TANDBERG Expressway allows visual communication anywhere with IP network

Feb 10, 2005 8:00 AM

In a pioneering advance that permits video communication anywhere there is an Internet Protocol (IP) network, TANDBERG, a global leader in visual communication, today introduced its Expressway technology that securely overcomes corporate network firewalls to make face-to-face interaction convenient and cost-effective. The breakthrough opens the door to creating a vast global community of video-communication users among companies and their suppliers, customers and home-office workers.

Firewalls have been a giant hurdle to the adoption of video communication over IP. Most video systems are confined to communication inside the enterprise or through a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. In addition, even without a firewall barrier, IP calling is a challenge because no universal numbering plan exists. Expressway technology overcomes these hurdles securely.

Expressway technology now is embedded in all TANDBERG MXP endpoints as well as in the TANDBERG Border Controller and TANDBERG Gatekeeper. The technology securely tunnels through firewalls without diminishing product features such as encryption and presentation capabilities. It also works with non-TANDBERG endpoints and infrastructure. TANDBERG also employs a universal dial plan that will allow users to have an easy-to-remember videophone number, such as john@customer.com.

With its new Expressway, TANDBERG envisions a dramatic expansion of video communication to include customers, suppliers and home office workers. A sales executive, for example, could place a video call from a customer’s site to an engineer to field critical questions about product specifications. Companies could exchange real-time information with suppliers face-to-face, ensuring needs are more accurately communicated. Home office workers actually could attend meetings visually and finally feel like they’re connected to their colleagues.

“There are no limits with Expressway if you have an IP connection, and that is going to create a worldwide community of visual communicators,” says Andrew Miller, TANDBERG’s chief executive officer. “It won’t be long before you’ll connect visually with practically anyone, wherever they are.”

Visit www.tandberg.net for more information.