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The Customer:

Avocent works with many industries that are learning how digital signage networks can

be used to increase sales.  These applications, popular in retail settings, are beginning to

take root in the services sector. And, iPort Media, Inc. is one of the companies leading

the way.  

iPort has a unique, private narrowcasting network designed to help eye care professionals

increase their per-patient sales. The company transmits advertising directly to eye

care professionals via networked computers, flat-screen plasma televisions (in waiting

rooms) and LCD screens (in exam rooms). iPort delivers its message at the point of 

sale, increasing the purchase of premium products such as lenses, coatings, and 

designer frames. 

The Situation:

Each optometry office is equipped with high-speed Internet to connect to iPort’s server,

where they have access to various information including news, sports and weather 

updates.  iPort can also provide specialized content to offices, although most comes directly

from leading vendors.  For example, the Johnson & Johnson 

Transitions

commercial

(where lenses that change from light to dark are demonstrated) is a popular clip in 

the iPort database.

iPort has installed their systems in the offices of eye care professionals nationwide for

several years. iPort serves 50 locations and plans to add approximately 30 to 40 locations

per month over the next few years.  There are 37,000 eye care provider locations in the U.S.

alone that tap into vision-related retail sales. It was a $16 billion business in 2003.  

The Problem:

With the rapid increase in location installs, iPort began looking for methods to reduce

installation time and costs.  iPort’s initial installations consisted of running a complex array

of CAT 5 copper wires to receivers, computers and video systems. In several cases, iPort had

wiring issues with building materials or configurations that made it impractical to run CAT

5 wire throughout the facility.  

Case Study

Avocent helps iPort see the value
of wireless video extension

The Power of Being There

®

“Avocent wireless technology 

has afforded us an enormous 

convenience that enables us to

reduce installation time, 

save on wiring costs and 

increase the number of 

facilities we can support.”

Brian Greenwood

Director of Information Technology

iPort Media, Inc.

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