These products will complete Zyxel’s end-to-end VoIP portfolio for small businesses, whether at home, on the move or in the office. The PBX and the ATA will allow companies to VoIP-enable offices cost effectively, and without having to replace existing analogue handsets. Both products will be available during Q3 and Q4 of 2007.
“It can be difficult for small businesses to switch their traditional voice systems over to IP,” said Rob Mackinnon, product manager, Zyxel. “Although many companies are enthusiastic about the flexibility that VoIP offers, large PBXs can be prohibitively expensive. With the ATA, it’s not even necessary for companies to stop using existing analogue phones when switching over to VoIP.
Office space is often a premium cost for small companies, and the PBXs will help companies to control this by taking up less space. Small businesses will also benefit from lower management costs and reduced complexity.”
Zyxel is launching two IP PBXs, the X6004-32 and the X6004-128. The X6004-32 can handle up to 32 SIP accounts and the X6004-128 can handle up to 128. The devices can be stacked, allowing companies to easily scale up their telephony arrangements as the company itself grows. Up to five devices can be stacked, giving a user base of up to 640 accounts. The products support both audio and video (mpeg4) traffic, which means that the IP PBX is ready for both voice and video calls / conferencing, allowing companies to fully take advantage of converged technologies.
Both of the PBXs offer “click to talk” website functionality, allowing customers using VoIP to directly contact a specific person at the company by simply clicking on the appropriate link. Conferencing and call recording are also supported, and the IP PBX can automatically configure new handsets once they are plugged into the PBX, allowing companies to make calls and organise their devices with the greatest possible ease.
The P2024 ATA device connects up to 24 traditional (analogue) telephones to an IP PBX, and converts them to SIP accounts, allowing workers to utilise their existing handsets when the company has switched over to VoIP. This helps companies save money because they do not have to buy or rent new VoIP handsets, whilst still conferring all of the benefits of VoIP, such as reduced call costs and easier remote working.
The PBX will be available for purchase either with an annual maintenance fee or as a hosted solution with an annual rental fee.