8x8 ViaTV Videophones Let Kids Talk to Santa at the North Pole; 8x8 and ViaTV Retailers Team to Bring Santa to a Store Near You.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 1998--8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) -- a leading supplier of video conferencing technology and systems -- announced today that it is teaming with retailers of its ViaTV Videophone to let kids see and talk to Santa at the North Pole.

The Call Santa program began November 7 and runs through December 23 at selected retail locations across the country.

"One of the most exciting things kids get to do all year is tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas," said Bill Reed, 8x8's director of channel sales and marketing. "Our Call Santa program makes a lot of sense because children get to see and talk to Santa where he belongs, at the North Pole. This Christmas, through the magic of ViaTV Videophones, 8x8 is bringing the North Pole -- and Santa -- to children all across the country.

"Of course," continued Reed, "our Call Santa program also provides an incentive for parents to see a demonstration of our ViaTV Videophones. We know that once people see our products in action, they're likely to purchase a pair to allow extended family to participate in special -- and ordinary -- family occasions all year long."

Participating retailers include American TV, Brandsmart, Columbia Photo, CompUSA, Costco, Datatel, Datavision, Fry's Electronics, GTE Phone Mart, Info Planet, J&R Computer World, Microcenter, Nationwide Computer, Nexcom, OfficeMax, SAM'S Club, San Diego TeleVideo, Video/Audio Center and Wolfe's Camera.

Parents whose children want to Call Santa can check the newspaper ads of participating retailers for local program dates and times, or they can call 8x8 toll-free at 888/843-9898 for the time and location of a Call Santa event near their home. For families who already own ViaTV, kids can call Santa at the North Pole from their homes on weekends at 888/898-8439 (that's Santa's new toll-free number).

A list of Call Santa locations is also available on 8x8's newly redesigned web site: http://www.8x8.com. This new site has been restructured to provide visitors with better information about 8x8's products and services, as well as Santa's busy schedule.

8x8 is also offering attractive mail-in rebates on two ViaTV models for the Christmas season: Customers receive a $150 rebate on the purchase of two ViaTV Set-top Videophones and a $50 rebate on the purchase of one ViaTV Desktop Videophone. After rebate, many retailers are advertising two Set-top Videophones or one Desktop Videophone for $599.

About 8x8's ViaTV Videophones

8x8 offers a complete line of ViaTV Videophones, all of which are easy to use and deliver full-color motion video over standard telephone lines. The elegant Desktop Videophone model includes a brilliant 4-inch color display, and it is ideal for personal video conversations.

To allow the whole family or office to get involved, 8x8 also offers the Set-Top Videophone, which uses the customer's television as its display and allows a room full of people to participate. Both models include an integrated digital camera and connect to a standard touch-tone phone, which is used to operate the videophone.

All ViaTV models are extremely easy to install and use. Simply plugging the Desktop model into a standard telephone line, a touch-tone phone, and the power supply has it working in just minutes. Connecting the Set-Top or Modular model to a television takes just a few seconds longer. To use a ViaTV Videophone, just pick up the phone and dial a friend or relative, just as you would normally. When the other party answers, either party can start video with only two keystrokes.

About 8x8

A leading manufacturer of video communication systems, semiconductors and software, 8x8, Inc. is committed to providing both businesses and consumers with a more complete way of communicating. From high-performance video processors to affordable videophones, 8x8's products offer a full range of video communications and telephony solutions.

The company is headquartered at 2445 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95054. For more information, call toll free 888/VIEW-8X8, or visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.com. For European sales, contact 8x8's London office at 8x8, Ltd., Harleyford Estate, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2DX England, 011-44-1628-402800, fax [phone].

This press release contains forward-looking statements. 8x8's actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, implied or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to factors including in particular the uncertainty of market acceptance of videophones, the limits of existing videophone technology, rapid technological change, compliance with industry standards, dependence on key personnel, dependence on new product introduction and current and potential competition. Further information on these and other factors that could affect the actual results of 8x8 are included in 8x8's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1998, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 8x8 assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.