recent SEC filings on Form 6-K and Form 20F.
Madge, the Madge logo, Madge LAN Video Gateway, AccessSwitch, Smart Ringswitch Plus, Smart Ringswitch Express, VideoSwitch and Smart DeskStream are trademarks, and in some jurisdictions may be registered trademarks, of Madge Networks or its affiliated companies. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective owners.
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