Internet Videocommunications is awarded the contract to be the provider of
Videoconferencing systems and services to The Open University

25th November 2003

Internet Videocommunications, Europe’s leading independent specialist in videoconferencing solutions, has been selected to supply, install and maintain videoconferencing systems for The Open University, the UK’s largest university.

The Open University has over 200,000 students and a network of 330 regional study centres in the UK and overseas. The university’s key objective was to dramatically reduce travelling between the regional offices and their headquarters in Milton Keynes.

The Open University set very defined criteria in selecting a partner and, Internet Videocommunications, with its tremendous experience in providing video, voice, web and data solutions to many multinational blue chip organisations, Government Departments and Educational establishments throughout the world, was able to deliver particular benefits to this project. Internet Videocommunications has built its first class reputation by addressing the real needs of an organisation, its proven project management skills and the high calibre of its services and operations teams.

The solution itself had to deliver value for money and provide the most natural meeting environment. It also had to be extremely user friendly and enable PC content, or information stored on the network, to be accessed and brought into a meeting easily and efficiently. The Polycom iPower codec was chosen for its unparalleled video and audio quality and for its collaborative conferencing capabilities.

The solution was originally deployed to run over ISDN but The Open University also wanted to run video over IP as an option, in order to make even greater savings. Internet Videocommunications’ in-house network specialists were able to lend valuable expertise and assistance to make this happen.

Videoconferencing at The Open University now means more efficient group working and inter-regional meetings. It also allows greater capacity for distance learning and for seminars, lectures and tutorials to be conducted by video.

Ends

Notes for editors - Facts about Internet Videocommunications

· Established in 1985, one of the UK’s first players in the videoconferencing industry, and has earned a reputation for technical excellence and industry leading customer support.

· Reported its fourth consecutive record-breaking year: turnover has increased by 48% and profits by 198% between 1999 and 2002.

· Awarded the world’s first Polycom Platinum Reseller certification in May 2002.

· Supplies and maintains conferencing solutions for many of the world’s top companies, supporting over 1,500 Codecs.

· Delivered award-winning solutions for large-scale projects and Government Inquiries, including the Bloody Sunday Inquiry at both Londonderry and London.

· All technicians trained to industry standards, with leading qualifications and accreditations, including CVE, Network+ and CCNA.

· Industry leading support, including 365 x 24 x 7 help desk, MGC liaison, voice and bridge, maintenance reporting.

· H323 &H320 test labs

· 36 employees of which 30% have over ten years service with the company.

· 25% of revenues are export, with 350 man-days each year spent on overseas activities.

For further information please contact Sam Weaver:
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 484446
Fax: +44 (0) 1628 475708
Email: sweaver@internet-video.co.uk
Web: www.internetvideo.co.uk