Internet Telephony Interoperability Gets Real

Microsoft NetMeeting Software Interoperates with the Intel Internet Phone using the H.323 standard

SANTA CLARA, Calif., October 15, 1996 -- Internet telephony interoperability reaches a new milestone as Microsoft's new standards-based Internet communications beta software, Microsoft NetMeeting* 2.0 Beta 1, is announced today. The new Microsoft NetMeeting 2.0 Beta 1 software and the Intel Internet Phone beta applet, both based on the H.323 communications standard, are interoperable, allowing users of each beta offering to communicate with each other. This marks a major milestone in reaching Intel's vision for the Connected PC.

Microsoft's NetMeeting application also includes the Intel Connection Advisor™ Software, which provides users with direct feedback on the quality of their current Internet connection. This valuable, easy to use information helps users understand how good their Internet current connection is and proposes ways to make the quality of the call even better. "This is the first time in the history of Internet Telephony that users of two different Internet phone applications can find, click and connect to each other," said Pat Gelsinger, vice president of Intel Internet and Communications Group, referring to the Intel Internet Phone and Microsoft NetMeeting. "So long as Internet communication products are based on standards, users will benefit -- people will be able to communicate in exciting new ways without concern about product interoperability."

Compliance with the H.323 standard allows interoperability between Microsoft's NetMeeting, Intel Internet Phone, and additional standards-compliant communications products expected from other vendors. Intel and Microsoft, with support from more than 100 leading companies, announced earlier this year that they were developing an open platform that builds on industry standards to make video, voice and data communications over the Internet as commonplace as a simple telephone call. The platform for interoperability includes the H.323 standard for audio and video conferencing, and the RTP/RTCP and RSVP specifications.

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