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VIDITalk Video E-Mail Launches for Deployed Soldiers, Families

Posted on: Wednesday, 13 December 2006, 09:00 CST

NEW YORK, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- VIDITalk Corporation, a leading provider of video messaging software, announced that VIDITalk technology has been deployed by the US Army on its Army Knowledge Online intranet portal (AKO). The AKO is the world's largest intranet, with more than 1.8 million users worldwide. VIDITalk enables military personnel and their families to easily create and exchange personal video messages (VIDIs) using the VIDITalk interface and a web camera.

VIDITalk was originally deployed in Family Readiness Group facilities at domestic bases and in Europe. After successful trials it was then expanded to include units in Alaska and the Middle East. Video email proved to be very effective in keeping families connected, overcoming geographic boundaries. Troops and families can share the details of everyday life and VIDI messages can be sent in a variety of playback screens including holiday themed and special events such as birthday and anniversary.

"We are pleased that VIDITalk technology has been selected by the Army as its video messaging platform, enabling families to stay connected," said VIDITalk CEO, Fred Mueller. "As it does not require both parties to be online simultaneously, time zone differences are not a problem and both the troops and their families can replay messages over and over again."

Below is the text of the Army release: Video e-mail launches for deployed Soldiers, families Dec 11, 2006 BY Margaret McBride

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Dec. 11, 2006) - Soldiers and families can now communicate by video e-mail through the Army Knowledge Online intranet portal. On the first day, more than 3,500 video emails were transmitted.

"Thank you, that's all I can say," e-mailed PV2 Brenden Teetsell of the 44th Signal Battalion on Dec. 6. "Thank you for allowing me to see my family. Your technology helps boost not only my morale, but thousands of Soldiers a day.

"AKO video messaging allows all deployed active-duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers to create video messages on a computer with a webcam. The message is then stored on a server and sent to the recipient via a URL link.

Upon opening an e-mail, the user clicks on the link to get streaming video and sound. The video-streaming software allows a Soldier to hear and view video email even in limited bandwidth environments, but the link can be accessed anytime, from anywhere.

Instructions are on a link on their AKO home page. Soldiers must follow the same Department of Defense security measures used for standard e-mail. Webcams will not be used in secure areas.

Families with an AKO account can send video e-mails from home with a personal computer and a webcam. They can also use webcams in many of the yellow ribbon rooms on military bases. In-theater military bases typically have webcams available at cyber cafes.

"Families no longer need to coordinate times to ensure everyone is available to see each other," said Gary L. Winkler, director for Governance, Acquisition, and Knowledge in the Army Chief Information Office/G-6, who initiated the project.

"This will help geographically separated families stay closer during deployment, and we also expect other benefits from this capability as users become more familiar and comfortable with it," he said.

In the future, Army video e-mail applications could also be used for distance learning and training, recruiting, and telemedicine.

(McBride serves with the Army Chief Information Office/G-6.) About VIDITalk Corporation:

Headquartered in New York City, the VIDITalk Corporation provides video creation and streaming solutions for enterprise, government and consumer markets. Its flagship software product, VIDITalk, empowers users to create video messages from their desktop and instantaneously deliver them around the world through streaming technology to computers and mobile devices. VIDITalk can be integrated directly into corporate intranets and web portals, and branded for VARs, Telcos and ISPs to enable their customers to create and distribute user generated content. VIDITalk has been chosen by industry leading companies and government clients, including the US Army and National Guard.

For more information go to http://www.viditalk.com/

VIDITalk Corporation

CONTACT: Paul Braun of VIDITalk Corporation, +1-212-465-2337, ext. 47,info@viditalk.com

Web site: http://www.viditalk.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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