Army Guard to Widen Classroom Video Technology

By Gail Repsher, Staff Writer


JUNE 16 ? The Army National Guard said it would expand its video network to more than 700 classrooms in 53 states and territories, bringing two-way, video-based training to more than 375,000 soldiers.


The Guard, in making the announcement, awarded a $2.5 million contract to FVC.COM, a Santa Clara, Calif., broadband video networking firm. The company will deploy its video networking systems through the Guard's broadband network, which is one of the world's largest.


FVC.COM's products enable video calls, conferences and mail, conference overflow and video events.


By using two-way video, the Guard said it plans to maintain soldier readiness through distance learning at a time when military budgets are in decline.


"FVC.COM gives the Army National Guard an opportunity to capitalize on two-way video communications in a cost-effective manner, enabling them to better focus on strategic initiatives," said Rick Beyer, president and chief executive officer of FVC.COM.


The Guard also plans to lease time and services on the video network to other public and private entities, defraying the cost of building the network.


FVC.COM has provided broadband video solutions to the Army National Guard since the initial design of its network in 1998. Electronic Data Systems Corp. of Plano, Texas, provides network design, integration and support.