German company, Swyx, offers SwyxWare, a software-based IP PBX that requires no proprietary hardware and includes all of the typical features like voicemail, call manager, conference manager and inter-site coupling for SoHo and SMB environment. 

Swyx provides a fully functioned PBX system in software - SwyxWare VoIP PBX. The SwyxWare software takes over all of the functions provided by the traditional dedicated PBX and handles all incoming and outgoing calls. Inside the company, staff can either use a “soft” phone, essentially a piece of software running on their PC or PDA to connect to the Swyx switch from anywhere on the corporate IP network, or indeed by using any IP connection.

The Swyx software attempts to use the IP network as much as possible to connect calls. For example, anyone on the company’s own IP network can use the Swyx soft phone to call anyone else connected to the network without any call charges being incurred. Where it is not possible to route the call to the desired phone entirely using IP networks, the Swyx software keeps the transport of the call within the IP network as long as possible before the least expensive communication path is selected to complete the call.

Adding a new user to the system is a simple process - match their Windows 2000 username with a Swyx username and automatically generated PIN. Once you have done that, you can configure the calling level of the user, limiting their calls to internal, local, national, or international calls. Users can be contained within the system's directory or may be ex-directory. If they are in the directory they can be searched for either in the SwyxIt! or on a SwyxPhone. Configuration of a handset's speed-dial and shortcut buttons can be managed at the server, or configured on the handset itself. Creation of a manager/ secretary relationship automatically results in speed dials being configured.

However, saving money on call charges is just one benefit from using Swyx IP telephony solutions. Others spring to mind, such as the simplicity and flexibility provided by software based PBX. Users can be connected to the phone system with their dedicated number, wherever they are located within the company and however often they move, with no need for expensive and time consuming re-cabling. In addition, the PBX does not require dedicated, trained administrators to look after its operation as these can be supported by an IT manager as just another application. Beyond this, IP telephony makes it relatively straightforward to combine business applications and the telephone system to allow organisations to work more effectively.

Perhaps the most interesting facet of SwyxWare has been its adoption by SMB organisations. Since its launch in 2000, SwyxWare has been installed in over 4,500 SMB companies across Europe where it is being used to provide powerful, simple to use and cost-effective telephony. These companies typically range in size from 5 to over 500 telephone extensions.

VoIP (Voice over Internet) is finally becoming an attractive option for smaller businesses and educational establishments. Swyx is a well established VoIP telephony company and the latest update to its SwyxWare platform adds to its attraction.

For more information go to http://www.swyx.com/