[September 19, 2005] PointOne Interconnects Messenger VoIP Services Tweet Company's IM Connect Removes Barriers between PC-Based Instant Messaging VoIP Services and Public Phone System AUSTIN, Sept. 19, 2005 -- PointOne today announced further expansion of its IM Connect service, which freely interconnects users of standards-compliant instant messaging VoIP services that utilize the PointOne network. IM Connect now allows public telephone customers to direct dial into VoIP instant messenger services from 20 major markets across the US with the addition of Phoenix and Las Vegas. IM Connect is a function of PointOne's Global Bridge™ network, which establishes peering relationships between different networks to ensure transparent end-to-end calling capabilities for IP telephony users. IM Connect is already utilized by Free World Dialup (FWD - http://www.freeworlddialup.com/), SIPphone (http://www.sipphone.com/) and the new Gizmo Project (http://www.gizmoproject.com/) VoIP messenger services. Instant messenger services from providers such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google either already incorporate VoIP calling capabilities or are planning to integrate voice services with everyday PC use. However, these services do not interconnect, unnecessarily restricting their customers' ability to connect with whom they desire. “The announcement of the acquisition of Skype by eBay, following the purchase of VoIP technology companies by both Microsoft and Yahoo, dramatically underscores how VoIP is emerging as core to future network growth,” said Sam Shiffman, EVP of PointOne. "PointOne is uniquely positioned to integrate these emerging services." IM Connect lowers the barriers separating VoIP messenger users with public telephone network users. While some VoIP messenger services providers allow their customers to dial out to the public switched telephone network, PointOne's IM Connect allows regular phone users in markets across the US to dial into local exchange numbers to connect with VoIP messenger users. “PointOne has always been one of the biggest proponents of VoIP, but service providers cannot ignore the huge embedded user base of the telephone network," said Shiffman. "PointOne’s IM Connect allows different technologies like the common phone and the home computer to work together. Adding VoIP to instant messaging essentially joins the power of email with the power of voice. Connecting VoIP-enabled IM to the public phone network joins two of the most powerful means of communication.” PointOne is a pioneer in standards-based IP telephony and operates the largest VoIP network in North America. Service providers utilizing the PointOne network are able to interconnect their customers with those of other service providers on the PointOne network so that calls never have to travel the PSTN, no matter what type of VoIP service or service provider they are using. IM Connect Access Numbers: New Markets Phoenix 602-386-2786 Las Vegas 702-216-6166 Existing 18 markets Atlanta 678-918-5026 Atlantic City 609-840-8027 Baltimore 410-372-4173 Chicago 708-437-9040 Connecticut 860-256-4170 Dallas 469-449-2560 Fort Worth 817-886-2285 Daytona Beach 386-267-2650 Houston 832-631-1597 Los Angeles 323-908-4167 Miami 786-206-4270 New York 347-427-9019 N. New Jersey 973-494-5586 S. New Jersey 609-873-8119 Philadelphia 610-879-1419 San Francisco 415-354-1083 Seattle 206-219-5789 Washington, DC 202-742-5739 About PointOne PointOne operates the largest VoIP network in North America. The 100% enhanced services IP network incorporates industry leading, next generation technology end-to-end, coupled with patented, proprietary IP applications and processes. PointOne’s class of service quality has earned the company industry-wide recognition. Additionally, the company was named Internet Telephony 2004 service provider of the year and 2004 Frost and Sullivan “Best Bang for the Buck” VoIP Award. PointOne, established in 1998, is a privately held company headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit our website at www.pointone.com or contact us at 512-735-1200 or [email protected]. Contact: Steve Braasch PointOne 512-735-1200 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]