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Takeaway: eOn formally launches the eConn IP-PBX, a scalable server-based telephony platform built on commercial off-the-shelf hardware that utilizes the Linux operating system and industry standard SIP and supports TDM technologies. Telephony software features and applications are based on eOn’s established and proven Millennium platform on the market since 1992. The IP Messenger application (developed by Esnatech) adds forward-looking messaging and unified communications functionality such as the UC Mobile application that runs on Apple iPhone (News - Alert), Google Android, RIM BlackBerry, Windows Mobile OS and Symbian OS smartphones. eConn was generally available worldwide as of Sept. 30, and ships with the IP Messenger platform. Read more about eConn below and visit www.telecomtactics.com for more on eOn platforms and other IP PBXs on the market.

eOn Communications Corporation has completed beta testing and formally announces the availability of the eConn IP-PBX, a server-based IP platform based on applications and features from the company’s earlier Millennium PBX, but built on commercial off-the-shelf hardware and utilizing the Linux operating system. Designed for growing small to mid-size businesses with scalability from 10 to 1,000 users, eConn supports traditional TDM technology (T1, E1, ISDN PRI and analog trunks), as well as SIP trunks and telephones. The system is mainly sold as an IP-PBX, but also supports an IP-QSIG protocol, allowing it to act as an IP gateway for existing eOn Millennium and eQueue systems which can transition to the eConn over time. 

In addition to a comprehensive list of telephony features (500-plus features), eConn ships with the IP Messenger unified messaging and unified communications platform developed by partner Esna Technologies (News - Alert), Inc. (Esna’s Telephony Office-LinX). With IP Messenger (which comes in two versions for small or larger businesses), users can access and manage voicemail, e-mail and fax messages from any SMTP, POP3, or MAPI compliant mail package, including Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise and hosted Google Applications. Messages can also be accessed from the Web. Features include auto attendant, IVR, text-to-speech, follow-me, remote login, screen pops, instant messaging, hot desking and presence management. The UC Mobile application (no additional charge with the IP Messenger UC license) runs on Apple (News - Alert) iPhone, Google Android, RIM BlackBerry, Windows Mobile OS and Symbian OS smartphones, allowing mobile staff to communicate as they do at their office desk. Users can see who has called their office phone in real-time and see who is online and available.

A number of notable features and applications are standard with eConn such as mobile twinning with an office phone (single number reach to up to 19 mobile devices or landline phones), built-in ACD for up to 576 agents and 100 groups, meet-me conferencing for up to 256 parties per conference, a multi-site networking (TDM or IP-QSIG for 512 nodes), and a graphical programming application. Third-party applications can also be added via the CSTA interface.

Customers can choose from a range of telephone options, including IP phones and softphones, WiFi or IP DECT (News - Alert) wireless handsets and full duplex audio conferencing units. The eConn system supports eOn’s eNterprise 7022IP and 7032IP telephones and 7048IP expansion module, as well as the newer 7100 Series SIP phones (from Yealink (News - Alert), but re-branded by Cortelco, a subsidiary of eOn). The 7100 Series SIP phones come in five models for entry-level, mid-range and high-end needs and are equipped with the TITAN chipset, a T1 Voice Engine, a range of voice codecs and security protection; four models support High Definition (HD) voice, speaker and handset.

Availability/Compatibility: The eConn IP-PBX is generally available worldwide as of September 30, 2010 and ships with the IP Messenger platform. Current eOn Millennium customers who wish to migrate to the new eConn platform can retain their eNterprise IP phones, but hardware components are not compatible. Or, the Millennium customer can network (over IP) to the eConn for additional functionality. Advanced ACD features and applications, similar to those supported by eOn's eQueue contact center platform, will be offered with the eConn in the future.