April 1998

• Dictaphone Intros Encore Instant Call Repeater For Critical Recordings
• Perimeter Technology Debuts Call Center Management Information System
• MCI Embraces Unified Messaging, Debuts networkMCI Contact
• Adaptivity Leverages Distributed Component Architecture and Java
• AG Communication Adds Splitterless Solution To Its ADSL Platform
• Nortel Announces Universal Serial Bus Telephone Telephone
• NICE Systems Introduces New Version of NiceFax
• Kana Communications Intros E-Mail Customer Service Communication Software
• KDG Changes Name to Level 3, Focuses On National IP Network
• Hotel Industry Targeted For High-Speed Internet Access Solution
• Blue Pumpkin Offers Network Solution For Call Center Management
• Fujitsu Creates Splitterless DSL Solution
• Parity Software Adds Graphical VOS To Family Of CTI Development Tools
• PulsePoint Intros Carrier-Grade, Internet-Ready Open Enhanced Services Solution
• Periphonics’ New Development Tool Provides Open Database Connectivity
• ALTech Brings Speech- Enabled Yellow Pages To BellSouth
• Genesys Acquires Forte, Strengthens Internet Call Center Offerings
• Nova CTI’s Nov-A-ware Heralds Call Center Messaging On The Web
• Digital Chip Powers Screen Phone For Internet, E-Mail, Messaging
• CTL Supports SMTP On Desktop Messaging Product
• WebLine Communications, Lucent Announce Co-Marketing Agreement
• Peregrine Offers Cross-Platform Enterprise Service Desk Integration
• New Ziatech CompactPCI Board Accepts Two PMC Cards
• Corel’s WordPerfect Integrates Dragon Systems’ Natural Speech Recognition
• Witness Systems Enhances Call Center Monitoring Quality
• Power & Data Technology Announces New Network Power Manager
• Cayman Intros Plug & Play Integrated Router, SDSL Modem
• Lucent Unveils Breakthrough Call Center Software
• Applied Voice Technology Unveils New AgentXpress Version
• Alcatel, Schlumberger, Sendit Combine For Wireless E-Mail Application
• Force Unveils CompactPCI System With Integrated H.110 Bus
• NewVoice Changes Name, Identity For Closer Ties To MUSIC Corp.
• Ericsson, AVT Sign Agreement To Deliver Unified Messaging Worldwide
• NexPath Ships Network-Based Communications Server
• Sound Blaster Certified Computer Microphones From Shure
• M Technology Motherboard Cuts Telecom Costs
• Telco Research Debuts TRU SNMP For PBX Fault Management
• Bay Networks, NetSpeak Join For Voice- And Fax-Over-IP Solutions
• Persoft Improves Performance for Remote Users With Persona 3.1
• Picazo Releases Second Generation Of Its Display Phone
• Iterated Systems Launches Video Technology Optimized For ADSL, Digital AIC’s FutureMail System Provides Voice, Fax, and Fax-on-Demand
• Teloquent’s ContactServer Turns PBXs Into Virtual Call Centers

NEWS

Dictaphone Intros Encore Instant Call Repeater For Critical Recordings
Dictaphone Corporation announced the Encore instant call repeater, which is designed to give agents immediate access to critical recorded phone or radio communications. Installed directly on a communication center’s Windows 95/Windows NT CAD workstations, Encore’s control screen gives call-takers access to emergency calls with a single mouse click or keystroke. Agents can listen to calls recorded on Encore’s shared memory module, without interrupting recording, simply by clicking the recall button on the control screen. Or, they can mark a segment of a call to replay over and over. In addition, the system allows call-takers to save recordings as .wav files. The recordings can then be e-mailed to a supervisor or saved for training. For more information, contact the company at 800-447-7749, xD348.

Perimeter Technology Debuts Call Center Management Information System
Perimeter Technology introduced its VU-ACD/100 for Windows Centrex-based Management Information System for Automatic Call Distribution (Version 38). Version 38 offers an optional graphical user interface Supervisor Workstation for Perimeter’s call center management software. The VU-ACD/ 1000 interprets call event data sent over the Central Office switch to provide managers with critical information necessary for management of agent resources. Information is offered in three critical areas: real-time operating information, historical reporting and data archiving, and ACD load management access. The software supports up to 4,000 active agents and 96 remote supervisor workstations. For more information, contact the company at 603-645-1616.

MCI Embraces Unified Messaging, Debuts networkMCI Contact
MCI enters the unified messaging market with networkMCI Contact. The foundation for this capability is MCI Vault technology, which bridges the Internet with the PSTN. networkMCI Contact provides simple command and control for pagers, e-mail, voice mail, fax, and cellular phones. A find-me, follow-me service allows users to predetermine how, when, and where they can be reached. Users can listen to voice mail on the Web via audio streaming; hear e-mail headers on a phone using text-to-speech technology; retrieve faxes at any destination, including an e-mail address; receive notification of incoming e-mail, voice mail, and faxes on pagers; and receive all their services on a single bill. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.mci.com.  

Adaptivity Leverages Distributed Component Architecture and Java
Adaptivity announced its ADAPT (Adaptive Distributed Assembly Process Technology) framework. By leveraging this patent pending framework, distributed component architecture, and the advantages of Java, Adaptivity has developed a suite of Web-based enterprise applications. The ADAPT frame-work is completely open and flexible. Designed to solve the limitations of current client/server or Web-enabled enterprise applications, the ADAPT framework takes full advantage of industry standard object-oriented middleware (such as Java RMI and CORBA IIOP); runs on all industry standard relational and object-oriented databases (such as Oracle and MS SQLServer); and can be accessed through any client machine with a Web browser. The result is Web-based enterprise applications that can be customized without additional programming, can integrate with third-party or legacy systems, and can be deployed in a distributed environment. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.adaptivity.com.

AG Communication Adds Splitterless Solution To Its ADSL Platform
AG Communication Systems, a leader in broadband network access products, announced it is adding a new low-pass filter to its ATIUM GateWay platform of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) products. This "splitterless" solution allows customers to plug their DSL modems into any standard telephone jack without requiring expensive extra wiring. In addition, this low-pass filter eliminates the need for a separate device — an external POTS splitter — which separates the voice telephone service and ADSL traffic. "This development eliminates significant provisioning costs from the installation of DSL services, which typically amounts to a savings of $200 to $300 per line," said Bob Burke, ATIUM marketing director for AG Communication Systems. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.agcs.com.  

Nortel Announces Universal Serial Bus Telephone Telephone
Nortel (Northern Telecom) announced the Meridian 9617, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) two-line telephone. SOHO consumers will find the phone gives them easy access to computer telephony applications such as advanced call management and control. Designed to give SOHO workers greater control over their communications, the Nortel Meridian 9617 consists of two components: a fully-featured two-line telephone and a CD-based call management software package called Personal Call Manager. The USB phone will be available in limited trial in April 1998, and will be widely available following the release of Microsoft’s Windows 98. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.nortel.com/phones. 

NICE Systems Introduces New Version of NiceFax
NICE Systems, Ltd., introduced NiceFax 2.5, a new version of its enterprise fax management system that continues to provide robust archiving and management capabilities. NiceFax fully integrates LAN fax capabilities and fax machines into a single system. New features include complete support for Microsoft Exchange, fully integrated phone books, new broadcast fax capabilities, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). NiceFax OCR supports popular file formats including ASCII, HTML, RTF, and Microsoft Word and Excel. It also supports a wide range of languages. In addition, NiceFax 2.5 supports Windows NT 4.0 workstations, including the NT print driver for faxes sent from the PC. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.nice.com.  

Kana Communications Intros E-Mail Customer Service Communication Software
Kana Communications, Inc., a provider of enterprise-class, e-mail customer communication software, announced the commercial availability of the Kana Customer Messaging System (Kana CMS). Kana CMS is a robust application designed to help corporations manage and respond to the growing volume of customer e-mail generated by their presence on the Web. Kana CMS retrieves messages from corporate e-mail aliases (such as info@company.com) and uses configurable rules to automatically filter, route, and send acknowledgements to customer e-mail. Underlying all activity in Kana CMS is the Kana database, which tracks message flow and content. Using Kana reports, managers can assess a department’s performance to ensure it is meeting its customer service standards and can evaluate the performance of individual agents to increase overall efficiency. For more information, contact the company at 650-812-0406.

KDG Changes Name to Level 3, Focuses On National IP Network
Kiewit Diversified Group (KDG), a subsidiary of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. (PKS), announced it has changed its name to Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Level 3). The new identity reflects a change in the company’s business focus from investments in a range of industries to a concentration on business information and communications services. Level 3 intends to provide a full range of information and communication services, primarily to businesses, over the first end-to-end network designed and built specifically for Internet Protocol (IP)-based services. The name, Level 3 Communications, is derived from the layered set of standards that is often used in the industry to describe networks. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.L3.com. 

Hotel Industry Targeted For High-Speed Internet Access Solution
Microsoft Corp., ATCOM/INFO, and CGX Communications Inc., unveiled plans to collaborate on commercial trials of a high-speed Internet access service for hotels. With technology developed by Microsoft Consulting Services and ATCOM/INFO, and implemented by selected system integrators, IPORT will enable hotels to compete effectively for business customers by providing complete range of sophisticated high-speed remote access options. ATCOM/INFO’s IPORT product lets business travelers easily access the Internet, e-mail, and private networks from their guest rooms at speeds up to 50 times faster than traditional data ports and dial-up modems. CAIS Internet, a division of CGX Communications, will be a major cosponsor of the trials and the primary integrator for trial hotels intending to use existing telephone wiring for the service, using its OverVoice technology. For more information, visit Microsoft’s Web site at www.microsoft.com/industry/hospitality.   

Blue Pumpkin Offers Network Solution For Call Center Management
Blue Pumpkin Software is shipping a new release of its workforce management software, PrimeTime Version 1.3. The release will include significant new features including the ability to share schedules over the network and PrimeTime Pulse. PrimeTime Pulse allows call center managers to monitor and act upon real-time information in their call center. Another enhancement is the ability to share databases over a network, which enables multiple call center managers to access and work with PrimeTime. Users select a client or server version of PrimeTime during installation, and the server assigns the level of access for each client and group. Any Windows 95 or NT PC can be a server. For more information, contact Brent Holloway at 650-813-9180.

Fujitsu Creates Splitterless DSL Solution
Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., announced a prototype "splitter-less" version of its SPEEDPORT ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) solution. This version of the SPEEDPORT DSL access multiplexer represents an extension of core technology from Fujitsu’s development partner, Orckit Communications. Eliminating the POTS splitter feature from the current product makes the customer’s modem easier to install, and could eliminate the need for a provider’s personnel to visit the customer’s site for installation. That saves the service provider the cost of a visit, reduces the setup charge to customers, which will further encourage the rollout of DSL services. For more information, contact the company at 972-690-6000.

Parity Software Adds Graphical VOS To Family Of CTI Development Tools
Parity Software announced Graphical VOS, which adds new features to their family of computer telephony development tools: �Graphical VOS FlowCharter, a GUI application builder based on a flow-chart design. �Graphical VOS Debugger, a source code-level debugger and task manager. �Graphical VOS Editor, a color syntax-highlighting editor of VOS language source code. The Graphical VOS FlowCharter is a user-friendly application builder. The user "draws" a flow-chart on the screen, using common scripting objects from a tools palette. The FlowCharter generates VOS source code, so the user can always use the VOS programming language to specify actions — they’re not limited by the graphical environment. For more information, contact the company at 415-332-5656.

PulsePoint Intros Carrier-Grade, Internet-Ready Open Enhanced Services Solution
PulsePoint Communications, previously Digital Sound Corporation, unveiled its Internet-ready, open-system, enhanced application platform designed for carrier-grade applications. Along with the PulsePoint Enhanced Application Platform, the company introduced the PulsePoint Communication Management suite of applications, the first of a modular set of applications based on Windows NT. The new platform was designed with progressive, competitive communication carriers in mind, including CLECs (competitive local exchange carriers), convergence and digital cellular carriers, Internet service providers, and carriers operating in liberalized markets around the world. The first implementation of the new PulsePoint Enhanced Application Platform and PulsePoint Communication Management suite of applications is being offered by GTE. For more information, contact the company at 805-566-2000.

Periphonics’ New Development Tool Provides Open Database Connectivity
Periphonics Corporation, a provider of products and services for IVR, CTI, and telecom enhanced network services, is now supporting Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) in the PeriSQL block of its PeriProducer development tool. ODBC support enables communication between databases, including Sybase, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL server. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a language used to get information into and out of a database. It enables many database programs to interact and exchange data, and helps database servers and distributed databases on networks to communicate between database programs. PeriProducer is a visual development environment for creating and testing IVR and Web applications. For more information, contact the company at 516-468-9000.

ALTech Brings Speech- Enabled Yellow Pages To BellSouth
Applied Language Technologies, Inc. (ALTech), a provider of conversational speech recognition technology and products for customer service solutions, announced that BellSouth IntelliVentures has introduced ALTech’s SpeechWorks solution in its 511 telephone information service. The service is currently available in Daytona Beach, Florida. With an advanced natural language interface, callers can instantly get to the information they need. BellSouth’s service, known as "VAL" for Voice Activated Link, allows callers to speak to a computer naturally over the telephone to receive information such as news, sports, weather, stock quotes, horoscopes, and various yellow pages restaurant listings. ALTech’s SpeechWorks product provides the speech recognition capabilities and manages the interaction between the database system and the caller. For more information, visit ALTech’s Web site at www.altech.com. 

Nova CTI’s Nov-A-ware Heralds Call Center Messaging On The Web
Nova CTI, Inc., released its Web-based CTI messaging product. Nov-A-ware on the Web ensures that supervisors, team leaders, and agents will never have to be out of touch with the call center. Nov-A-ware on the Web gives agents and supervisors the ability to work on any workstation with a Java-embedded browser. It allows agents to work in remote locations, and allows supervisors to monitor the call center while on the road. The product is part of Nov-A-ware, a family of client-based software products designed to turn workstations into call center messaging and monitoring systems. For more information, contact the company at 800-NOVA-CTI.

Digital Chip Powers Screen Phone For Internet, E-Mail, Messaging
Digital Equipment Corp.’s StrongARM SA-1100 microprocessor has been selected by Philips Consumer Communications L.P. to drive its new IS-2630 screen phone. The phone, designed for small business users and consumers, provides access to the Internet, e-mail, voice mail, and a wide range of messaging options. To promote fast time-to-market for StrongARM-based screenphones, Digital introduced its own Webphone Reference Design, a fully operational product design based on the StrongARM SA-1100 chip, using Lucent Technologies’ Inferno software. This reference design can be licensed for incorporation into telecommunication products. Digital also announced that StrongARM microprocessors will support Microsoft Corporation’s new AutoPC computing specification for in-car systems, based on the Windows CE operating system. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.digital.com. 

CTL Supports SMTP On Desktop Messaging Product
CTL has added SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to its list of compatible e-mail packages on DesktopSupport, a desktop messaging product. DesktopSupport allows LAN users to access their voice, fax, and e-mail messages from their desktop computer. DesktopSupport is an optional package on the company’s VoiceSupport product line. It supports any TCP/IP network. Client workstations must be running Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows for Workgroups. Other e-mail packages that DesktopSupport is compatible with include MAPI, Novell (MHS), Banyan VINES, and Lotus Notes Mail and cc:Mail. For more information, contact Scott Marks at 203-925-4266 x313.

WebLine Communications, Lucent Announce Co-Marketing Agreement
WebLine Communications and Lucent Technologies announced a co-marketing agreement to deliver next-generation Internet call center solutions to the marketplace, enabling businesses to offer customers richer options for obtaining sales and service information over the Web. The combination of WebLine Communications’ Java-based WebLine server and Lucent’s CentreVu Internet Call Center will allow call center agents to browse the Web with remote callers, deliver Web-based content, and demonstrate applications running on their desktop. Using a voice-enabled browser, customers simply click a button to speak with a call center representative while browsing a business’ Web site, without having to disconnect from an active Web browsing session. If customers have questions about what they’re viewing, they can communicate with an agent using voice over the Internet (VoIP), real-time chat, telephone callback, or e-mail. For more information, contact WebLine at 781-272-9979.

Peregrine Offers Cross-Platform Enterprise Service Desk Integration
Peregrine Systems, Inc., furthering its commitment to provide proactive support by offering out-of-box integration with network and systems management applications, introduced cross-platform functionality for service desk applications. Peregrine’s cross platform support and open integration gives service desk users one central point of reference to resolve problems in a heterogeneous environment, as well as comprehensive management of the enterprise. Peregrine’s SCAutomate integrates leading systems and network management tools with Peregrine’s ServiceCenter, giving service desk technicians the ability to quickly resolve problems from the Enterprise Service Desk. This allows for more efficient management of their heterogeneous computer environment by having real-time access to inventory and event information — regardless of platform. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.peregrine.com.  

New Ziatech CompactPCI Board Accepts Two PMC Cards
A new 6U CompactPCI board that accommodates two Peripheral Mezzanine Card (PMC) slots is available from Ziatech Corporation, a leading supplier of CompactPCI computer products. The new ZT 5610 Dual PMC Carrier Board features locations for two single modules or one double PMC module. I/O connections are available through the front of the PMC modules, or, for applications requiring rear panel I/O, via the J3 and J4 connectors on the CompactPCI backplane. In addition to its two PMC card slots, the ZT 5610 Dual PMC Carrier Board features a Digital Semiconductor PCI-to-PCI bridge chip to ensure that the board meets the PCI load requirements of CompactPCI. For more information, contact the company at 805-541-0488.

Corel’s WordPerfect Integrates Dragon Systems’ Natural Speech Recognition
Dragon Systems, Inc., and Corel Corp. announced a strategic alliance designed to bring speech recognition capabilities to millions of Corel WordPerfect word processing users worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement, a copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a large vocabulary continuous speech recognition product for general purpose use, will be integrated into Corel WordPerfect. It will also be incorporated into the Corel WordPerfect product line, including the English versions of the Corel WordPerfect Suite 8 and Corel WordPerfect Suite 8 Legal Edition due to ship this spring. International language versions are scheduled to be available later this year. For more information, visit Corel’s Web site at www.corel.com. 

Witness Systems Enhances Call Center Monitoring Quality
Witness Systems, Inc., announced a new technology designed for call center managers that allows them to perform random monitoring based on specific events, such as Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS). The new software is an enhancement to the company’s WITNESS client/server voice and data monitoring solution. The WITNESS event monitoring systems can view any incoming calls delivered to a particular customer service representative from the ACD as an event, allowing call center managers to hone in on specific campaigns or callers. The enhancements expand the application’s random monitoring feature to include recording based on events. WITNESS supports Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2, Sun Solaris, 3270 and AS/400, and Unix workstations. For more information, contact the company at 770-754-1900.

Power & Data Technology Announces New Network Power Manager
Power & Data Technology, Inc. (PDT), manufacturer of power equipment, announced the release of the PDT Network Power Manager. The Network Power Manager combines intelligent AC and DC remote power management with dynamic on-line power conditioning and backup in one small 19" or 23" rackmount package. The Network Power Manager meets the four most requested power demands of today’s system managers and designers: �Clean, stable AC power. �Extended ride-through and backup. �Regulated DC power. �Remote power management. An expansion bus allows users to daisy chain up to 15 additional units for a total of 128 controllable outputs. For more information, contact the company at 408-629-3550.

Cayman Intros Plug & Play Integrated Router, SDSL Modem
Cayman Systems introduced the Cayman SDSL1400, a fully functional plug and play SDSL small office router fully interoperable with most CO equipment vendors’ products on the market. This customer premise device allows small offices to network computers into a LAN and then connect them to the Internet at symmetric speeds of up to 768 Kbps. The Cayman SDSL1400 plug and play router has been optimized for use in the non-technical small office environment. The unit can be managed through a Web browser, eliminating cross-platform issues. In the SOHO environment, the user simply connects the Ethernet and SDSL lines to the router and the Cayman SDSL1400 does the rest, configuring TCP/IP for the entire office. For more information, contact Heidi Clark at 781-279-1101.

Lucent Unveils Breakthrough Call Center Software
Lucent Technologies announced new technology for its CentreVu Call Center Solutions. Called CentreVu Advocate and CentreVu Virtual Routing, the system software developed by Bell Laboratories uses predictive algorithms to solve common call center problems: How to simultaneously provide individual customer care faster, leverage agent expertise and time more effectively, increase revenue, reduce operating expenses, and simplify call center management. CentreVu Advocate makes real-time decisions based on a business’ objectives for the level of care they want to give customers, how it wants to optimize agent skills and time, its sales goals, and the expense it is willing to allocate to meet those goals. CentreVu Virtual Routing works together with Advocate and considers a range of variables before selecting the best call center agent for the call. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.lucent.com.  

Applied Voice Technology Unveils New AgentXpress Version
Applied Voice Technology, Inc., introduced Version 4.0 of AgentXpress for Windows NT, the latest release of its award-winning Windows NT-based call center management system. Version 4.0 doubles AgentXpress’ capacity, to support for 192 agents and 240 trunks in a single system. Also new is PCAgent, a call management application with an easy-to- use GUI. Agents point and click to execute telephony and call center- related tasks such as call transfer, conferencing, sign-in and out, wrap up, agent status, emergency alert, and call coding. Administration can be performed over the Internet allowing managers to make immediate changes and updates to system configurations. Skill-based routing capabilities in the new version have also been enhanced. For more information, contact AVT at 425-820-6000.

Alcatel, Schlumberger, Sendit Combine For Wireless E-Mail Application
Three telecommunications companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a wireless e-mail application based on GSM (a set of standards specifying infrastructure for digital cellular service) smart cards. Using the potential of the latest GSM specification, Alcatel, Schlumberger, and Sendit have created an open and versatile system for adding Internet e-mail capability to mobile phones. The technology promises to deliver Internet-based e-mail and other services to mobile users at extremely low cost, by exploiting the independent computing capability of the economic subscriber smart card modules incorporated in digital cellular phones. By utilizing industry standards, the application could be implemented by any network operator in the world to provide the foundation for advanced data communication services for users. For more information, visit the companies’ Web sites at www.alcatel.com/gsm, www.slb.com, and www.sendit.se.  

Force Unveils CompactPCI System With Integrated H.110 Bus
Force Computers announced its Pentura CompactPCI product family, and introduced the the Centellis CT 16000 CompactPCI system with an integrated H.110 computer telephony bus. The Centellis CT 16000 delivers up to one-third the I/O density of industrial PCs with 14 high-density 6U CompactPCI slots, implemented in two, 7-slot user I/O segments with the H.110 CT bus. H.110 leverages the successes of the SCBus and MVIP standards. The Centellis CT 16000 with H.110 on CompactPCI delivers a fluid interoperation of components to provide flexibility in product design and operation. Depending upon the configuration, the system can offer up to three times the line density of traditional solutions available with industrial PCs. PCI bandwidth, at 132 MB/second, delivers high-speed data communications. For more information contact the company at 408-369-6000.

NewVoice Changes Name, Identity For Closer Ties To MUSIC Corp.
NewVoice, Inc., a supplier of voice and fax processing components for use in computer telephony systems, announced its name change to MUSIC Telecom, Inc. Effective immediately, the company will market, promote, and sell its award-winning family of telephony products under the MUSIC Telecom company name. MUSIC Telecom joins MUSIC Semiconductors as a part of MUSIC Corp. According to Steve Stas, president of MUSIC Corp., NewVoice is changing its name to MUSIC Telecom in order to more efficiently design and develop products under the MUSIC name. MUSIC Telecom is committed to offering a wide selection of attractively priced, innovative CTI components to meet customers’ ever-changing needs. For more information, contact the company at 908-684-1300.

Ericsson, AVT Sign Agreement To Deliver Unified Messaging Worldwide
Ericsson and Applied Voice Technology, Inc., announced the signing of an OEM agreement that encompasses joint product development, and Ericsson marketing the AVT family of Windows NT-based unified messaging and computer telephony products. The world-wide agreement brings together the two companies’ telecommunications, messaging, and computer telephony products to provide customers access to a comprehensive product portfolio. Under the conditions of the long-term agreement, Ericsson will integrate AVT’s Windows NT-based unified messaging applications into Ericsson’s Consono offering of business solutions as well as for the BusinessPhone family of small office systems. For more information, contact Paul Lindquist (Ericsson) at 714-236-6722.

NexPath Ships Network-Based Communications Server
NexPath Corporation announced it is shipping the first commercial implementation of a network-based communications server supporting the Simple Computer Telephony Protocol. The 1998 software release for NexPath’s NTS Comm Server contains a complete, open implementation of NexPath’s version of socket-based SCTP, called NSCTP. All NTS Comm Servers also ship with a client/server dialer application called NexDial, a native Windows tool that uses NSCTP for call control. NexPath is ready to release an NSCTP-based Call Director with complete line and station visibility for an operator’s console, and other NSCTP tools are expected to be released later this year. Since it is network socket based, NSCTP can easily be programmed using Java, Visual Basic, or C++. For more information, contact the company at 800-929-8916.

Sound Blaster Certified Computer Microphones From Shure
Designed specifically for computer speech applications, five new microphones were introduced by Shure Brothers, Inc. The microphones are suitable for speech recognition, dictation, PC-based video conferencing, computer telephony, and command and control operations, and three of the headsets are Sound Blaster certified. The HW505 model has a lightweight, over-the-ear design. The unidirectional electret microphone is outfitted with a flexible boom that can be positioned for optimal voice pickup. The HW505 comes with a standard 10-foot attached cable and a 3.5mm stereo phone plug. For more information, contact the company at 800-25-SHURE.

M Technology Motherboard Cuts Telecom Costs
M Technology, Inc., is shipping the Mustang Ultra-R547 — a motherboard with extra ISA bus expansion slots to lower the cost of telecom hardware for VARs and businesses. M Technology’s new board solves some design problems and costs that occur when a motherboard has only four ISA slots. Many VARs and businesses are forced to buy more expensive rackmounted server chassis with open backplanes that provide enough ISA slots to accommodate telecom functions. With six full-length ISA expansion slots and just two 32-bit PCI Bus Master slots, the Mustang system board provides greater flexibility and cost savings. A telecom server can now be built using a standard mini-tower enclosure or rackmount chassis, and then be easily expanded. For more information, contact the company at 408-441-8818.

Telco Research Debuts TRU SNMP For PBX Fault Management
Telco Research Corporation introduced TRU SNMP, a universal PBX fault management solution that allows real-time alarms from heterogeneous phone systems to be displayed at SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) network control centers. TRU SNMP permits diverse PBX systems to be monitored with a single tool, SNMP, which is the industry standard for managing computer devices such as hubs, routers, and Ethernet switches. TRU SNMP collects alarm information, ranks each incident according to the level of severity, and delivers the information to the network control center along with details of the event, probable cause, and troubleshooting suggestions. PBX equipment adjustments then can be made over the TCP/IP connection, allowing problems to be corrected remotely. For more information, contact the company at 800-488-3526.

Bay Networks, NetSpeak Join For Voice- And Fax-Over-IP Solutions
Bay Networks, Inc., and NetSpeak Corp., a leading developer and marketer of IP telephony technology, announced they have signed an OEM and joint development agreement to provide sophisticated, system-oriented voice-and fax-over-IP solutions to enterprise and service provider customers. The Bay Networks/NetSpeak solution gives customers cost savings for long-distance voice communications on IP, while also enabling value-added applications that combine voice, video, and data. Bay Networks will integrate NetSpeak’s voice and fax technologies into its Baystack remote access and router platforms to deliver next-generation gateway devices which convert voice and fax signals into IP traffic. Additionally, Bay Networks will resell NetSpeak’s scalable suite of IP telephony server software, which supports an array of value-added services. For more information, contact NetSpeak at 888-NETSPEAK, or Bay Networks at 800-8-BAYNET.

Persoft Improves Performance for Remote Users With Persona 3.1
Persoft is shipping version 3.1 of its Persona Web-to-host product. Using a Windows NT server and a Java thin client solution, Persona provides users access to information on host-based systems (IBM mainframes, AS/400s, Unix, Digital, and Data General) through a platform-independent Web browser. Persona version 3.1 release contains improved performance for remote users and local printing. QuickLink, a new 3.1 feature, provides faster connection time for remote users with modem connections or limited bandwidth. QuickLink is a locally installed Java client that significantly reduces host connection time across a slow link. For more information, contact the company at 608-273-6000.

Picazo Releases Second Generation Of Its Display Phone
Picazo Communications, Inc., manufactures the Dash system of PC-based PBXs. Building on that experience, Picazo introduced the latest version of the Dash Display Phone, the DP200, which incorporates several new functions. The phone offers a standard feature button to access voice mail directly, which frees up one of the programmable feature buttons. Other button updates include two display feature buttons located just below the character display that allow the user to scroll through status displays, such as caller ID name/number, and status of different ACD groups. Another enhancement to the DP200 is the headset mode. The speakerphone feature button is then utilized to answer calls, access a line, or to hang up. For more information, contact the company at 408-383-9300.

Iterated Systems Launches Video Technology Optimized For ADSL, Digital Cable
Iterated Systems, Inc., a developer of next-generation digital imaging technology, announced the launch of a bandwidth-efficient ADSL-ready digital video technology. The technology will enable the delivery of high-speed, entertainment-quality video over Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines (ADSL) and emerging high-speed digital cable. The new technology provides digital video for the new ADSL application bandwidths where MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 break down. The entertainment-quality digital video technology is specifically optimized for high-speed ADSL delivery rates. It can provide full-screen, full-motion video within a data rate range of 500,000 to 1.2 Mbps on a standard PC. Iterated Systems is selecting OEM partners to leverage this technology to develop the next generation of networked digital video applications and services. For more information, contact the company at 404-264-8000.

AIC’s FutureMail System Provides Voice, Fax, and Fax-on-Demand
Advanced Image Communications (AIC) announced FutureMail, which is targeted to small office/home office (SOHO) users. The system combines voice mail, fax, and fax-on-demand functionality into a single stand-alone device. After being programmed through a Windows utility, the unit attaches to a standard telephone line and works independently of a PC, collecting incoming faxes and voice mail messages, or responding to fax-on- demand requests. It can then be connected to the computer system for reprogramming or message/fax retrieval. Built-in batteries power FutureMail during external power failures. FutureMail provides eight voice mailboxes, an incoming fax box, a fax-on-demand box, and a supervisory Owner box. For more information, contact the company at 510-947-1097.

Teloquent’s ContactServer Turns PBXs Into Virtual Call Centers
Teloquent Communications Corp., a provider of virtual call center solutions, announced ContactServer, a new telephone network interface and voice processing system for its Distributed Call Center solution. Teloquent’s Distributed Call Center is a fully featured, switchless ACD that provides call center solutions, including CTI and multimedia. The integration of multimedia enables organizations to offer support services through whatever type of contact their customers prefer. With ContactServer, Distributed Call Center is now capable of building virtual call centers by leveraging both PBX and Centrex systems. Teloquent’s ContactServer will work in many types of public or private telephone network environments, making it network independent. For more information, contact the company at 800-468-6434.