Samsung BCS Introduces Latest Line of OfficeServ VoIP Phones and Two Integrated Communications Applications

Online, May 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - RICHARDSON, Texas, May 10, 2010 - Samsung Business Communication Systems (BCS) today introduced its latest line of cost-saving, feature-rich VoIP telephones, the OfficeServ™ SMT-iSeries, and two complementary affordable integrated communications applications, OfficeServ Communicator Basic and OfficeServ Communicator Professional with Messenger. Combined with Samsung's new line of VoIP phones, the integrated communications applications enhance collaboration among employees-on- and off-site-while increasing user flexibility, mobility and overall operating efficiency, and delivering all the benefits of unified communications.

Samsung's launch of the versatile new SMTs (Samsung Multimedia Telephones), which offer small-to-midsized businesses a range of advanced features such as video calling and a visual phone book, addresses the growing demand for cost-efficient VoIP phones that also can improve communication between on- and off-site colleagues. A study from market research firm In-Stat indicates that 42 percent of U.S. businesses had a VoIP solution in at least one location by the end of 2009. The number is expected to increase to 79 percent by 2013.

"With VoIP solutions continuing to gain in popularity, especially among small-to-midsized businesses, savvy users are now looking beyond cost savings alone and focusing on how these phones can optimize their operations," says Doug Wonson, Vice President and General Manager, Samsung BCS. "Understanding this trend, we launched our latest line of feature-rich OfficeServ™ SMT-iSeries phones to coincide with the debut of Samsung's two new affordable integrated Communicator applications."

Samsung OfficeServ Communicator Basic seamlessly and affordably converges voice, video and data such as contacts from Microsoft® Outlook. OfficeServ Communicator Professional with Messenger provides users the functionality of Communicator Basic and adds instant messaging and collaborative capabilities such as presence awareness and whiteboarding right from the desktop.

The flexible OfficeServ Communicator applications each operate in three modes-UCPhone (Unified Client), SoftPhone and DeskPhone-that can be changed on the fly. The UCPhone mode, which connects users to the new SMT-iSeries phones, enables specialized functions such as uploading and downloading contacts from Microsoft Outlook. SoftPhone mode allows users to dial, answer, release, transfer, hold, or host conference calls right from the desktop-whether the user is in the office or on the road. DeskPhone mode provides desktop call control on all non-SMT-iSeries phones. The Communicator Professional with Messenger application and operation in the DeskPhone mode require an OfficeServ Link and license.

About OfficeServ SMT-iSeries VoIP Phones
In addition to providing optimal functionality with Samsung's two new integrated communications applications, the new SMT line of phones is compatible with all Samsung OfficeServ 7000 Series platforms. For growing businesses or companies that have distributed staff, extending communications capabilities is as simple as adding a new SMT phone to an existing LAN. Other features and capabilities of SMT-iSeries phones include:

• video calling to other Samsung video phones on similar systems
• short messaging
• phone book
• large display screens and easy-to-navigate menus
• high-definition audio technology/full duplex speakerphones
• ergonomically adjustable desktop mount
• user-definable settings for dimming or timing out the LCD

The new phones are available in five models that offer a range of functions: SMT-i5243, SMT-i5230, SMT-i5220, SMT-i5210 and SMT-i3105. Among the features offered with top-of-the-line SMT-i5243 model phones are a web camera for video calling, Bluetooth® capability, an XML browser and access to a visual phone book (or caller ID with photo). SMT-i5230 model phones are desiless, making them ideal for users with numerous, frequently changing contacts. Five numbers can be viewed at once and users can scroll up or down to view a total of 99 numbers.

For users requiring multiple line appearances and DSS/BLF buttons, the SMT-i5220 is ideal. Features of the SMT-i5220 include customizable soft keys and programmable buttons, one-touch speed dialing and easy navigation-similar to the Samsung mobile phone user interface. The SMT-i5210 is perfect for administrative use and routine answering and dialing. The 14-button phone includes a backlit display and easy access to call logs, voice mail and directory. Entry-level SMT-i3105 phones, which feature basic functions such as transfer, hold and conference as well as the ability to send short messages via the display interface, are ideal for common areas such as lobbies or waiting rooms.

An optional gigabit adapter is available for SMT-i5200 model IP phones and an IP add-on module allows for 64 programmable keys.

About OfficeServ Communicator Basic
The new OfficeServ Communicator Basic offers users call control and a number of operational conveniences. Features include the following:

• video calling
• screen pops with incoming caller information
• easy viewing of outgoing and incoming calls
• a redial function for quickly returning missed calls
• audio and video recording to a local PC
• a phone book for uploading Microsoft Outlook contacts
• direct dialing from Communicator or Microsoft Outlook or by highlighting a phone number in any document type (TXT, PDF, DOC, XLS, etc.) using a Free Dial Hot Key
• access to network directory service via Microsoft Exchange or a similar server
• a configuration tool for adding ringtones, pictures, and an enhanced phone book

About OfficeServ Communicator Professional with Messenger
OfficeServ Communicator Professional has all the Communicator Basic features and adds instant messaging, collaboration, and presence awareness functions. With Communicator Professional with Messenger, users can:

• turn an IM exchange into a video conference or whiteboarding session without interruption
• exchange files from within the chat window during a chat session using the file transfer function
• detect a colleague's availability for a time-sensitive discussion using presence awareness

Features may be shared among OfficeServ users on up to 8 nodes within a Samsung proprietary network using Samsung networking software (SPNet™).

About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops, and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America.

About Samsung Business Communication Systems
Samsung Business Communication Systems (BCS), a Dallas-based division of Samsung Telecommunications America (STA), is the distribution arm for the company's line of business communications solutions. Targeting small- to medium-sized businesses, Samsung BCS offers an elite line of telephony-based customer premise equipment (CPE) with dynamic architecture that can accommodate tremendous growth at low incremental costs to meet a variety of communications needs. As an innovator in convergence technology, Samsung's business communications systems combine traditional voice and data capabilities with wireline and wireless technologies providing fully integrated, converged communications platforms and applications. In addition to CPE, Samsung BCS also offers a comprehensive line of voice processing equipment, CTI applications, and wireless solutions. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/bcs.