AastraLink Pro 160

AastraLink Pro 160
Delivering the Power of IP Communications to Small Business

Available May 15, 2008

The AastraLink Pro 160 is a powerful, cost-effective, easy-to-use IP PBX geared specifically for Small Business.

A member of the AastraLink family of PBX solutions, the AastraLink Pro 160 is a Linux-based appliance that hosts Asterisk® open source PBX software. Targeted for 25 users and under, the AastraLink Pro provides all the standard PBX/Key System features and functionality while leveraging a host of new IP-based services. Specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of small business, AastraLink Pro enables users to quickly and easily get phones up and running by simply plugging the system into an existing LAN.

Key Features and Benefits:
Feature Rich IP PBXThe AastraLink Pro delivers large PBX functionality to the small business environment. Featuring an Auto-Attendant, which automatically configures on initial startup, the AastraLink Pro manages and directs incoming calls to individuals or groups by extension dialing or name search. In addition, individual Voicemail boxes are also automatically configured and operational at start up. PBX telephony features include: call forward, hold and hold alerts, call log, call transfer, 3 way conferencing, corporate and personal directory.

Simple DeploymentBy simply plugging the AastraLink Pro into an existing LAN (Local Area Network) it’s ready to start communicating without the need of an installation technician. The AastraLink Pro will auto discover and configure any new Aastra SIP phones connected to the system making the need for a service technician to perform moves, adds and changes a thing of the past.

Networking, Teleworking and ScalabilityThe AastraLink Pro grows as your business expands. It can host up to 50 extensions when SIP trunking is used, and up to 9 AastraLink Pro systems can be linked together via IP to create a WAN linked multi site office environment. Remote tele-working from a home office is as simple as taking an auto discovered AastraLink SIP phone and plugging it into your UPnP enabled home network.

Affordable Solution integrates with Aastra SIP phonesWith no hidden application license or user costs, or the need of an installation technician, AastraLink Pro is a cost effective and powerful small business communication system that tightly integrates with the following Aastra SIPphones and expansion modules: 51i, 53i, 55i, 57i, 57i CT, 536M, and 560M, and the newly released 9143, 9480i and 9480i CT.

Zultys & Aastra Telecom Partner

April 24, 2008

Zultys and Aastra Telecom have reached an OEM pact to delivery the next line of ZIP Phones. As part of the announcement, Zultys and Aastra announced full interoperability between the Aastra 5i Series and the Zultys MX (Media eXchange) line. I'm a huge fan of Aastra SIP-based VoIP phones and they are perhaps my favorite of any brand due to their XML capabilities and extensive customization capabilities. I have one sitting on my desk right now. The 57i CT in fact, which comes with a cool cordless handset that communicates wirelessly with the desktop IP phone.

"In Zultys, we are delighted to find a SIP PBX partner that shares our core underlying philosophy that open standards should afford customers an easy-to-use, cost-effective communications solution that offers the maximum flexibility," says John Drolet, Vice President of Sales at Aastra Telecom USA.

The interoperability testing involving the Aastra 5i Series, which consists of a line of SIP-based desktop and wireless telephones and expansion modules, including:
• 51i - Entry level single line set with 3 line/16 character display and 9 configurable speed dial keys using the number keypad
• 53i - Featured set with 3 line/16 character display and 4 programmable keys; compatible with up to three 536M expansion modules
• 55i - Advanced Featured set with 144 x 75 backlit LCD display, up to 26 programmable function capability; compatible with up to three 560M or 536M expansion modules
• 57i - Full Featured set with 144 x 128 backlit LCD display, up to 30 programmable function capability; compatible with up to three 560M or 536M expansion modules
• 57i CT - All the features of the Aastra 57i plus integrated cordless base providing VoIP mobility employing secure 2.4GHz Frequency Hopped Spread Spectrum technology
• 536M - Expansion Module with 36 programmable keys
• 560M - Expansion Module with LCD Screen and 60 programmable keys

Using any of the Aastra 5i series phones paired with the latest build of Zultys' MX software (version 3.2 or higher), gives some cool "out of the box" advanced functionality. In fact, Zultys told me, "MX software tightly integrates a suite of predefined critical features, including the so-called "Four P's" – that is, Paging, Parking, Pick-Up and Provisioning."

As a result, Zultys will soon make available the following additions to its portfolio of award-winning phones: the ZIP 53i, ZIP 55i, ZIP 57i, ZIP 57i CT as well as the ZIP 536m and ZIP 560m expansion modules. Under the terms of the OEM arrangement, those phones will be rebranded by Zultys and made available to its distributors and resellers.

"The addition of the Aastra 5i Series to our Zultys community creates a truly unique opportunity for organizations of all size migrating to pure IP or a converged IP environment. This further reinforces our commitment to offering customers unprecedented freedom of choice in finding a solution that is perfectly suited to meet their needs," explains Jonna Paquette, VP of Sales and Marketing at Zultys.

Zultys Enhances SIP-based MX Systems, Expands Partnerships

November 20, 2007

By Sandra M. Gustavsen

Analyst, Access Intelligence LLC

Zultys Technologies (News - Alert) continues to develop its IP PBX (News - Alert) product line and foster partner, reseller and distributor relations following a financial restructuring completed last year in which Zultys became a sister company of Telrad Connegy (News - Alert). With a fresh start and positive feedback from resellers, Zultys has been announcing new developments throughout 2007, including several software releases for the company’s SIP-based MX30 and MX250 Media Exchange systems that target small to mid-size businesses.

Additionally, Zultys has announced a number of partnerships such as a recent renewal with nexVortex that now supports a disaster recovery solution and official certification by Polycom (News - Alert) as a VoIP Interoperability Partner (VIP). Zultys customers can choose the Polycom portfolio of SoundPoint IP desktop and SoundStation IP conference phones (a similar agreement with Aastra is forthcoming). Most recently, Zultys announced integration with Microsoft’s (News - Alert) CRM platform, all versions including Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (code-named Titan).

Zultys is also focusing on customer satisfaction, making improvements to the sales process with a new “multifaceted” partner program for its value-added resellers (VARs). The new TouchStone Program reaches out to customers with a post-installation survey to get feedback on the product and VAR support. VARs can enroll in the TouchStone Program for free if they have maintained technical certification and earn co-op advertising rewards funds to be spent on any sales or marketing initiative, as well as view quarterly reports of customer ratings.

Zultys has also instituted a Global Pricing Strategy – a streamlined pricing scheme that makes it easier for channel partners to put together a customer quote. And, the Zultys Early Availability Program (EAP), which is comprised of Zultys certified partners, is speeding the development process of new software releases through seminars, meetings and testing.

Zultys targets small to mid-size businesses and the lower-end of the large enterprise telephony market with two SIP-based and scalable MX IPPBX systems: MX30 (to 30 users) and MX250 (10 to 250 users) that can be expanded by clustering and networking MX30 and MX250 units. Survivability and ease of use makes the MX systems well suited for multi-site deployments and remote workers.

Zultys currently distributes products in more than 115 countries. The MX1200 (now phased out) was introduced in January of 2003 followed by the MX250 in July 2003 and the MX30 in April 2005. Zultys is headquartered in California with offices in London, Beijing, Russia, India, and Australia and satellite offices in Canada, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Brazil and nine regions of the United States.

Zultys MX IP PBX Systems, excerpt from TelecomTactics November 2007, www.telecomtactics.com
VENDOR:	Zultys Technologies	Zultys Technologies
MODEL:	MX30	MX250
APPLICATION:	IP-PBX	IP-PBX
REGIONS WHERE SOLD:	North America, EMEA, APAC, CALA	North America, EMEA, APAC, CALA
INTRODUCTION:	2005	2003
RELEASE:	3.2	3.2
STATION CAPACITY:	30	250 (standalone unit); 1,000 (cluster); 10,000 (network)
TARGET MARKET:	Small to mid-size businesses and the lower-end of the large enterprise telephony market (30 users and 120 SIP registrations)	Small to mid-size businesses and the lower-end of the large enterprise telephony market (250 users and 1,000 SIP registrations); additional capacity and redundancy by clustering four MX250 units (1,000 users); optional MXgroup software connects 32 locations (10,000 total users) over a Wide Area Network (WAN)
Visit www.telecomtactics.com for more details on the Zultys MX systems and other IP PBXs on the market.

Sandra M. Gustavsen, Analyst/TelecomTactics

The Telecom Intelligence Group

1111 Marlkress Road, Suite 203

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

856-424-1100 x11

sgustavsen@telecomweb.com

www.telecomtactics.com

www.telecomweb.com/databases

TelecomTactics Insider Free Issue

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)	X
SIP is the real-time communication protocol for VoIP. SIP is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification (emergency calling) and instant messaging. SIP...more

Internet Protocol (IP)	X
IP stands for Internet Protocol, a data-networking protocol developed throughout the 1980s. It is the established standard protocol for transmitting and receiving data in packets over the Internet. I...more

Wide Area Network (WAN)	X
A WAN is a Wide Area Network. A LAN is a Local Area Network. A CAN is a Campus Area Network. A BAN is a Building Area Network. A MAN is a Metropolitan Area Network. Each Area Network often but not...more

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)	X
Originally, telephone features were provided by telephone central office switching systems, often called CENTREX. PBX systems emerged as customers wanted to have more calling features and control over...more

Voice over IP (VoIP)	X
A real-time communications system that converts voice into digital packets containing media and signaling data that travel over networks using Internet Protocol....more

Aastra Technologies Completes Acquisition

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (April 30, 2008) - Aastra Technologies Limited (TSX: “AAH”) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of the Enterprise Communication Business of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) subject to certain jurisdictions being deferred in order to comply with applicable transfer requirements and corresponding post-closing adjustments.

With this acquisition, Aastra will now have a global installed base of Enterprise Communication customers with a leading presence in Western Europe and a significant extended footprint in key markets across Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand) and North and South America.

The addition of Ericsson’s Enterprise Communications extends Aastra’s reach in internet protocol Communication Servers, Unified Communication applications and integrated mobility, to address the communication needs of both small and large businesses. Aastra has grown rapidly by protecting its customers’ investment while offering a roadmap for customers to evolve to IP communications at their own pace. Aastra will continue to build on Ericsson’s success by supporting all existing products and applications, and by providing a smooth migration path to new technologies.

About Aastra

Aastra Technologies Limited, is a global company at the forefront of the Enterprise Communication market. Headquartered in Concord, Ontario, Canada, Aastra develops and delivers innovative and integrated solutions that address the communication needs of businesses small and large around the world. Aastra enables Enterprises to communicate and collaborate more efficiently and effectively by offering customers a full range of open standard IP-based and traditional communications networking products, including terminals, systems, and applications. For additional information on Aastra, visit our website at http://www.aastra.com/ . “Aastra” is a registered trademark of Aastra Technologies Limited.

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (“forward-looking statements”). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, potentials, future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “believes”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “intends” or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken or achieved) are not statements of historical fact, but are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Aastra, or developments in Aastra’s business or in its industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the heading “Risk Factors” in our annual information form filed on http://www.sedar.com/ , for the material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made today. It is important to note that: unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this press release describe Aastra’s expectations as of the date of this press release; Aastra cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release as actual results may differ materially from expectations if known and unknown risks or uncertainties affect Aastra’s business, or if estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Therefore, Aastra cannot provide any assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize and Aastra assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other reason.

For further information contact:
Allan Brett, CFO,
(905) 760-4160
investors@aastra.com

Zultys Releases MX Software Version 4.0

May 15, 2008


By Nathesh
TMCnet Contributing Editor

---

Zultys technologies announced today that they have introduced version 4.0 of the MX line of Standalone Communication Servers. The move has graduated the company into a new era of interoperability and productivity, Zultys said.

Zultys Technologies (News - Alert) delivers “smart” communication solutions that are easy to use, deploy and manage, company officials said. The Zultys family of SIP-based products and software provides an “All-in-One” unified communication solution that delivers increased worker productivity, scalability for future growth and investment protection, and interoperability with industry standardSIP devices, company officials said.

“We believe this release speaks volumes about the power of the MX systems,” said Vladimir Movshovich, vice president of technology, Zultys Technologies. “It clearly defines our corporate strategy to implement technical developments and innovative engineering to gain mindshare in the SMB (small and mid-sized business) space.”

The new release offers productive access into the Zultys platform to world-class manufacturers such as Polycom and Aastra Telecom (News - Alert), as it is the spine of the notable flagship line of Media eXchange (MX) servers, the MX250 and MX30 which are an integral part of distributed communications networks, company officials said.

Aastra Telecom has designed and coaxed the new ZIP 5i range of IP Phones and Expansion Modules to match MX30 & MX250 Unified Communications (News - Alert) platforms, company officials said. The ZIP 5i phone from the software 4.0 version includes multiple line/call appearance keys with in-use LED indications, Comprehensive Busy Lamp Field (BLF) support, Programmable function keys, Intuitive, user centric screen menus, Full duplex conference quality hands-free, Built-in headset jack, Multi-key expansion modules available, EmbeddedXML browser, Full GUI based configuration via MX Administrator and it supports 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and AC wall adapter, company officials said.

The MX version 4.0 is designed to provide a path of interconnection to the world for the users, company officials said.

It can assign users from remote MX systems into any local group (Operator group, Hunt group, ICC and/or ACD). Version 4.0 offers increased functionality for the remote user. For example, administrators and supervisors now have the ability to assign users from the most remote MX systems to any local group, enabling inbound call centers or operators to offload peak calling volumes or extend work hours across multiple time zones.

Voicemails messages matching contacts are automatically saved as “.wav files” with the contact’s name automatically constructed into the file name and users can clearly define the Caller ID information that is sent to their callers by an individual user.

MX Version 4.0 also boosts the integration between MXIE and Microsoft (News - Alert) Outlook enabling better symmetry between this widely used email client and MXIE. Not only can users access MS Outlook Contacts to easily dial at the click of a mouse, but users’ Address Book records have been streamlined. System control can now be shared between the MXIE interface and the phone itself, through enhanced DTMF operations. Mac support is expanded to improve interoperability with newIntel ( News - Alert)-powered Mac clients, company officials said.

Nathesh is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nathesh’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents that are free to registered users.

Smartest IP Phone System Graduates with 4.0

Zultys Debuts Version 4.0 for MX Line of Standalone Communication Servers

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Graduation time is a major milestone in the life of a student, and Zultys Technologies, the premier developer and manufacturer of pure SIP communication solutions, is very pleased today to announce that it has reached a significant milestone of its own.

Zultys, the company that brought the first pure-SIP, standalone communications solution to the marketplace back in 2002, now marks the commencement of a new era of interoperability and productivity with the arrival of MX Software Version 4.0. As the powerful backbone of the award-winning flagship line of Media eXchange (MX) servers - the MX250 and MX30 - this new build offers a feature-rich class of integrated services and opens the door of the Zultys platform to world-class manufacturers such as Polycom and Aastra Telecom.

"We believe this release speaks volumes about the power of the MX systems. It clearly defines our corporate strategy to implement technical developments and innovative engineering to gain mindshare in the SMB space," said Vladimir Movshovich, VP of Technology, Zultys Technologies.

ZIP 5xi Integration
The pinnacle of v4.0's improvements is full integration and support of Zultys' new ZIP 5xi line of advanced SIP-based IP phones and expansion modules. Designed and engineered by Aastra Telecom, the new ZIP 5xi line is the perfect complement to the MX30 and MX250 systems:

• ZIP 51i - 3 Line x 16 Character display, 1 call appearance with transfer capability
• ZIP 53i - 3 Line x 16 Character display, 6 programmable keys, 9 call appearances
• ZIP 55i - 144 x 75 pixel backlit LCD, 6 soft keys & 6 programmable keys, 9 call appearances
• ZIP 57i - 144 x 128 pixel backlit LCD, 30 programmable keys, 12 soft keys, 9 call appearances
• ZIP 57i CT - As per ZIP 57i plus integrated W-DECT cordless handset
• ZIP 536M - Expansion module with 36 programmable keys, LED status indication
• ZIP 560M - Expansion module with 60 programmable keys, LCD based labels, LED status indication

Integrated features include:

• Multiple line/call appearance keys with in-use LED indications
• Comprehensive Busy Lamp Field (BLF) support
• Programmable function keys
• Intuitive, user-centric screen menus
• Full duplex conference quality hands-free operation
• Built-in headset jack
• Multi-key expansion modules available
• Embedded XML browser
• Full GUI-based configuration via MX Administrator
• Supports 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and AC wall adapter
• Provisioning, Park, Pickup, Page and Busy Lamp Field (BLF) operation

Additional Features and Enhancements
Version 4.0 also offers increased functionality for the remote user. For example, administrators and supervisors now have the ability to assign users from the most remote MX systems to any local group, enabling inbound call centers or operators to offload peak calling volumes or extend work hours across multiple time zones.

Version 4.0 also enhances the integration between its MXIE UI and Microsoft Outlook, enabling increased unified communications based on with this widely used email client. System control can now be shared between the MXIE interface and the phone itself through enhanced DTMF operations. Mac support is expanded to improve interoperability with new Intel-powered Mac clients.

Full details are available at http://kbs.zultys.com/ or from an authorized Zultys reseller.

About Zultys Technologies
Zultys Technologies, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in Europe, Asia and Australia, delivers smart communication solutions that are easy to use, deploy and manage. The Zultys family of award-winning SIP-based products and software provides an 'All-in-One' unified communication solution that delivers increased worker productivity, scalability for future growth and investment protection, and interoperability with industry standard SIP devices. For more information on Zultys as well as our products and solutions, please visit: http://www.zultys.com/.

###

Contacts:
Robert Liu
Zultys Technologies
+1 408-328-0450 x726
Bob.Liu@zultys.com
http://www.zultys.com/

“VoIP vs. Digital"

What is the Best Solution for Small Business?

The VoIP system vs. the digital key system debate is very intriguing. Both platforms have their distinct benefits. At XBLUE Networks we have both types of system platforms included in our product plan. We made the business decision to develop and introduce our digital key system (45p Small Business Communications system) first for one very basic reason. We are convinced that digital key systems, in an overwhelming majority of applications, still offers the best value to small business (and to the small business system reseller as well, which is equally as important).

Let’s start with the benefits of VoIP. The one benefit that definitely has traction is the “sizzle factor of IP”. This certainly correctly conveys that the product is of the latest technology which is an immediate attention getter. However, the other supposedly substantive benefits claimed by VoIP proponents tend to fizzle out considerably. This is especially true for small business applications.

In almost every instance with VoIP systems, the same top feature/benefits are always highlighted. These are as follows:


Remote office: One unique benefit of VoIP systems is the ability to seamlessly mesh other branch offices communications without the need of PSTN lines and/or long distance charges (of course, the long distance expense benefit of VoIP is quickly evaporating as most carriers now offer unlimited LD with their service).

Still, seamlessly connecting remote offices is a real and valuable benefit. The problem is, most small businesses (easily over 90%) are single site applications. This renders this major benefit of VoIP as virtually worthless to the overwhelming majority of potential small business customers. Yet in almost all VoIP system sales literature remote office is consistently drilled as a “unique” system benefit of VoIP. This is a true statement, however, just as true is the reality that it is a “unique” occurrence when a small business actually desires this capability.

Remote Worker: This benefit has more substance for small business than the remote site application. Some small businesses do have remote workers, but again this is still a very small percentage of companies. Another application of this feature is a business owner who wants to stay in touch with his office 24/7. In this case, with VoIP the business owner could have a telephone extension from his office system in his home. However, most small business owners who have the need to always stay in touch find that their cell phone best meets this need. And, most digital key systems offer as a standard feature “remote call forwarding to a cell phone.”

Unified Messaging: This is a big one and has some wallop. At least it used to, until XBLUE launched our email delivery for small business as a standard feature of our XBLUE 45p system. This has virtually eliminated the unified messaging advantage of VoIP systems as the key benefit of UM is delivering VM messages to your email in-box (which we now do).

Some other VoIP benefits are as follows:

System administration: Combines voice and data network administration/programming. This is a big advantage for large businesses but again not too important to a small business. In a large business the IT manager is usually involved in the buying decision and centralized administration is very beneficial as “moves, adds and changes” are required on a daily basis. However, in a small business, this is rarely the case. Once programming is set-up and initialized changes are not very frequent. The “install and walk away” scenario for the small business system market is as true today as it ever was.

Calendar: This feature does not appear to provide any real benefit over Microsoft’s Outlook Calendar which is already prominently utilized.

Call Assistant: Most small businesses do not use a dedicated operator position. In fact, auto attendants are most common to distribute calls in a small business.

Call Queuing: Most digital key systems have some version of this feature as well but it is rarely used since most small businesses do not have a call center.

Now for the benefits of digital key systems:

Call processing features: Today’s digital key systems are loaded with call processing features that have been designed, developed and implemented over many years of experience working directly with customers for their voice needs. VoIP systems, understandably, have not yet caught up. These call processing needs are normally only discovered after an examination of each small businesses unique application. A mistake a new VoIP system customer often makes is they assume the new VoIP system will have all of the same features of their previous phone system. This is obviously not always the case as VoIP is primarily and simply a new call transport technology, not necessarily a better call processing solution.

External interface: Like call processing features these applications have evolved over time and much direct interface with customers. These can range from simple interface needs like analog ports for cordless phones, external page, door phones, physical contacts for external ringing or to open a gate. VoIP systems are beginning to address some of these needs but often some important external interface applications are not yet available.

Line appearances: In the key system market, customers have long preferred to have a direct button access/status for each line. In fact, this benefit is the origin of the name “key system - a key for each line.” Over the years several manufacturers tried to introduce small PBXs (which use line access “pool” keys instead of dedicated line buttons) into the key system space but to little avail. Small business customers like their key telephone with its direct line access and status. Many VoIP systems also “pool” the line keys like a PBX and do not offer a full benefit of direct line access for all lines.

Buttons: Even the manufacturers of key systems have fought this one for years and introduced lower cost phones with fewer buttons but with limited results at best. Customers still want their buttons. A key system mainstay, DSS/BLF station keys, are still prominent as a key benefit of small business telephone systems. Also, having direct access to features via a button is still a big deal; Voice Mail box, Paging, DND, Conference, Redial, Transfer, Headset mode, the list is long and differs in significance by customer. Like the situation with line appearances, most VoIP systems cannot match the digital key systems in this area of importance.

Total Cost of Ownership: There is no avoiding it; despite the claims of VoIP manufacturers the best communications value for a small business is still overwhelmingly a digital key system. The VoIP systems are beginning to get closer, and they will get there someday, but they still have a ways to go.

The Reseller: As a manufacturer or distributor, you can’t sell phone systems unless you have a reseller network of dealers. So far, in the small business space, the reseller is still predominantly the traditional telephony reseller (interconnect), not the data VAR. This dynamic is slowly changing as both the telephony reseller and data VAR begin to “crossover” but there are other reasons for this situation as well.

First of all, the telephony reseller is fully aware of all the issues listed above. Which means they are still convinced that at least for now and the near future, the digital key system is still the best choice for a small business. Add in the fact that the telephony reseller is far more comfortable and knowledgeable with the key system product (and also the key system manufacturer) and this provides a telling summary of the existing landscape.

Also, many data VARs have so far limited their “crossover to voice” efforts to larger business and system opportunities. Many of the smaller independent telephony resellers are still more than willing and able to provide a high level of quality service to the small business market.

In summary, at XBLUE, we embrace both VoIP and existing digital platforms. It’s just that when we had to decide which system would provide the best immediate results for our company, we let the market landscape and related prospects make the decision for us. This led us directly to the digital key system.

Our VoIP system will be released in the next few months which we believe will be excellent timing to offer customers a new choice. By developing and implementing a “balanced technology product plan” our future success is not bound by any specific projection of acceptance of a new technology or particular doctrine. We won’t have to subjectively force either side of the argument as others may to support a more limited R & D plan. And then we will let the market decide; on its own terms and indefinite timing, whatever that may be.

We believe the best approach is to place the prospects of our future success firmly in our commitment to deliver the best value to small business. And, that this absolute goal will become and remain clearly evident as the distinguishing feature and core value of XBLUE.

Zultys, Lambert of Switzerland Debut Microsoft Dynamics CRM Integration

Software connector modules available immediate for all MS-CRM versions including 'Titan'

SAINT-PREX/FRIBOURG, Switzerland or SUNNYVALE, California -- Lambert Consulting, a IT company that successfully combines the strength and expertise of its team with the experience acquired in infrastructure management and their knowledge and practices in management or business solutions, and Zultys Technologies, the developer and manufacturer of smart communications solutions that are easy to use, deploy and manage, today proudly announce the full-scale integration of the Zultys MX system, its award-winning SIP PBX product line, into the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform.

The integration was performed by Lambert Consulting Sàrl, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for over a decade, utilizing the Zultys MX system?s Telephony API (TAPI) as well as Web services APIs, says Vincent Dupré, IT Developer and Software Engineer at Lambert Consulting. The solution now offers clients a flexible and user-friendly interface to accelerate mission-critical access to vital sales, marketing and customer service information. Incoming calls can be automatically registered and displayed to optimize opportunity management and prospecting or account servicing while outgoing calls can benefit from the wealth of information stored in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

As a result of the remarkable efforts of Lambert Consulting, the two companies are announcing immediate availability of the CTI for MS-CRM Integration module as well as the CTI for MS-CRM Integration Searcher application, which offers advanced callers research capabilities within Microsoft Dynamics CRM through a variety of parameters such as name, telephone numbers, company or e-mail address. Both companies have successfully completed extensive interoperability testing between the two platforms. The modules are already in use or under evaluation with leading customers around the world and support the current iteration of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, version 3.0, as well as the upcoming version 4.0, codenamed "Titan."

"This CRM integration milestone represents a significant jumpstart for the application integration capabilities that have long been engineered into the MX250 as well as our entire SIP PBX product line. Through this joint achievement, we have literally given voice to one of the most powerful sales and customer relationship management solutions currently on the market," says Avi Wienrib, President and CEO of Zultys Technologies.

"The Return on Investment can be immediately estimated based on the reduction of time spent per user and per call to find the correct information," says Christophe Lambert, Director of Lambert Consulting.

About Lambert Consulting Sàrl
LAMBERT CONSULTING is an independent software vendor (ISV) certified partner for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Business Solutions and Microsoft Gold Partner established in Saint-Prex and Fribourg in Switzerland. For over 12 years, LAMBERT CONSULTING has developed a recognized expertise in infrastructure and business management, in most technologies associated with Microsoft. The company also implements vertical CRM solution into financial environment. Please visit http://www.lambertconsulting.ch for more details.

About Zultys Technologies
Zultys Technologies is the premier developer and manufacturer of pure SIP communication solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprises ranging from 10 to 10,000 users. The award-winning architecture of our flagship MX family of standalone servers offers innovative solutions that increase worker productivity, scalability for future growth and investment protection, and interoperability with industry standard SIP devices. Zultys is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations around the world. For more information on Zultys as well as our products and solutions, please visit: http://www.zultys.com.

Contacts:
Christophe Lambert
Lambert Consulting Sàrl
+41 21 806 37 15
clambert@lambertconsulting.ch
www.lambertconsulting.ch

Robert Liu
Zultys Technologies
+1 (408) 328-0450 x726
Bob.Liu@zultys.com
www.zultys.com

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Flexor Connect for snom works with any snom 3 series handset deployed within any snom compatible IP PBX environment - hosted or premise based! Simply put as long as there is a snom handset on your desk, then Flexor will make it work with your Salesforce Application. If you are a hosted service provider, it means immediate access to over 1 million Salesforce customers.

No costly servers - just a simple download.
Flexor is straightforward to install. Just download it from the web onto your desktop and let it automatically link your snom handset with your PC for immediate Salesforce CTI - perfect for remote workers and small offices with limited IT support resources.

No Independent Call Logging systems - just Salesforce.
If you're not using Salesforce combined with Flexor CTI, then you're not making the most of your CRM investment. Flexor helps improve your Salesforce ROI by incorporating telephony within Salesforce, removing the need for third party call logging solutions. Flexor CTI enables you to publish telephony reports, manage sales activities and review contact history all from Salesforce - time and money saved!

Flexor - solutions for the On Demand world.
Flexor works within the existing snom environment making it is simple to deploy, simple to understand and low cost. This makes Flexor ideal for smaller offices, remote workers, “home shoring” organizations and Hosted Internet Telephony Service Providers looking to deliver total packages that integrate with CRM but are wary of the burden of install and support.

Click-to-dial & Screen pop ups!
Flexor drives greater efficiency from Salesforce & snom by activating click-to-dial and contact pop-up screens while users can activate outbound calls simply by clickin on the contact's number.

Call Control and Transfer
With Flexor on screen call control at your finger tips you can manage calls simply, including call-on-hold and call-transfer, all from the Salesforce web interface.

Call Logging & Reporting
Users can set Flexor to log all calls in the contact history for customer tracking and management reporting. This is the source of all of your telephony reports and activity monitoring dashboards.

Dialing Plans
Flexor's adaptable dial plan management program overcomes the problems that may arise from using different PBX’s in different countries. Completed in just a few clicks, it is a simple and intuitive process for the end user and ideal for those traveling.

Are You Ready For VoIP?

General Information
November 23, 2007 • Vol.29 Issue 47

SMEs Are Ramping Up For The Big Move

If only Voice over IP systems were easy to snap into the small to midsized enterprise. While we may not be far away from the perfect VoIP world, the technology is getting closer, as SMEs move toward replacing existing PBX systems or mixing both systems together. So how do you break your SME into the VoIP side of enterprise communications? How do you know your network is ready for VoIP? And what questions should you ask before implementing VoIP?

Chad Agate, co-founder and CEO of NeoPhonetics (http://www.neophonetics.com/), says SMEs are moving toward VoIP systems for good reason. He says SMEs are interested in VoIP for two reasons. First, SMEs understand the total cost of management savings associated with migrating to VoIP systems. Second, SMEs can uniquely benefit from the productivity gains associated with unified communications.

Agate says, “Unfortunately, smaller businesses that want to achieve both significant savings and advanced unified communications have limited options in the market today because incremental licensing fees associated with additional users and additional features can make complete IP PBX systems more expensive than anticipated.” He says the combination of wanting to maximize cost savings and achieve better unified communications is leading some SMEs to open-source IP PBX solutions.

Michael Kirchhoff, senior convergence engineer at Alliant DataTel in Atlanta (http://www.goalliant.net/), says medium-sized businesses are ready to make the move to VoIP. Alliant DataTel is a reseller for Zultys Technologies (http://www.zultys.com/), a California-based communications solution manufacturer. Kirchhoff says Zultys has had great successes since August 2004 focusing almost exclusively on VoIP solutions for its clients. “The greatest successes,” he says, “have been multisite companies with clearly defined IT personnel who are able to support VoIP. The failures have been very small companies not having the budget and staff to support and understand the technology.”

Ready Or Not

So how can SMEs tell if their networks are ready for VoIP? Kirchhoff says for starters, many VoIP technology prospects do not fully understand the necessary requirements to get ready for VoIP. He says many refuse to admit the necessity for backend upgrades, as well. Agate, on the other hand, says while these requirements may seem technical to some, increasingly, he is finding that some organizations meet them whether they realize it or not.

Agate says networks need three basic features to be VoIP ready. “First,” he says, “the cabling infrastructure must be Category 5 or better to adequately handle voice traffic. Second, the network switches must have PoE (Power over Ethernet), Quality of Service, and virtual local-area networks to create prioritization for voice traffic and to be able to carry voice traffic if electricity is interrupted. Finally, the network must have 80Kbps of bandwidth for every concurrent phone call your business needs to make.”

Network evaluations also play a key role in SME VoIP system readiness. But Agate recommends keeping things simple. He says, “For example, we provide a simple remote network evaluation that simulates voice traffic across a network that only takes less than an hour. After this evaluation is complete, a business can rest assured they are ready for VoIP.” Agate says if not, NeoPhonetics provides the specific steps that are necessary to get ready for VoIP. Kirchhoff says as part of the evaluation process, it’s important for any SME to have the ability to support VLANs (virtual LANs) and Quality of Service.

Upgrades also play a key part for SMEs looking to move to VoIP systems. Kirchhoff says SMEs should not be without managed switches and enterprise VPN devices supporting telephony feature sets. The good news here, Agate says, is that the majority of SMEs he sees already have enough bandwidth and Category 5 cabling to handle VoIP. He says a clear majority also tends to have a number of network switches with QoS, VLAN, and PoE capability, but generally, SMEs need to purchase some number of additional switches or routers with these features to ensure a quality VoIP deployment.

Answered Questions

Agate says without a doubt the single most important question to answer is: What is your organization trying to achieve with VoIP? He says, “Too often, organizations begin trying to achieve specific cost savings and then decide to invest larger sums in advanced unified communications capabilities. Understanding how your organization will use its new communications capabilities will help keep the focus on the correct balance between new features and cost savings.” He says before considering a solution or vendor, an organization must understand the level of expertise and service it will need from outside integration experts.

According to Agate, too many small to medium-sized enterprises select a solution that is adequate for immediate needs, but they do not consider the horizon in terms of how long they will be using their solution of choice. He notes, “Organizations that consider their expansion and business process integration needs over the next three to five years make better decisions about which solutions and vendors to select.”

by Chris A. MacKinnon

http://www.goalliant.net/

Zultys Adds Support for Aastra SIP Phones

As of version 4.0 of its market leading MX line of telephone systems, Zultys has added support for Aastra SIP telephones including Aastra's new 5 series phones.

Aastra 57i Phone

Aastra 5 series phones are high quality and high technology from the ground up. The 57i's (shown above) features include 12 programmable buttons, 4 call appearances, an XML programming API, and a robust full-duplex speakerphone.




Busy Lamp Field Buttons

Busy Lamp Field (BLF) is the original "Presence on a Button" feature that has been popular with receptionists and executive/executive assistant pairs for many years. Aastra also uses this type of button as a "Shared Appearence" such that calls for a user can optionally ring and be answered by users with that user's BLF button on their phone.BLF buttons are programmed on the Zultys system straight from the Admin User Interface and are automatically added to the phones. Zultys also supports Aastra's "sidecar" modules to add more buttons to phone.



XML Applications

Aastra's XML Application programming interface gives developers the ability to target vertical markets by allowing them to extend the phones' button functionality to interact with data from network sources such as databases and web sites.

INTERNET TELEPHONY® Magazine's Awards Zultys its 2007 Product of the Year Award

MX Version 3.2 Recognized as Outstanding Innovation

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Zultys Technologies, the premier developer and manufacturer of pure SIP communication solutions for small to medium size businesses and enterprises ranging from 10 to 10,000 users, announced today that Technology Marketing Corporation's (TMC®) INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine has named the MX SIP PBX running Software Version 3.2 as a recipient of its 2007 Product of the Year Award. INTERNET TELEPHONY has been the VoIP Authority Since 1998.
"Zultys has proven they are committed to quality and excellence while addressing real needs in the marketplace. INTERNET TELEPHONY is pleased to grant a 2007 Product of the Year Award to the MX system," said Rich Tehrani, TMC President and Editor-in-Chief of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. "We're proud to honor their hard work and accomplishments and look forward to more innovative solutions in the future."
Released in September 2007, MX Software Version 3.2 represents a significant upgrade for the award-winning MX30 and MX250 IP PBX systems. Among its most relevant functional enhancements include:
Z-Connect (NAT Traversal for SIP) - Supports remote users to connecting directly to the MX phone system without the need to set up a complex VPN or other specialized network configuration. For information on NAT Traversal for SIP can be found in a White Paper available via the Zultys Knowledge Base System (http://kbs.zultys.com).
Third-party phone integration - This enables tighter integration (paging, park, pick-up, provisioning and busy lamp indication) with third-party SIP phones manufactured by leading companies like Aastra Telecom and Polycom.
Software Patch Manager - The installation, removal and management of firmware patches for MX products are now facilitated through the MX Admin UI. This represents a major advantage for VARs, end users, and anyone responsible for maintaining the MX product by making it easy to keep the operating software at its most current level. For more details please refer to the Patch Manager White Paper available via the Zultys KBS.
"This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the applications, products and features integration enabled by a standard-based platform like our MX system. In the weeks to come, we plan to further demonstrate the engineering prowess that serves as the foundation of this company," said Avi Wienrib, Chairman and CEO, Zultys Technologies.
A full list of Product of the Year winners will be published in the February, 2008 issue of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. (www.itmag.com) For more information about TMC, please visit www.tmcnet.com.
About INTERNET TELEPHONY magazineINTERNET TELEPHONY has been the VoIP Authority since 1998. Since the first issue in February of 1998, INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine has been providing unbiased views of the complicated converged communications space. INTERNET TELEPHONY offers rich content from solutions-focused editorial content to reviews on products and services from TMC Labs. INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine has a circulation of 225,000 including pass-along readers. For more information, please visit www.itmag.com.
About TMCTechnology Marketing Corporation (TMC) publishes Customer Interaction Solutions, INTERNET TELEPHONY, Unified Communications, and IMS Magazine. TMCnet, TMC's Web site, is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. Ranked in the top 6,000 most visited Web sites in the world by alexa.com*, TMCnet serves as many as three million unique visitors each month. TMC is also the first publisher to test new products in its own on-site laboratories, TMC Labs. In addition, TMC produces INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO, and Call Center 2.0 Conference. For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com. (*alexa.com is an amazon.com company that ranks Web sites by their traffic levels. Neither alexa.com nor amazon.com is affiliated with TMCnet.) For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com.
About Zultys TechnologiesZultys Technologies is the premier developer and manufacturer of pure SIP communication solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprises ranging from 10 to 10,000 users. The award-winning standalone design of the MX product line offers innovative solutions that increase worker productivity, scalability for future growth and investment protection, and interoperability with industry standard SIP devices. Zultys is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations throughout the world. For more information on Zultys as well as our products and solutions, please visit: http://www.zultys.com.
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Contacts:Robert LiuZultys Technologies(408) 328-0450 ext. 726Bob.Liu@zultys.comwww.zultys.com
Jan PierretTMC203-852-6800, ext. 228 jpierret@tmcnet.com

Zultys Technologies Closes New Round of Financing

Zultys Technologies is pleased to share exciting news with its valued distributors, VARs and customers. Equity ownership has been consolidated under the control of the private investment group that's been overseeing operations since the restructuring in 2006. This new round of financing will assist Zultys in funding its next wave of growth and expansion.
Zultys has proven its value not only an investment but as a strong company, providing products and services with global appeal. The investors and employees of Zultys thank Mr. Avi Wienrib for his leadership over the past 18 months that has positioned Zultys for the next surge of growth. We wish Mr. Wienrib all the best as he pursues his lifelong interests in the field of hi-tech manufacturing.

With the transfer of ownership, plans are underway to escalate Zultys to the next level. The schedules for product development for new offerings and engineering on the existing MX product line are fast-tracked. Focused activity to expand our distribution channels are at the forefront of our Sales and Marketing efforts.

"This new round of investment clearly demonstrates the long-term viability of our business model and go-to-market strategy that's built around our truly unique technology offering. As SIP continues to make inroads into businesses, enterprises and organizations around the world, we also continue to grow and will plan accordingly to expand into new market segments and geographic regions. This additional funding will go a long way toward ensuring our plans come to fruition," said Vladimir Movshovich, VP of Technology at Zultys.

Zultys’ worldwide community welcomes this news, and anticipates our continued growth and expansion to enhance market presence and profitability for its many partners worldwide.
About Zultys TechnologiesZultys Technologies is the premier developer and manufacturer of pure SIP communication solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprises ranging from 10 to 10,000 users. The award-winning architecture of our flagship MX family of standalone servers offers innovative solutions that increase worker productivity, scalability for future growth and investment protection, and interoperability with industry standard SIP devices. Zultys is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations around the world. For more information on Zultys as well as our products and solutions, please visit: http://www.zultys.com/.