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November 7, 2005
FUSION IP-Phone "Multi-Gateway for Skype"
Fusion Begins Trial Service
Fusion Communications Corporation is jointly developing a gateway server with Skype Technologies S.A. to link the IP phone services of both companies and will begin trial service of the FUSION IP-Phone "Multi-Gateway for Skype" on December 19.
The service will be a FUSION IP-Phone additional service that allows users of FUSION IP-Phone to receive calls on their FUSION IP-Phone (050) number using Skype, regardless of the ISP being used. The user must be connected to the Internet and have the Skype IP phone software and the Multi-Gateway for Skype auto-forward settings client software ("settings software") installed on their computer.
The trial service that is about to start will allow users to try the service before the commercial service begins. Fusion will collect customers' comments and requests regarding the service and aims to begin offering the service officially in the first half of 2006.
Use of this service requires the settings software provided by Fusion to be installed on a computer, along with the Skype software. The settings software comes in three types: Basic, Advanced, and Administrator. Customers may select the type depending on how the service will be used.
(1) Basic
When Skype is on, calls are received automatically through Skype. The settings are fixed.
(2) Advanced
Calls can be set to be received not only by Skype, but automatically at a pre-set call destination (Skype/office phone) according to the Skype presence status. A calendar function is also provided that allows call receipt scheduling, such as for weekdays and holidays, or business trips. Settings can be changed as required.
(3) Administrator (with group feature)
In addition to the same features included in the Advanced software, it is possible for one person to set and change settings for individual staff members of a workgroup according to their working style.
To initiate calls through Skype, either the SkypeOut (prepaid) system offered by Skype Technologies or the ClickCall free additional service provided by Fusion can be used. FUSION IP-Phone call charges apply to ClickCall calls, and caller ID notification can be used. This makes it possible to initiate and receive calls in the same way as using an office phone, even when a person is at home or out of the office.
This service requires the FUSION IP-Phone flat monthly charge plus monthly usage charges for the Multi-Gateway for Skype. Usage charges will depend on the type of settings software. Basic will be free, while a charge will be required for Advanced and Administrator, though during the trial period both the monthly usage charges for the Multi-Gateway for Skype and the settings software are waived. Fusion is now determining what the commercial service charges will be and will make an official announcement prior to the start of commercial service.
In the future, the FUSION IP-Phone Multi-Gateway service will be expanded to add a call forwarding feature to mobile phones that use the Multi-Gateway service, and the FUSION IP-Phone usage environment will be widened to include connections to other softphones besides Skype that cannot be called from fixed-line phones, mobile phones, or IP phones because they do not have a phone number.
Fusion is promoting a 050 "personal number" system for corporate users. Fusion aims to utilize the mobility-providing features of the 050-number-based IP telephone system as a voice communications tool of great convenience that is adaptable to individual working styles. Fusion is designing IP phone solutions based on such new concepts.
Outline of FUSION IP-Phone "Multi-Gateway for Skype" Trial Service
1. Outline
"Multi-Gateway for Skype" is a FUSION IP-Phone additional service. FUSION IP-Phone users can use the Multi-Gateway for Skype to link the Skype IP phone software with FUSION IP Phone. With both Skype and the Multi-Gateway for Skype settings software installed on a computer it becomes possible to receive calls on one's FUSION IP-Phone 050 number through Skype.
This service makes it possible for subscribers who use the FUSION IP-Phone service in their office with a fixed IP phone terminal (hardphone) to receive calls when out of the office forwarded from their office FUSION IP-Phone number through Skype, as long as they are logged in to Skype.
2. Features
In locations where a hardphone that uses a FUSION IP-Phone (050 number) is unavailable, calls made to FUSION IP-Phone can be received through Skype, regardless of the ISP being used to establish the connection to the Internet.
The 050 number being used through FUSION IP-Phone can continue to be used as is.
The regular functions of Skype can continue to be used as is.
When using the Advanced or Administrator version of the settings software, it is possible not only to receive calls through Skype, but linked to one's Skype presence status, calls can be automatically received at a pre-set call destination (Skype/office phone). A calendar feature is also provided for the use of scheduling (weekdays/holidays/business trips, etc.). Settings can be changed as required.
By using ClickCall (free), calls can be made from a Skype softphone using FUSION IP-Phone call rates with caller ID notification.
3. Terms of Use
A FUSION IP-Phone contract is required to use this service.
4. Start-of-Trial-Service Date
December 19, 2005
5. Usage Charges During Trial Service Period*
(1) Multi-Gateway for Skype monthly usage charge: waived
Note: After the start of commercial service, usage charges will apply (as yet to be determined).
(2) Settings software monthly usage charges
Basic: waived
Advanced or Administrator: waived
Note: After the start of commercial service, the use of Advanced and Administrator versions of the software will incur charges (as yet to be determined).
* A FUSION IP-Phone flat monthly charge and call rates apply separately.
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