Microsoft to offer Packet8 VoIP phone service for Microsoft's Response Point small business phone system. Bryan Martin, 8x8 Chairman & CEO, and Xuedong Huang, General Manager for Response Point at Microsoft told members of the press at the Internet Telephony Conference & Expo West 2008 in Los Angeles that too many small businesses are frustrated with their existing phone systems and that solutions like the Packet8/Response Point offering enable companies to quickly and inexpensively deploy a complete, full featured IP telephony system within their existing network infrastructure.

"We are very pleased to provision Packet8's broadband agnostic VoIP phone service for Microsoft's innovative Response Point platform," said Mr. Martin. "Our combined solution will allow small businesses, regardless of location or network configuration, to experience the benefits of advanced IP telephony technology while dramatically reducing recurring monthly phone charges. With accessible and compelling telecommunications alternatives like this, no company should feel forced to settle for inadequate, high priced or overly complex telephony systems from legacy telecom providers."

"As a leader in VOIP telephony, 8x8 has been providing small businesses with affordable, easy-to-use voice services that match the needs of Microsoft Response Point customers," said Xuedong Huang, general manager for Microsoft Response Point. "Businesses choosing the Microsoft Response Point phone system with Packet8 service are assured reliable, high quality, fully compliant phone service provisioned by one of the industry's most respected VoIP providers."

Under terms of the agreement, Packet8 and Microsoft Response Point will jointly market the combined solution through their respective VAR channels and will also investigate potential collaboration in selling the combined offering through business retail partners. In addition, both companies will promote the offering on their websites and in select advertising channels. The Packet8 service has been tested and certified through the Microsoft Response Point Certification Program.

Packet8 VoIP phone service is fully E-911, CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act), USF (Universal Service Fund), TRS (Telecommunications Relay Services) and CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) compliant. Response Point customers using Packet8 as their service provider automatically enjoy free calls to and from any other Packet8 subscriber worldwide. Response Point with Packet8 is available immediately through select Microsoft agents and resellers nationwide.