In the face of other low-cost Asynchronous Transfer Mode to the desktop offerings, Santa Clara, California-based First Virtual Corp is attempting to differentiate itself with what it claims is the first product to provide H.320-based videoconferencing to local workgroups. The idea is that the system will enable users to integrate their existing ISDN-based videoconferencing systems – specifically PictureTel Corp’s Live PCS 100, and AT&T Corp’s Vistium 1200/1300 – with their First Virtual Asynchronous Transfer Mode-based local networks. The system comprises two components, a personal computer-based Asynchronous Transfer switching adaptor and what is claimed to be the first Asynchronous Mode-to-ISDN gateway, which was developed jointly with AT&T Global Information Solutions. The adaptor is said to provide a direct connection to an H.320-based coder-decoder interface board, enabling real-time concurrent videoconferencing within a Windows-based workgroup. It works in conjunction with the company’s Media Operating Software (CI No 2,501), enabling the ISDN-based PictureTel and AT&T videoconferencing systems to work through Asynchronous Mode. On the wide area side, the gateway, a combined hardware and software package, is intended to eliminate the need for ISDN lines to each desktop. Installed on the personal computer, it is said to provide multiple Basic Rate Interface or Primary Rate Interface connections – various configurations are available – enabling ISDN lines to be shared among workgroup users. Both products are scheduled to ship next month. The adaptor will cost $800, with the basic configuration of the gateway (providing four Basic Rate Interfaces) priced at $5,700.
