VTEL to Include MINDSconnects with Videoconferencing Systems
AUSTIN, Texas, and FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan (August 19, 2002) – VTEL Products Corporation, a leading manufacturer of PC-integrated videoconferencing systems, and MINDS, a leading provider of interactive solutions, announced that VTEL will include one year of access via the Internet to the MINDSconnects Website with every VTEL videoconferencing endpoint shipped for use in the United States. Created by MINDS, the MINDSconnects Website offers VTEL’s customers a searchable database of videoconferencing content providers, as well as an eLearning section that includes video-on-demand programs for professional development and training on how to enhance usage of VTEL endpoints. VTEL’s PC-centric videoconferencing endpoints are ideally suited for accessing MINDSconnects, which makes use of the Internet for the playback of streaming video and audio.
These services will be of great benefit to K-12 teachers and college/university professors who can use MINDSconnects on VTEL endpoints to enhance lesson plans and expose students to a fuller, richer learning atmosphere. Because the MINDSconnects directory of videoconferencing content providers is continuously updated, VTEL users can easily locate and incorporate classroom content from remote sources around the world. VTEL has exclusive rights to bundle MINDSconnects with the VTEL room system videoconferencing products. This partnership combines VTEL’s leading interactive visual collaboration technologies with comprehensive content from MINDSconnects, making it easier for instructors to provide high quality distance learning programs.
“VTEL is delighted to establish this exclusive partnership with MINDS,” said Bob Swem, VTEL’s president. “Our PC-centric videoconferencing systems are the perfect platform for MINDSconnects. Teachers, whether based in a K-12 school, government organization, or corporate training department, will be able to use MINDSconnects to find hundreds of videoconferencing partners and eLearning content offerings right from their VTEL system.”
“MINDS is very excited about our partnership arrangement with VTEL, as they are focused on empowering their customers with innovative technology,” said Karl Seiler, President of MINDS. “We firmly believe that interactive tools such as videoconferencing provide even greater value to the customer when combined with quality content and applications at the click of a button.”
VTEL also offers an optional premium version of MINDSconnects that includes grade-specific videos organized by subject. These videos can be played back anytime, anywhere over the Internet. Users of the MINDSconnects Premium Package also have access to MINDS TV for viewing live webcast events and archived content. Schools, associations, community organizations and government entities are webcasting with MINDS TV. Customers may contact VTEL for details about the MINDSconnects Premium Package or contact info@minds.tv.
About VTEL Products Corporation
Based in Austin, Texas, VTEL Products Corporation is a leading manufacturer of PC-integrated videoconferencing systems. VTEL provides high-quality, easy-to-use, affordable videoconferencing network solutions to education, government, and corporate customers worldwide. Visit the VTEL website at http://www.vtel.com/.
About MINDS
MINDS is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and is dedicated to enhancing education through interactive learning. MINDS provides streaming media, Webcasting, eLearning content and interactive applications to customers throughout the United States. Visit the MINDS Website at http://www.minds.tv/.
VTEL, the VTEL logo, and Vista are trademarks of VTEL Products Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
