Real-time conference technology to the desktop via the internet.

Cross-platform collaborative technology enables visual and audio online conferencing to users from one to thousands simultaneously

Global productivity enhancement specialists, Drake Learning Solutions has launched its real-time conference technology via the web. Called PictureTalk, it is designed to offer visual and audio conferencing with free and spontaneous exchange of visual imagery and audio over business networks and the Internet. Meeting participants can literally join a meeting or training session from the Internet to observe, listen interact or even co-present whilst a colleague presents his/her material.

During a meeting, all participants can be active in the session, they can ask or send questions via ''Chat'' or indeed raise their hand to request to take over as a presenter. All participants on that PictureTalk session can view whatever is on the presenter''s computer screen. Sessions can be incorporated with a variety of applications from an e-learning module, PowerPoint presentation, Word or Excel file to an X-ray or marketing proofs. Participants are also displayed on a ''user list'' so each person is aware who is online at the session.

Despite recent airline advertising stating that ''You need to be there'' a great deal of meetings and conference calls take place online regularly without any problem, said Julia Jones, Director at Drake Learning Solutions. PictureTalk can save time, travel and hotel costs and while I would always agree that a face-to-face meeting is a very

effective use of time - this is only true if the meeting is properly qualified and the need is there. Companies should be saving high travel costs for circumstances when a face-to-face meeting is essential. She added.

In essence, the Drake technology enables conference, training and updating sessions from one to thousands of users at the same time using the power of the Internet. Drake recognises that business is about communications and PictureTalk provides an effective communication tool that uses audio as well as sophisticated real-time visual technology.

Drake uses its own technology everyday across the globe for all types of meetings. Experts at Drake Learning Solutions predict that by 2005, online meeting capability and general use will see widespread adoption becoming as indispensable as email and fax. The company aims to positively impact business results by improving the way the world communicates. PictureTalk has been designed to be both affordable and effective and the return on investment for customers in terms of saving on travel expenses and lost travel time is significant.