Open Source PBX

Embarq (News - Alert) will be basing its new Smart IP Enterprise service on the MetaSwitch softswitch, media gateway and MetaSphere application suite.

 

The Smart IP Enterprise service will provide business customers with a bundled package of dedicated Internet access, local and long distance voice services and IP-enabled call features, including click-to-dial features and Microsoft (News - Alert) Outlook integration.

 

The move gets Embarq into the hosted IP communications business that now represents about 25 percent of all new IP phone services solutions being bought by business customers.

 

Embarq also has been selling IPsmartSuite, which uses an IP phone with a touch screen for applications that facilitate process automation in small to mid-sized businesses in several industries, including the healthcare, legal and retail fields.

 

Portal control of features and settings, rules-based call forwarding, auto attendant, music on hold, simultaneous or sequential ring also are features Embarq will be able to provide.

 

Embarq also will be using the MetaSwitch’s (News - Alert) SIP Provisioning Server to help ease the deployment of its SIP phones.

 

“Businesses are constantly looking to increase productivity without sacrificing customer service, as well as finding new ways to reduce costs,” says Graeme MacArthur, MetaSwitch’s chief executive officer.