PictureTel is the world leader in the development of video and audio conferencing solutions. During a conference video, audio, and data signals are processed. Two other engineers and I developed a software implementation of a feature known as “continuous presence.” This feature combines several video signals into one video signal, allowing conference participants to view multiple persons simultaneously. Another achievement of my department is the 240 Gateway, an internet protocol to standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Gateway. The internet and PSTN telephone system coexist at this time. The 240 Gateway permits video terminals conforming to the internet protocol to communicate with video terminals designed to communicate via the PSTN telephone system. I am working on a feature that will enable connectivity between PSTN telephones and Voice over Internet Protocol endpoints. Echoes develop on telephone lines. So, I am installing and tuning an adaptive filter algorithm that will suppress the echoes on the telephone lines.

Notice that the systems I have helped to build are all computer based. The computer science and communications fields have merged, creating a combined computer-communications industry of growing complexity and remarkable capability. There are three prevailing realities.

1. • There is no fundamental difference between data processing and data communications or between computers and transmission/switching equipment.

2. • There are no fundamental differences among data, voice, and video communications.

3. • The lines between single-processor, multi-processor computer, local network, metropolitan network, and long-haul network have blurred.

The communication of information is now the world's largest industry.