Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday it has released its Microsoft Response Point phone system software aimed at SMBs to manufacturing.

Microsoft worked with D-Link Corp. and Quanta Computer Inc. on the product.

Microsoft Response Point, a premises-based phone system aimed at the very smallest of SMBs, certainly has competitive pricing and the integration with Outlook is a value-add, said the Yankee Groups Steve Hilton. Of particular interest is the Magic button which brings voice recognition technology into the world of the SMB in a new way. The biggest challenge for Microsoft is in its current reliance on the D-Link and Quanta channels to get the product into SMBs. We look forward to Response Point’s availability through the massive Microsoft channel and distributors like CDW, as well as the globalization of the Response Point solution.

The Quanta Syspine models can be preordered beginning Oct. 5. A complete package that includes a base unit with built-in analog telephone adapter (ATA) and secure gateway, plus four phones, will cost approximately $2,500. Additional phones will be available for $159 each.

The D-Link VoiceCenter phone systems will be available in the fourth quarter. The VoiceCenter system will include a base unit, ATA and five phones for approximately $2,999. Additional phone lines will cost approximately $149.

Microsoft also announced Aastra Technologies Ltd. as the newest hardware vendor that will manufacture and ship Response Point phone systems. Aastra, a global leader in the enterprise telecommunications systems industry, will offer Response Point phone systems with wireless handset options by next year.

Response Point is an integral piece of Microsofts VoIP strategy, which addresses communications and messaging needs for businesses of all sizes through software. Response Points management center lets an average computer user set up a phone or make system changes.

D-Link Corp. www.dlink.com
Microsoft Corp. www.microsoft.com
Quanta Computer Inc. www.quanta.com