US-based VoIP systems manufacturer Switchvox has upgraded its IP PBX to include customer relationship management (CRM) tools.

These are intended to allow users of the call management system to automatically see the details of its customers when they make contact as records pop up inside the control panel.

Switchvox's small business phone system, SMV v3.0, also now features Google maps to make it immediately clear where incoming calls are originating.

This may help sales and customer services teams tailor their pitch or advice to the client, as well as create an impression that their custom is appreciated.

"This is a key element that had been lacking in the industry which allows smaller businesses to take full advantage of communications technologies available to them in one simple package, "said Joshua Stephens, the chief executive of Switchvox.

Switchvox uses the Asterisk open source software developed by Digium to run its IP PBX systems and it has installed CRM tools from Salesforce.com and SugarCRM in the new version of the call server.