[January 6, 2005]

8x8 VoIP to Go Retail

BY JOHANNE TORRES

The desire for VoIP ( define - news - alert)-based products and services outside the corporate world is becoming evident as knowledge of the technology in the mainstream consumer market spreads. Comes 8x8 Inc., the Packet8 broadband VoIP and videophone communications service provider, and announces today the availability of a specially packaged retail version of the Packet8 Virtual Office business class phone system.

The Packet8 Virtual Office is a VoIP-based alternative to traditional PBX systems or Centrex class services from legacy telecommunications providers. The company says it responded to a growing demand from retailers serving the small-to-medium business (SMB) market by creating a special, all inclusive Virtual Office retail package, enabling customers to acquire and self-install a powerful, off the shelf business phone system at significant cost savings.

"SMBs no longer have to settle for costly, high maintenance PBX systems on one end or an inadequate makeshift phone setup on the other end," said Huw Rees, 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales. "Virtual Office delivers the most requested small business phone features -- PBX functionality, ease of use and low cost -- in one complete offering. Our retail vendors are anxious to bring this unique VoIP solution to their small business customers."

Retailers, including Best Buy Business Direct, Comp USA and Buy.com, plan to offer Packet8 Virtual Office as an all-inclusive, off-the-shelf phone system to fulfill the IP communication needs of their business customers.

The Virtual Office retail package consists of a broadband phone adapter and hands-free business class telephone priced at US$99.95. Monthly Packet8 service for Virtual Office costs US$39.95 per extension and includes a host of advanced PBX functions along with unlimited local and long distance business calling to any telephone in the United States and Canada. A minimum of three Virtual Office extensions is required for the system to function. For initial setup costs, subscribers pay a $39.00 activation fee per extension.

Packet8 Virtual Office offers features such as:

- Customizable auto-attendant providing dial by extension, name or by group;

- Unlimited local and long distance calling to the US, Canada and other Packet8 subscribers worldwide, as well as access to some of the lowest international rates;

- Direct Inward Dial (DID) phone number with any desired area code for each extension;

- Conference bridge, music on hold, call park/pick-up, hunt groups;

- Business-class voice mail including voicemail to email alerts;

- Extension-to-extension dialing anywhere in the world;

- One-touch controls for regularly used features such as three-way calling, forwarding, do not disturb, Voicemail, Distinctive Ringing, Call waiting / Caller-ID, and transfer;

- Online, real-time monthly billing statements and Optional services such as:

• Receptionist console application;
• Virtual phone numbers for any extension; and
• Toll Free Phone numbers and service.

8x8 Inc.
www.packet8.net
www.8x8.com