At the ITExpo East conference in early February of 2009, Digium announced the newest version of Switchvox SMB software... SMB 4.0. Since then, I've had the opportunity to evaluate and test the exciting new features of this very "web-aware" system. As promised in February, I'm happy to share my thoughts about the newest software release with the NetworkWorld community.
I have always been a strong supporter of the Asterisk project, and have written on the wide array of Asterisk-based appliances available. Since Digium's acquisition of Switchvox, the product and feature suite continues to grow and develop, offering features previously unavailable at such a low price point.
Free & Simple Upgrades
Think back to the last major PBX or key system software upgrade you completed. Usually, these upgrades entail high-priced keycodes or software, and a long and expensive visit from your vendor, right? As made very clear with the Switchvox SMB 4.0 release, major software upgrades are painless, simple, and quick.
In my environment, the entire upgrade took a total of 10-15 minutes, and required less than 10 clicks of the mouse. Software updates are performed in the convenient web-administration utility, along with all of the other administrative functions. There is no need to learn complicated console commands to complete this upgrade.
The Switchvox 4.0 release is free to any user on a current maintenance agreement. Yes, I did say free. I don't know any other solution that adds significant functionality to a software release, and offers it for free.
Features Galore:
There were several major feature releases included in the SMB 4.0 software:
* Fax integration-Users can send and receive faxes quickly and easily via Switchvox.
* Video calling-Switchvox supports video phones that use the codec standards H.263 and H.264.
* Instant messaging-Switchvox includes a private chat server that uses the widely adopted, open XMPP protocol. The Switchvox Switchboard offers a Chat Panel, or users can select their favorite XMPP-based client.
* Centralized presence-Presence and status details for call and chat activity are visible across multiple peered Switchvox PBXs.
* Web-aware interactive voice response (IVR) tools-Switchvox includes many new IVR functions for building custom applications. These sophisticated tools include exchanging sound files with web applications, setting system-wide variables and more.
* Unified messaging enhancements-IMAP integration provides a standards-based solution for voicemail and faxes. Also, users can customize multiple greetings and e-mail notifications optimized for display on a wide range of devices.
* Organized phonebooks-Employees can organize their contacts into groups and keep multiple phone numbers for each contact. Also, a company directory panel uses type-to-find to help users find extensions quickly for any of their coworkers.
* Call queue improvements-Small businesses and call centers alike will benefit from the ability to log into, log out of and pause a member's status on each queue with a single click, and even add comments that are displayed to supervisors or other queue members.
* Switchvox Notifier-A Windows desktop client provides interaction with MS Office applications. Pop-up notifications show incoming caller details and call history, and one-click options let users quickly add Outlook contacts and dial phone numbers.
* Switchvox Extend-An XML-based API lets administrators create new extensions and access call logs, reports and extension lists.
* Auto-provisioning snom IP phones-Switchvox offers automatic configuration of VoIP phones manufactured by snom technology and Polycom.
* More call options-Switchvox supports BRI-an important step toward expanded international sales, and HD Voice-high-quality wideband audio delivered via the G.722 protocol.
I had the opportunity over several weeks to test a majority of the new and exciting features mentioned above. While my testing was limited to strictly Polycom SoundPoint IP phones, and various softphones, the user experience was exceptionally positive.
Web-Aware features were the focus of Digium's marketing campaign for the SMB 4.0 release. This release delivered on the promise of having tight integration with many external systems and resources.
Chat/IM: For instance, the newly-integrated XMPP chat server makes deploying an internal IM environment very easy for SMBs. Users can utilize any XMPP-based client, or the Switchboard web interface.
Fax Integration: SMBs can now dispose of their old fax machine, as the Switchvox platform now supports the sending and receiving of faxes. I tested this feature and was impressed on how easy it was to implement. No telecom technicians are needed to bring an organization's fax system into the 21st century.
HD wideband audio: What users will almost recognize first is the support for wideband audio codecs (via the G.722 protocol). When using wideband audio capable phones, conversations and audio are very lifelike. Since more and more ITSPs and applications are utilizing wideband codecs, Digium's inclusion of HD codec support was well-received.
There are many other features that were either improved or added in this release. As with many great products, the list could go on for pages. I encourage you to test out the appliance and the SMB 4.0 software for yourself to discover the many other features and additions.
Overall Impressions:
The Switchvox SMB 4.0's ability to integrate with a "web-centric" world is clear. Offering feature sets that do not exist in competing products, any organization can adapt the Switchvox solution to their exact needs. No longer is it necessary to work around the limiting options of traditional PBXs or KSUs.
The Leader in Network Knowledge
Post new comment