Philips introduces SOPHO 2000 IPS platform offering IP Telephony without compromise

• Business Communications, today launches a new stand-alone hybrid telephony system called the SOPHO 2000 IPS. This new platform, which is capable of supporting both packet-switched IP and circuit-switched traditional telephony, represents a remarkable extension of the company’s current product portfolio. Complementing PBC’s offering without compromising on the functionalities of existing features and applications it will allow PBC to extend its appeal to current and prospective clients, particularly data-oriented ones.

Thanks to the almost limitless combination of possibilities that will be available, clients will have access to a full range of traditional and IP telephony facilities and the opportunity to migrate towards new IP technologies how, when they want to, and at their own pace. The SOPHO 2000 IPS will be available from the third quarter of 2003.

Unparalleled versatility
The innovative SOPHO 2000 IPS meets the most severe demands of modern enterprise communications and empowers mid-sized businesses and branch-offices to migrate smoothly to IP telephony, offering crystal clear Voice over IP quality, superior cost effectiveness and almost unparalleled versatility. Although it is significantly smaller than a ‘conventional’ PBX, the SOPHO 2000 IPS supports node-to-node and peer-to-peer connectivity and offers a full range of over 400 traditional PBX features in combination with highly versatile networking capabilities. A single SOPHO 2000 IPS can support up to 512 extensions and it is possible to network up to 255 SOPHO 2000 IPS nodes. The versatility of the new platform is increased by adding the products and applications that currently support its SOPHO iS3000 series of ISPBXs.

Commenting on the introduction of the SOPHO 2000 IPS, Ian Hyde, marketing manager at Philips Business Communications says: “This is indeed great news for our clients. In combination with our own innovative applications, it represents a first, and significant step towards the realisation of a promise telecommunications suppliers in Europe have been making to companies for a number of years now: the provision of a truly hybrid, traditional and IP telecommunications centre. Furthermore, in providing this new platform PBC recognises that IP technology opens new horizons for users, it does not change their needs. The SOPHO 2000 IPS offers all the benefits of traditional telephony, seen as indispensable by business users today, and the advantages of the emerging IP technologies.”

Serving a transitory market
The SOPHO 2000 IPS is not intended to displace PBC’s SOPHO iS3000 range; it is in fact an addition to it and to the company’s product portfolio. “Both product ranges will complement the other,” says Ian Hyde. “The SOPHO iS3000 is a TDM switch which is IP enabled whereas the SOPHO 2000 IPS is an IP switch which is TDM enabled. Having both will be key to serving a transitory market and enable us to provide any combination and guarantee flexible adaptation. And, of course, because the SOPHO iS3000 will remain a solid cornerstone of PBC’s telecommunications solutions, current investments made by PBC’s clients are safeguarded.”
Besides marketing the SOPHO 2000 IPS through its established channels, PBC sees major opportunities in expanding its market reach through the expansion into dealer channels ”

About Philips Business Communications
Philips Business Communications (PBC) is a leading global provider of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions to the public sector and medium and large sized enterprises. PBC has continued to build on its ICT heritage, whilst developing its business into the areas of web-enabled applications, CRM, systems integration and value added services.

With an annual turnover in the region of EUR 250 million, PBC is an established name in the business communications market place, with UK operations based in Cambridge.

With 1300 employees operating in 50 countries, serving over 12 million end-users, PBC has established expertise in the areas of converged networks, virtual offices and customer relationship management (CRM).