Intel and DataBeam Deploy the Building Blocks for Internet Video and Voice Communications

DataBeam SDK to Help Developers Build Infrastructure for Networked Multimedia Communications

HILLSBORO, Ore., May 14, 1997 -- Intel Corporation and DataBeam announced today they are taking a next step in delivering the technology needed to support standards-based deployment of real-time voice, video and data communications products on corporate networks and the Internet. DataBeam has incorporated Intel's technology into its H.323 Toolkit Series, a comprehensive set of tools that enables developers to build the infrastructure necessary for enhanced Internet communications, namely communications gateways, PBXs and multipoint control units.

Intel H.323 software has emerged as the pre-eminent, standards-based building block for Internet telephony. Microsoft has licensed Intel's implementation of the H.323 standard and incorporated it in Microsoft NetMeeting*, its Internet videoconferencing product. Intel previously announced that it had licensed its H.323 software to DataBeam with rights for further development and sub-licensing.

The H.323 standard was ratified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in late 1995. Products that incorporate the H.323 standard provide a way for people to conduct live voice, video and data exchanges over the Internet or their corporate network. It is expected to boost the deployment of multimedia communications in multiple end-user products and services; including desktop applications, corporate PBX phone system, customer support call centers and on-line catalog sales. Intel's software supports a wide range of features for call set-up, multi-point conference control, bandwidth management, and real-time stream control.

"Businesses and consumers alike are excited by the ability to easily communicate across the Internet using the rich voice and videoconferencing capabilities developed by Intel," said Michael Glancy, general manager, OEM Communications Products Operations at Intel. "We have formed a development and distribution alliance with DataBeam because we want to ensure that high-quality, interoperable H.323 end-points and network equipment are available to meet this demand."

"There are hundreds of technology companies looking to inject their products with Internet-based audio, video and data conferencing capabilities," said Lee Todd, chairman and chief executive officer of DataBeam. "Networked multimedia communications applications bring tremendous opportunities to enrich the way information is exchanged around the world. Intel is providing standards-based technology that will make real-time multimedia communications accessible to everyone."

Intel has been working for the past 18 months with industry leaders in all areas that impact the products and services needed for broad dissemination of H.323-based multimedia communications. These enabling efforts include developing and licensing core technologies, driving industry standards and disseminating developer tools.

DataBeam has worked to ensure that the products to be built by different vendors using these toolkits can operate smoothly with each other. Developers can license the H.323 toolkits from DataBeam.

DataBeam Corp.(http://www.databeam.com), headquartered in Lexington, Ky., is the leading supplier of standards-based collaborative software and developers' tools for the Internet, corporate intranets and telecommunications networks. The company's award-winning application software, FarSite*and the neT.120 Conference Server, is used by Fortune 500 companies and major organizations worldwide. DataBeam's multi-point toolkits enable communications, networking, telephony, conferencing and gaming products with real-time collaboration capabilities. DataBeam was founded in 1983 and is privately held.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.