Nortel has tied up with Timico to launch a tailor-made, hosted VoIP service for SMBs incorporating a PC-based multimedia voice and video application that fully integrates with Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client.

By combining the Nortel Application Server 5200 with Microsoft Outlook, the often lengthy process of looking up a contact telephone number and picking up the phone to make the call can be shortened to "one click" access. Moreover, if the call is made between two Timico VoIP for business users, presence capabilities can be used to determine if the person being called is available, busy or away from their desk.

The PC-based phone, within the VoIP for Business solution, is established on Nortel's Application Server 5200 (AS5200) platform. The AS 5200 is Nortel's IMS-ready, SIP applications server, which integrates voice with video, collaboration and presence services to deliver next-generation unified communication services. Users can use a Timico recommended headset with their PC SIP client or they can choose a Nortel desktop telephone handset, according to their preference.

"Timico is offering a hosted service that seamlessly integrates with the desktop," adds Brian Day vice president, Carrier VoIP and Multimedia, EMEA, Nortel. "By making the most of Nortel VoIP technology, Timico's Business Service for SMBs can deliver business communications tools wherever there is IP connectivity, removing the inflexibility of more traditional desktop services improving collaboration, efficiency and productivity For ease of use customers can also download their Microsoft Outlook interface to a PC, laptop or mobile device so they can use the applications wherever they go."