IP TELEPHONY vendor Swyx has taken the wraps off SwyxMobile, its FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergence) and Mobile Extension (Mobex) solution that supports small and large businesses.  This will enable its channel partners to access the currently poorly serviced FMC market for SME business.

Gunter Junk, ceo, commented: "FMC and Mobile Extension is fast becoming the new ‘must have’ application for organisations.  However, most commercially available offers in the market today are targeted at the larger enterprise - in terms of operation, implementation and price - but SwyxMobile will allow a highly featured yet cost-effective solution to be offered to businesses with as few as five employees, as well as being scalable to suit the needs of larger enterprise customers.  The ability to integrate this capability into their existing Unified Communication environment using just one number for each employee, regardless of the device, will improve both mobility and productivity."

FMC technology enables users to use a single mobile-telephone handset to be used as a mobile phone on the mobile GSM network, as well operating as an extension directly connected to their Swyx IP PBX.  This allows users to access and use many key features and capabilities of their office telephone/UC system, while needing only a single handset.  Junk added: "Using this technology, businesses will not only save money on deskphone handsets, call charges and superfluous hardware, they can also create a ‘virtual office’, maximising the reachability of their staff by creating a flexible workforce that can be more available, more often to their customers, suppliers and colleagues.

"This new development presents an exciting new opportunity for our reseller partners that can offer enhanced value to customers that are considering FMC today and peace of mind to existing and future customers who may wish to adopt the technology in the future.  Compatibility with FMC is just one of a number developments that Swyx is currently undergoing to support the investment that our resellers have made in our products, and it clearly demonstrates the power, flexibility and revenue opportunities that an open platform IP solution can deliver."



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IP TELEPHONY vendor Swyx has revealed that that the next release of its Swyxware software will support the new Microsoft Vista operating system as well as the latest version of Outlook (2007).  Swyx senior vice president of sales, Andy Bills, commented: "The new release means that new and existing SwyxWare users can now benefit from the additional functionality associated with Vista and Outlook

It is important for our reseller partners and their customers that our software products are developed in parallel with the major applications that are key to their business development

With Swyx's ability to integrate easily with other Microsoft applications, there is a range of value add opportunities the channel can offer its customer base."

Karl Noakes, director of partner development and marketing at Microsoft, added: "As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Swyx is among the elite of the Microsoft partner community.  Our Gold partners are equipped to deliver business-driven technology solutions to their customers and are valued by Microsoft." (The new version of Swyxware is currently in market testing and will be generally availabile in second calendar quarter of 2007).



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Background Information

Although switching energy providers can be a piece of cake (many of us have done so more than once, in fact) the same is sadly often not the case when it comes to broadband.

More than three quarters of all internet connections in the UK are through broadband (a fast, permanent internet connection).  Indeed, the UK market has become so lucrative that there are now over 30 companies battling for their share of the market.  Unsurprisingly, such competition has forced prices down, meaning that many of us have found the deal we signed up to a couple of years ago no longer competitive.  So the obvious solution is to switch providers.

Unfortunately, while this sounds easy, the reality is often more troublesome.  While providers should be making the process of switching relatively easy for their customers, many drag it out over many weeks, and some even charged their customers for moving.

Ofcom (the independent regulator for the UK's communications industries) has received thousands of complaints from people trying to move, where, in some cases, the process has proved so frustrating that potential switchers have simply given up.

Migration Authorisation Code (MAC)

One of the main culprits causing the delays is the Migration Authorisation Code (MAC).  This code is the 17-18 alphanumeric identifier that your old provider needs to issue you with, in order for you to leave. You must then pass the MAC to your new supplier, so the line you are using can be identified.  The MAC should also allow you to use your existing connection while the switch takes place -- without it and you could be left with no broadband.  Unfortunately, as MACs have been issued under a voluntary arrangement in the past, some broadband firms have delayed issuing the codes, dragging the whole switching process out for the consumer.  And to make things even more frustrating, not all broadband providers use the MAC system, meaning that users had to wait for days or weeks until their line was "cleared" before they could sign up with a new supplier.

New rulings

Fortunately, things have now changed.  New rulings that came into force (15th February 2007) mean that all broadband providers must now use the MAC system, and supply a MAC within five working days of being asked for it.  Once the MAC has been received, the new firm must try and switch the customer to their service within 30 days, and inform them of the exact date that they will be connected.

What's more, broadband firms are no longer allowed to charge their customers for issuing a MAC, or to switch provider.  Any firms that continue to try to put obstacles in the way of consumers trying to switch could face heavy fines from Ofcom.

Switching provider of any service should never be difficult. I did a quick poll to find out which 'fools' in the office have switched broadband provider, and what their experiences were.  Interestingly, while some found their switch over to be relatively painless, taking two weeks with no interruption of service, others have experienced horrendous delays of over two months, having to make numerous phone calls to chase their providers along the way.  Hopefully these new rulings will make the switching process easier - they will certainly make broadband firms more accountable to their customers.  If you're thinking of switching in the near future, here are some tips to hopefully make the transition a smooth one:

Tips for changing supplier

1. Check your contract.  Some suppliers will charge if you switch before 12 months are up -- and some specify 18 months.  You may find it's worth your while to wait until your minimum contract period expires.



2. Contact your supplier to check whether it can give you a more competitive offer -- it may be able to match the deal you've found.



3. If you still wish to switch, tell your provider.  It should then supply you with a MAC within 5 working days.  If it takes any longer, complain to Ofcom.



4. Give your old provider's details and MAC to your new supplier and ask for a connection date.  It should change your connection over within 30 days of receiving the code.

If you have any problems with your switch, you can always lodge a complaint with Ofcom.  While it doesn't resolve individual cases it does track trends -- so, if one supplier is seen to be a repeat offender it can investigate.

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Mobile phones have many benefits; however they provide security and can be a great help in an emergency.  Tests have shown a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or a text message.  When you are distracted, you will not register hazards or react as quickly.

Key Messages

Use of hands-free kits is not prohibited by law, but the Government still considers them to be a distraction to drivers.

New Legislation

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving.  For example, this means you may not use your mobile phone:

• When you stop at traffic lights.
• When you are queuing in traffic.

While driving you will be breaking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that must be held to operate it.

This law includes all devices used for sending/ receiving data if they are held while driving (E.g. Personal Digital Assistants).

Exception

1. A driver may call 999 or 112 in response to a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop to make the call.

2. Two-way radios are not covered by this offence.

When does the law apply?

• Use of hand held mobile phones while driving has been illegal since 1 December 2003
• From 27 February 2007, the penalties will increase

The most recent Swyx press release for your reference, sent out Tuesday 6th February.

Research reveals users' pet-hates of telephone systems Reading, UK, 6th February 2007 - Swyx a market-leading vendor of IP telephony solutions undertook a survey of over 120 SMEs to find out what annoyed them most about their current phone systems. The frustration felt most by users (31%) was the inability to know the identity of the caller before answering a call.

The second highest-ranking annoyance cited by 29% of respondents was the inconvenience of physically dialling a number whilst 25% were irritated by having to look up a number before calling a contact. 19% were most dissatisfied by their ringtone and 6% by dialling a number incorrectly.

Swyx's CEO, Guenter Junk said, "What the findings show is that SMEs are not entirely happy with what they have and perhaps are becoming more savvy about what they could get out of their phone systems. Of the areas which caused greatest frustration the main cause seems to be based on a lack of access to information, whether it is on receiving or making a call."

He continued, "This trend is backed up by the fact that TDM sales continued to fall last year and for the first time were overtaken by IP-based systems that offer the user easier access to information, whether it's dialling direct from Windows applications such as Outlook or enabling them to see details on who is calling them."

For more information visit - www.swyx.com .

Editor's notes:

About Swyx:

The last telephone system you'll ever need.

In the current climate, every business has to scrutinise every investment more carefully than ever to ensure they are getting the very best value.  This is true particularly when it comes to telephony systems, where choice is plentiful, and technology moves so quickly that traditional telephony technologies are already becoming obsolete.

Swyx develops software-based telephony systems that work like any other software application, such as email, instant messaging and CRM, through your existing data network and server application.  So you can take full advantage of all the benefits of business-class VoIP - without having to invest in expensive new telephony hardware.

In addition, the Swyx system has the potential to build into a powerful business tool.  Because a Swyx system is Microsoft Windows based, it integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including all your individual business applications such as security systems, Office applications, Finance and CRM systems and customer support infrastructure, giving you one seamless communication system that will move and grow with your business no matter how many people, sites or locations you expand into.

Swyx is constantly developing its solutions to meet the changing needs of your business.  So whatever your business, and whatever your stage of development, choosing an IP telephony solution from Swyx will give your business more possibilities, more agility, more choice and more communication, making it the last telephone system you'll ever need.

Swyx was established in 1999 and now has offices across Europe, with headquarters in Dortmund, Germany.  Today the company is recognised as a market leader for IP telephony in major European countries and has enabled in excess of 4500 businesses across the continent to take advantage of the business benefits of IP telephony and associated applications. Swyx is renowned for its product innovation and superior business understanding, and its achievements have been recognised many times through technical and business awards, journalist and analyst comments and reviews, product tests and customer testimonials.

Swyx's management team and supervisory board are recognised industry leaders who have all held senior positions within the telecommunications industry.  Everyone at Swyx is dedicated to providing world class IP telephony solutions and applications that continually push the boundaries of what is believed possible, while continually delighting its customers and business partners by providing the best possible products and services to make them more competitive in their markets.

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OFCOM Statement on Number Translation Services (NTS) - February 2007

Ofcom has published its final statement on the regulations of NTS (0845 and 0870) numbers, and on new ranges of numbers.

• 0870 - Complete change to charging - Lose revenue share, but still retain number and features
• 0845 - within 2 years OFCOM plan to review charging
• 0844 - Will continue as normal
• 0871 - 6p - 10p number range - ICSTIS will responsible for this range - the degree of regulation will not be the same as 09XXX.  ICTSIS are currently consulting about this number range, cost will have to be clearly advertised
• 03xx - New range "National Presence number" .or public services, voluntary bodies, possibly business.  Charged similarly to 0800 numbers no more than National rate.
• 06xx - New range for personal numbering

Early 2007

• 03 numbers available

January 2008

• 0870 revenue share will cease
• 0870 calls cost the same as National rate
• 0871 will be regulated by ICSTIS

July 2009

• 070 will be mobile range only
• 070 personal numbers will cease

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