Microsoft takes aim at SMEs

Small and medium enterprises are the target of software giant Microsoft as it moves into the VoIP sphere.

The Redmond-based firm is hoping to follow in the footsteps of IP telephony vendors such as Digium with its Response Point phone system.

Reports suggest this offering will be comprised of a call client application and a system management console on top of the basic call processing software.

However, Travis Fisher, the executive vice president at technology management firm Inacom Information Systems, suggested that the new Microsoft product may not appeal to all companies.

In a comment to the ChannelWeb network, the US-based technology analyst said: "They say that it will support up to 100 extensions, but my guess is that businesses with 40-plus users will be looking for a more sophisticated solution."

He added that features which these firms may be looking out for and are not included in the Microsoft solution include "things like toll bypass, screen pops, SIP compatibility [and] custom apps on the phone".