SAN MATEO, Calif., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avistar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: AVSR) has announced a highly-featured, low-cost videoconferencing system designed for small to medium sized meeting rooms and executive offices. Avistar's C3 Teamroom MP (Multi-Point) competes against rival products with multi-party calling, automated "track-the-talker" camera adjustment, presence-awareness, "click-to-call" connection, integrated IP network bandwidth management technology, and no-hassle interconnectivity with third party IP videoconferencing systems. A complete, turnkey solution, C3 Teamroom MP is available now and priced at $5,999.

"C3 Teamroom MP takes the high-end functionality of our successful C3 desktop videoconferencing software for unified communications, and packages it for the meeting room at a price that will upset the competition," said Stephen Epstein, chief marketing officer at Avistar. "It delivers everything you need -- no optional extras necessary -- for a team of up to 6 people to make 4-way calls with instant messaging-style ease of use. We also bundle 25 desktop videoconferencing licenses, to extend the benefits of richer communication across the organization."

Designed as a "self-service" videoconferencing solution, C3 Teamroom MP requires no technician support or advance call scheduling. An intuitive user interface needs little or no training; presence-awareness lets you see available parties and calls can be connected spontaneously with a simple drag- and-drop action. A "find-me/follow-me" feature routes calls to the room where the user is logged in, with no need to search for IP addresses or access codes. Industry standard hardware keeps cost of ownership low, and centralized administration and maintenance tools allow system administrators to perform most support functions remotely over the IP network. It also allows administrators to easily and inexpensively add additional locations into their existing videoconferencing network.

The solution includes a 25 seat license for Avistar's C3 desktop videoconferencing software, with additional licenses available for purchase. Installed on a webcam-equipped PC, the C3 Teamroom MP offers point-to-point videoconferencing capability that can be distributed across an organization to create a networked, face-to-face community. Avistar's C3 desktop software delivers proven gains in terms of improved quality of interaction, greater workflow efficiency and easier collaboration over distance. Clients report as much as a 20 percent reduction in travel expense and carbon emissions, a 3 percent increase in productivity, and immeasurably improved decision making and relationship building within their organizations, as well as with suppliers and customers.

Avistar's C3 Teamroom MP uses an advanced, multi-lens 120 degree aperture camera that enables as many as 6 people to videoconference from the same location. Developed by Yamaha, an array of 16 microphones provides automated "track-the-talker" audio and camera adjustment that moves and zooms in on the active participant. A new, fully integrated software MCU (multipoint control unit) permits multi-party conferencing with up to 4 locations. Call quality is assured by patented, market-proven bandwidth management technology that delivers TV-quality video without affecting other IP network traffic or requiring extra bandwidth. Compatibility with industry video standards, such as H.320, H.323 and SIP, allows no-hassle interconnectivity with existing and external room-based videoconferencing systems from other popular vendors. The C3 Teamroom MP package comes complete with a 24" HD LCD flat panel screen, PC tower, and wireless keyboard and mouse.

Epstein continued "we continue to innovate, build and deliver market leading product for enterprises of any size. Avistar gives our clients the ability to realize immediate value in productivity, client management, workflow efficiency, staff effectiveness and even environmental impact. In fact, with the launch of our new website on Friday anyone will be able to calculate some of the value that Avistar provides with our new on-line ROI calculator. Real value, simply measured".

Avistar's C3 Teamroom MP is priced at $5,999 and is available now either direct from Avistar or from Avistar-certified value-added resellers.

About Avistar Communications Corporation

Avistar creates technology that provides the missing critical element in unified communications: bringing people in organizations face-to-face through enhanced communications, for true collaboration anytime, anyplace. Its latest product, C3, draws on over a decade of market experience to deliver a single- click desktop or room-based videoconferencing and collaboration experience, that moves business communications into a new era. Available as a stand-alone solution, or integrated with existing unified communications software from other vendors, Avistar's C3 users gain instant messaging-style ability to initiate video communications and collaborate across and outside the enterprise. Patented bandwidth management enables thousands of users to access desktop videoconferencing, Voice over IP (VoIP), collaboration services, and streaming media without requiring substantial new network investment or impairing network performance.

Avistar's desktop videoconferencing and collaboration installations are among the world's largest, including more than 18,000 seats in more than 40 countries. Clients report as much as a 20 percent reduction in travel expense and carbon emissions, 3 percent increase in productivity, and immeasurably improved relationship building within their organizations, as well as with suppliers and customers. Avistar holds a portfolio of 80 patents for inventions in video and network technology and licenses IP to videoconferencing, rich-media services, public networking and related industries. Current licensees include Sony Corporation, Polycom, Inc., Tandberg ASA, Radvision Ltd. and Emblaze-VCON.

For more information, visit www.avistar.com

SOURCE Avistar Communications Corporation