Panasonic has announced the launch of its revolutionary IP-based office communication systems – the Panasonic KX-TDE series of Full-IP PBXs, IP phones and network cameras.
"Globally, offices are shifting from traditional telecom systems to low-cost, flexible IP systems that take full advantage of rapid growth in IP applications. However, it is difficult to switch an existing traditional telecom line to a Full-IP system all at once due to time and cost restrictions. Empowered with latest SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) technology, Panasonic KX-TDE IP PBXs embrace Full-IP telephony and offer an easy migration path. Even the SMEs that do not have the requisite infrastructure and the know-how can make the most of this solution," said Mr. Gary Gay, Product Category Owner, SAARC countries, Singapore, Indonesia & Vietnam.
According to Mr. Ashish Dhole, Business Head (PBX), Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. (India Branch Office), "Our KX-TDE series of IP-PBX systems support traditional telecom lines, allowing IP systems to be integrated with conventional telecom systems such as ISDN and analog lines – making it an optimal solution for those who wish to smoothly migrate to an IP system while continuing to use their existing telecom network. In fact, existing users of Panasonic's Hybrid KX-TDA PBX systems can simply upgrade to the new KX-TDE series by simply replacing the main card (IPCMPR card)."
In case there's no specific desk for the user in the office or he/she moves locations, it is possible to use any extension and still have his/her extension setting available on that particular extension. Any brand or model of mobile phones can be integrated with the KX-TDE series. There's a built in simplified voice mail feature that provides answering machine services. Panasonic KX-TDE series is easy to maintain and program as up to four TDEs connected to the network can be programmed by one PC, all of the PBX programs can be set simultaneously.
Panasonic's new IP-based office communication systems are specially tailored for SMEs across all categories. They can be easily scaled up to suit the requirements of enterprises like hotels / hospitality vertical (possibility of PC integration to allow guest room billing & system management), sales, administration (keeps costs under control), medical, health service (custom-made solutions that can be integrated with computers to support administrative tools and emergency call systems), construction, customer service, call centers and BPOs / ITeS companies, production enterprises, logistics (possibility for integration into modern EDP systems and mobile accessibility) and legal industry (law firms, notaries, attorneys, solicitors etc have specific requirements when it comes to business communication). Attorney client conversation may need to be recorded - or clients may need to be billed for calls. Law firms may prefer to have secure entrances monitored via network cameras. The KX-TDE addresses all the unique communication needs of the various verticals.
The best match for Panasonic KX-TDE Full-IP PBXs is the Panasonic KX-NT300 series of proprietary IP phones that feature comprehensive IP telephony functions. They are stylish and ergonomically designed – the phone base and the LCD tilt to easy-to-view angles. Peer-to-peer connection i.e. direct communication between two KX-NT300 series phone units is available after being established by the PBX which reduces network traffic and the load on VoIP (Voice over IP) resources in the PBX.
The KX-NT366 phone model features 12 flexible buttons with an LCD screen next to them. A total of 48 different functions (or telephone numbers) can be assigned to these 12 buttons through personal or system programming. The LCD screen displays the name of the function or the contact against every button (self labeling) and on pressing the "NEXT PAGE" key the user can sift between four pages with function or contact listing. Models other than self labeling ones can support 12 key and 60 key add-on modules in case the users wish to assign more functions/contacts to the unit. Commercially available Bluetooth headsets can be connected for hand-free communication making it easier to operate the PC during conversations and to communicate comfortably while at a distance from the phone unit.
The navigator key in these new phone units allows one-touch access to phone feature menu. The second Ethernet port on the phone enables reduction in cable clutter and the cost of cabling as the PC (or other IP network device) can be connected to the IP network without the cost of additional cabling.
Mobility & Wireless handsets (up to 128 units) can be connected to the KX-TDE Full-IP PBXs. The wireless range can be extended through use of multiple cell stations that boost flexibility and mobility of the wireless handsets. These wireless handsets feature secure high-quality speech reproduction and excellent reliability, caller ID name and number compatibility and programmable multiple ring patterns including the vibration mode.
Zero Distance Management
Panasonic has also launched network cameras which can be connected to IP network (Internet or Intranet) and controlled remotely for monitoring / surveillance of a site from anywhere, anytime. Panasonic's range of network cameras is very diverse and comprehensive with multiple built-in functions. The wireless network cameras can be installed just about anywhere with no requirement for connecting transmission cables. Users can store images temporarily in camera's internal memory, store them onto an SD Memory Card, or use recording software to store them onto a PC. Unlike a USB camera, which must be located near a PC, the network camera has its own built-in web server that lets users to connect it directly to a network which means that users can send images and control the camera from a distance, without having to connect the camera to a PC.
Besides this, users can view images on a PC or cell phone. The pan, tilt and zoom functions can also be performed using the cell phone. They can also view multiple images with the multi-camera capability (from 16 different cameras), or use a wireless camera monitoring system to view them right on their TV. If the site being monitored gets a little dark, Panasonic network cameras automatically adjust the brightness to show the image clearly. The camera automatically corrects the image when one part of it becomes extremely dark. It compensates only for the dark part, so the entire image is adjusted to proper brightness from corner to corner. The cameras come on automatically whenever they sense a change in their field of view. This is convenient when full-time monitoring or long-term video recording is not required. The images in motion-detection mode are captured based on preset threshold or sensitivity of the camera. Panasonic network cameras also have heat detecting sensor which picks up the infrared light naturally emitted from human beings and animals – making the monitoring task fool proof even in darkness (night).
Images captured are of high resolution and can be enlarged to closely view a particular area. Date and time are stamped on all monitored still and moving images such that they can be subjected to security checks as and when required. The built-in mic and a commercially available speaker with amp can be used to speak back and forth. As and when users wish privacy, they can simply press a button to cover the lens. System administrators can also do this over the network. Panasonic network cameras can also be installed outdoors as they come with a splash resistant body. |
