RAVISION Wins Patent for Initiation and Support of Videoconferencing Using Instant Messaging

RADVISION, a provider of video network infrastructure and developer tools for unified visual communications over IP, 3G and emerging next-generation IMS networks, announced it has been awarded a patent for initiation and support of videoconferencing using instant messaging.

 

Using the patented method, one or more instant messaging-enabled clients can initiate a video conference. An instant messaging server is used to support instant messages between two client nodes and a second video conferencing server is to support video conferences between video conference participants, a videoconference being initiated between videoconference participants in response to an instant message transmitted between two client nodes.

 

The IM session includes information on the electronic addresses of the requested conference participants. The participants can then join the conference by any of several possible communication modes. For instance, a desktop PC can be used to join a conference or a HD videoconferencing room system using standard protocols such as SIP or H.323.

 

The advantage of using IM for launching a videoconference is that users need to know only the names of those to whom they wish to communicate and not complex IP addresses or lengthy number strings. The need to know the type of system users at the other end is using is also not required.

 

Roberto Giamagli, general manager of Networking Business Unit of RADVISION, said “RADVISION has always prided itself on its ability to anticipate major trends in real-time communications and foresee value in technologies that will ultimately benefit customers.”

 

This has led to the development or acquisition of some of the industry’s most innovative solutions making visual communications easy to use. The basis for this IM patent was one of the assets acquired as part of the acquisition of certain First Virtual Communications assets nearly five years ago and is an example of the innovative thinking for which RADVISION strives.