Cybeyond and Microsoft?

[gandalf]

Microsoft has announced that Cbeyond and New Global Telecom (NGT) will offer its SIP services for the Microsoft Response Point phone system for small businesses. Microsoft is bragging it has conducted thorough tests of Cbeyond and NGT's service and will take advantage of their channels to provide a complete VoIP solution to small businesses. Support for the two companies will be included in the release of Response Point Service Pack 1 later this year.

Announced in October 2007, the Microsoft Response Point Phone system consists of Microsoft software delivered on hardware from D-Link, Quanta, and Aastra. As many as 50 users can be supported without purchasing additional licenses. Advanced features include configuration wizards, speech recognition functionality, and a customizable automated receptionist. Suggested list price for a base unit, a four port ATA, and four to five phones is around $2,500, with a "typical" complete 20 phone system under $5,500.

CBeyond and NGT were selected as partners because of their nationwide coverage, high quality of voice service, and customer satisfaction. Each service provider will roll out unique partner programs for VARs to boost their ability to reach and service small businesses with Response Point; in addition, both companies will participate in Microsoft's upcoming 12 city road show.

While the initial response to Microsoft's PBX offering has been lackluster, it should be noted that the company tends to plug away at improving its product offerings over time. Adding easily installable SIP trunking can't hurt.