December 1997
CTI NEWS
Panasonic Launches First
Internet Fax sss
L & H Announces
Phonetic Speech Softwarefor Embedded Products
Synctronics Custom Keysets
Increase Productivity
Mitel Designs
VoicemailApplication For Small Businesses
Application For
ALTechs Latest Speech Recognition Software
Black Ice Updates Fax
Development Kit
Dataquest Says Voicetek Is
Fastest Growing IVR Company
Brooktrout Adds TR Series
Product Line for PCI
Netaccess Introduces
PCI-based, 4-Port BRI ISDN WAN With U Interfaces
Virtual Network For
Global IP Telephony Completed By Pairit.com
Clarent Gateway 2.0
Brings Business-Ready Features to IP Telephony
American Power Conversion
Announces Telecom UPS
Chassis Plans Offers
Low-Cost High-Performance 20-Slot Chassis
Intelects
Videoconferencing Software Boasts IP
Mosaixs ViewStar
5.0 Sets New Standard For Workflow Systems
Telco Research Announces
Usage-Sensitive Accounting Tool
Norweb, Nortel Push Data
Over Home Power Lines
NMS Evolves New Telecom
Developer Application
MediaSoft, CTI Authority
Release IVS Software SDK For Windows NT
Force Computers Intros
New CompactPCI CPUs
Dialogics ATM
Server Solutions Equal Lower Cost Enterprise Applications
JE Mail-Call Makes E-mail
Accessible By Phone
Enhancements to Fusion
Made by Natural MicroSystems
Franklin Ready To Ship
Tempest Data/Voice Gateway
New Development Board
Created By DSP Research
TAPI Applications Can Now
RunOn Dialogics CT Media
Octel Selected To Provide
USC With Integrated Voice Messaging System
Industrial Computer
Source 7700 ChassisProvides Major Expansion Capability
First Commercial
ViaDSPs PacketTel Provides Complete VoIP Gateway Solution
NetCentric Deploys
FaxStorm Internet Faxing Technology
HT Comm Product Connects
PCs To Internet Via Frame Relay
Dual Pentium SBC Offered
By Texas Micro
I-Bus Launches New
Product Lines For 1998
AVTs CallXpress3
Voice And Call Processing System Updated
Clarify Introduces
ClearLogistics Depot Repair For Front-Office Industry
Hypercom Adds Support For
Voice Over IP
Key Voices Small
Office Lite: Voice Processing At A Small Price
New Upgrade From
Perimeter For Centrex-Based ACDs
White Pine Launchesb
MeetingPoint Conference Server
Periphonics Update
Enables WWW Access Via IVR
NHC Communications
Installs Hundreds of ShareIt Switching Systems
Osicom CompactPCI LAN
Adapters Boast Many Industry Firsts
Newbridge Offers Multiple
Classes of Service For Voice Communications
Nuera Demos Voice Over/
Frame Gateway Server
Envox Releases Wave
Editor 1.16
VTG Begins Beta Testing
of PremisMail v7.5
ACC Offers SOHO CTI
Application,Integrating ISDN Voice, Data On Desktop
Witness Systems Unveils
New Evaluation and Report Solution For Call Centers
All-In-One Calling
Solution From APEX Voice
CallWare Enters Fax
Market With CallWare FAX
NetSpeak Announces 96/120
Port IP Telephony Gateway Products
Needs of Telecom OEMs Met
By New Force Computers Modules
MRA Technologies Debuts
New Digital Recording Interface
Raritan Computer
Introduces 8-Channel CompuSwitch
VocalTec Launches Virtual
Worldwide PC-to-Phone Calling Network
Alarms Become
Alphanumeric With Inter Pages New Interface
Cintech, Nortel Unveil
Multimedia Frame Relay
Solution From Cabletron
RealCT From Rhetorex
Simplifies CT Application Development on Windows NT
Siemens Introduces
Corporate VoIP Solution
Wright Line Introduces
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Ziatech Demonstrates
CompactPCI Hot Swap Concept
e-Net Introduces
T1/E1/PRI Digital Trunk Interface For Virtual Voice Routing
Wizzard Intros Voice
Recognition Email
CTI BRIEFS
CGX
CommunicationsLaunches Personal LAN
MCI Fights Hackers For
Free
3Com, Newbridge,Siemens
Unite For New
Real-Time Directory
Assistance Debuts On The Web
Open Protocol For
Internet Call Control Developed
Matsushita Chooses CITEL
Technologies
Dictaphone, DST Ally For
Call Center Solutions
Banksoft Acquires Three
Canadian Companies
Summa Four Unveils New
Network Interface Card
Teltrust Wins 2-Year
Omnipoint Contract
Racal Recorders Teams
With ISI
ViaDSP and SkyWave Bring
VoIP to Japan
Brite To Handle Prepaid
Telephony In Greece
NC Vendor Scores Deal
With DialAmerica
Micron Adds Voice-Enabled
Browser to Web Site
NACT Signs License
Agreement With Trillium
InterVoice Completes
Network Equipment Building Systems Tests
Keyware Provides
Telephony Voice Verification
Genesys Partners With
Carnegie In Call Centers
Blue Pumpkin Releases New
Forecasting and Scheduling System
Ariel Launches VAR
Program for RASCAL
NTC Announces PC Phone
Calls Over Its Global Network
Panasonic Launches First Internet Fax sss
Panasonic Office Products Co. unveiled an Internet fax machine, the Panafax UF-770i. It is
designed to reduce phone charges for organizations that send frequent global or
long-distance faxes. The Panafax is a hardwarebased solution that sends and receives
documents, pictures, photos, hand-written messages, and e-mail over the Internet by
scanning documents and compressing them into binary images. Instead of entering a phone
number, the user dials an e-mail address on the keypad and only pays for local Internet or
network access. The Panafax UF-770I offers high-quality plain paper printing, and photos
and text can be reproduced on the same page due to Panasonics Facsimile Image
Processor chip. Panafax 770 users can upgrade their unit by installing an upgrade kit. For
more information, contact the company at 800-742-8086.
L & H Announces Phonetic Speech Softwarefor Embedded Products
Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products introduced the ASR1600, a phonetic-based speech
recognition engine for embedded products. The ASR1600 engine employs automatic speech
recognition (ASR) technology, allowing machines to recognize and respond to spoken words.
The ASR1600 complements L & Hs existing ASR200 word-based engine, which is
designed for noisy surroundings requiring lower memory or processors. The ASR1600 uses
phonetic recognition algorithms, and therefore supports flexible speakerindependent
vocabularies without requiring time-consuming data collection or training by the end user
or applications developer. For more information, contact Audrey Pobre at 617-221-8341.
Synctronics Custom Keysets Increase Productivity
For a faster way to train employees, and for an inexpensive method of increasing employee
productivity, custom computer keysets may be the answer. Synctronics uses colorful custom
keys to quickly point out the shortcuts available in your current software, such as
Send Info, Edit Record, or Fax. Increased call
throughput is assured with function keys tailored to your specific needs. How fast can
custom keysets pay off for your organization? Visit the companys Web site at www.synctronics.com to enter your information into a
Return on Investment calculator, which can tell you whether custom keysets can pay off for
your organization. For more information, contact Mike Sinclair at 800-444-5397.
Mitel Designs VoicemailApplication For Small Businesses
Mitel Corp. introduced Mitel Mail Lite, a voicemail application designed for small
businesses that delivers sophisticated call processing functionality in a cost-effective
solution. Mitel Mail Lite offers many of the same features found in the companys
larger Mitel Mail application, but at a price/performance ratio optimized for growing
businesses. As companies grow, a software option allows users to easily upgrade their 4
port, 10 hour message storage Mitel Mail Lite configuration to Mitel Mail, expanding to as
many as 24 ports and 55 hours of message storage. Mitel Mail Lite delivers the feature set
that small businesses demand, including voice messaging, auto attendant, ease of use,
investment protection, and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit the
companys Web site at www.mitel.com
Application For ALTechs Latest Speech Recognition Software
Applied Language Technologies, Inc. announced that United Airlines completed the first
phase of deployment of an employee reservations system. Created using ALTechs new
SpeechWorks 3.0 speech recognition software, the automated voice response system
understands spoken word and phrases and engages callers in natural dialogues. SpeechWorks
3.0 builds upon state-of-theart speech recognition technology and object-oriented building
blocks, known as DialogModules, to deliver significant enhancements in vocabulary size and
natural language capabilities. With this system, United employees can book their own
travel quickly and easily, without having to speak to a reservation agent. United Airlines
therefore lowers employee servicing costs, while end users benefit from a more flexible,
intuitive interface. For more information, contact Alisa Moyer at 617-428-4444.
Black Ice Updates Fax Development Kit
Black Ice Software released its Fax C++/OCX Version 5.0 with new features including voice,
DTMF, and TAPI-compliance. It is the only voice/fax development toolkit that provides a
unified API for all major modem vendors, including Brooktrout, Dialogic, Hayes, Zoom, and
Boca. It supports an unlimited number of ports and is royalty free. With a single API,
Black Ices software allows the user to build voice/fax and IVR applications such as
fax servers, fax-on-demand, and call center applications. Fax C++/OCX was the winner of
FAX Focus 1997 Best of Fax award for best software development kit. For more
information, contact Lisa Pitcher at 603-673-1019.
Dataquest Says Voicetek Is Fastest Growing IVR Company
Voicetek Corp. is the fastest growing supplier in the interactive voice response (IVR)
market, according to research released by Dataquest. Voicetek attributes its expanding
market share to a concentration on providing customer-accepted open solutions, and the
broadening of its traditional market focus beyond large enterprises to include telcos and
other network service providers. Voicetek has emerged as a significant force in providing
platforms and applications (such as MaxReach, an integrated suite of AIN-based services)
now at the forefront of the convergence between computer telephony applications and
network services markets. For more information, contact John Hill at 978-250-7641.
Brooktrout Adds TR Series Product Line for PCI
Brooktrout Technology, Inc. announced its TR Series PCI product line, commercially
available multichannel fax and voice boards for PCI bus computers. This includes its TR114
Series Universal Port fax and voice boards and Network Interface Cards. The TR Series
boards provide the same functionality, robustness, and reliability as the current ISA bus
versions of Brooktrouts TR114 Series fax and voice boards. The TR Series PCI line
mirrors the companys ISA product line. The boards will be delivered in the same
configurations as existing TR114 Series ISA boards, including 2 and 4 channel boards with
loop start and DID interfaces, and 4 and 8 channel boards with MVIP and SCBus interfaces.
For more information, visit the companys Web site at www.brooktrout.com
Netaccess Introduces PCI-based, 4-Port BRI ISDN WAN With U Interfaces
OEMs can now integrate PCIbased 4-port basic rate ISDN cards with U interfaces into their
computer telephony applications, with the release of Netaccess BRI-PCI8 card. The
card is the newest member of the Netaccess OEM WAN access product series. The card
supports high-performance or digital voice communication for systems that comply with the
2.1 PCI specification. Applications include videoconferencing, CTI, WAN access, IVR, and
remote LAN access. The BRI-PCI8 is designed to maximize functionality by utilizing an
optional mezzanine board for MVIP interface, enabling direct connection to other cards. It
also supports the BONDING protocol to combine B channel bandwidth to create higher total
data transmission rates for uses in videoconferencing applications. For more information,
contact the company at 603-898-1800.
Virtual Network For Global IP Telephony Completed By Pairit.com
Pairit.com, a division of CY Worldtalk, Inc., has completed the design and implementation
of its worldwide virtual Internet telephony network. In addition, the company also
announced it has begun final testing of its new service offering Duet, which provides
clear, crisp Internet connectivity to any phone, anywhere, at substantial savings over
traditional international and long-distance rates. Unlike other PC-to-PC IP telephony
applications which require both parties to own a multimedia Internetenabled PC and be
online simultaneously, the Pairit solution allows customers to initiate calls from the
Internet and call anyone at any phone, cellular phone, or pager. The party receiving the
call will not notice any difference from a conventional phone call. For more information,
contact Wymond K. Choy at 510-943-2963.
Clarent Gateway 2.0 Brings Business-Ready Features to IP Telephony
Clarent Corp. announced Clarent Gateway 2.0, which adds significant new features to its
existing Internet telephony product. With the new version, customers are offered improved
telephony connections, enhanced scalability, and expanded management features. Using
Clarents new product, corporate customers can quickly realize long-distance savings,
while telephony service providers can benefit from increased revenues and better
management of their billing and reporting infrastructure. New features offered include
realtime fax; refined management capabilities; redundant architecture for fault tolerance;
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support; and support for SS7 for improved
carrier connections and greater scalability. For more information, contact David Keeler at
650-306-7545.
American Power Conversion Announces Telecom UPS
American Power Conversion (APC) announced an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) designed
specifically for the telecommunications industry that accommodates both the popular
rack-server environment and the limited space available for telecommunications equipment.
The Smart-UPS rack-mount XLT 1400 and 2200 not only provides the reliability and
functionality found in the current Smart-UPS line, but also offers 208 Vac power output to
ensure maximum uptime for comput-erbased telecom systems such as PBXs. In addition, APC
added the Smart-UPS 3000 rack-mount with both 208 Vac and 120 Vac output in 3U size.
Mounted in 19-inch racks, the Smart-UPS RMT3U and RMXLT may be managed remotely via a
modem or SNMP and can be fully integrated into dry contact environments. For more
information, contact Juli Dexter at 800-788-2208 x2373.
Chassis Plans Offers Low-Cost High-Performance 20-Slot Chassis
Chassis Plans, Inc., announced their Model 717, a new highperformance 20-slot rack mount
chassis. The 100 piece price for this chassis can be as low as $750 including the PCI
backplane and 300 watt power supply. The Model 717 computer offers the following features
required by mission-critical applications: 20 full-length slots for ISA/EISA/PCI
backplanes; dual redundant power supplies to 450 watts each; systems monitor including fan
failure detection, temperature, and watch dog timer; filtered forced pressure cooling air;
2 each front-accessible floppies and 5.25 devices; 2 internal 5.25 x 1
hard drives; 6 internal 3.5 hard drives; and a swing-down service bay for fast, easy
access to power supplies and drives. For more information, contact David Lippincott at
619-521-0101.
Intelects Videoconferencing Software Boasts IP
Intelect Visual Communications has released LANscape 2.0, a LANbased desktop
videoconferencing product that incorporates IP Multicast support for one-to-many or
many-to-many multipoint conferencing in multiple windows without Multipoint Conferencing
Units (MCU). LANscape 2.0 also utilizes Wavelet compression technology for high picture
quality with low network impact and without distortion or degradation at scalable frame
rates from 30 to 5 frames per second. LANscape 2.0 takes advantage of the developing
PC-based Multimedia features that include Microsofts Direct Draw and Direct Sound,
and highspeed PCI bus-mastering technology. For more information, contact Mary McNally at
212-317-9600.
Mosaixs ViewStar 5.0 Sets New Standard For Workflow Systems
Mosaix, Inc., unveiled a new breed of workflow software, ViewStar 5.0, with full Internet
and computertelephony integration capabilities. The softwares workflow engine allows
companies to manage phone calls and the actions they trigger such as back-office
customer fulfillment tasks as part of a coherent business process. The integrated
workflow and call handling capabilities enable companies to improve operational
efficiencies and deliver more effective, highly personalized service. The software is
specifically designed to help companies foster consumer loyalty and prevent customer
turnover. ViewStar 5.0 software sets a new standard by going beyond the scope of
traditional workflow systems, which have generally focused on automating backoffice
business processes only. For more information, contact John Tarabini at 510-337-2115.
Telco Research Announces Usage-Sensitive Accounting Tool
Telco Research Corp. introduced TRU RADIUS Accountant, a usagesensitive accounting tool
that permits organizations to track Internet calls by remote users for billback,
budgeting, facilities management, and network policy enforcement purposes. An open
accounting solution designed for all routers and firewalls that comply with the RADIUS
standard for remote dialin authentication, the software monitors and analyzes every facet
of network usage by mobile and home users to provide the markets most comprehensive
remote accounting system. The TRU RADIUS Accountant tracks usage by service enabling
organizations to determine how much time individual remote users are spending on specific
activities such as email, Web browsing, and file transfers. For more information, contact
Dave Lidyard at 615-231-6110.
Norweb, Nortel Push Data Over Home Power Lines
Northern Telecom and Britains Norweb Communications unveiled a new technology that
allows reliable, low-cost, high-speed access to the Internet through the domestic
electricity supply. The two groups say their patented technology would allow power firms
to convert their infrastructures into information access networks. The companies say they
can shunt data and possibly voice over power lines into the home at up to
one megabit per second without distortion from the fuzz of electrical
interference on the lines. This is up to 10 times faster than ISDN. All consumers need is
the equipment developed by Nortel and Norweb: an extra card for personal computers;
software to handle subscription, security, and authentication services; and a small box
that is installed next to the electricity meter. The box sends and receives that data and
is linked to a PC through an ordinary coaxial cable. For more information, contact
Michelle Murray at 770-661-4434.
NMS Evolves New Telecom Developer Application
Natural MicroSystems announced Alliance Generation 2 , an evolution of their award-winning
product family that offers developers of telecommunications applications faster
processing, increased scalability, and easier customization. Based on a new generation of
digital signal processors (DSP), Alliance Generation 2 provides developers with more than
a sixfold increase in processing power over some competing products. As a result,
NMS product will be able to build application platforms that support higher port
densities and more sophisticated features at a lower cost per port. Alliance Generation 2
s architecture also minimizes latency due to vocoder processing. For more
information, contact Chris Ward at 508271-1243.
MediaSoft, CTI Authority Release IVS Software SDK For Windows NT
MediaSoft, a computer telephony and Internet software manufacturer, and CTI Authority, a
value-added distributor of computer telephony integration released MediaSofts
latestgeneration IVS software development kit (SDK) for Windows NT under a redefined
distribution agreement. This newly-configured SDK offers developers access to the full
suite of IVS technology options using the client/server capabilities of Windows NT. The
SDK 4-port package for Windows NT now offers developers access to deluxe package that
includes such options as fax, digital telephony, voice recognition, text-to-speech,
unified messaging, Web access, CT-Connect, TCP/IP for data communications, SCSA for speech
and telephony resource sharing, SQL and ODBC database support, and more. For more
information, contact Gabor Barta at 514-731-3838.
Force Computers Intros New CompactPCI CPUs
Force Computers, a subsidiary of Solectron Corp., introduced a suite of CompactPCI (cPCI)
products based on the industrys leading processor families: SPARC, Pentium, and
PowerPC. Force is offering the CompactPCIbased product line to solidify the new
technologys position in the telecommunications and industrial control markets. All
the newly announced boardlevel products will be available as configuration options in
Forces Pentura family of CompactPCI systems. The products include the CPCI-360x,
CPCI-520, and CPCI-720. CompactPCI provides companies designing complex embedded systems
with many of the cost benefits of the highvolume office/desktop market together with the
mechanical advantages of the leading bus architectures in embedded computing. For more
information, contact Mia Bradway at 408-369-6276.
Dialogics ATM Server Solutions Equal Lower Cost Enterprise
Applications
Dialogic Corp. announced the availability of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) server
solutions optimized for voice and data. The new ATM/25SC and ATM/155SC enable telcos, call
centers, international call-back service providers, and service bureaus to deploy systems
limited only by the capacity of their ATM switch. The new products allow developers to
maximize their investment in one unified network that can transport voice, video, and
data. The ATM/25SC and ATM/155SC provide a new benchmark for high-capacity, PC-based
switching. A 128,000 channel PC-based switch can now be built with a single 64-port, ATM
backbone switch in conjunction with multiple 16-port ATM workgroup switches. For more
information, contact Athena Mandros at 201-993-3000 x6548.
JE Mail-Call Makes E-mail Accessible By Phone
The new JE Mail-Call service for JE Software allows a user to listen to email messages by
simply dialing a touch-tone phone or cellular phone. Using a JE Mail-Call card, the user
dials into a central server, enters a confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN),
and listens to waiting email messages using text-to-speech software. After listening to
the e-mail, the message can be forwarded to any fax machine for a hard copy. And, messages
stay in the recipients PC inbox, allowing further processing when the user returns to his
computer. JE MailCall subscribers choose from a variety of voices, volume levels, and
words per minute. For more information, contact Joel Hudesman at 800-431-1348 x2230.
Enhancements to Fusion Made by Natural MicroSystems
Natural MicroSystems has enhanced Fusion, the industrys leading platform for
scalable IP telephony. Fusion is a hardware and software platform that provides developers
of PCbased telecommunications solutions with tools for building server-based IP telephony
applications. Fusion 2.0 adds support for the H.323 standard, enabling Internet telephony
gateways built with Fusion to support phone calls from a wide range of clients, including
Microsoft NetMeeting, Netscape Conference, VocalTec Iphone, Voxware Voxphone, and NetSpeak
Webphone. By enabling interoperability between clients, Fusion hopes to drive the creation
of new Internet telephony applications, such as LAN telephony, Internet call waiting, and
Web-enabled call centers. For more information, contact Chris Ward at 508-271-1243.
Franklin Ready To Ship Tempest Data/Voice Gateway
Franklin Telecom has announced the Tempest Data/Voice Gateway is available for shipment 45
days from receipt of order. The Tempest DVG supports telephone to telephone service over
the Internet. The Tempest allows a caller to place a call from any phone to any other
phone over an IP network. The private backbone supporting the call is invisible to the
user, who does not need to own a computer or have any special software. Franklins
digital signal processor (DSP) voice compression subsystem, an Ethernet interface, a
cross-point switch, T1 interface, and a telco line interface of 8 to 24 ports are all
contained in the Tempests rack-mount chassis with an optional, matching UPS. When
fully featured, Franklins Tempest DVG will support at least 9 value-added functions
including fax mail, international call back, follow me, and conference calling. For more
information, contact Helen West at 805-373-8688.
New Development Board Created By DSP Research
DSP Research released the TIGER 548/PC, a new DSP deployment based on the TMS320C548
family of digital signal processors from Texas Instruments. The TMS320C54x family
maximizes performance while reducing power consumption and system cost for high-volume,
wireless communications applications such as digital cellular telephony, pagers, personal
digital assistants, and wireless modems. The PC/AT board features telecommunications
peripherals especially suited for DSP software and system developers using the 80 MIPS
C548 DSP. Each TIGER 548/PC comes with 256 kilobytes of one wait state static RAM on
board. Input and output features include two channels of 16 bit, 50 kHz CD quality analog
I/O, with standard stereo mini phone jacks for microphone and line level input and output.
For more information, contact the company at 408-773-1042.
TAPI Applications Can Now RunOn Dialogics CT Media
Dialogic Corp. announced that CT Media, the industrys first open CT platform, will
support applications developed to Microsofts Telephony API (TAPI). TAPI apps will be
able to run on open servers using CT Media, allowing software developers to enhance their
applications with media processing capabilities and reach broader markets with their
products. CT servers that use CT Media can support multiple applications including
telephony switching, ACD, messaging, fax-on-demand, and information delivery services. CT
Media also enables TAPI and ECTF S.100 media applications to run on the same server,
efficiently leveraging hardware resources. Development releases of the CT Media TAPI
Service Provider package will be available in the first quarter of 1998. For more
information, contact Dialogic at 201-992-3000 or visit the CT Media Web site at www.dialogic.com/prod-ucts/ctmedia
Octel Selected To Provide USC With Integrated Voice Messaging System
Octel Communications Corp. announced a five-year, multimillion dollar contract with the
University of Southern California (USC) for voice messaging services. The agreement calls
for Octel Network Services (ONS), Octels voice messaging outsourcing business, to
provide full support of the campus 6,000 mailboxes. ONS will integrate three
digitally networked Octel Overture messaging platforms into USCs current voice
processing environment, providing features like call answering, twoway messaging, fax
capabilities, outcall to paging, and significant capacity for growth. In addition, ONS
will provide a broad range of services from network monitoring, maintenance, and
system administration, to Help Line, end user materials, and marketing programs for
the institutions faculty and administration. For more information, contact Greg
Klaben at 408-324-6571.
Industrial Computer Source 7700 ChassisProvides Major Expansion
Capability
Industrial Computer Source announced the 7700 series rackmounted Extended Chassis Series
for industrial and telecommunications applications. Key system benefits include a high
degree of system flexibility resulting in custom configurability for mission critical
applications requiring a large number of drives and board expansion slots. Six different
passive backplane options are available, as are both internal and external AC and DC power
supply options. Other features include: optional external power to 500 watt; hot swap 300W
N+1 redundant power supply (110/220VAC or 48VDC); up to 8 half-height disk drives with
secured access; and a 20slot single or split passive back-plane. Removable drive carriers
can be mounted in any drive bay to provide RAID capability. For more information, contact
the company at 800-677-7329.
First Commercial ViaDSPs PacketTel Provides Complete VoIP Gateway
Solution
ViaDSP, Inc., introduced the PacketTel-1000 Gateway, a self-contained carrier grade
platform that has been designed to give VARs, system integrators, and service providers an
open platform on which to build complete VoIP gateway solutions. The PacketTel-1000
Gateway is a reliable, scalable, compatible, and open platform which provides VoIP gateway
functionality to an external host computer through a socket-based API, the Gateway Control
Interface (GCI). PacketTel hardware support includes T1, E1, ISDN, and analog PSTN
connections and Ethernet IP connections. Software architecture for the gateway consists of
three components: the Packet InvisiLink layer that performs real-time video, echo
cancellation, and fax processing; a PacketTel Server layer that controls the gateway, and
performs routing, call connection, call recording, and remote management services; and the
socket-based GCI. For more information, contact David Penny at 508-369-0048.
NetCentric Deploys FaxStorm Internet Faxing Technology
NetCentric Corp. announced that two additional companies have deployed NetCentric FaxStorm
networks and are offering Internet fax service for their customers. Both services are
based on FaxStorm 2.0, NetCentrics latest release. The FaxStorm family of Internet
faxing products enables Internet and network operators to offer customers a simple way to
send and receive documents from the desktop directly over the Internet. By delivering
documents to standard fax machines and to PCs as e-mail attachments, FaxStorm unites two
of the most popular ways of sending business information. Currently, PSINet, .comfax, and
UltraNet Communications utilize NetCentrics technology. For more information,
contact the company at 888-767-9273.
HT Comm Product Connects PCs To Internet Via Frame Relay
HT Comm introduced the InternetFramer, a device that provides a PC or workstation with its
own 56 kbps frame relay connection to the Internet. The device is being marketed for
corporate networks, and as part of OEM solutions for connecting entire LANs to the
Internet. InternetFramer establishes a point-to-point session (PPP or SLIP) overhead
before transmitting to the network in order to maximize data throughput on the 56 kbps
connection. No special software is required. The product is also simple to install in a
remote office the unit discovers its own frame relay address and link
parameters when it is powered up, and can be configured by its host. InternetFramer has a
builtin EIA-232/V.35 synchronous interface with support for PPP and HDLC protocols. For
more information, contact the company at 800-HTC-4736.
Dual Pentium SBC Offered By Texas Micro
Texas Micro, Inc., has created a new range of dual Pentium single board computers (SBC)
which offer high-performance PCI/EISA slots. The PE5000(D)HX SBC family offers single or
dual Pentium processing power with speeds ranging from 100 MHz to 200MHz. The boards
feature the Intel 430HX chip set which supports error checking and correction (ECC) to
ensure data integrity and error-free performance. Up to 256 MB DRAM and 512 KB pipeline
burst synchronous L2 cache can be installed. The SBCs support standard on-board interfaces
for floppy drives, IDE drives, an RS-232 serial port and an RS-232/422/485 configurable
serial port. Additionally, one IEEE compatible bidirectional enhanced
parallel/capabilities port supplies superior I/O throughput. For more information, contact
John Halliburton at 713-541-8200 x297.
I-Bus Launches New Product Lines For 1998
I-Bus introduced its new Nautilus Pentium II-based passive backplane CPU board and the
5824 fault tolerant, 24-slot enclosure for computer telephony and communications server
applications at a trade show in Singapore last month. The Nautilus is a single or dual
Pentium II, initially available with 233 MHz and 266 MHz. It features an Ultra 2 Wide SCSI
interface, a USB interface, and up to 512 MB of DRAM using 2 DIMMs. The 5824 enclosure
includes hot-swappable power supplies for high availability CTI and telecom infrastructure
applications. For more information, contact IBus at 619-974-8400.
AVTs CallXpress3 Voice And Call Processing System Updated
Applied Voice Technology (AVT) announced CallXpress3 v4.02, a new version of its
multi-award winning voice and call processing system. The new version builds on the solid
foundation of the 4.0 release, and provides a full suite of comprehensive call management,
interactive voice response, and unified messaging. Key features of the release include
speech recognition, allowing users to select menu options over the telephone by speaking
the appropriate word or term, and dial pulse detection, which enables users of rotary
phones to navigate through the system. These features are beneficial to international
markets, which are the primary users of rotary telephones. For more information, contact
the company at 425-820-6000.
Clarify Introduces ClearLogistics Depot Repair For Front-Office
Industry
Clarify, a producer of customer-centric solutions for the front office, introduced an
addition to its ClearLogistics product family: ClearLogistics Depot Repair. Target
customers for the new Depot Repair module are manufacturers with numerous repair locations
worldwide and equipment that is complex, costly, and crucial to an end users
operation. ClearLogistics Depot Repair replaces cumbersome, error-prone manual tracking
methods and inflexible, homegrown mainframe systems with an integrated client/server
solution that leverages Clarifys advanced workflow technology and strong ownership
model. The module tracks everything associated with a repair request and makes certain the
process keeps moving forward. For more information, contact Clarify at 408-573-3000.
Hypercom Adds Support For Voice Over IP
With networking needs changing at unprecedented rates, Hypercom Network Systems has
expanded the Internet Protocol (IP) capabilities of its Integrated Enterprise Network
(IEN) switch/routers to give users the fullest range of choices in wide-area network
services. By enabling users to support and combine frame relay, ATM, and IP with one
common hardware infrastructure, IEN lets users strike the best bal-ance between quality of
service and bandwidth costs. Hypercom has long been an advocate of standardsbased
solutions. VoIP can be upgraded to any IEN switch/router by adding new software to
existing IEN router cards at no additional cost. For more information, contact Al Irato at
602-504-5000.
Key Voices Small Office Lite: Voice Processing At A Small Price
Key Voice Technologies, Inc., added Small Office Lite to its voice processing product
family. Small Office Lite (SO Lite) provides feature-rich voice processing in 2-port, 25
mailbox or 4port, 50 mailbox configurations. The product integrates with most phone
systems, and provides full auto-attendant and voice mail functionality using Key
Voices easy-to-use box setup architecture. Multiple subscriber greetings, call
queuing, call screening, call recording, automatic message forwarding, ACD, and digital,
voice, and standard pager notification are among the available call handling features. For
more information, contact Key Voice at 800-419-3800.
New Upgrade From Perimeter For Centrex-Based ACDs
Perimeter Technologys version 37.1 for its Centrex-based VU-ACD/100 Management
Information System for Automatic Call Distribution is now available. The VU-ACD/100 is in
use by over 4,700 call center managers in 700 sites worldwide. The enhanced version
provides greater management flexibility and reduced system costs in a user-friendly
package that is Year 2000 compliant. In addition, Perimeter has introduced a new messaging
option, Stat-VU Call Center Statistics Display, for the VU-ACD/100. VUACD/100 v37.1
interprets the call event data sent over the DMS-100 link to provide managers with
critical information necessary for proper management of available agent resources within
their call center operation. Information is offered in three critical areas: Real-Time
Operating Information, Historical Reporting and Data Archiving, and ACD Load Management
Access. For more information, contact Hillary Sprey at 603-645-1616 x363.
White Pine Launchesb MeetingPoint Conference Server
White Pine Software, Inc., has introduced MeetingPoint, a H.323 multimedia conference
server software package which provides a complete client/server solution for realtime
group conferencing and collaboration over managed IP networks, the Internet, and corporate
Intranets. By supporting the H.323 standard for conferencing over packet networks,
MeetingPoint will enable users of Microsofts NetMeeting, Intels Internet
Videophone, White Pines CU-SeeMe, and any other standardsbased client to participate
in full multi-point group conferences. Users will therefore be able to conference with
other parties using different software. MeetingPoint is available for Windows NT and for
the Solaris platform. For more information, contact Brian Lichorowic 603-886-9050.
Periphonics Update Enables WWW Access Via IVR
Periphonics Corp. announced version 5.2.1 of its VPS/is Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
system. The enhanced software supports PeriWeb, Periphonics robust software
environment for Web-based transaction processing services. Web browsers can provide an
alternate visual interface for many types of transactionoriented applications. PeriWeb
software facilitates this access mode with minimum changes to the application. A Web user
initiates a call to an application by clicking a hypertext link. PeriWeb
answers the call and routes it the proper application, which responds with a
request to generate a greeting. PeriWeb translates this request into a dynamic hypertext
document and sends it to the caller. The caller responds through forms or image maps, and
PeriWeb delivers those responses back to the application. For more information, contact
Karen Ferraro at 516-468-9276.
NHC Communications Installs Hundreds of ShareIt Switching Systems
NHC Communications, Inc., developer and manufacturer of connectivity and switching
solutions for LANs and WANs, announced it has installed more that 600 ShareIt switching
systems in little more than a year with North American ISPs. ShareIt is a cost-effective
WAN fallback solution for ISPs that allows a backup service connection to be brought
online quickly and easily, either by remote dial-up or by automatic preconfiguration, with
custom software control. By using ShareIt, ISPs not only benefit from ensuring continuous,
high quality of service, but also from a reduction in their maintenance costs. For more
information, visit the companys Web site at www.nhc.com
Osicom CompactPCI LAN Adapters Boast Many Industry Firsts
Osicom Technologies, Inc., introduced the industrys first CompactPCI (cPCI) family
of LAN adapters for FDDI, multi-port Fast Ethernet, and Fiber Ethernet. The companys
new product line includes twenty different models targeted at a broad range of OEM markets
including military, telecommunications, medical, industrial, and avionics. The 2200C
(FDDI), 2320C (dual port Fast Ethernet), and 2340C (quad port Fast Ethernet) series boards
are available for both 3U and 6U slots with a number of different connector options. The
Fast Ethernet cards support dual or quad port copper UTP connectors with auto negotiation.
A dual port fiber 100 Megabit version is also available. The boards are CompactPCI version
1.11 compatible with FCC class B and CE certification. For more information, contact the
company at 888-OSICOM8.
Newbridge Offers Multiple Classes of Service For Voice Communications
Newbridge Networks announced significant enhancements to its suite of advanced voice
solutions delivered by the MainStreet family of products. Newbridge has integrated the
latest standards-based voice compression capabilities into its 3600 and 3645 MainStreet
Bandwidth Managers, the 36120 MainStreet Packet Transfer Exchange frame relay system, and
the 3612 MainStreet Narrowband Multiplexer. Building on the addition of the 3608
MainStreet Packet Access Mux earlier this year, the enhanced MainStreet family provides
users with excellent price performance options for voice communications within end-toend
managed networks. With these enhancements, MainStreet products are positioned to deliver
mulitple classes of service for voice traffic. For more information, contact Paul Goyette
613-591-3600 x3319.
Nuera Demos Voice Over/ Frame Gateway Server
Nueras Access Plus F200ip voice FRAD/IP gateway server is now available. According
to Andy Voss, Nueras vice president of marketing, In a well-designed network,
Nueras enhancements in packet voice technology mean that carriers as well as
corporate and OEM networking customers can now achieve the same excellent quality over
frame relay or IP as over an ATM or TDM network, but with improved efficiency and greater
cost savings. The F200ip features E-CLEP along with Ethernet-based IP transmission
and serial frame relay trunks supporting full T1/E1 throughput. The F200ip offers
software-configurable analog voice interfaces, digital T1/E1 PBX interfaces, and capacity
for up to 30 voice/fax channels per unit. For more information, contact the company at
619-625-2400.
Envox Releases Wave Editor 1.16
Envox has released Wave Editor 1.16, a native 32-bit Windows application for the creation
and editing of sound files which now supports the following Dialogic cards: D/41D,
DIALOG/4, VFX/40, VFX/40ESC, VFX/40ESC+, D/41H, ProLine/2V, D41E, and D/41ESC. The Envox
Wave Editor simplifies the programming process, and negates the need for additional
compression and decompression software. It supports the use of most sound formats such as
Dialogic and Pika VAP files, Dialogic and Pika ADPCM, Mu-Law PCM, ALaw PCM, and Elan
Informatique. Designed to operate in the Windows 32-bit environment, the Wave Editor drag
and drop function was developed to allow sound files to be automatically converted when
dropped onto a different sound file. For more information, contact Karl Butler at +46 8
5625 6000 or e-mail him at [email protected].
VTG Begins Beta Testing of PremisMail v7.5
Voice Technologies Group, Inc., began beta testing of PremisMail v7.5, a unified messaging
system which interfaces to Lotus Notes in October. This unified messaging system enhances
Lotus Notes and adds value to this popular client application by providing users with
single-point access for email, voice, and fax messages from the Notes desktop. PremisMail
adds the voice mail component to Notes, permitting users to access, listen to, and manage
voice mail messages, as well as send and receive faxes, create e-mail, and manage
information in the way that works most productively for them from a phone, desktop PC, or
laptop. PremisMail is also compatible with Domino, allowing users to access their Notes
desktop via the Internet. For more information, contact Kathryn E. Apenowich at
716-689-6700.
ACC Offers SOHO CTI Application,Integrating ISDN Voice, Data On Desktop
Advanced Computer Communications (ACC) introduced Phone Wizard Gold, a desktop computer
telephony integration software for its Congo small office/home office (SOHO) ISDN voice
routers. Congo is a remote access product with CTI capabilities, including ISDN call
management and links to the popular contact management programs ACT! and GoldMine. A Java
applet for Windows 95, Phone Wizard provides a highly intuitive graphical user interface
for managing telephony and call control features on the Congo Voice Router. Driven by any
Java-compliant browser, users can initiate and receive phone calls from the Congos
POTS ports, and can link those calls to the ACT! or GoldMine application on their PC. For
more information, contact Andrew Chase at 805-685-4455.
Witness Systems Unveils New Evaluation and Report Solution For Call
Centers
Witness Systems announced a new Evaluation and Report product that offers call center
managers and supervisors adaptability in creating forms, reports, and graphs for
monitoring agents. The new module is an extension of the WITNESS client/server voice and
data monitoring application. Monitoring activity is summarized using the softwares
customized Form Generator and GraphBuilder systems. With the WITNESS Form Generator, users
can recreate their departments current forms electronically. The graphical user
interface allows users to drag and drop questions, headers, and objects where needed.
WITNESS is a heterogeneous client/server application that in a single installation
supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows 3.1/95/NT, OS/2, Sun Solaris,
3270, and AS/400 and UNIX workstations. For more information, contact Witness Systems at
770-754-1900.
All-In-One Calling Solution From APEX Voice
Pre-paid calling providers now have an option for unlimited network and service expansion
with the industrys first single system pre-paid calling platform. APEX Voice
Communications new system, AXIOM, can grow from a low end of 96-120 ports (four
T1/E1 links) capable of supporting up to 500,000 minutes per month, to client/server
network configurations supporting more than 2,400 lines and 20 million minutes per month.
The AXIOM platform supports worldwide telephony protocols, including standard and ISDN
protocols for T1 and E1, with SS7 available as an option. AXIOMs signaling power
allows single systems to be interfaced to multiple carriers. This lets service providers
locating positions in the U.S. set up least cost routing tables to maximize use of public
carriers. For more information, contact Elhum Vahdat at 818-379-8400 x104.
CallWare Enters Fax Market With CallWare FAX
CallWare Technologies, Inc., announced the availability of CallWare FAX, software that
provides advanced fax services for organizations of all sizes. With CallWare FAX, users
can send, receive, view, print, route, forward, and distribute faxes without ever leaving
their desks, resulting in better management of information and improved internal and
external communication. The CallWare FAX solution is ideal for all businesses, including a
range of those looking to eliminate the need to purchase fax machines, to those looking
for an integrated, enterprise-wide unified messaging solution. As a soft-wareonly
solution, CallWare FAX eliminates the need for expensive fax boards. CallWare FAX performs
advanced fax and computer telephony operations using Class 2 or Class 2.0 fax modems,
which greatly reduces a customers initial hardware costs. For more information,
contact Michael Lundberg at 801-984-1100 x6045.
NetSpeak Announces 96/120 Port IP Telephony Gateway Products
NetSpeak Corp. announced the newest addition to its WebPhone Gateway eXchange (WGX) line
of IP telephony gateway products. The new product, WGX-EP (Enhanced Platform), uses the
Natural MicroSystems Fusion development platform. The WGX-EP is the first of
NetSpeaks next generation IP telephony gateway products resulting from the recently
announced relationship between the two companies. The WGX-EP products are available in
port densities starting as low as 24 ports, and can be ordered with T1 or E1 interfaces,
or with the same number of standard analog interfaces for network installations where T1
or E1 services may not be available. The gateways are delivered fully integrated and
tested in an industrial-grade, rackmount chassis and built to a customers specific
order instructions. For more information, contact Harvey Kaufman at 561-997-4001.
Needs of Telecom OEMs Met By New Force Computers Modules
Force Computers brings their PMC/860, a PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) module that includes an
E1/T1 interface, TDM (time division multiplexing) telephony bus connectivity, and the
Motorola PowerQUICC processor, to the market. Composed of a processor subsystem, an I/O
subsystem, a switching subsystem, and a PCI interface, the PMC/860 provides OEMs with a
powerful building block for SS7, Link Access Protocol for the D channel (LAPD), V5.x, and
other applications in the telecom market. Because the PMC/860 is based on open standards,
the highperformance E1/T1 interface telecom controller can be used in conjunction with
different bus architectures and operating systems. For more information, contact Mia
Bradway at 408-369-6276.
MRA Technologies Debuts New Digital Recording Interface
DRI-8400, a new digital recording interface from MRA Technologies, Inc., allows a
telephone tap for all 2-wire digital phones of the Lucent Technologies Definity telephone
systems used in telemarketing and call centers. The DRI-8400 is an 8port card that
provides eight moni-tored channels which permit normal phone use, without excessive line
load. The interface is easy to install at the central PBX and is compatible with all
recording systems and call loggers. Company president Manny Armenta noted the product is
a new and elegant solution to the previous problem of handset taps for the Lucent
Technologies 8400 series digital phones. For more information, contact Manny Armenta
at 972-422-0050.
Raritan Computer Introduces 8-Channel CompuSwitch
Raritan Computer announced its 8-channel CompuSwitch, which complements Raritans
2channel and 4-channel models. CompuSwitch is priced up to 35 percent below similar
products. The 8channel model controls up to eight PCs, any combination of PS/2 and AT
systems, from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. CompuSwitch users Raritans
emulation technology which dedicates individual keyboard and mouse emulators to each PC.
Every connected PC sees its own keyboard and mouse all the time to preserve
flawless system booting and operation. CompuSwitch supports any mix of PCs with PS/2 mouse
and serial mouse ports and features a space-saving, 1.75 inch desktop chassis, a 1U
optional rackmount kit, hot-key commands, frontpanel selector and control buttons, and a
user-adjustable Scan function. For more information, contact John Owen at 732-764-8886
x1212.
VocalTec Launches Virtual Worldwide PC-to-Phone Calling Network
VocalTec Communications Ltd. launched the Internet telephony markets virtual
worldwide PC-to-standard telephone network. The network was created by VocalTec in
conjunction with qualified Internet Telephony service providers (ITSP) and with industry
support from Motorola, Dialogic, ITXC, Compaq, and DEC. Through the network, users with
dial-up Internet access anywhere in the world can dial from their PCs using the Internet
Phone to regular telephones everywhere. These connections are made through the first wave
of participating ITSPs in VocalTecs NextGen Telephony Program. NextGen is a
comarketing program based on the newly introduced Internet Phone 5 and the VocalTec
Telephony Gateway 3.1 server. For more information, contact VocalTec at 201-768-9400.
Alarms Become Alphanumeric With Inter Pages New Interface
Inter Page introduced an alarm panel contact transcoder for local area paging. The system
transmits a message to a standard radio pager when an alarm is triggered. When the alarm
panel relay is triggered or a change of state voltage signal is sensed at the contact
transcoder interface enclosure, a message is transmitted to an alphanumeric pager with a
detailed report of what event occurred. Each event can be preprogrammed with up to a
60character alphanumeric message. The contact enclosure interface is the link between the
alarm panel and the transcoder transmitter. The enclosure may be wired to accept 3 to 24
VDC, dry relay contacts, or change of state voltage. For more information, contact the
company at 561-844-7900.
Cintech, Nortel Unveil
MINUET ACD Northern Telecom and Cintech announced a flexible, costeffective automatic call
distribution (ACD) system, MINUET ACD, targeted for small formal and informal call
centers. MINUET supports up to 10 active agents and two ACD groups, as well as a variety
of features typical of more advanced call center products. The software offers call
queuing, call routing, multiple voice announcements, and statistics for performance
monitoring. It also features call categorization for better tracking and billing calls and
wrap time to let employees complete paperwork before handling another call. MINUET
provides realtime system configuration and administration and is aimed at departments,
work groups, and branch offices requiring minimal call handling supervision. For more
information, contact Robin Klayman at 800-833-3900. Anywhere Access to Lotus Notes From
Big Sky Technologies With the release of Remark! MessagingAssistant, Big Sky Technologies
addresses the growing need of companies to provide mobile employees with a fast and easy
way to stay in touch with their Lotus Notes email, without a laptop. Users call from any
touch tone telephone and listen as their Notes e-mail is read to them through high-quality
text-tospeech conversion. They can also reply to or forward messages. When companies are
faced with the alternative of outfitting every mobile worker with a laptop,
MessagingAssistant offers a costeffective and logical way to access email. Remark!
MessagingAssistant pricing starts at $9,995 for a 4 port system, which includes software
for Big Skys Voice Server, Remark! MessagingAssistant, and text-tospeech licenses
for four ports. The bundle also includes a Natural MicroSystems Alliance Generation
telephony interface board. For more information, contact Big Sky at 800-REMARK1.
Multimedia Frame Relay Solution From Cabletron
As a key component of its voice, video, and data convergence strategy, Cabletron Systems
introduced the SmartSwitch 1800 multimedia branch networking solution. The latest member
of Cabletrons SmartSwitch family, SmartSwitch 1800 is a powerful data, voice, fax,
and video solution in a single chassis that provides flexibility in connectivity and
consolidation for data and voice communication needs. The product offers toll-quality
voice at bandwidths as low as 4.8 Kbps, SNA transactions at close to wire speed, highly
efficient throughput for LAN protocols and consistent latency for video streaming. Central
to SmartSwitch 1800 is the ability to not only consolidate legacy data, voice, and video
over a single, low-cost frame relay access link, but also to manage the frame relay
bandwidth to provide each type of traffic with the class of service it needs. For more
information, contact Betsey Winckler at 603-337-2588.
RealCT From Rhetorex Simplifies CT Application Development on Windows
NT
Rhetorex introduced RealCT, a high-level computer telephony API for Rhetorex PC-based
telephony components. The new API, available at no charge, creates new moneymaking
opportunities for programmers by dramatically reducing the time and effort required to
create computer telephony applications for Windows NT. Implemented as a Dynamic Link
Library (DLL) for Windows NT, RealCTs configurable, easy to understand API shields
developers from the complexities of telephone connections and CT resource switching.
RealCT is compatible with other ready-to-run Windows application objects, such as
Microsoft Foundation Classes and ActiveX. For more information, contact Rhetorex at
408-370-0881.
Siemens Introduces Corporate VoIP Solution
Siemens Business Communications Systems introduced the Hicom Xpress Telephony Internet
Server (TIS), which enables end users to place voice and real-time fax calls over a
corporate intranet or the Internet. Siemens TIS, incorporating components from
Vienna Systems Corp., allows voice and real-time fax calls initiated from a PBX to be
routed over an IP network. By effectively providing alternate trunks over the corporate IP
infrastructure or the Internet, the TIS reduces the number of leased telephone lines
required, thus lowering users longdistance costs. Siemens also plans to provide
phone to phone, real-time fax to fax, PC to phone, phone to PC, and PC to PC
communications over the Intranet/Internet infrastructure. For more information, contact
the company at 800-765-6123.
Wright Line Introduces Uninterruptible Power Supply
Wright Line, Inc., recently announced its entry into the power protection systems market
with the introduction of Line-UPS. Line-UPS offers continuous no-break power for LANs,
fileservers, PCs, workstations, and sensitive electronic equipment. Line-UPS and tower and
rack-mount models feature hot-swappable batteries, advanced battery management for longer
battery service life, buck/double boost voltage regulation, Precision Power Control for
extended run times critical to servers, and installable SNMP and Communication Card
options. In addition, Line-UPS offers LanSafe III and FailSafe III power management
software which provides remote network-wide monitoring, control and testing, as well as
prioritized, sequential shut-down of all networked devices. For more information, contact
the company at 800-225-7348.
Ziatech Demonstrates CompactPCI Hot Swap Concept
Ziatech Corp. demonstrated the implementation of hot swap capability for CompactPCI
computers. With this technology demonstration, we are showing that a general hot
swap solution for CompactPCI is very close, said Rob Davidson, product marketing
manager for Ziatech. A technical subcommittee of the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer
Manufacturers Group) is finalizing specifications for hot swap extensions to CompactPCI.
Earlier this year, Ziatech and Digital Semiconductor presented a proposal to the committee
for a silicon-based implementation of hot swap adapter cards. This approach, known as
Dynamic Configuration, allows the hot swap board to be dynamically detected and configured
by an operating system. For more information, contact Phil Nash at 805-782-4500 x6036.
e-Net Introduces T1/E1/PRI Digital Trunk Interface For Virtual Voice
Routing
e-Net, Inc., developer of advanced data telephony products for networked organizations,
introduced the Telecom 2000 Digital Trunk Interface (T2000DTI) which connects PBX trunk
lines across wide area data networks with superb voice quality, resulting in dramatic
savings on long-distance and local infrastructure costs. The T2000-DTI transports calls
via IP across frame relay, DSL, ISDN, or ATM networks. As a result, companies no longer
need to divide T1s between voice and data because voice packets are generated only when
someone is talking, thus providing true bandwidth on demand. Telecom 2000 is a patented
technology that delivers full voice quality of service over data networks at a low
per-station price. It brings VoIP to the desktop either integrated with an existing PBX or
standing alone to provide PBX functionality without the cost of a separate phone
infrastructure true data telephony. For more information, contact the company at
888-FONENET.
Wizzard Intros Voice Recognition Email
VoicE-mail, a fully-featured email application with voice recognition produced by Wizzard
Software Corp., gives computer users a handsfree interface for word processing, meeting
scheduling, and other functions. VoicE-mail users can easily navigate through the program
by using intuitive voice commands and can create their e-mail by simply speaking. The
Windows 95/NT environment package offers many features and comes with a high-quality
microphone headset. Based on IBMs awardwinning VoiceType speech recognition
technology, VoicE-mail is highly accurate. The program requires a low minimum
configuration of a 90 MHz Pentium processor with 16 MB of RAM, which makes the system
appropriate for SOHO users. For more information, contact Chris Spencer at 412-621-0902
CGX CommunicationsLaunches Personal LAN
Using their proprietary OverVoice technology, CGX is one of the first to adapt the
Ethernet standard used in personal computer LANs in a way that allows existing telephone
wiring in apartment buildings, hotels, and schools to provide consumers simultaneous phone
service with a twentyfour hour Internet connection. The connection is about 300 times the
speed of a typical 28.8 Kbps modem. For more information, visit their Web site at www.overvoice.com.
MCI Fights Hackers For Free
networkMCI is offering DoS (Denial of Service) Tracker, a software program that provides
an additional layer of network security for ISPs and companies seeking protection from
hacker attacks, free on the companys Web site. The application constantly monitors a
network and automatically traces denial of service attacks back to the source. Download
the program from www.security.mci.net/dostracker
. For more information, visit their Web site.
3Com, Newbridge,Siemens Unite For New
Network Standard In order to speed up the flow of computer information through public
communication networks, 3Com, Germanys Siemens, and Canadas Newbridge will
work together to develop private networks that can handle the massive transmission
capabilities of large, global companies. They will also create gear based on a common set
of standards, called Carrier Scale Internetworking (CSI) that will foster better links
between corporate networks and the public communications infrastructure. For more
information, visit their Web site at www.mainstreetexpress.com
Real-Time Directory Assistance Debuts On The Web
WhoWhere?, in partnership with DirectoryNET, has brought an affordable real-time directory
assistance service to the World Wide Web. WhoWhereConnectNOW? allows Internet users to
obtain the most up-todate directory information avail-able by providing direct access to
the Regional Bell Operating Company databases used by telephone directory assistance
operators across the United States. For more information, contact Victoria Gonda at
770-521-0100.
Open Protocol For Internet Call Control Developed
An industry consortium was formed to develop an open protocol for call control access
across the Internet or any TCP/IP network. The consortium includes Nortel, Pacific
Telephony Design, NexPath, Voysys, AltiGen, and others. The initial specification for the
protocol is derived from two different projects Nortels SSTP and Pacific
Telephony Designs STP. The unified protocol is called Simple Computer Telephony
Protocol (SCTP). For more information, contact Dave Krupinski at 415-647-9911 x203.
Matsushita Chooses CITEL Technologies
Matsushita Communications Industrial of Japan and CITEL of the U.K. agreed to cooperate in
the development and marketing of high cost-performance CTI products for the Panasonic
Digital Business System (DBS) and Integrated Communication Exchange (ICX) business
telephone systems. The products will provide the regular business telephone user with a
flexible and user-friendly Windows 95 telephone interface on the PC screen. For more
information, contact Fran Kruc at +44 1159 405444 or visit CITELs Web site at www.citel.com
Dictaphone, DST Ally For Call Center Solutions
Dictaphone Corp. and DST Systems, Inc., are working together to integrate
Dictaphones call recording and retrieval systems capabilities with DSTs
workflow product. The strategic alliance will give mutual fund, insurance, banking, and
other financial services companies advanced tools that will improve call center
performance by adding functionality and improving quality control. For more information,
call 800-447-7749, xD348.
Banksoft Acquires Three Canadian Companies
Banksoft acquired PureData, Simplified Technology, and Kolvox in order to develop an
advantage in computer telephony, network, fax communications, and speech recognition
technologies. PureData, now a division of Banksoft, is currently providing resellers with
rebates of up to $250 on its SatisFAXtion fax modem cards (details at www.satisFAXtion.com ). In addition, Simplified
Technology is offering a free CD primer on CTI to developers and resellers. For more
information, contact Martin Wales at 905-731-6444, x342.
Summa Four Unveils New Network Interface Card
A high-density network interface card with 16 T1/E1 spans was introduced by Summa Four,
Inc. The Integrated Communications Controller (ICC) will be integrated into Summa
Fours VCO series, and is a key step in the evolution toward providing 4,000 ports in
a single switching platform. The ICC also employs the companys mid-plan architecture
which enables it to be connected with a series of I/O modules specific to different
network interface requirements. For more information, contact Peter Carlino at
603-625-4050, x2276.
Teltrust Wins 2-Year Omnipoint Contract
Teltrust, Inc., has been awarded a contract with Omnipoint Communication Services, Inc.,
to provide its FYI National Directory Assistance service to Omnipoint wireless users. FYI
National Directory Assistance features multilingual agent support, a variety of search
methods, call completion, sub-second system retrievals, and direct access to millions of
residential and business listings culled from several sources, including Regional Bell
Operating Companies. For more information, contact Laura Lunceford at 801-535-2000.
Racal Recorders Teams With ISI
Racal Recorders, Inc., has entered into a joint marketing and development agreement with
InfoBase Services, Inc., (ISI) to offer the next generation in integrated call center
applications and call center agent monitoring solutions. The agreement reflects a
commitment of both companies to the future of advanced CTI-enabled recording platforms
designed for the call center customer. For more information, contact C.J. Elias-West at
714-727-3444.
ViaDSP and SkyWave Bring VoIP to Japan
ViaDSP, Inc., and SkyWave, Inc., entered into a strategic initiative involving marketing,
selling, and product development which will allow SkyWave to market and develop
ViaDSPs PacketTel series of VoIP gateways in Japan and the rest of Asia. The
PacketTel gateway is a scalable, open platform for VARs, system integrators, and service
providers looking to build complete VoIP gateway solutions. For more information, contact
Kevin Nethercott at 408-245-1771.
Brite To Handle Prepaid Telephony In Greece
In a contract valued at more than $2 million, TeleSTET has selected the Voice Services
Director (VSD) platform of Brite Voice Systems to provide prepaid telephony service in
Greece. The service, called B Free, enables a subscriber to use the TeleSTET network
without dealing with monthly fees or bills. The subscriber is issued a mobile phone and
SIM card loaded with a fixed value. The companies expect the service to be popular with
the Greek tourist industry. For more information, contact Richard Wisdom at +44 1223
427342 or visit Brites Web site at www.brite.com
NC Vendor Scores Deal With DialAmerica
Neoware Systems, Inc., closed a deal to sell 4,100 @workStation network computers to
DialAmerica Marketing, making the sale one of the largest to date for thin-client
technology since Java-capable NCs began shipping last year. DialAmerica developed
applications that allow telemarketers to connect their telephone sets into the NCs and use
a graphical onscreen telephone to make and control phone calls while viewing customer
data. For more information, contact Tom Besselman at 610-277-8300.
Micron Adds Voice-Enabled Browser to Web Site
Micron Electronics now offers customers a user-friendly ordering process with the addition
of Lucent Technologys Internet Call Center to the Micron Web site. Micron is the
first commercial client to use Lucents Internet Call Center product. Using a
voice-enabled browser, this new feature will allow users to browse a Web page and talk to
an agent over a single analog phone line with a touch of a button. For more information,
contact Leslie Vukad at 650-638-3416.
NACT Signs License Agreement With Trillium
NACT Telecommunications selected Trillium Digital Systems. as their software supplier for
the upcoming SS7 enhancement to its STX telecommunications switch. The SS7 software will
enable the STX switch to interface with carriers more efficiently and will allow the
transfer and routing of voice calls, data calls, and long-distance calls at a fraction of
the time needed by traditional switching systems currently on the market. For more
information, contact NACT at 801-225-6248.
InterVoice Completes Network Equipment Building Systems Tests
InterVoice, Inc., announced its Network Services Platform 5000 (NSP-5000) complies with
Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) standards. The NSP-5000 is designed to act as a
service node or intelligent peripheral in wireline and non-wireless telephone network
environments to deliver InterVoices networkbased call automation services. For more
information, contact Catherine Kingeter at 972-454-8934.
Keyware Provides Telephony Voice Verification
Keyware Technologies, Inc., announced the telephony application for VoiceGuardian, the
companys voice verification solution for accurate, non-intrusive verification of
individuals. A pioneer of layered biometric verification, Keywares VoiceGuardian was
one of the first identity verification software packages to combine voice and facial
verification technologies into a single security system. For more information, contact
Julia Webb at 617-933-1311 x230.
Genesys Partners With Carnegie In Call Centers
Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc., signed an agreement to partner with
software developer and systems integrator Carnegie Group, Inc. Carnegie will implement
Genesys software products which link telephony systems and customer service desktop
applications, and integrate them with clients telephone equipment, computer
hardware, and legacy environments. For more information, contact Karine Hagen at
415-437-1163.
Blue Pumpkin Releases New Forecasting and Scheduling System
Blue Pumpkin Software has started shipping an enhanced version of its PrimeTime software
for call center demand forecasting and workforce scheduling. New features include
increased flexibility in changing shift assignments, a meeting schedule wizard, and a
staffing cost calculator. For more information, contact Doron Aspitz at 650-813-9180.
Ariel Launches VAR Program for RASCAL
Remote Access Resellers Ariel Corp. launched the RASCAL Advantage Partner Program, a VAR
program for resellers of remote access products looking to expand their business with
NTbased RAS solutions. Renex Corp., a supplier of remote connectivity NETworkplace
solutions, is the first company to be selected as a RASCAL Advantage Partner, and will
integrate RASCAL with its RASter Windows NT RAS server. For more information, contact
Steve Curtin at 609-860-2900.
NTC Announces PC Phone Calls Over Its Global Network
NetWorks Telephony Corp. (NTC) introduced NTC Voice, a product that allows consumers and
businesses to make inexpensive, Web-enabled PCbased phone calls to anywhere in the world.
In less than a second, NTC recognizes the call, automatically searches and selects the
least expensive route to complete the call on NTCs global network, uses voice
compression and Voice Acceleration technologies, and delivers the call directly to a
recipients telephone in the destination company. For more information, contact Mike
Radice at 310-563-3900. |