First Annual Virginia Internet Technology Week Announces Internet2 Day, Sponsored by Cisco Systems.

BLACKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Provides a Comprehensive Look at the Next-Generation Web Network;

Offers Insight into New Business Opportunities

The Internet Technology Innovation Center (Internet TIC) announces that Friday, Sept. 17, the final day of its week-long conference, is Internet2 Day, sponsored by Cisco Systems.

Educational sessions and keynote speakers will provide a comprehensive look at the next-generation Web network where broadcast-quality video and virtual reality will enable such applications as telemedicine, virtual laboratories, and other interactive services not possible with the technology underlying today's Internet, says Alf Weaver, Internet TIC director.

The Internet TIC conference showcases the latest Internet technology developments and offering extensive professional development opportunities - from creating user-friendly Web sites and software; to predicting the impact and opportunities of the next generation of the Internet; to responding to security and privacy concerns. The conference will be held Sept. 13-17, 1999, at Virginia Tech's Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center.

The topics and speakers for Internet2 Day will include:

-- Douglas E. Van Houweling, president and CEO, UCAID, University of Michigan and Ted Hanss, director, UCAID, "An Overview and Applications for Internet2"

-- Jeffery Crowder, project director, Communications Network Services, Virginia Tech, "Internet2 Projects"

-- Earving Blythe, Vice President for Information Systems, Virginia Tech, "Advanced Communications of the Future."

Craig Winn, CEO of Value America, Inc., of Charlottesville, will be the luncheon keynote speaker on Friday. The company, a direct competitor of Amazon.com, is an online retailer of computers, electronics, and other products - 1,500 brands in all to 25 countries.

In addition to Cisco Systems, Virginia Internet Technology Week is being supported by a number of other organizations including:

-- Internet Technology Innovation Center -- Funding Sponsor: Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology -- Host Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University -- Program Partners: Litton Network Access Systems, Washington

Technology, Enterprise Virginia -- Sponsors: Microsoft, nanoCom, and Computer Resource Team

Internet Technology Innovation Center

Internet TIC was established by Virginia's Center of Innovative Technology to nurture the state's entrepreneurial environment for information technology and Internet-based businesses; accelerate the creation and deployment of network-based information technology; develop hardware/software infrastructure; and expand Virginia's high-skill work force, which is needed to develop, support, and market Internet-based electronic products and services.

In its first year, Internet TIC has assisted more than 20 companies. The Center is a partnership among 11 research groups at four Virginia universities.

There is a charge for some programs. Internet2 Day is free but still requires registration. For more information, visit http://www.InternetTIC.org or for complimentary press registration, contact Nicole Burdette/Kevin Caviston at 610-325-6550, ext. 10 or [e-mail].