8x8's Packet8 business launches of a new line of broadband agnostic, plug-and-play IP phones designed to enhance the features and functionality of Packet8 business phone services.

Developed in conjunction with Aastra Telecom the Packet8 675xi series of IP phones incorporates 8x8's advanced NAT traversal technologies to facilitate the same network-independent operational advantages Packet8 business customers currently enjoy with the existing Virtual Office business class phones and terminal adaptors. These include the ability to simply plug the phone into any public or private Internet connection and immediately make or receive calls without performing any network configuration or firewall manipulation. The Packet8 675xi IP phones also deliver enhanced equipment and service features including corporate directory display and lookup, intercom paging, shared line appearance and Power over Ethernet capability.

The Packet8 675xi IP phone series consists of three models the 6753i entry level phone, 6755i intermediate phone and 6757i CT advanced phone each of which offers full duplex speakerphone functionality, programmable softkey appearances, LCD display screens, embedded XML browsers and up to nine call appearance lines. All models support "Power over Ethernet," eliminating the need for a separate power supply for the phone, and come equipped with dual auto-sensing switched Ethernet ports to eliminate additional wiring for a computer and simplify installations. Additional features enabled by the Packet8 675xi series include intercom paging and direct dial from a searchable corporate directory. Prices for the Packet8 675xi series range from $129.99 for the 6753i to $349.99 for the high end 6757i CT model which includes a DECT cordless phone as part of the bundled offer. The 6757i CT model's built in DECT antenna allows the user to roam up to a 300 foot radius from the 6757i CT base telephone.

8x8 Introduces Packet8 Hosted Key System Services

8x8's Packet8 business introduce a new hosted VoIP services designed to replace traditional premise-based telephone "key systems" typically used by companies whose size or structure dictates the sharing of multiple, common phone lines among employees, regardless of where the employees are located.

Driven by the new Packet8 675xi series of IP desktop phones and the addition of shared line appearance services to the Packet8 Virtual Office platform, the new hosted key system solution provides businesses an opportunity to migrate to VoIP without altering the features, functionality and user behavior they have traditionally relied upon.

Ideal for offices where multiple users require the ability to view and answer more than one shared phone line at their desk or anywhere in the business, the Packet8 hosted key system solution includes a searchable corporate directory, direct intercom paging from phone to phone and shared line appearance functionality which allows a group of users to accept a call, place it on hold, page a colleague and ask them to pick up the call on any one of up to nine separate lines. The Packet8 675xi IP phones can be used with both the Packet8 hosted key system service as well as the Virtual Office hosted iPBX service, separately or in combination in the same office environment.