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Toshiba's New SoftIPT SoftPhone Extends Desktop Telephone Features to PDAs, Laptops and PCs

Posted on: Monday, 4 October 2004, 06:00 CDT

Toshiba's SoftIPT wirelessly extends the features of Toshiba's Strata(R) CIX and Strata(R) CTX Business Telephone Systems

Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Digital Solutions Division (TAIS DSD) today announced the new Toshiba SoftIPT(TM) SoftPhone, which wirelessly extends the features and functionality of Toshiba desktop telephones to suitably equipped PDAs running PocketPC 2003 and laptops, tablet PCs, and PCs running Windows 2000 or XP(R). The SoftIPT SoftPhone allows users to access their telephone features from virtually any location by connecting to the enterprise's Toshiba Strata(R) CIX native IP business communications system or Strata CTX digital business communications system through 802.11 wireless networks. It will be available this fall.

"The SoftIPT SoftPhone can be used anywhere users have access to wired or wireless connectivity, empowering users to extend their desktop telephones to their PDAs, laptops, and/or PCs, increasing productivity and mobility, as well as reducing overall communication costs," said Michael Durance, vice president and general manager of TAIS DSD. "The Toshiba SoftIPT brings together the best of Toshiba's telecommunications, computer and mobility products into a single productivity solution for enterprises."

Headset-Free Operation on PDAs, Speaker Phones on Laptops

Toshiba's SoftIPT SoftPhone for PDAs allows users to hold the PDA up to their ears to listen to calls, eliminating the need for a headset, while using it much like they would a cell phone. This feature, not available in most competitive systems, allows the user to do more with fewer pieces of equipment and maximizes the flexibility and productivity of their PDA to communicate by telephone. Headsets are compatible as well for users who prefer more privacy.

In addition, Toshiba's SoftIPT SoftPhone for Laptops and PCs now includes a built-in Speaker Phone, so users do not have to rely on a headset to communicate over their devices.

Every Feature to Every Device

In keeping with its promise to deliver every feature to every device, Toshiba has designed its SoftIPT SoftPhone to deliver virtually all of the features and functionality as its traditional desktop telephones in a form factor that lets users go mobile with their telephone communication. Its friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) lets users manage both incoming and outgoing calls as well as hundreds of other call handling features, using pull-down menus for PDAs that help save real estate on smaller screens.

Some of the desktop telephone features that are extended to the PDA, laptop or PC via the SoftIPT include:

-- Receive and answer incoming calls

-- Transfer incoming calls directly into voice mail or to another extension

-- Caller ID on incoming telephone calls

-- Place outgoing telephone calls, using auto dial tied to user's own database

-- Call forward external features, which enables calls to be routed to a cell phone home phone or other device

-- Ability to manage calls via a single voice mailbox

-- Soft keys for voice mail features, such as Play, Reply, Pause, and Delete

-- Forward voice mails to other users on the Strata CTX system

-- Broadcast voice mails from the PDA, laptop or PC

-- Retrieve voice mail messages directly from the PDA, laptop or PC

-- Voice mail indicator light on the PDA, laptop or PC screen

-- Conference calls for up to eight parties

-- Off-hook call announce for completely hands-free use, allowing the user to be paged without them having to physically click to answer the call

-- Call record features on the laptop or PC as a .WAV file or into their voice mail

"Mobile office workers will appreciate the ability to put their telephones onto a platform with which they are already proficient and comfortable," Durance explained. "Vertical markets, such as those in retail, healthcare and warehousing, will also benefit from the ability to carry a single handheld device that is capable of running both voice and data applications."

Combining voice and data on a single platform also opens the doors for application developers to create new integrated programs that will create value for users.

Wireless LAN Compatibility Cuts Costs, Reduces Need for Cell Phones

When used in a campus-wide environment over a wireless LAN, the SoftIPT reduces infrastructure costs and reduces charges associated with cell phone usage. "Using the SoftIPT in a WLAN environment enables users to productively handle their calls, while reducing or eliminating cell phone charges," Durance said.

System Compatibility

Toshiba's SoftIPT is a software telephone client that runs on suitably equipped wired or wireless laptops, tablet PCs, and desktop PCs with Microsoft's Windows XP or 2000 operating software. It is also compatible with PDAs running PocketPC 2003. The SoftIPT SoftPhone is compatible with Toshiba's new Strata CIX native IP business communications systems as well as its family of Strata CTX digital business communication systems when used in conjunction with Toshiba's BIPU-M2A VoIP gateway card.

Availability

Toshiba's new SoftIPT will be available this fall. To find an Authorized Toshiba Dealer in your area, visit www.telecom.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)

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, communications, storage and imaging products and services. Products include industry leading portable computers, PDAs, projectors, DVD/CD recordable products and hard disk drives for computers, telephony products, digital imaging systems, cable modems, servers, 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 $47 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.toshiba.com.

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