AST Networks, a business unit of the AST Group, has launched a new standalone hybrid telephony system: the Philips Business Communications` SOPHO 2000 IPS. This new platform, which is capable of supporting both packet-switched IP and circuit-switched traditional telephony, represents an extension of AST Networks` current product portfolio.
Complementing AST Networks` offering without compromising on the functionalities of existing features and applications, it will allow it to extend its appeal to current and prospective customers, particularly data-oriented ones. Customers will have access to a full range of traditional and IP telephony facilities and the opportunity to migrate towards new IP technologies how, when they want to, and at their own pace.
The SOPHO 2000 IPS meets the most severe demands of modern enterprise communications and empowers mid-sized businesses and branch-offices to migrate smoothly to IP telephony, offering crystal clear voice over IP quality, superior cost-effectiveness and almost unparalleled versatility.
Although it is significantly smaller than a `conventional` PBX, the SOPHO 2000 IPS supports node-to-node and peer-to-peer connectivity and offers a full range of over 400 traditional PBX features in combination with highly versatile networking capabilities. A single SOPHO 2000 IPS can support up to 512 extensions and it is possible to network up to 255 SOPHO 2000 IPS nodes. Adding the products and applications that currently support its SOPHO iS3000 series of ISPBXs increases the versatility of the new platform.
Commenting on the introduction of the SOPHO 2000 IPS, Brett Thomas, GM of Voice Solutions of AST Networks, says: "This is indeed great news for our customers. In combination with our other integrated offerings, it represents a first, and significant step towards the realisation of a promise that AST Networks has been making to companies for a number of years now: the provision of a truly hybrid, traditional and IP telecommunications centre.
"Understanding the client`s business and its drivers is the key to the successful implementation of any technology application, aimed at meeting the client`s business needs. It is through the development of this new platform, that Philips assists AST Networks to open new horizons for users where the adoption of IP technology is relevant. The SOPHO 2000 IPS offers all the benefits of traditional telephony, seen as indispensable by business users today, and the advantages of the emerging IP technologies," adds Thomas.
The SOPHO 2000 IPS is not intended to displace Philips Business Communication`s SOPHO iS3000 range; it is in fact a market-driven addition to it.
"Both product ranges will complement the other," says Thomas. "The SOPHO iS3000 is a TDM switch which is IP-enabled, whereas the SOPHO 2000 IPS is an IP switch which is TDM-enabled. Having both will be key to serving a transitory market and enable us to provide any combination and guarantee flexible adaptation. And, of course, because the SOPHO iS3000 will remain a solid cornerstone of PBC`s telecommunications solutions, the current investments made by AST Networks` clients are safeguarded."
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