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Toshiba Announces New Video Communications Solution for Its Strata CIX Family of IP PBX Systems; Features Video Communications and Collaboration

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Digital Solutions Division (TAIS DSD), today announced its new Video Communications Solution (VCS) for its Strata CIX(TM) family of IP business communication systems.

"Toshiba is leveraging its leadership position in broadcasting and video technologies to deliver its telecommunications dealers and SMB users an affordable, easy-to-use video communications solution that matches the quality and reliability of Toshiba's family of Strata CIX business communication systems," said Larry Meyer, vice president, sales and marketing, of TAIS DSD. "Toshiba has made video virtually as easy to use as a traditional telephone, and because it's compatible with the user's existing Strata CIX system and telephone handsets, Toshiba's VCS offers a very affordable entry point into video communications and collaboration."

Integrated P2P Video Communications and Collaboration

Toshiba's VCS will initially provide affordable point-to-point (P2P) video communications and collaboration (desktop and applications sharing) capabilities. Using voice extensions, video can seamlessly be added to telephone conversations. A number of default settings (on, off, communication rate and window size for video) can be configured to meet the individual user's needs.

Features include:

-- Integration -- Fully integrated with Strata CIX systems and pre-installed when shipped with the Media Application Server (MAS), VCS easily extends the user's Multi-media experience, including video and data sharing with the VCS client running on Windows XP.

-- Video -- Friendly and easy-to-use interface allows participants to set up video communications to see, hear and interact with each other.

-- Collaboration -- Participants can use various communications tools, such as voice, share and collaborate with their desktop applications or documents anytime and anywhere.

Functionality is integrated into the telephony capabilities with features specifically tailored to handle video telephony, including features such as hold, transfer, and forward.

Future releases of VCS will include features such as Presence (Ability to see where Strata users are in real time, what they are doing, and their individual preferred method to be reached), File Transfer, Instant Messaging, three-party video conferencing, and Toshiba's Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) to support up to eight parties with full video conferencing and enhancements to collaboration capabilities.

Compatible With Virtually Any Type of Strata Endpoint

Compatible with all types of Strata end points, including IP, digital telephones as well as softphones, Toshiba's VCS puts the user in charge of how they want to use video communications.

To equip Strata system users with VCS, the following components are required:

-- VCS server software (runs on Strata Media Application Server)

-- VCS client software (runs on individual users' PCs)

-- USB camera (from third party)

-- USB handset or headset (recommended if softphone is used, from third party)

-- Endpoint -- Toshiba digital telephone, Toshiba IP wired or wireless telephone, Toshiba SoftIPT(TM) softphone

-- Strata CIX with Strata Media Application Server, or similarly equipped Strata CTX(R) system

Maximizes Productivity via Remote, Video Communications

Video communications takes productivity to a new level by allowing remote workers to see, hear, interact and collaborate on projects together, no matter where they are physically located. Whether it's used for daily organizational calls or VIP communication, VCS provides the remote way to conduct virtual in-person meetings for staff education, field engineer support, sales staff support, and much more. Because it takes the place of face-to-face meetings, video communications can dramatically reduce the cost of business travel.

Toshiba's One-Stop Shop, With Investment Protection

Toshiba's new VCS reinforces Toshiba's promise to never leave a customer behind by providing the investment protection of ensuring that VCS works with not only Toshiba's newer Strata CIX IP platform but also with older Strata CTX TDM business communication systems that have been upgraded to add IP capabilities. Meyer said, "With VCS, our users can improve their communications and productivity with an affordable entry cost to video communications. Toshiba is once again delivering 'big company' features and functionality to its SMB customer base."

To find an Authorized Toshiba Dealer in your area, visit the Toshiba website at www.telecom.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of three divisions: Digital Products Division, Digital Solutions Division and the Storage Device Division. Together, the three divisions provide mobile products and solutions, telecommunications, imaging and storage products and services. Products include industry leading portable computers, projectors, DVD/CD recordable products and hard disk drives for computers, telephony products, digital imaging systems, wireless solutions and services.

TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is a world leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems. Toshiba has global sales of over $52 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.toshiba.com.

(C) 2005 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. Strata is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corporation. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice.

Source: Business Wire

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