21 November 2002 -- Marconi has introduced ViPr, a new network appliance that enables military and government personnel to create secure multimedia communications between distant locations, and over high-speed encrypted circuits.

ViPr is said to improve "network-centric" decision-making through remote visual collaboration and by integrating content that includes real-time, high-definition video streams, distributed super-computer processing and storage area networking.

"Marconi's introduction of a virtual presence appliance with the quality and ease of use of ViPr heralds a new benchmark in desktop, real-time collaboration and multipoint conferencing that will dramatically accelerate and enhance executive decision-making in government, military and corporate enterprise markets," said Berge Ayvazian, vice chairman of the Yankee Group, a globally established leader in technology, research and consulting services.