Voice-Over-IP Technology Gets More AffordableVoice-Over-IP Technology Gets More Affordable

Cisco Systems last week rolled out hardware and software products as part of its voice-over-IP portfolio. Hardware products include a voice analog gateway, analog voice and fax modules, and voice-over-IP expansion modules. New software includes support for enhanced features for 911 calls to police, conferencing for as many as 100 users, expanded international support on Cisco's CallManager application, and a package of voice-over-IP features for IP contact centers. Cisco is pricing the products aggressively: The VG248 voice analog gateway is priced at $12,000, or about $250 per port, which is about half the price of comparable earlier products from Cisco.

Chemical maker H.B. Fuller Co. is using the VG248 gateway. Fuller cut its long-distance expenses by using an IP data network to carry its voice calls, says Kevin Wetzel, manager of global network services. The St. Paul, Minn., company plans to install the IP infrastructure in its customer call center by next month.