Mumbai: Picturetel Corp, the world  leader in integrated collaboration, today announced the introduction of  three  iPower-based  solutions  designed to meet the rapidly escalating

requirement  for  distance  learning  technology. The solutions feature the iPower architecture, developed with Intel, that combines videoconferencing, the  PC,  and  the  Internet  to  deliver  intuitive,  media-rich  remote communications.

The solutions include an award-winning PictureTel 600 series or PictureTel 900  Series  codec,  monitors, white board capabilities, and lockable cart. The solutions are designed to enable educational programs, K-12 classes, secondary education, and corporate training  environments to overcome traditional obstacles to distance learning, including mobility and the ability to effectively re-create  the  in-person  classroom  experience. Teacher''s lesson materials are  delivered  more  efficiently and student responses are immediate.

PictureTel''s  iPower technology enables teachers and students, whether they are  in  the  same  room or remote, to collectively and easily share files, applications,  work  on an electronic white board, and browse the Internet, offering  the  same  resources and interactions as the in-person classroom. Additionally, the technology significantly expands the educator''s ability to harness remote experts for special sessions, contributing to a more diverse and higher-quality learning experience.

In addition to the world''s best audio and video quality, PictureTel''s iPower  offers  a  familiar  Windows  interface,  and  simple, yet powerful information   sharing   capabilities.  PC-based,  iPower  solutions  easily incorporate many of the PC applications students must master. Whether it is Microsoft  Word  or  an  Internet browser, remotely located students simply access  the  application  during  a videoconference call, work hand-in-hand with  an  instructor,  and  receive  instant, real-time feedback on lessons learned.

"Technology has always had a profound effect on the delivery of education," said   Ron   Bertanzi,  vice  president,  worldwide  enterprise  solutions, PictureTel.  "But as educational needs have changed and the sometimes overwhelming array of technologies has increased educational institutions often have a difficult time piecing together the technologies needed to maximize  classroom  effectiveness.  The PictureTel Learning Solutions take the  guesswork  out of buying technology. We have very carefully identified those components that will best meet the needs of the classroom whether a traditional classroom or distance learning environment."

"Educational  institutions  will  seldom  dedicate  more than one room to a fixed  distance learning  technology  solution. That room becomes a shared space, like a library or dedicated a/v multimedia room," said Dr. Rod Ham, associate director, Center for Distance Learning Research at Texas A&M University.  "Teachers and students must pick up and move to this room, taking  them  out  of  their  normal  learning  environment and potentially disrupting the learning process. PictureTel''s Learning Solutions are mobile, enabling  students  to remain in their familiar classroom. Mobility also ensures  schools and businesses maximize their investment by leveraging the technology throughout the organization."

Availability and Pricing

PictureTel''s  Learning  Solutions  are  available  today  from PictureTel''s resellers  and  partners  around  the  world.  Pricing  starts at less that $16,000  (U.S.  list  price). Customers also have the choice of selecting additional   peripherals  including  document  cameras,  projectors,  white boards, and video cassette recorders.