snom technology AG introduces a new IP-PBX (News - Alert) for the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) market. The new “snom ONE mini” is a Linux-based appliance that targets the very small business segment (under 20 users) which is estimated to represent about 80 percent of today’s businesses.

snom first entered the IP-PBX market in 2010 with an all software IP-PBX called snom ONE for smaller businesses (up to 150 users), followed by a hardware alternative called snom ONE ‘plus’ in 2011. The new snom ONE mini supports all of the snom ONE IP-PBX software features and capabilities, but comes as a compact, plug-and-play appliance with a low price point that will appeal to service-based small businesses (such as real estate, retail, consulting or legal services), teleworkers, self-employed individuals or any small office with a need for fewer than 20 extensions.

snom ONE mini is based on SIP standards and has some notable capabilities that set it apart from other vendor’s SOHO solutions. The device has a compact form factor (6.5 inches long by 5.6 inches wide) that easily plugs into the local area network (LAN); the solid state design (no moving parts) means durability and stability.

Also, power consumption is less than a tenth of a typical PC-based IP-PBX, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity supports Power over Ethernet to minimize cabling (an external power supply can also be used).

Perhaps most intriguing is that the mini can operate as a back-up telephony device. snom explains that businesses already subscribing to a hosted telephony service, for example, can deploy the mini on-site as a back-up or failover device. The snom phones can be simultaneously registered to multiple systems, either hosted or on-premises, making the mini a viable and affordable option for disaster recovery.

The mini comes pre-installed with snom ONE IP-PBX “yellow” software for up to 20 extensions and typical telephony features, built-in voicemail/auto attendant and Web-based management, plus some capabilities that can be an extra cost on competitor platforms such as ACD, cell phone integration, a voicemail to e-mail capability and remote worker support.

All snom ONE features are standard with no extra cost licensing or extra software required.

All snom ONE versions, including the new mini, support the full range of snom IP desktop phones with easy plug-and-play installation, including the snom 3xx series, 7xx series and 8xx series, as well as snom’s MeetingPoint conference phone and m9 wireless DECT (News - Alert) handset. 

snom ONE mini is available as of August 14, 2012 worldwide through snom distributors and value-added resellers and lists for $599.00.

snom is a Gold sponsor of ITEXPO West 2012. To be held Oct. 2-5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. Visit snom in booth #921. For more information on ITEXPO click here.