Disruptive new SMB digital phone system from Microsoft

Courtesy Microsoft

Microsoft has announced the release of the Response Point VoIP system at costco.com. The Response Point runs on the Syspine Digital Operator Phone System from Quanta Computers and retails for $1799.99 (which includes 4 phones).

The Microsoft Response Point was apparently designed to be an easy-to-use out of the box voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone system, and is clearly targeted to small businesses. The system has some powerful features, such as built in voice recognition which enables users to pick up a phone and call anyone in the directory or their contact list by simply speaking their name. The system comes out of the box with an Auto Attendant, Voicemail, MS Outlook integration, and the ability to access the system remotely.

Many small businesses aren’t quite up to snuff on telecom and are likely to require the help of a Value Added Reseller (or VAR) to help them pick and set up a phone system. However, the sub $2,000 price of the Response Point doesn’t leave much profit for VARs, who may opt to recommend more expensive systems. The Response Point certainly has the potential of being disruptive in the SMB VoIP space.  Time will tell.

It is clear that even Small Businesses can now afford cutting edge VoIP systems which not only lower their telecom expenses but make it easy to self-manage their phone equipment.  I never thought I’d see the day I could stop by Costco to pick up my new phone system.  Times change.

Resources:

Response Point at Costco.com

Official Response Point site