Amnis Systems -- Formerly Optivision -- Sponsors Internet2 Streaming Video Applications; Network Attached Streaming Video Products Deliver MPEG Quality Video Over IP Networks.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2001

Amnis Systems, Inc., (OTCBB:AMNM)(formerly Optivision, Inc.), a leading global provider of networked streaming video products, announced its corporate sponsorship of Internet2(R) at the recent Internet2 Spring Members Meeting. Amnis has donated its network attached MPEG streaming video appliance products for use in remote video presentation events such as Internet2 Days, member meetings, and workgroup sessions. The Amnis network video system products are used in mission critical broadband network applications such as distance learning, training, content distribution, surveillance, telemedicine and video collaboration.

"Amnis is pleased to support the efforts of Internet2 in deploying applications in education to improve the learning experience for students," said Michael Liccardo, Chairman, President and CEO of Amnis Systems, Inc. "The Optivision brand of high quality streaming video products are currently being used for research and interactive courses at a number of universities including University of Central Florida, Oregon State, Kansas State, University of Nebraska, and University of Hawaii and used to demonstrate the industry's first multi-location video recording session using the Internet2 networks."

Amnis also sponsored the Internet2 International Task Force Reception during the Internet2 Spring meeting. Heather Boyles, Director of International Relations for Internet2 said, "The Internet2 International program aims to ensure the continued global interoperability of advanced networks and technologies and enables research and education through advanced network applications on a worldwide basis. We are pleased that Amnis Systems is sponsoring this event in support of regional and international collaborations."

An example of new multimedia applications enabled by the combination of broadband Internet technologies and network attached streaming video products is the Health Science Initiatives at the University of Central Florida. Amnis teamed with Dr. Jannick Rolland to demonstrate real time visualizations of anatomical joint motions. "The stereoscopic video streams are captured, compressed and streamed in real time using Amnis' MPEG over IP products," commented Dr. Rolland. "By developing the virtual environments of the future, our goal is to enhance the teaching and training environment for health professionals, and possibly assist in remote guided surgery. We require the broadcast quality video that is provided by the Amnis product line."

About Internet2

Led by over 180 US universities working with industry and government, Internet2 is developing and deploying advanced network applications and technologies for research and higher education, accelerating the creation of tomorrow's Internet. Internet2 recreates the partnership of academia; industry and government that helped foster today's Internet in its infancy. For more information about Internet2, see: http://www.internet2.edu/.

About Amnis Systems Inc. (formerly Optivision, Inc.)

Amnis Systems Inc. (OTCBB:AMNM) is the dominant market leader in the networked streaming video market. The company develops, manufactures and delivers MPEG network video products for high-quality video creation, management and distribution worldwide both directly and through leading industry partners. Based in Palo Alto, California, Amnis products are used in diverse applications such as distance learning, corporate training, video courier services, telemedicine, surveillance and visual collaboration. For more information about Amnis Systems Inc., visit www.amnisinc.com or visit www.optivision.com, or phone [phone].

`Safe Harbor' statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability of raw materials, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note to Editors: Optivision, LivePlayer, and NAC are trademarks or registered trademarks of Optivision, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.