Digium’s (News - Alert) Switchvox Mobile application (free download) is now available for Android (News - Alert)-based smartphones and tablets; calls appear to an outside party as the user’s office extension.

Last year, Digium unveiled the Switchvox Mobile client for customers who have deployed its Switchvox SMB, an IP PBX (News - Alert) based on Digium Asterisk open source software and designed for small- to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Initially, Switchvox Mobile was available for Apple iPhone (News - Alert), iPod Touch or iPad devices and RIM BlackBerry smartphones as a free download. Now, based on Switchvox customer demand, Digium has added Android-based devices to the list.

Specifically, when the user places a call from within the Switchvox Mobile application (using a directory, a call log, voicemail or the dial pad), the Switchvox system creates a call from the user’s extension and then rings the smartphone. When the user answers, the Switchvox system places the call to the number selected. Calls appear to an outside party as the user’s office extension. Mobile users can place calls, manage office voicemail and greetings, activate call rules, access the company directory and view missed calls - all from their smartphone or tablet device.

The concept of ‘bring your own device’ resonates with mobile workers who want to use the same mobile device for both personal and business communications. Digium and other IP communications manufacturers are wise to make their mobile clients compatible with leading consumer smartphone and tablet devices like the Apple (News - Alert) iPhone, iPad and Google Android-based platforms as this will likely be the general trend over proprietary mobile solutions despite security issues that must be dealt with in the business environment.

Available now, Switchvox Mobile is a free download from the Android Market (Android 2.1 or later) or the Apple iTunes App Store (Apple iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and OS 3.0 or later) or BlackBerry App World (BlackBerry Bold, Curve, Pearl, Storm and Tour models, BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry Device Software 4.2.1 or later). The application is available for customers that have deployed the Switchvox SMB IP PBX Version 4.5.2 or later. If the Switchvox SMB system is part of a private network (a VPN), the smartphone must also connect to the VPN in order to use Switchvox Mobile applications.