NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: NEAL WEINBERG on
PRODUCT REVIEWS
01/24/02
Today's focus: IP videoconferencing services, Part 2

Dear Wincenty Kaminski,

In this issue:

* WireOne's Glowpoint is best for guaranteed QoS-based
videoconferencing
* Links related to Network World product reviews
* Featured reader resource
____________________________________________________________
TECHNOLOGY INSIDER: STREAMING MEDIA

Streaming media is taking off as a corporate communications and
training tool. We take you behind the scenes of the technology,
showing you best practices, case studies and a feature on the
individual streaming media champions leading the charge. Check
it out at http://nww1.com/go/ad237.html

____________________________________________________________
Today's focus: IP videoconferencing services, Part 2

By Neal Weinberg

Last time, we looked at four Internet-based IP
videoconferencing services. This time, we'll finish up by
looking at two entrants that offer guaranteed quality of
service: InView IP and WireOne Technology's Glowpoint.

Results varied with the ordering and provisioning of our
circuits between WireOne and InView. After each local exchange
provider brought in a line, WireOne promptly shipped a
preconfigured Netopia router (Model R5300) to each office with
a small page that included all of the IP addresses, subnet
masks and gateway addresses. We installed the router and set up
the videoconferencing endpoints and PCs in minutes.

For InView, we had to complete an IP address justification
form, and once the circuit was ready, we needed a separate
phone line for the carrier's access to a 33.6K bit/sec modem.
Using the modem, remote technicians configured a DSU/CSU once
the components were delivered on site. After the IP addresses
were assigned, it took nearly two days at one location to
troubleshoot the deployment before it correctly mapped in the
wide-area service provider's network.

A disappointment with WireOne's Glowpoint service was the lack
of support for data collaboration. Because of strict filtering
of all traffic on the service, users cannot establish T.120
sessions in parallel with the H.323 session. On the InView
service, there were no traffic restrictions, permitting
establishment of a parallel NetMeeting or Web conferencing
session.

For the guaranteed network services, a gateway can be
introduced when a participant is using ISDN. (H.320-based
devices use ISDN; H.323 is the IP-based videoconferencing
standard.) We liked that WireOne offered a clear gateway
dialing manual. We could initiate calls from the IP network
through the gateway at the data rate of our choice (using a
dialing prefix) to ISDN videoconferencing systems in our
respective locations.

In the end, we decided that we liked WireOne's Glowpoint the
best. Other companies will find it difficult to match the
reliability, efficiency and feature set that WireOne has
developed.

For the full report, go to:
http://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2002/0121rev.html

_______________________________________________________________
To contact Neal Weinberg:

Neal Weinberg is features editor at Network World, in charge
of product reviews, Buyer's Guides, technology primers,
how-tos, issue-oriented feature stories and the Technology
Insider series. You can reach him at mailto:nweinber@nww.com.
_______________________________________________________________
NW Fusion's Buy IT provides the resources you need to make
better buying decisions.  Post your IT needs anonymously and
FREE!  Search our directory of qualified providers, review
company White Papers, and select the right provider.  Buy IT
helps get your projects done right.  Try it today!
http://nwfusion.newmediary.com/nww120601nwltrb
_______________________________________________________________
RELATED LINKS

Cisco upgrades videoconferencing gear
Network World, 02/12/01
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2001/0212infra.html

PictureTel slims down videoconferencing unit
Network World, 04/16/01
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2001/0416infra.html

The archive for Reviews is:
http://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/index.html
______________________________________________________________
FEATURED READER RESOURCE

Network World Fusion's Net.Worker site

Whether your company is growing larger or scaling back,
corporate managers are looking for ways to cut costs while
retaining and recruiting star employees. One smart solution -
at least on paper - is to let some employees work from home.
Network World's Net.Worker Web site bridges the gap between the
telework concept and the hardware, software and services needed
to make it happen. We bring you news and reviews, sound advice
and keen insight into the technologies and solutions you need
to manage a remote and mobile workforce.

Visit http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/index.html
_______________________________________________________________
May We Send You a Free Print Subscription?
You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered
at your fingertips each day. Now, extend your knowledge by
receiving 51 FREE issues to our print publication. Apply
today at http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/nl
______________________________________________________________
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World e-mail
newsletters, go to:
http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/news/scripts/notprinteditnews.asp

To unsubscribe from promotional e-mail go to:
http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/ep

To change your e-mail address, go to:
http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/news/scripts/changeemail.asp

Subscription questions? Contact Customer Service by replying to
this message.

Have editorial comments? Write Jeff Caruso, Newsletter Editor,
at: mailto:jcaruso@nww.com

For advertising information, write Jamie Kalbach, Director of
Online Sales, at: mailto:jkalbach@nww.com

Copyright Network World, Inc., 2002

------------------------
This message was sent to:  vkamins@enron.com