AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2004--Forgent Networks^™ (Nasdaq:FORG) is launching an extension to its ALLIANCE^™ unified scheduling platform that will now allow IBM Lotus Web Conferencing to be seamlessly integrated into any meeting. The new feature will be unveiled next week at Lotusphere 2004 in Orlando, Fla., with general availability by end of January.

With this solution, organizations using IBM Lotus Notes can integrate their choice of Web and audio conferencing into a single scheduling process for the first time -- all within their current corporate calendaring environment. Corporate IT and facilities end users can consolidate Web, audio and video conferencing from preferred providers into one scheduling platform, reducing costs and streamlining management. Coupled with ALLIANCE's ability to schedule and manage all other aspects of a meeting (attendees, facilities, equipment, services, rich media), the new automation gives organizations a more powerful tool to reduce meeting management hassles, save time and ultimately save dollars.

"We're pleased to be making this important announcement at Lotusphere," said Ken Kalinoski, vice president of development and chief technology officer at Forgent^™. "Through our Lotus software plug-in, users will now be able to schedule audio, video and Lotus Web Conferencing at the same time they schedule attendees, rooms and outsourced services in any combination they need to meet their specific needs."

A recent study indicates that Web conferencing is growing dramatically as a result of decreased travel budgets, improved quality of Web conferencing solutions, choice of deployment options, easier integration and ease of use.(a) These market drivers, along with increased internal pressures, compel organizations to continue improving on the way that they communicate and collaborate. Forgent's leading edge meeting automation software addresses these trends by making it easy for anyone in an organization to schedule and use Web conferencing in tandem with arranging their other meeting logistics. In addition to Lotus Web Conferencing, Forgent's solutions also schedule and automate the launch of WebEx and other Web conferencing services, video conferencing and audio conferencing with both in-house and outsourced equipment.

"At a time when organizations are expected to do more with less, Forgent ALLIANCE software continues to satisfy a deep-seated need in the marketplace. The integration of Lotus Web Conferencing, the leading premise-based Web conferencing platform, into Forgent's ALLIANCE software suite extends an organization's collaborative abilities to new levels," said Richard Snyder, president and CEO of Forgent Networks.

Demonstrations of the new Forgent automation of IBM Lotus Web Conferencing will be ongoing at Booth No. 302 throughout the Lotusphere event, scheduled to begin Jan. 25 and run through Jan. 29 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Lake Buena Vista (Orlando). Additional information can be found at www.forgent.com or at the Lotusphere Web site.

About Forgent

Forgent^™ Networks provides meeting automation software that enables organizations to streamline the planning and execution of their meetings, helping to increase productivity and reduce costs. Using the standard Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook corporate calendaring platforms, Forgent ALLIANCE software suite allows you to consolidate the scheduling and management of your attendees, facilities, services, equipment and rich media communications. For additional information visit www.forgent.com. Forgent is also the maker of Meeting Room Manager scheduling and asset management solutions for the small and medium business market. For additional information, visit www.meetingautomation.com.

(a) Radicati Group study, "Web Conferencing Market Trends, 2003-2007"

CONTACT:
Forgent Networks, Austin
Press contact:
Nelson Duffle, 512-437-2532
nelson_duffle@forgent.com
or
Investor contact:
Alexa Coy, 512-437-2678
alexa_coy@forgent.com

SOURCE: Forgent Networks