AT&T; and Intel to Cooperate on PC Software for Video Calling

AT&T; Corp. and Intel Corp. said Monday that they will work together so video calls and conferences done via personal computer become as simple as using a regular telephone.

The companies, which have developed competing desktop PC video software, said they will have those products working with each other by the end of the year.

In addition, AT&T; said it will develop directory assistance, operator assistance, security features and other services for video calling like those that have long existed for voice.

A key goal of the two companies is to reduce the 10 to 15 minutes it can take to set up a video conference to a few point-and-click mouse commands on the PC.

“Currently it’s very difficult and can be time-consuming to make a video conferencing connection,” said Bruce Ryon, analyst at Dataquest Inc. in San Jose. “For this technology to be adopted on a widespread level, they’re going to have to make it as easy as a telephone call.”

AT&T;, which runs the world’s largest telecommunications network, is looking for video calls to increase usage and revenue of that system. Intel, the largest maker of computer chips, believes that complex uses for a computer, like video calls, will drive demand for more advanced chips.

Both AT&T; and Intel began selling desktop data-sharing and video programs earlier this year.

The systems have been used chiefly by financial, legal and medical firms, the companies said.