snom technology, a developer and manufacturer of advanced VoIP phones for enterprise and residential markets, has announced the availability of a new expansion module for its 8xx series next-generation IP desktop phones and other endpoints.

The new module is called the snom Vision. Company officials said that it adds 16 fully programmable keys per unit, which can be used for speed dial, busy line field, presence, mini-browser or other applications.

“The snom Vision provides added functionality to our 8xx series of next generation endpoints, while also adhering to snom's renowned design standards,” said Michael Knieling (News - Alert), executive vice president of marketing and sales at snom technology.

Knieling said that with its Web capabilities, the Vision also plays a key role in the overall snom portfolio, providing a functionality that will help the devices become more than VoIP phones, but intelligent unified communications endpoints.

Each snom 820 or 870 VoIP phone is capable of supporting three Vision modules, that’s 48 programmable endpoint monitors per phone. Company officials said that the color touchscreen features complement the next-generation functionality of the 8xx suite of endpoints.

Additionally, the Vision can be used as a stand-alone device, using an Ethernet network connection and Linux OS. Company officials said that the built-in Web server enables independent configuration via Web interface, though standard snom settings provisioning is also supported.

In addition, the Vision acts as an expanded interface managing a wide range of voice-driven business applications, including customer relationship management systems and UC services. Plus, it can provide a control point for applications such as remote door opening and one-way video access.

The Vision features 16 programmable keys with two control keys. Each key features bi-colors (red/green) LEDs. Company officials said that the 4.3-inch screen has a resolution of 272 x 480 pixels, with 24 bits color depth. And, the built-in HTTP and HTTPS server supports automatic loading of settings via HTTP, HTTPS, FTP or TFTP.

Last month, snom technology announced a partnership with Canada-based information technology company ScopServ International to enable interoperability of its VoIP phones in open source systems.