TalkSwitch Enables Both VoIP And Traditional Connections For Small Businesses

Centrepoint Technologies today released the TalkSwitch telephone system, which offers both voice over IP (VoIP) and traditional telephone connections to small businesses.

The product is designed for small businesses that want to take advantage of the cost savings of VoIP yet are reluctant to completely give up their published telephone numbers and lines. TalkSwitch means that customers don't have to choose, but can test the waters of VoIP while retaining at least one of their traditional connections to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Designed to be installed and configured by end users, The TalkSwitch is a hybrid PSTN/VoIP PBX that is available in configurations as small as two incoming lines with four extensions, up to systems that include 16 incoming lines, 16 VoIP trunks, 32 local, and 32 remote extensions. The TalkSwitch system was designed to grow and evolve with a customer's business, so up to four units per location can be networked together.

"Telephone service is evolutionary," said Jan Scheeren, president and CEO of Centrepoint Technologies, in a statement. "The move to VoIP isn't going to happen overnight, it's a progression." Among other issues, there is the ability to access emergency services like 911; availability when there is a power failure; quality of service; and universal connectivity—all things that today can only be effectively addressed by the traditional telephone network. "TalkSwitch users get a fully featured telephone system that improves the way they do business, but also positions them to take advantage of next generation services like VoIP," said Scheeren.

The VoIP-equipped TalkSwitch 48-CVA sells for $1,795; TalkSwitch systems without VoIP start at $695. The products are available through authorized resellers or online at www.talkswitch.com