Toshiba Launches Communications Server For SMBs

Toshiba on Tuesday launched a new communication server for small and medium-sized businesses that plugs into its CIX-series telephone switching system.

The Strata MicroMAS interconnects with Toshiba's Strata new CIX100 or CIX40. Both CIX-series machines are PBX systems with Internet protocol capabilities. The MicroMAS, which stands for media application server, would leverage CIX's voice over Internet protocol systems by adding a number of services.

"(The services) all work in one unit," Ron Hunsaker, senior product manager at Toshiba's telecommunication systems division, told InformationWeek. "(The product) provides high-powered enterprise-level applications for SMBs."

MicroMAS applications include voicemail, automated speech recognition, fax, text to speech, unified messaging, interactive voice response and automatic call distribution. The server also includes software management tools for customizing the applications.

MicroMAS ships in a desktop-size computer powered by an Intel Celeron microprocessor. The Strata CIX100 and CIX40 VoIP systems support 72 and 24 users, respectively. The systems are sold exclusively through Toshiba distribution channels. Pricing was not disclosed.