EDS Technology Enables 1.7 Million Students to Join JASON Research Expedition to Louisiana's Wetlands

EDS Technology Enables 1.7 Million Students to Join JASON Research Expedition to Louisiana's Wetlands

Advanced Mobile Communications and Two-Way IP-Over-Satellite Network Link Students and Scientists in Real Time From Remote Parts of the Globe

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An innovative, converged communications network developed by EDS (NYSE:EDS) will enable 1.7 million students worldwide to interact in real time with leading research scientists as they explore the Louisiana Wetlands as part of this year's JASON expedition. Whether broadcasting from glaciers in Alaska, the rain forests in Panama or the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, EDS technology has helped make JASON's interactive, experienced-based learning programs a reality by linking students to expeditions in some of the world's most remote locations.

Named "Disappearing Wetlands," this year's JASON expedition will take place in Louisiana from January 31 through February 5. As with previous programs, it will offer the ultimate hands-on educational experience by allowing students and teachers from around the globe to watch and interact with scientists as they investigate what wetlands are, why they are quickly disappearing and the best ways to manage these critical, life-supporting ecosystems.

Working closely with JASON's staff, EDS is providing a unique, two-way Internet Protocol (IP) network transmitted via satellite that delivers high- quality video, voice and data and will connect the on-site research team -- which includes 12 student and six teacher "Argonauts" -- to other students and teachers in 11 countries. EDS will broadcast the expedition live via Webcast at http://www.eds.com/jason .

Since 1989, EDS has collaborated with the JASON Foundation for Education to provide advanced communications and technology platforms that extend the reach of the organization's scientific exploration programs to young people everywhere. Founded by the renowned explorer and R.M.S. Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard, JASON sets the benchmark for experienced-based learning through the use of satellite technology, videostream live broadcasts and an online curriculum that enables students and teachers to become virtual members of the scientific expedition team.

"As JASON's founding technology sponsor, EDS and the interactive communications infrastructure it provides has helped millions of students and teachers broaden their horizons and learn about science up close in new and exciting ways," said Ballard. "Through this partnership, EDS is helping ignite a passion for science and technology in these students that is truly inspiring."

Steve Schuckenbrock, executive vice president of Global Sales & Client Solutions at EDS and a member of the JASON Board of Trustees, said, "EDS enables JASON to bring science to life in the classroom in ways never before possible with encyclopedias, CD-ROMs or even static Web sites. Together, we're helping prepare the next generation of scientists by literally putting research and exploration in the hands of young people."

Complementing this year's research expedition is "Frogs in Focus," a digital lab developed in collaboration with the JASON team that will let students conduct their own research in a virtual pond to learn about frog populations and their importance to the wetlands ecosystem. The lab is available for viewing at http://www.eds.com/jason .

How the Technology Works

For the "Disappearing Wetlands" project, EDS has developed a customized IP-over-satellite network that enables greater interaction between students and the scientists. This technology is also ideal for reaching remote locations with little or no infrastructure and for situations in which data must be transmitted to multiple locations simultaneously. Here's how it works:

* Video originates from the Louisiana swamp, and images are generated by
cameras in the wetlands.
* Multiple video signals are delivered to a mobile satellite
communications center designed by EDS, where they are digitally
encoded and "encapsulated" into IP format.
* The video, voice and data -- generated through cameras, microphones,
IP telephones and Internet computer terminals at the site -- are
chopped into digital bits, consolidated into one stream of information
by a Cisco router and transmitted by satellite to JASON's
sophisticated broadcast center in Seattle, Washington.
* The production crew in the Seattle broadcast center beams back edits,
directions and data to the bayou site over that same satellite
connection.

About EDS


EDS provides a broad portfolio of business and technology solutions to help its clients worldwide improve their business performance. EDS' core portfolio comprises information-technology, applications and business process services, as well as information-technology transformation services. EDS' A.T. Kearney subsidiary is one of the world's leading high-value management consultancies. With more than $20 billion in annual revenue, EDS is ranked 87th on the Fortune 500. The company's stock is traded on the New York and London stock exchanges. Learn more at http://www.eds.com/ .

CONTACT:
Liz Bonet - EDS
972 605 1624
liz.bonet@eds.com


Source: Electronic Data Systems Corporation

CONTACT: Liz Bonet of Electronic Data Systems Corporation,
+1-972-605-1624, or liz.bonet@eds.com

Web site: http://www.eds.com/
http://www.eds.com/jason


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