Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 September, 2007: FVC, a leading IT services company and the authorised value-added distributor in the Middle East and North Africa for VBrick Systems, the world leader in digital video systems and solutions, today introduced the VBCast family of multimedia streaming products that enables organizations to extend the reach of their communications efforts by making video communications both easy to use and economical. The new VBCast packages empower organizations of any size to reach their audiences more effectively with engaging video and multimedia presentations - without requiring in-house technical expertise.

FVC is demonstrating the VBCast family at Gitex Technology Week 2007, stand Z-L1, Zabeel Hall. 

VBrick's robust, out-of-the-box streaming packages allow users to go live instantly. The VBCast family addresses diverse requirements - from standard packages for capturing corporate presentations and school events to rugged, broadcast-quality packages that support wireless and satellite connectivity. VBCast products include VBDesktop, VBExpress, and VBXStream. 

"Video is the cornerstone of Web 2.0 and VBrick's VBCast packages set new benchmarks for reliable and easy-to-use streaming communications," said Rich Mavrogeanes, founder and chief technology officer, VBrick Systems, Inc. "For critical communications in extreme environments, we have created a portable, battery-operated video streaming package that enables emergency first responders, news crews, and Internet broadcasters to stream live video in extreme conditions."

"Effective communication with an organization's stake-holders is essential, and providing content webcasts through VBrick's offerings creates a simple and effective way to convey company news," said K.S. Parag, Regional Director, FVC. "VBrick enables customers to setup, record, and stream board meetings, news and other events over the Internet quickly and easily."

A detailed overview of each VBCast package follows below.

VBDesktop
The VBDesktop package enables users to stream dynamic presentations from their offices, boardrooms, classrooms, studios, or town halls.  VBrick's multimedia capabilities blend real-time audio/video, live synchronized PowerPoint slides, and guided web browsing.  Polling and Q&A capabilities provide engaging, real-time communications between the presenter and the audience. The Desktop package features VBPresenter, a software plug-in that enables users to initiate all multimedia presentation capabilities using Microsoft PowerPoint, eliminating the need to learn new applications. The package includes the VBrick WM appliance, a video camera with integrated microphone, tripod, and VBPresenter. A trial streaming service enables users to broadcast their presentations through an Internet reflecting service.

VBExpress
VBExpress - a portable version of VBDesktop - features a self-contained, portable hard case - ideal for use as a shared resource. With everything you need to stream video to your network or the Internet, the VBExpress package frees users to broadcast corporate events, graduations, and other functions from any location with access to power and network connectivity. Users simply open the case, connect the camera, power, and network connection to begin webcasting. 

VBExpress includes the VBrick WM appliance, a network switch for IP network connectivity, a video camera with microphone, tripod, cable accessories, and VBPresenter PowerPoint software. A trial streaming service provides broadcasting through an Internet reflecting service.  

VBXStream
VBXStream provides new levels of simplicity and reliability for streaming high-quality video and audio from virtually anywhere. VBXStream provides rugged performance and offers flexible connectivity via wireless LAN connections, cell phones, BGAN satellite uplinks, and network cables - delivering a portable, battery-powered solution that seamlessly adapts to multiple communications requirements for "on the move" broadcasting. This is a perfect package to stream live sporting events from a playing field, conduct celebrity news reports on location, or broadcast exotic events such as the recent record-breaking swim through the Amazon River basin rain forests.  

All components fit into a rugged carrying case, which makes it easy to transport the streaming package across extreme environments with confidence. VBXStream includes a VBrick WM appliance, a network switch, an 802.11 wireless network antennae, a video confidence monitor, and a four-hour rechargeable battery. VBXStream is designed for remote broadcasting and easily interconnects with satellite uplinks or cellular network services. An optional solid-state hard drive is available to record and store live broadcasts. 

Spotlighting VBrick Innovation and Leadership 

Low bandwidth, high-performance VBrick digital video packages help organizations expand their reach by streaming content to web-enabled portable devices including smart phones, and simplifying workflow to enable content for iPods and other portable devices; delivering training across private corporate networks; and webcasting new product benefits globally. VBCast packages are interoperable with standard digital video equipment and Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

Everyday VBrick solutions are being used by corporations to inform their entire organization and empower them to act, and also enabling educators and trainers to teach more effectively and their students to learn faster and increase retention. Users only require a VBrick streaming package and a network connection to broadcast video content in the most effective form of human communication - and share it with anyone, at any time, in any location in the world. 

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About FVC
Headquartered in Dubai, FVC is a leading Value Added Distributor for IT solutions. It specialises in Rich Media Conferencing as well as Networking and Security. This includes Video conferencing, IPS technology, WAN optimization, Wireless Networks and other security solutions. It is also the authorised value-added distributor for Polycom, Tipping Point, Packeteer, Proxim, Juniper, Barracuda, Dilithium, Postini, Vaddio, VBrick and Nokia for Business. FVC works through a network of resellers throughout Middle East and North Africa. With a management office in the UK, FVC also has branches in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, Cairo and Morocco.

www.fvcme.com

About VBrick Systems, Inc.
VBrick Systems, Inc. is the world's most reliable provider of standards-based video networking solutions to educational institutions, corporations and governments.  VBrick, an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, has garnered numerous industry accolades including the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Connecticut Technology Fast 50, and the National Association of Broadcaster's (NAB) Award for Innovation in Media in the Content Delivery category.  Based in Wallingford, Connecticut, USA, VBrick's products are distributed through industry-leading value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors.  Find out more at www.VBrick.com.

© Press Release 2007