World's Leading Wholesale Technology Distributor Will Market ViaTV Videophones To Retailers and VARs in North America
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- 8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ:EGHT)
-- a leading supplier of video conferencing technology and systems -- announced today that it has signed a non-exclusive agreement with Ingram Micro (NYSE:IM)
for the distribution and sale of 8x8's line of ViaTV Videophones. Ingram Micro, with FY1997 sales of $16.5 billion, is the world's leading wholesale distributor of technology products, operating in 31 countries around the world. The ViaTV line is the first standalone videophone product to be offered by Ingram Micro.
"Ingram Micro has the ability to dramatically expand our base of retailers and VARs for our ViaTV Videophones," noted Chris McNiffe, 8x8's vice president of sales and marketing. "Ingram Micro is a distribution powerhouse, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to benefit from such a vast sales resource."
"We are pleased to welcome 8x8 as a new distribution partner," said Dave Nalley, VP/GM of Ingram Micro's Consumer Markets Division. "8x8's full line of ViaTV Videophones will be made available to our expansive list of resellers in North America."
The ViaTV Videophone product line includes three models: the simple to use Set-top Videophone (model VC105), the inexpensive and flexible Modular Videophone (model VC50/55) which is available with or without a built-in web browser, and the elegant new Desktop Videophone with built-in display (model VC150) which is expected to begin volume shipments next quarter. All ViaTV Videophones allow users to make full-color motion video calls over standard telephone lines and none require a computer, so making a video call is as simple as making any phone call. A video call costs no more than any local or long distance telephone call, and there are no monthly service or subscription fees.
All ViaTV Videophones offer a wide range of features, including electronic pan/tilt/zoom camera controls, auto answer, snapshot mode and callerID. Auto answer, in particular, allows the ViaTV Videophone to be used as a home or small business security monitor, allowing consumers to check on their valuables from miles away with a simple telephone call. ViaTV Videophones are also an excellent way for remote families and friends to stay in touch across the miles.
8x8 does not expect significant revenue from Ingram Micro this quarter. About 8x8
8x8, Inc. is a manufacturer of video conferencing systems, semiconductors and software. The company is headquartered at 2445 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, California 95054. For more information, call toll free 888-VIEW-8X8, or in London for European sales, 8x8, Ltd., Harleyford Estate, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2DX England, 011-44-1628-402800, fax 011-44-1628-402829.
About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro Inc., headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., is the world's leading wholesale distributor of technology products and services, and a leading provider of assembly and integration services, with 1997 sales of $16.5 billion. The company and its affiliates operate in 31 countries and distribute more than 145,000 products to more than 100,000 resellers in 120 countries.
NOTE: This press release contains forward-looking statements. 8x8's actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, implied or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to factors including in particular the uncertainty of market acceptance of videophones, the limits of existing videophone technology, dependence on new product introduction and current and potential competition. Further information on these and other factors that could affect the actual results of 8x8 are included in 8x8's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1997, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo and ViaTV are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Source: 8x8 Inc.
Contact: Scott St. Clair of 8x8, Inc., 408-727-1885, or scottsc@8x8.com;
or Donna Austi of Technology Solutions Inc., 212-320-2288, or
dausti@tsipr.com
Website: http://www.8x8.com/