White Pine releases enhanced CU-SeeMe for Windows v2.1; Award-winning videoconferencing software just got better.

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1996--White Pine Software, Inc., a provider of IP-based desktop connectivity solutions, today announced the release of version 2.1 of its award-winning Enhanced CU-SeeMe for Windows, which includes high performance audio, integrated Four11 directory services and multicast capabilities.

The release is available immediately and underscores White Pine's commitment to providing low price, high performance videoconferencing software, an emerging technology driven by the popularity of the Internet, corporate Intranets and the availability of high-performance hardware in the personal computer market.

Enhanced CU-SeeMe allows users to conduct person-to-person conferencing, group conferencing and live broadcasting ("webcasting") using TCP/IP over POTS, ISDN, LAN and the Internet. It is used worldwide for realtime, full color desktop videoconferencing over the Internet and corporate Intranets. In this new release, users can improve poor network connections with Enhanced CU-SeeMe's new "Forward Error Correction" audio protocol. This protocol will automatically correct for lost data in poor network environments by duplicating and interleaving audio packets. This will allow people to talk clearly over networks with as much as 50% packet loss.

Enhanced CU-SeeMe for Windows version 2.1 is the first Multicast IP-based videoconferencing client for Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and Windows NT with Session Directory Protocol (SDP) and Session Directory Reservation (SDR). Forrest Milkowski, White Pine's Director of Product Management for CU-SeeMe, states, "Multicast greatly reduces the bandwidth requirements for group conferencing. Because multicast is an 'emerging' technology, we are bridging today's network into the future of IP networking standards."

Today's release integrates Four11 Directory Services and enables users to locate participating users on the web at anytime. "Videoconferencing over the Internet is becoming an increasingly popular business and personal communications alternative, and a comprehensive directory service is central to the organization of this growing community," stated Michael Santullo, president of Four11 Corporation. "Four11 is working to provide advanced technologies to users that solve such common problems as dynamic IP addressing, which makes it difficult to locate potential teleconferencing partners. We're extremely pleased that Four11 will be an integral component of White Pine's upgraded Enhanced CU-SeeMe, making it even easier for Enhanced CU-SeeMe users to get the most efficient and enjoyable use out of their videoconferencing software."

Enhanced CU-SeeMe now also includes User Location Service (ULS), the Internet standard for directory service. This client automatically contacts the Four11 ULS server every time the computer is turned on and connected to the Internet. ULS resolves Internet addressing for people using services where Internet addresses are assigned upon connection, known as "Dynamic IP Addresses." The Enhanced CU-SeeMe Phone Book now automatically launches the user's default browser and makes a connection to the directory listing of all Enhanced CU-SeeMe users.

Summary of new components included in Enhanced CU-SeeMe for Windows version 2.1

-- Audio - Protocol changes that include "Forward Error Correction." Poor connections are corrected by sending duplicate audio information to replace lost audio packets.

-- Hands Free - Users can now send and receive audio without having to click the mouse on the "Push to Talk" button, ergo "Hands Free" audio. Controls have been added to reduce echo.

-- Directory Service - Four11 (pronounced Four-One-One) client has been added to allow Enhanced CU-SeeMe users to know when others are on-line. A web page contains information about each user (users must register with Four11 at their web site), and anytime users connect to the network an indicator will change from "Red" to "Green". Over 1,000 people have registered their computers using Enhanced CU-SeeMe with Four11.

-- Multicast - Multicast is a relatively new technology, and White Pine is first to offer a true multicast enabled videoconferencing product. Now users can have "ad-hoc" conferencing between clients without the White Pine Reflector.

"White Pine is proud to expand Enhanced CU-SeeMe technology with inclusion of leading features which enable users to work more productively at work and at home," said Mr. Milkowski. "Version 2.1 further validates the Enhanced CU-SeeMe solution for use in business, government, educational and personal applications."

White Pine develops, markets and supports multiplatform desktop connectivity software that facilitates worldwide video and audio communication and data collaboration across the Internet, Intranets and other networks that use the Internet Protocol (IP). White Pine's videoconferencing software products, Enhanced CU-SeeMe and the White Pine Reflector, create a client-server solution that allows users to participate in real-time, multipoint videoconferences over the Internet and Intranets. White Pine also offers its eXodus line of desktop X Windows software, which enables seamless interoperability between local and remote access environments, and its 5PM line of terminal emulation software, which provides desktop access to data and applications residing on enterprise legacy systems. Enhanced CU-SeeMe version 2.1 is available now for purchase or free demo download. Additional information is available on the Web at http://www.wpine.com, or via email at [e-mail] or by calling [phone]. -0-

All trademarks recognized

CONTACT: White Pine Software

Tracy Specht, 603/886-0903 x333

[e-mail]