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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY / JULY 14, 2003; VOL. 2 NO. 28

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Breaking News - General:

Technology Opens Up Distance Learning For Universities

Amnis Systems Inc., a leading global provider of networked streaming video systems, announces that it has teamed with Pan Dacom Networking AG to deliver high- quality video for distance learning solutions throughout Universities in Germany. The universities are nationally connected by several private broadband gigabit networks, which are operated by the Deutsches Forschungsnetz (DFN); this is the computer based communication infrastructure of science, research and education in Germany. After in-depth testing, main universities like Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Leibniz-Rechenzentrum (LRZ; Leibniz Computing Center) Munich and the University of Hannover selected Amnis video systems and are now connecting more than 50 universities.

"Amnis products are the preferred broadband IP video solution for distance learning applications in Germany," said Dittmar Schwenke, Regional Manager of Pan Dacom Networking AG. "Their hardware and software infrastructure products offer broad flexibility to meet cost, performance, and application requirements. We at Pan Dacom fully support Amnis by providing integrated turnkey distance learning solutions to universities in Germany."

Amnis' products were subjected to in-depth testing by LRZ in Munich, which operates and manages the Munich Wissenschaftsnetz (MWN; Munich Scientific Network). The MWN is a Metropolitan Area Network (gigabit fiber backbone) that connects over 200 facilities, buildings and student residences throughout the Munich area. "Amnis systems rate the best of cost, performance and functionality for multicasting, content distribution and live streaming desktop player," said Dr. Victor Apostolescu, Head of Network Planning and Management of LRZ. "Their key advantages include the products' small size and simplicity, low latency, remote camera control and web-browser management, which are all ideal for classroom environments."

In addition to the LRZ facilities, Amnis has deployed its VS-Pro video systems at the Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, one of the most important computer centers of central Germany. The University of Jena regularly uses Amnis products to perform distance-learning exercises between universities and remote campuses over their broadband network. Future deployments will be to implement Amnis Systems' NAC and LivePlayer products for use by educators in the classrooms.

To build the distance learning system, Pan Dacom used Amnis Systems' NAC live streaming video encoders and receivers, VS-Pro video systems and its LivePlayer streaming media desktop players. All products are interoperable between one another and are ideal for high-quality MPEG video creation, delivery, management and distribution. The products feature a robust design for high reliability, flexibility in configuration, and plug-and-play capability to seamlessly integrate into existing network systems.

"Amnis and Pan Dacom have teamed to deploy the largest installed base of MPEG-2 over IP video solutions in German Universities," said Scott Mac Caughern, CEO of Amnis Systems. "We are proud to be the premier existing supplier in delivering high-quality digital video, adding value and capability to networked communications and distribution systems."

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