IBM and 3Com launch single-server IP telephony

IBM and 3Com have developed IP telephony to run on a single server along with a customer’s core business applications.

IBM’s System i, based on IBM's “all-in-one” business computing platform and 3Com’s VCX,  replaces the established IP telephony model where customers have to dedicate one or more servers to support each function of the telephony suite - call processing, messaging and conferencing, for instance.

“You can’t help but recognise the benefit of running your entire business and your IP telephony simultaneously on a single system,” said Mark Shearer, general manager of IBM System i.

“System i IP telephony can support fewer than 100 to thousands of phone users and can deliver a return on investment in months, not years,” he said.

The usual model presents integration and systems management challenges, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that may have limited IT resources, said IBM and 3Com. The system will be available from both companies next month.