Boldly Go, Point And Click Your Way Through The Galaxy Of Videoconferencing Systems With The VaraPoint Controller.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 1999--

Low Cost Component Featured In Space Age-Styled Remote Control

VaraPoint(TM), the revolutionary pointer-controller device from Varatouch Technology Inc., lets users easily travel throughout the galaxy, provided, of course, they're traveling on the VTEL Corporation's (Nasdaq:VTEL) Galaxy(TM) line of videoconferencing systems.

The robust, low-cost input and pointing component from Varatouch Technology Inc., http://www.varatouch.com, has been integrated into the Vtouch(TM) infrared wireless remote control developed by VTEL. All of VTEL's Galaxy systems offer the new, uniquely styled Vtouch hand-held remote control to give users an easy and intuitive control for a wide variety of tasks while operating the company's new videoconferencing equipment.

VTEL, http://www.vtel.com, showcased its Galaxy systems Nov. 3-5 at the TeleCon West Conference & Expo in Anaheim, Calif.. The show is one of the premier venues for videoconferencing, teleconferencing and distance learning.

The contemporary design of the Galaxy systems with the Vtouch remote control advances VTEL's equipment far beyond the staid look of other videoconferencing systems. VTEL company officials said the ergonomic, Space Age-looking control is a sleek and stylish tool that helps define the Galaxy videoconferencing system as fun and simple to use. Such systems use computerized cameras and TV monitors to enable live, two-way transmissions of business meetings, training sessions or other conferences, reducing the need for people to travel long distances for meetings.

VTI's VaraPoint component, with a custom-color Orb(TM) actuator top, is an integral part of the Vtouch remote control. The combination of VTI's VaraPoint sensor and the Orb actuator offers an easy, one-finger method of moving and controlling the on-screen cursor for simple, point-and-click operations and efficient menu browsing.

"The one-two combination of VaraPoint and the Orb gives manufacturers like VTEL the cutting-edge technology they need to create innovative products with new input and pointing controls," said VTI President Michael Rogers.

"We're delighted that VTEL, a world leader in the videoconferencing industry, recognizes the value of our technology and designed it into such an exciting new line of products," Rogers said. "Galaxy is a winner and everyone who sees the Vtouch remote control goes `wow' and has to pick it up."

Dave Calder, VTEL's Galaxy project engineer, said VTI's VaraPoint module is a key component for the Vtouch remote control.

"The technology behind VaraPoint is very impressive and was a perfect match for our needs to have a durable, efficient and easy-to-use pointer controller," Calder said. "The added benefits of VaraPoint's streamlined design and low cost were also deciding factors."

VaraPoint is a patent-pending component based on VTI's proprietary Resistive Rubber (R2) Technology(TM). R2 ("R-Squared") is a breakthrough technology that uses a carefully blended mixture of silicone rubber and carbon to create an electrical resister that is highly adaptable to a wide rage of commercial, consumer and industrial uses. The material is ideal for input and pointing control scenarios and other sensors where manufacturers need an analog-to-digital input interface component.

VTI introduced VaraPoint about a year ago and already it has been designed into several electronic products. In addition to the Vtouch remote, VaraPoint is used as a mouse controller in SurePoint(TM), a new line of point-of-sale registers developed by IBM. Computer chip maker ZiLOG, Campbell, Calif., is working on a new microprocessor to work with VaraPoint while keyboard manufacturer Sejin America Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., is pursuing several design options to feature VaraPoint in its wireless keyboards.

Bruce Pocock, VTI Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said VTI is actively engaged in "a broad spectrum of projects with telecommunications, gaming and consumer electronics manufacturers who are adopting and designing in VaraPoint."

Manufacturers interested in finding out more about VaraPoint, or MicroPoint(TM), the world's smallest full function joystick based on R2 Technology, should contact Mr. Pocock at [phone], ext. 309.

Photos of the Vtouch remote control, VaraPoint or MicroPoint are available by contacting William Boyer. Director of Communications, Varatouch Technology, at [phone], ext. 317.