INTERNET/INTRANET IP-based Video Software: VDOLive 2.0 G iven the relative immaturity and fast-paced development of IP-based video software, choosing a winner for this award was like naming the winner of a marathon after the first 5 K--it's difficult to know whether the front-runners are true contenders or just rabbits setting the pace. For many reasons, VDOLive 2.0 from VDONet Corp. emerged as our Well-Connected winner this year. The product excels in its ability as a total solution, enabling easy, cost-efficient and scalable delivery of low-bit- rate video via the Internet or intranet. VDOLive is a rock-solid software suite that includes separate on-demand and live-broadcast servers, a video capture/ editor/encoder tool and a player/plug-in. In addition, VDOLive delivers surprisingly good video, using wavelet compression and proprietary protocols that address the challenges of low-bandwidth Internet/intranet packet delivery. But its strengths don't end there. VDOLive also proves to be the winner in its straightforward facilities for configuring, monitoring and throt tling VDOLive video servers for sites that want do more than dribble an occasional video clip via HTTP. With a slew of up-and-coming competitors, including honorable mentions VivoActive from Vivo Software and IP/TV from Precept Software, it will be interesting to see if VDOLive can retain its edge in this market in the coming year. VDOLive 2.0 (includes VDOLive Server, VDOLive Player & VDOLive Tools) , $500 to $10,000 (based on the number of streams), VDONet Corp., (415) 846-7700, www.vdo.net Honorable Mentions: VivoActive 2.0 , $695, Vivo Software, (800) VIVO-411, www.vivo.com IP/TV (inclu des IP/TV Server, IP/TV Program Guide and five IP/TV Viewers) , $3,375, Precept Software, (415) 845-5200, www.precept.com Awards Table of Contents

Updated April 24, 1997