Switchvox SMB 4.0 launches at ITEXPO

I just got into Miami for ITEXPO headed to the convention center around 12pm and I've already learned some exciting news launching at the show. Digium has released Switchvox SMB 4.0 with some new Unified Communications features. Matthew Nickasch, a writer for Considering Convergence on NetworkWorld.com covers the news extensively in his ITExpo East Kicks Off with Big Switchvox News article.

Off the bat I noticed the video phone support with support for H.263 and H.264 codecs. Another interesting new feature is XMPP support for a private chat server. Fonality's trixbox, a competitor to Switchvox actually also uses a XMPP server for their chat/presence server as well.  Fax has never been Asterisk's strong suit, so the fax integration sounds very intriguing. Check out some of the new features below.

• 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.

According to the new release, \"Switchvox SMB 4.0 is available free of charge to customers with a current Switchvox SMB software subscription. For new customers, pricing for Switchvox SMB remains unchanged and begins at U.S. \$3,390 for a 10 user system, including hardware, software, a one-year subscription and warranty. The entire line of Switchvox SMB appliances, the largest of which scales to serve 4\"

ITEXPO has barely begun and already some exciting news in the VoIP & Asterisk space. Stay tuned for more news updates...