AT&T Corp is to recommend videoconferencing equipment from PictureTel Corp and Intel Corp to its customers, following a decision to stop marketing its Vistium Personal Video Systems, a move made as part of AT&T Global Information Solutions’ restructuring, announced simultaneously with the company’s decision to split itself into three companies. According to a spokesman, one of the things we said was that we would be getting out of the volume personal computer business, as we want to concentrate on higher-end systems. Vistium is part of our volume personal computer motion. The torch is now being taken up by AT&T Global Business Communications Systems, albeit with a slightly altered strategy: the aim now, according to general manager of visual communications at the unit, Dean Harvey, is to provide services ranging from design support through complete management and implementation of the multivendor visual communications solution. Initially, systems to be supported are the Intel ProShare Video System 200 and the PictureTel Live PCS 50, 100 and 200. Alongside videoconferencing, these also provide application document sharing, annotation, whiteboard features, ISDN communications and a Windows-based interface. Since they conform to the H.320 standard – and both Intel and PictureTel have committed themselves to supporting the T.120 data sharing standard – AT&T says this will enable users to mix desktop systems with other video endpoints for the same conference. Support for other manufacturers’ products, and more from Intel and PictureTel, will follow, says AT&T.
