Disruptive new SMB digital phone system from Microsoft
May 30, 2008
Courtesy Microsoft
Microsoft has announced the release of the Response Point VoIP system at costco.com. The Response Point runs on the Syspine Digital Operator Phone System from Quanta Computers and retails for $1799.99 (which includes 4 phones).
The Microsoft Response Point was apparently designed to be an easy-to-use out of the box voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone system, and is clearly targeted to small businesses. The system has some powerful features, such as built in voice recognition which enables users to pick up a phone Read more
Bill Gates to do away with phone numbers? Do I hear an Echo?
May 30, 2008
This one is a doosey folks. Still trying to sort it all out and wrap my head around what our good friend Bill Gates is saying here. Early this month Mr. Microsoft mentioned, in a speech he made in Japan, that he could do away with phone numbers! That got us thinking wild and crazy thoughts. Here is what he said:
So, how is this business productivity different than we have today? One element is unified communications. Right now the mobile phone, the desktop phone, the e-mail that you have on the PC, or instant messaging, these are all very different things, and the issues about how much of your information or your schedule, your current activity you share with people who communicate with you is not well designed.
When recession is good for business
May 28, 2008
It is hard to believe, but crumbling profits resulting from the current economic situation might actually be good for some companies. As the pressure mounts and profits plummet, many companies are looking for new ways to save money. Often, this results in layoffs and outsourcing, but contracts are also under review, and savvy businesses are looking in places that they haven’t looked for years - such as their telephone bill.
We asked telecom industry consultant Charles Lomond why VoIP and SIP sales are growing so quickly. “What many businesses have right now is a clogged financial drain with pressure building up behind it. Companies are getting backed up with bills and are just starting to look for new ways to free up the cash flow to keep their operations going. Read more
Jangl Jingles No More - Is Voice 2.0 Headed for Trouble?
May 20, 2008
The much hyped Jangl jingles no more. Jangl was a company that we followed form the beginning, it offered a bright new way to integrate voice with social networking sites by offering anonymous free calling without needing to give your phone number to strangers. It was a seemingly winning strategy. They parlayed their increasing attention into deals with most of the top social networking sites, like Facebook. The future looked bright, as long as you overlooked the lack of revenue in their “Free” calling business model. Read more
Pardon me Madam, your phone stinks
May 20, 2008
Former cell phone heavyweight, Motorola, has been granted a patent for a “Smellophone.” If this was April, you’d think that this was a prank, but it isn’t. Cellular users will soon be able to purchase a phone which emits a fragrance as you speak. The process uses a small heater to warm a scent pack which releases an odor designed to be stronger than the surrounding environment.
Somehow, it doesn’t seem likely that this will be the device which saves Moto’s flagging handset division.
Motorola Granted Patent for Smellophone - Information Week
The Sprint Sucks Story
May 20, 2008
Everyone loves a horror story, even us shriveled old raisins at Telecom Monthly. And this story has it all, shock, anticipation, and an evil villain. Unfortunately, this is a supposedly true story. The tale of a small company which overpaid on their T1s for years and the big company which refused to help. We don’t really know if this is legit or not, but the guy was upset enough to spring for the domain www.sprint-really-sucks.com and put the effort into explaining his story.
I actually feel a bit sorry for Sprint. They are a carrier in trouble and sites like this really don’t help. But, it does go to show you that a little bad publicity from an upset customer can go a REALLY long way. Someone along the line should have taken care of this guy. Perhaps whoever ends up buying the ailing Sprint will make amends with Allen Harkleroad and pay him to take his site down. Until then, enjoy the zombies:
http://www.sprint-really-sucks.com/default.aspx
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