Soft phones, now wireless

Citation

(2004), "Soft phones, now wireless", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 53 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm.2004.07953ead.003

Soft phones, now wireless

Toshiba Business Communications has launched its IP Soft Phone, a telephony client that will run on a desktop PC, notebook, or even a PDA using fixed-line or Wi-Fi LAN access.

Developed as an enhancement to Toshiba’s Strata CTX range of telephony systems, it is able to support the QSIG networking protocol in an IP environment, enabling users to network their Strata CTX systems over their existing IT infrastructure, removing the need for point-to-point links.

Wi-Fi connection provides users with added mobility, allowing access while on the move to voicemail, programmable feature buttons and a directory that works with Microsoft Outlook. The IP Soft Phone supports access to the Strata CTX phone system within 100 yards of a Wi-Fi access point.

IP Soft Phone complements the fixed-line Toshiba IPT1020-SD handset. This is a 20-button speakerphone with LCD.

Says Tim Webb, general manager, Toshiba Business Communications, “The availability of a soft IP client that can run on a PDA and also supports Wi-Fi connection demonstrates that Toshiba is taking an innovative approach to IP convergence that provides our customers with real choice and flexibility. Many suppliers are asking customers to accept a curtailed feature set and functionality when implementing an IP converged solution. Even basic telephony functions such as call forwarding can be missing. But we are determined to provide our customers with IP applications that can really improve their productivity and profitability”.