Microsoft Unveils Small-Business Phone System Software

REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. unveiled a small-business Internet protocol (IP) phone system, code-named "Response Point." The new system comes in a box, supports both voice over IP (VoIP) and traditional phone lines, and includes a voice-activated user interface.

Now in beta testing, Response Point will be generally available later this year in three models: D-Link DVX-2000, Quanta Syspine and Uniden Evolo.

Response Point is one of the strategic initiatives supporting Microsoft's vision for VoIP communications.

In addition to Response Point, Microsoft delivers a software-based VoIP foundation through Office Communications Server 2007 and Office Communicator 2007. Microsoft will distribute the public beta versions of Communications Server 2007 and Communicator 2007 later this month. The Beta 2 release of Response Point is scheduled for early April.