Lucent announces Net video effort

Two days after competitor Cisco launched integrated telephone and data

networking equipment, Lucent Technologies announced plans for the industry’s

first Internet video network systems. The machines will be marketed by GeoVideo

Networks, a joint venture company between Lucent, Metromedia Fiber Network, and

AboveNet. GeoVideo will deliver HDTV-quality, real-time bi-directional Internet

Protocol (IP) video over an international fiber network for business-to-business

functions. The service will be aimed primarily at business customers. company

said. Metromedia will supply the metropolitan and the long-distance optical

network infrastructure, while its AboveNet subsidiary will supply global

Internet Protocol services. GeoVideo, which will also develop the video hubs in

key markets throughout the world.