Enterprise Telephony News
Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0
At the recent Cisco 2008 Collaboration Summit, the company unveiled a host of new solutions in multiple technology areas and presented its collaboration roadmap and vision. The Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0 portfolio has been enhanced in three key areas: ease-of-use (for end users and administrators), interoperability (third party solutions and plug-ins) and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO).
Among the myriad of new product releases is Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) Version 7.0, the enterprise IP telephony call processing component of Cisco’s Unified Communications Solution. Version 7.0 lowers system and management costs with improvements to system administration, serviceability and performance, and end users can take advantage of some new mobility and telephony features, additional localizations and new SIP support.
Cisco highlights its Linux-based appliance model, available since 2006, as the platform of choice for Cisco Unified Communications Manager. The appliance bundles the database, operating system, drivers and firmware (lower TCO with fewer components to manage) and enables faster installations and upgrades. The appliance also facilitates the unified communications experience by supporting Cisco Unified Mobility software (included with Cisco Unified Communications Manager since Version 6.0). Unified Mobility software supports a broad range of solutions for today’s mobile workforce – teleworkers, campus workers and those who need wide area or cellular coverage. New 7.0 mobility features include Dial via Office, click to conference with IBM Sametime and simultaneous ring on a Microsoft Office Communicator client, to name a few.
Cisco touts 800 new features within the many solutions under the Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0 umbrella. Among the long list of product upgrades are Customer Voice Portal 7.0, Unified Contact Center Enterprise & Hosted 7.5, Unified Contact Center Express 7.0 for SMBs, Unified Intelligence Suite 7.5, Unified Communications Manager Business Edition 7.0, Unified Presence and Unified Personal Communicator 7.0, Cisco Unity 7.0, Cisco Unity Connection 7.0, Cisco Unity Express 7.0, and Cisco Unified MeetingPlace 7.0 with a new architecture for voice and video on one platform and a WebEx option. (Note that Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (CME) has been renumbered to 7.0 to align with Cisco Unified Communications versions, though the features are the same as Cisco Unified CME 4.3.) www.cisco.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: At the recent Cisco 2008 Collaboration Summit, the company unveiled a host of new products and upgrades in multiple technology areas and presented its collaboration roadmap and vision. At a high level, the Cisco Unified Communications System Release 7.0 portfolio of solutions is enhanced in the areas of ease-of-use, interoperability with third party solutions and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). More specifically, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), the call processing component (or IP PBX) has a new release, Version 7.0, which makes improvements to system administration and TCO, but also adds some new mobility and telephony features, including Dial via Office, click to conference with IBM Sametime and simultaneous ring on a Microsoft Office Communicator client. Also of interest is the emphasis on the Linux Appliance platform for CUCM going forward; the Windows-based Cisco IP PBX (Version 4.3) is still offered, though future developments for this version are unclear. In addition, Cisco announced enhancements to nearly every product and application, touting 800 new features – see above for a partial list of new releases. www.telecomtactics.com
Nortel Expands Global SMB Portfolio with BCM450
Nortel expands its Business Communications Manager (BCM) portfolio with the BCM450, a new, higher capacity and scalable version that targets medium-sized businesses with up to 300 employees. Like the earlier members of the BCM family (BCM50, BCM200 and BCM400), the new BCM450 is hybrid solution that combines circuit and packet switching to ease the migration from legacy equipment to IP telephony. Nortel refers to BCM as a business in a box for small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) since it provides an integrated voice and data solution with telephony features, data networking options, mobility solutions, embedded security and a range of integrated productivity applications. Most BCM applications, including voice messaging, unified messaging, fax messaging and contact center, are loaded on the system hard drive and are enabled via software keycodes. No additional servers or hardware are needed.
 BCM450 Release 1.0 uses the same software as BCM50 R3.0 and supports some functionality not available with the earlier BCM200 and BCM400 models, including meet-me conferencing (BCM450 supports up to 120 participants and 60 simultaneous users), the IP Phone 1200 Series (1220 pictured), SIP trunking (for access to service providers) and new contact center features, APIs and reporting (six redesigned reports and four new reports). BCM450 customers can also take advantage of other recently–introduced Nortel functionality, including the Advanced Paging Productivity (APP) Pack and the T7406 2.4 GHz cordless digital phone (802.11a/b/g WLAN handsets 6120 and 6140 are also new). And, the Message Forwarding option, which sends an e-mail notification (to a PDA, Outlook Web Access, Mac OS Mail and more) when a voice or fax message arrives, is planned for the near future.
 Nortel points out that its legacy Norstar key system on the market since 1994 can upgrade to BCM, retaining a significant portion of the equipment investment. Nortel estimates a 70% savings for Norstar customers since fiber-based trunk and station modules, digital and analog phones can be reused. Specifically, Nortel defines a migration strategy for its Norstar Modular ICS (MICS) key system to the new BCM450 and a migration strategy for Norstar 3x8 and Compact ICS (CICS) customers to the BCM50. BCM450 also provides a growth option for BCM200 and BCM400 deployments since phones, Media Bay Modules, the expansion cabinet and most software are compatible. And, Nortel can now reach a new set of SMB customers, headquarters locations and large branch offices, due to the scalability to 300 users (with the optional Capacity Expansion Card or CEC).
Also new for SMBs are the Business Services Gateways (BSG8 and BSG12) that combine multiple hardware and software elements onto a single platform - a router, advanced security including firewall, VPN and intrusion detection, wired and wireless switching, a SIP gateway with integrated Analog Telephony Adapter and Quality of Service. These essential components are part of the robust data network needed behind a unified communications deployment, and combined, are 45% less expensive than when purchased separately, according to Nortel. BSG is available initially in North America.
BCM450 is available globally as of October 14, 2008 from Nortel or strategic partners, including AT&T. BCM is available in over 80 countries and fully localized in 15 countries. www.nortel.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Nortel targets the larger segment of the small and medium business (SMB) market with the Business Communications Manager 450 (BCM450), releasing this new model slightly ahead of time in all global markets (North America, EMEA, Asia and CALA). Nortel is covering several bases with this new release by defining a migration strategy for legacy Norstar customers, as well as current BCM customers who have reached maximum capacity (BCM400 targets sites with up to 100 users). The BCM450 also addresses greenfield opportunities with an SMB portfolio that scales from three to 300 users (BCM50 supports 3-30 users; BCM450 supports 30-300 users). And, due to feature parity with the BCM50 R3.0 (via the new Base Function Tray or BFT), BCM450 has some functionality beyond that of the earlier BCM200 and BCM400, including meet-me conferencing and support for the Nortel 1200 Series IP phones. Coinciding with the launch of BCM450, Nortel has supplied partners with training and support services and new sales tools (e.g. the Enterprise Configurator quotation tool). NorAlso new for SMBs are the Business Services Gateways (BSG8 and BSG12) that combine multiple hardware and software elements onto a single platform - a router, advanced security including firewall, VPN and intrusion detection, wired and wireless switching, a SIP gateway with integrated Analog Telephony Adapter and Quality of Service. These essential components are part of the robust data network needed behind a unified communications deployment, and combined, are 45% less expensive than when purchased separately, according to Nortel. BSG is available initially in North America. www.telecomtactics.com
ShoreTel Launches ShoreTel 8.1 Worldwide
ShoreTel, Inc. announces a global launch of its unified communications products, ShoreTel 8.1, focusing on the international market with new offices, expanded distribution channels, and new language and country support. In addition, this rollout makes ShoreTel 8.0 functionality (introduced in North America last June) available to customers in EMEA, APAC and CALA regions. This includes a video solution, new energy-efficient voice switches and support for third party SIP devices. ShoreTel 8.1 customers can also utilize a low-cost, gigabit-enabled IP phone (IP 230g), and remote users can take advantage of VPN-enabled phones that plug directly into the Internet to establish a VPN connection back to the office (another choice for remote users who can also use ShoreTel’s OfficeAnywhere).
Complementing the unified communications experience, and now available globally, is the ShoreWare Professional Call Manager client application that enables call control, but also displays presence information, enables instant messaging and supports video calls with two participants. The solution incorporates Scalable Video Coding (SVC), an enhancement to the H.264 standard for video compression, which is said to minimize delay and provide a high-quality video call. VGA video (640 x 480 resolution at 30 frames per second) is included, or customers can opt for higher resolution video, XGA video (1024 x 768 resolution at 15 frames per second). The QuickDialer feature is available for reaching contacts by phone, via an instant message session or by sending an e-mail (the application opens the compose window of a standard e-mail application).
 For instant messaging functionality with the Professional Call Manager client, customers add an additional server, either Microsoft OCS (or LCS) or ShoreTel’s Converged Conferencing server, a collaboration solution with a browser-based interface that integrates audio and Web conferencing (desktop/application sharing, instant messaging, virtual meeting rooms, on-line presentations, and multi-media recording). The solution eliminates the expense of outside conferencing services, and a new release, Converged Conferencing 7.1, increases capacity to 204 ports (up from 96).
ShoreTel also expands the mobile device options for its Mobile Call Manager application that brings ShoreTel Personal Call Manager functionality (one phone number, one voice mail account) to a mobile device. Employees on-the-go can switch their office extension to the mobile device while away from their desk, change call handling modes (personal options) remotely, check e-mail and voicemail, look up contacts in a corporate directory and more. Initially available for the RIM BlackBerry, mobile users now have more device options, including the Blackberry 81xx, 83xx and 88xx, Blackberry 9000, Nokia E65 and Motorola Razr V3xx with support for 10 languages. www.shoretel.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: ShoreTel reaches new markets with its ShoreTel 8.1 unified communications solutions, now available worldwide in North America, EMEA, APAC and CALA. The new release supports international deployments with new language and country support, new offices and expanded distribution channels, but also makes ShoreTel 8.0 functionality available worldwide (new products introduced with ShoreTel 8.0 last June were offered only in North America initially). Combined, ShoreTel 8.1 and 8.0 bring a host of new solutions to customers worldwide, including a video solution, new energy-efficient voice switches, third party SIP telephone support, a new gigabit-enabled IP phone (IP 230g),VPN-enabled phones for remote workers and more mobile device options. Additionally, ShoreTel focuses on the customer with a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) tool with compelling graphical output, highlights its growing Technology Partner Program (38 certified partners and over 30 certifications in progress) and introduces its FlexGuard financing solution. www.telecomtactics.com
Vertical Announces SBX IP 320 R2.0
Vertical Communications announces new software for the SBX IP 320, an IP-based key telephone system for single- or multi-site small businesses (scales to 32 users per system with networking of up to 72 sites). The SBX IP 320 was introduced earlier in 2008 as a forward-looking alternative to Vertical’s Starplus STS key system (formerly from Vodavi) and DX-120 key system (formerly from Comdial) that do not support IP telephony. SBX IP 320 supports an IP Resource Card for SIP trunking, IP telephones (desk sets, soft phones and WiFi handsets) and networking over IP, as well as traditional digital key system features and popular productivity features usually associated with larger systems such as hot desking, conferencing (15 parties and nine conference rooms) and call center functionality.
 The new Release 2.0 expands voice mail storage with a new 4-port voicemail card (eight hours of storage) and adds new user features such as Park and Page, access to a company directory via the auto attendant, IP phone page announcements and 911 attendant notification, to name a few. For mobile employees, the Ranger Cordless Digital Telephone (Standard model) can be used as an extension or paired with a desktop phone. (The Ranger Cordless has been previously available for the Starplus STS system formerly from Vodavi).
R2.0 is shipping now for new systems sold in the North American market. A free download is available on the Vertical partner support websites for existing customers looking to upgrade. www.vertical.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Available in North America from Vertical Business Partners, SBX IP 320 is one of three relatively new Vertical Communications telephony systems (Wave IP and Xcelerator were announced in 2007), as the company streamlines its product offerings following a series of mergers of four well-respected telephony vendors over the past three years – Artisoft, Vertical Networks, Comdial and Vodavi. Developed with partner LG-Nortel, the SBX IP 320 was rolled out as a forward-looking alternative to the company’s earlier Starplus STS key system (formerly from Vodavi) and DX-120 key system (formerly from Comdial) that do not support IP telephony. New Release 2.0 functionality adds a 4-port voicemail card with eight hours of storage, new user features (e.g. Park and Page, access to a company directory via the auto attendant, IP phone page announcements and 911 attendant notification) and, for mobile workers, adds support for the Ranger Cordless Digital Telephone (Standard model) previously available for the Starplus STS system. www.telecomtactics.com
Aastra Introduces SMB Solutions, Adds DECT Mobility
Aastra Telecom the North American business unit of Aastra Technologies Limited, announces the Aastra MBU 400, a DECT multi-handset cordless system for the small business or Small Office Home Office (SOHO) market. The new solution is based on DECT 6.0 technology and is comprised of the MBU 400 gateway and up to eight 420d handsets. The system can function as a standalone SIP DECT solution or can be tightly integrated with the AastraLink Pro 160, an IP Key system introduced by Aastra Telecom last spring specifically for small businesses in North America.
 Referred to as 'office-wide mobility' by Aastra, the MBU 400 unit is designed for multiple users, supporting eight separate SIP extensions and SIP accounts and up to four concurrent calls. The MBU 400 base unit and the AastraLink Pro 160 connect to a LAN and communicate via SIP signaling. To make the system easy to use and deploy, Aastra has tightly integrated the two systems so that 420d handsets can be automatically configured and managed along with other Aastra SIP phones deployed on the AastraLink Pro 160 system.
For TDM or mixed TDM and SIP environments, the MBU 400 has an FXO port that connects an analog line. And, the MBU 400 can be used with other standard SIP call control platforms such as Asterisk, Sylantro, MetaSwitch, BroadSoft and others.
The new 420d handset has a 1.5-inch (128 x128 pixels), backlit color graphical LCD (65,000 colors) that displays the phone status and caller ID name and number for incoming calls and calls waiting. Other notable features include a 170-entry phone book, speakerphone, a call log, multiple ring tones and a vibrate capability. Talk time is eight hours with 240 hours standby. www.aastra.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway:Aastra addresses the SMB telephony market with a new DECT mobility solution for the company’s AastraLink Pro 160, an IP Key system introduced last spring for small businesses in North America. The MBU 400 can operate with other vendor’s SIP-based systems, but offers a tight integration with the AastraLink Pro 160 since the wireless handsets can be configured and managed along with other Aastra SIP phones deployed on the system. The MBU 400 is designed for multiple users (up to eight SIP extensions), creating an office-wide mobility solution (Aastra also offers a personal mobility solution that includes a desktop phone and associated cordless handset). In addition to the new DECT mobility solution, the AastraLink Pro 160 will be upgraded with Release 1.2 this November, adding shared line appearances, single digit IVR, zone paging and meet-me conferencing. In other news, Aastra is promoting the utilization of converged applications for Aastra IP telephone users with a new suite of free hosted applications called myAastra. Available for all Aastra SIP phones running SIP 2.3 firmware (or later), myAastra is currently offering four services – Directory Service, Aastra Phone Dialer, Favorites List and News/Stocks. Additional services are forthcoming such as Presence and Status (of other myAastra users) and new ways to view Call Logs, including viewing a map of where calls come from. Aastra may charge for some enhanced services in the future and may also display some low key advertising. www.telecomtactics.com
Polycom Expands IP DECT Portfolio
Polycom, Inc.expands its KIRK Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) portfolio, adding two new SIP-based servers (KIRK Wireless Server 300 and KIRK Wireless Server 6000) and one new DECT handset, the KIRK 5040. KWS 300 addresses the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) market with a single cell solution, while KWS 6000 targets larger enterprises. Polycom also offers the SIP-based KWS 600, introduced in 2004, for mid-size businesses.
DECT is an ETSI standard (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and a mature technology that is specifically designed to handle large number of users and guarantees a higher quality of voice transmission compared to the earlier 900 MHz and also the widespread 802.11 standard intended for data transmission. DECT has long been utilized in the European region, but has been growing fast in the North American market since 2005 when the U.S. version of DECT was released. KIRK, as an active member of the DECT forum, was among the first to receive that certification via the FCC.
 The KIRK DECT solutions operate in the 1881.792-1897.344 MHz and 1902.528-1918.080 MHz frequency bands in EMEA and North America, but 2.4GHz in other regions. Torben Egelund Rauff, Product Manager at Polycom in Denmark, notes that 2.4GHz DECT products are being phased out since customers prefer the 1.8GHz and 1.9GHz bands that are free from interference. Furthermore, Rauff explains that, going forward, new DECT products will be developed for the 1.9GHz band in North America and the 1.8GHz band in EMEA, and there is progress toward 1.9GHz approval in the Asian market (though for now, 2.4GHz DECT products are still produced there).
The new SIP-based KWS 300 server for small offices scales from one to 12 handsets and is a single-cell solution (no roaming) that supports up to four simultaneous calls. Six repeaters (for handover) can be placed throughout a location to extend the coverage area by 50 percent. Typical in-building coverage is approximately 200-300 feet depending on the environment, though voice calls have transmitted over a distance of 4,000 feet in ideal conditions, according to Polycom.
The new SIP-based KWS 6000 server (pictured) for larger businesses scales to 4,096 users and 256 radio units (base stations) and supports up to 32 simultaneous voice calls. For additional voice channels, 32 Media Resource units can be added, each of which adds 32 voice channels for a total of 1,064 simultaneous voice calls.
 Polycom also introduces a new lightweight DECT phone to its portfolio of current models. The KIRK 5040 has a large color display (65,000 colors) with eight lines for text and icons. Notable features include an internal/external ring pattern, a telephone book with 250 names (four numbers per name), 15 hours of talk time (100 hours standby) and Bluetooth connectivity. Robin Raulf-Sager, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Polycom, explains that the 5040 is similar to the earlier 5020 handset, but adds the Bluetooth capability. Customers can mix and match different handsets on the same system. www.polycom.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Polycom expands its KIRK DECT wireless portfolio, addressing opposite ends of the market (small and large businesses) with two new SIP-based servers, KIRK Wireless Server 300 (to 12 users) and KIRK Wireless Server 6000 (to 4,096 users), and one new DECT handset with color display and Bluetooth connectivity, the KIRK 5040. (Polycom’s SIP-based KWS 600 was introduced in 2004 for mid-size businesses.) The new SIP-based KWS systems are compatible with SIP-based PBXs and have been tested with Digium Asterisk, with others to follow. Polycom’s earlier analog and digital wireless servers, the KWS 500 and KWS 1500, are still available (the KWS 3000 is being phased out). In 2007, Polycom, Inc. acquired SpectraLink Corporation, extending Polycom’s portfolio of VoIP products into the mobility marketplace and meeting a growing demand for wireless solutions by Polycom customers. SpectraLink develops Wi-Fi and proprietary enterprise wireless systems and handsets and had acquired DECT technology from Danish company KIRK in 2005. www.telecomtactics.com
| Productivity and Collaboration |
Digium Unveils Skype for Asterisk
Digium, Inc., developer of the Asterisk open source telephony code, announces Skype for Asterisk, the integration of Skype functionality into the company’s Asterisk software. Skype software lets people talk through the Internet using any Windows, Mac, Pocket PC or Linux computer with an Internet connection. Now, users will be able to make, receive and transfer Skype calls from their Asterisk phone system. The new solution entered beta testing in September 2008. A general availability timeframe has not been determined.
 With Skype, users can add simple click-to-call links and buttons to a website that instruct the browser to place a Skype call. Steve Sokol, Product Manager, Software at Digium gives a good example of how Skype can help capture sales leads. 'The real magic here is that Skype for Asterisk (SFA) allows you to put up buttons/links that send calls into your business communications system. For example, we could register "sales.digium" as a Skype name, set up our PBX to register as "sales.digium," and post a button or a link on our web site. When a Skype user clicks on the "Call Sales With Skype" button, their Skype desktop client opens and places a call. The call goes to the Digium PBX that is configured to send it into the sales queue.'
Integrating Skype with the Asterisk PBX is simple. A set of software files is copied to the Asterisk system directories; no additional software or hardware is needed. And, in addition to handling Skype calls from within an Asterisk phone system, customers, who conduct business with other countries, will also save money with Skype’s low global calling rates (as little as 2.1 cents per minute to over 35 countries, according to the company). www.digium.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Digium continues to integrate its Asterisk phone system for small and mid-sized businesses with innovative solutions on the market such as the newly announced Skype for Asterisk, now in beta testing. Skype software lets people talk through the Internet using any Windows, Mac, Pocket PC or Linux computer with an Internet connection, and now Asterisk users will be able to handle Skype calls from their Asterisk phone system. The new solution will boost employee productivity and benefit customer relations, but also save money and is a simple set of software files that is copied to the Asterisk system directories, so no additional software or components are required. www.telecomtactics.com
eOn Boosts Productivity with eNterprise IP Messenger
eOn Communications Corporation announces eNterprise IP Messenger, a unified communications platform for the company’s flagship Millennium and eQueue IP-enabled PBXs. eOn has partnered with Esna Technologies Inc. to develop and test an IP interface that enables Esnatech’s Telephony Office-LinX unified communications platforms to function with eOn’s Millennium and eQueue systems. The Esna solution combines messaging, presence and mobility on a single server, and now eOn customers can take advantage of these powerful unified communications features. "We are very excited about this development as this solution offers virtually all of the presence and mobility functionality demanded by today's virtual office workers," notes Jack Dienno, Vice President of Sales at eOn.
 Like the Esnatech solutions, eOn’s eNterprise IP Messenger comes in two versions for small or larger businesses. Users can access and manage voicemail, e-mail and fax messages from any SMTP, POP3, or MAPI compliant mail package, including Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise and hosted Google Applications. Messages can also be accessed from the Web. Features include auto attendant, IVR, text-to-speech, follow-me, remote login, screen pops, instant messaging, hot desking and presence management.
eNterprise IP Messenger - Small Business Edition targets organizations with 150 users or less (but with support for 1,000 mailboxes) and packages 25 Unified Communication (UC) users and 75 basic user licenses in the base offering (this can be expanded to full mailbox capacity by purchasing additional licenses). eNterprise IP Messenger - Enterprise Edition, suitable for larger businesses with support for 20,000 mailboxes, comes with 50 Unified Communications (UC) licenses in the base offering, expandable to full mailbox capacity by licensing in single increments of 1, 000 license increments or via a site license. Both options support 2-port, 250-name Speech Recognition technology for speech-enabled dialing and directory access (standard on the Enterprise Edition and optional on the Small Business Edition); customers can upgrade to 500 or 500+ name directories.
Mobile workers will benefit from the ability to manage their schedule through Microsoft Outlook, filter calls (by Caller ID or contact information in a Microsoft Outlook address book) and speech access to corporate directories and contact information. A UC license includes UC Mobile client software that enables presence management from a PDA, and a mobile gateway lets users login from a WAP-compliant device to manage messages and settings or send text messages. www.eoncommunications.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: eOn addresses customer demands for messaging, presence, mobility and other unified communications functionality with eNterprise IP Messenger, a new offering made possible via a partnership with Esna Technologies. The companies developed an IP interface that allows the Esna’s Telephony OfficeLinX platforms to integrate with eOn’s flagship IP-enabled PBXs, Millennium and eQueue. eOn customers, who previously used the company’s eVPS messaging solution, can now take advantage of a host of popular productivity features including desktop call control, a call log with dial functions, Caller ID screen pops, PIM integration, IMAP e-mail client integration, Short Message Service, LANTalk instant messaging, presence status of other users, follow-me and text-to-speech e-mail reading. A UC license also includes UC Mobile client software for PDAs and a WAP Client for accessing messages from any WAP-compliant device. (Esna’s TOL platforms are compatible with leading telephone systems, including those from Nortel, Avaya, Mitel, Toshiba, 3Com, Panasonic, Aastra, NEC and Iwatsu, as well as platforms based on the Asterisk open source technology from Digium, and Hosted PBX services using SIP trunking.) www.telecomtactics.com
snom and Camrivox Partner for CRM Solution
snom technology AG of Germany and UK-based Camrivox announce Flexor CTI for NetSuite, a new application within the Flexor family of CTI solutions and certified with snom’s VoIP telephones. Designed for customers currently using NetSuite sales force automation and customer relationship management software, this new application adds integrated features such as on-screen call control for click-to-dial and call transfer, automatic pop-ups for incoming calls that show NetSuite account or lead records (pictured) and incorporates call history information within the NetSuite databases. 
John Porter, VP of Marketing for Camrivox explains, 'Users can see customer details and opportunities on screen while they are speaking to customers and then easily make a record of the call and any follow up actions. Customer telephone transactions can then be reported easily through NetSuite Reports giving a full picture of customer contact and employee activity.'
The Flexor CTI functionality is integrated with the NetSuite application, so that current NetSuite users can take advantage of familiar NetSuite screens. No additional server infrastructure or IT support is needed since the call control is handled by the snom handset.
Flexor CTI software is available from Camrivox, and also sold by snom technology AG as snom Flexor CTI. Flexor CTI for NetSuite is priced at $199 per seat (list price) with discounts for multiple seats. www.snom.com and www.www.camrivox.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: snom continues to unveil new productivity solutions for its VoIP telephones, announcing Flexor CTI for NetSuite, a new customer interaction application designed for call center or sales environments. snom and partner UK-based Camrivox have certified Flexor CTI for NetSuite with snom’s VoIP telephones, and now, customers using the NetSuite CRM software can take advantage of the snom handset for call control and for handling and tracking customer interactions (no additional server infrastructure or IT support required). The list of snom partners continues to grow. In other recent news, snom announced that D&H Distributing, a North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, will distribute snom’s portfolio VoIP phones in North America, and Voxitas (formerly NetLogic), a North American IP Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) will offer snom VoIP telephones to its certified IP PBX partners. www.telecomtactics.com
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