Chevron integrates inSORS into their high resolution visualization system for enhanced collaboration

September 1, 2005

Houston, TX – inSORS Integrated Communications, a Chicago-based multimedia collaboration software and solutions provider, recently added high-resolution visualization-sharing capability to the inSORS Grid software. inSORS Grid systems at Chevron connect drill ships in the Gulf of Mexico to support drilling operations and real-time asset awareness in Houston via satellite communication. Using off-the-shelf VGA capture devices along with the latest release of inSORS Grid IG2 collaboration software, Chevron engineers, geophysicists, and other experts and managers can share high-resolution output from Linux visualizations systems, real-time monitoring software, and other vital exploration and production applications. This capability augments the ability to share multiple camera views, high-quality audio and data collaboration modes with dozens of Chevron sites globally.

Chevron’s Well Design and Execution Collaboration Center (WellDECC) in Houston allows experts to use the latest available technology to work more quickly and accurately through the exploration and production process from well prospect evaluation to first oil. The inSORS Grid system is a key component of the WellDECC concept, allowing multimedia content to be shared with drill ships over satellite with the ability to include experts from anywhere in the world.

Satellite IP connections offer unique challenges to multimedia collaboration, including bandwidth limitations and intermittent connection loss due to weather, rough seas, and a host of other environmental conditions. In order to manage bandwidth utilization in large sessions, inSORS Grid IG2 takes advantage of next-generation video compression codecs, as well as the ability to activate and deactivate video streams with a simple point-and-click interface. IG2 high-resolution visualization-sharing operates on as little as 128 Kbps of bandwidth, allowing Chevron users to share multiple visualizations, camera views, or other data without interrupting other Internet-dependent applications. In addition, IG2 uses advanced network protocols and innovative control features for streaming video that allow for reliable satellite communications in most conditions.

Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, Chevron is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. Involved in every aspect of the energy industry from oil and gas exploration and production to transportation, refining and retail marketing, as well as chemicals manufacturing and sales and power production, the company is the second largest U.S.-based company and the fifth largest in the world. Active in more than 180 countries, Chevron employs about 53,000 people worldwide.

inSORS, based in Chicago with operations in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Houston, and London, develops, markets, and supports enterprise collaboration software and solutions that enable multiple groups and individuals to collaborate via audio, video, and data modes of interaction.

The inSORS Grid solutions provide innovative state-of-the-art conferencing and collaboration tools that integrate a wide range of communications systems into a simple, easy-to-use platform. inSORS solutions include server and client software, documentation and support, and comprehensive services including installation, network and collaboration consulting, and training.

For more information on inSORS, please contact Jim Harrison at jharrison@insors.com or visit www.insors.com. To learn more about Chevron, please visit www.chevron.com.