On June 28, PictureTel introduced a comprehensive services solution for streaming-media applications over IP networks. The first eVideo Services offerings are PictureTel eVideo Streaming Service, PictureTel eVideo Streaming System and PictureTel eVideo Consulting Service. These services are the first from the recently announced strategy of Visual Collaboration for the Net. eVideo Services are designed to complement desktop, compact and group videoconferencing systems, as well as streaming-media products.

eVideo Streaming Service features high and low bit-rate streaming based on a variety of standards, including broadcast, rebroadcast, video archiving, video-on-demand and various pre- and post-production services. eVideo Streaming System is designed for customers who want to control their own systems and take advantage of high-bandwidth local area networks. Each system provides support for multiple, simultaneous bit-rate streams, ranging from 28.8 kbps to MPEG, enabling organizations to reach audiences with the highest quality video image that various network segments will sustain. eVideo Consulting Service complements these services by offering PictureTel ProStart, an IP-centric service that identifies the steps necessary for success.

eVideo Streaming Service will be generally available on July 6. eVideo Streaming System is currently available worldwide for on-site enterprise installation in conjunction with eVideo Consulting Service. Service pricing starts at $1,000 per broadcast hour for low bit-rate streaming. Optional services, such as presentation slides, chat-back capability, rebroadcast and high bit-rate streams are individually priced. Typical enterprise costs are likely to be priced between $2,000 to $4,000 per streamed hour, depending on services selected. (PictureTel User's Group Electronic News - 29 June 99)

MORE PROJECTS, LESS TIME - IT executives are finding they have to reset their priorities much more frequently than in the past, as the pace of change in business continues to increase exponentially. According to a recent Information Week poll, 75 percent of IT executives are resetting their priorities more frequently, with some changing priorities as often as once a month. Among the reasons for the urgency, they say, are the Internet, deregulation, globalization, ever- changing technologies, and more technologically sophisticated customers, suppliers, and partners. Further, IT has evolved to take on a more central role in business, and is no longer simply an enabling unit. Indeed, in their list of IT priorities, respondents said the top three were understanding and meeting customer needs, improving customer service, and streamlining business processes - more business-related goals than traditional technology objectives. (InformationWeek 06/14/99 - Edupage 21 June '99)

ONLINE COURSE ON ONLINE COURSES - World Campus 101 is an orientation for students taking online courses at Pennsylvania State University. It acquaints students with the skills they need to be a successful participant in a virtual classroom. Although the materials are focused on Penn State's specific computer systems, some of the topics are applicable for use at any campus: the differences between online courses and on-campus classes, "Netiquette" for online communication, and the use of Web-based resources. World Campus 101 is available at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu:8900/public/wc101/ (CIT INFORBITS June 99)