Thursday, March 06, 2008 Cebu IT firm bags award for phone-based solution
A CEBU-based communication systems provider has been given the “Groundbreaking Technology of the Year” award for developing an open source hardware and software system capable of incorporating computer intelligence into any telephone system.
The NEXT IX’s INF solution enables a telephone system to transfer calls to an intended destination, records call activities, allows a call that is put on hold to be forwarded to another extension (call parking), call queuing, call retrieval, conference bridging, transmit and receive fax messages, roaming extensions and streaming media access.
“The capabilities of the telephone system become limitless,” said NEXT IX chief executive officer Bobby Suson.
“The telephone now possesses the data and voice processing capabilities of a computer, enabling it to become intelligent,” read a statement from NEXT IX.
Intelligent
“Consumers now have access to an intelligent virtual computing platform interfaced by the telephone. The Internet can be checked via the telephone, which can even talk to you and remind you of important details or events.”
The system can be used by call centers, telecommunications companies and, even small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Among those that have signed up to avail themselves of the system are RCPI, International Rice Research Institute, Department of Social Welfare and Development, US Agency for International Development, Sun Cellular and Digitel.
The NEXT IX came out with the first prototype of the INF, whose software and design are developed by local programmers in the Cebu, three months ago. At present, 10 prototypes are being tested by various non-profit entities.
While the system is capable of various functions, NEXT IX is offering it 10 times cheaper than comparable products.
“We will offer it on a monthly subscription rate that is affordable to SMEs,” Suson said. He added that NEXT IX is planning to partner with telecommunications companies that can buy the system wholesale and distribute it to subscribers.
He said the company is applying for an international patent for the INF and hopes to release the system in the US market in May this year.
The “Groundbreaking Technology of the Year” award was given to NEXT IX during the 8th annual e-Services Philippines (ESP) Awarding Ceremony last Feb. 12 at the Mindanao Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila located at the CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Biggest meet
The awarding ceremony is the highlight of the two-day e-Services Philippines 2008 Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition—one of biggest annual information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services outsourcing meet in the region—held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, the event is an annual global platform in the Asia Pacific where key players in the IT and IT-enabled services converge and discuss trends, business leads and new opportunities.
The ESP Awards complements this by recognizing Filipino IT professionals’ world-class competencies as applied to innovative IT products and services.
The Groundbreaking Technology of the Year Award distinguishes breakthrough technology that enhances existing operation or function resulting to significant benefits for the end-user. (LAP)
