Gateways can be used for H.323 to voice, H.323 to SIP and H.323 to proprietary protocols. I think we’ll have gateways for a while yet.

Good question. Absolutely, we believe you will see a proliferation of distance learning deployment at the classroom in the near future.

The cost of video codecs is certainly coming down to an affordable level, but the need to add additional peripherals drives the cost back up. As a result, most schools resort to purchasing a distance learning system that acts as a shared resource – think of the old overhead projector that you checked out of the library. So price often limits the numbers of video systems available in a school or district, but then the fact that the system is a “shared” resource keeps teachers from making video a part of their day to day instruction.

State, Federal and Foundation grants of all shapes and sizes are available to schools across the country, both public and private. Stimulus dollars targeted at educational technology, assistive technology, and transformational education are available through formula and discretionary grants. The trick is to understand first what you want to accomplish, and then to find a grant that’s a good fit. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole! It’s important to focus on grants that truly mirror your objectives and the demographics of your project area. TANDBERG has a team of grant specialists that can help you identify those programs, and provide guidance and assistance as you explore the application process. Hundreds of schools across the country have used grants as a way to bring video technologies into the classroom. And certainly that addresses the issue of affordability!