![spraguephoto-web[1].jpg](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/uploads/spraguephoto-web%5B1%5D.jpg)
Microsoft's Response Point is an SMB phone system with big features. Priced reasonably and supplied by partners who make the hardware, this small business phone system has big features like voice recognition and a lot more.But more importantly, this IP-PBX is designed from a small, hard-working division of Microsoft and is used by the group that has invented it. And Microsoft has been staying close to customers - using constant feedback to make the product better through a series of rapid updates.
Now on service pack 1 or SP1, the Response Point system is actually in TMC Labs at the moment and will be imminently reviewed by Tom Keating. To get perspective on Response Point and its future, I had a podcast interview with Richard Sprague (pictured), Senior Director, Marketing for Microsoft.
In our conversation I had a chance to learn how Response Point is part of the company's startup business accelerator program designed to bring products to market more quickly. In past conversations I have learned that this group is always on, working hard and seems like any other entrepreneurial company I interact with. Of course this one is backed by the world's largest software vendor and a power house in mobile devices, video games and a host of other spaces. Oh, did I mention they have tens of billions in the bank?
Sprague was very forthcoming, discussing the origin of his group, the future and of course the magic blue button. He finished off the interview by hinting there may be some big news released at ITEXPO Feb 2-4, 2009 in Miami in a few months. I for one can't wait to hear what it is and I hope you join me at the show (register) to learn for yourself.
In the mean time, here is the podcast for your listening pleasure.
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![12420506412[1].jpg](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/rich-tehrani/assets_c/2009/06/12420506412[1]-thumb-autox70-6495.jpg)
Being backed by the largest software company in the world does have its advantages. However, ruching product to consumer before proper testing and inplemention could be costly. I hope Microsoft doesnt make another Vista type error.