By Sharla Sikes

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Microsoft is everywhere in the technology world. Its recent release of the Response Point phone system has solidified its presence in the VoIP world.

The system, designed with partners D-Link and Quanta Computer, includes VoIP call processing and features like voicemail, call forwarding and integration with Microsoft Outlook.

Microsoft is trolling for small business customers, with system pricing expected be below US $3,000.

“I’ve looked into Response Point, and it looks like a compelling solution for small businesses who just want basic PBX features like dial tone and voice mail,” said Travis Fisher, executive vice president at Inacom Information Systems, Salisbury, Md., via e-mail. “They say that it will support up to 100 extensions, but my guess is that businesses with 40-plus users will be looking for a more sophisticated solution [with] things like toll bypass, screen pops, SIP compatibility, custom apps on the phone, etc.”

Response Point has small companies with 50 or fewer employees in mind, freeing such businesses from the cost and complexity of a public branch exchange system. Its software will work in conjunction with both traditional phone service or VoIP.

Response Point’s ease of use is also designed to appeal to small businesses; Microsoft touts features such as voice recognition and one-button calling.

Microsoft plans to release its Office Communications Server 2007 on Oct. 16.

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