Tut Systems Inc. announced that it successfully migrated more than 60 schools in Western New York to an all IP distance learning video network over broadband. Tut Systems supplied BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) with its family of Astria Content Processor (CP) products and on-site video integration expertise for delivery of high-quality, interactive digital video conferencing over a Gigabit Ethernet backbone.

The broadband distance learning solution is designed to meet current and future needs of the BOCES Distance Learning Consortium which covers 102 school districts and more than 200,000 students across Western New York State. The consortium participants include the Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2 Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES, Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES, Orleans Niagara BOCES and Steuben Allegany BOCES in conjunction with the Western New York Regional Information Center.

As BOCES upgraded its backbone network, Tut Systems helped BOCES migrate their DS-3 based distance learning solutions onto an all IP network. The BOCES distance learning solution also includes an integrated, "network aware" scheduling system from Ahead Communications Systems, and additional third party in-room conferencing equipment.

"We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with the Western New York BOCES Distance Learning Consortium schools for IP-based distance learning solutions," stated Keith J. Wymbs, Director -- Product Marketing for Tut Systems. "With the high-quality, low-latency design of our solution, the schools can offer a rich, interactive learning experience to more students cost-effectively."

"BOCES previously deployed a DS-3 system based on earlier video compression technologies that required extensive management by a service provider partner," stated Mark Banks, Manager-Distance Education of Erie 1 BOCES. "With this state-of-the-art video over IP solution, BOCES takes back full control of our distance learning system which will keep costs down and can smooth migration to other value-added technologies in the future. BOCES' students gain access to a broader base of information and instructors, and BOCES schools benefit by providing cutting edge education while keeping teaching and travel expenses to a minimum."