AltiGen Unveils Open Computer Telephony Platform That Enables Small Businesses to Communicate Like Large Corporations.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 1998--

All-in-One NT Server-Based Phone System Designed for

Telecommuters, Mobile Workers, Branch Offices, Virtual Companies;

Optimized for Use With Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server

AltiGen Communications Inc. today announced it has begun shipping a computer telephony (CT) solution that is specifically designed to meet the aggressive growth demands of small business.

The new AltiWare Open Edition (OE) 2.0 was developed for the company's AltiServ system to provide smaller companies with the extensive voice and e-mail communication benefits that corporations enjoy. Additionally, the company announced AltiConsole, its first client application that gives AltiWare users the power of an operator console on their computer.

AltiWare OE leverages the robust BackOffice technologies included in Small Business Server, and is fully integrated with the Internet to allow remote workers and offices to function as if they were all on one corporate phone, voice mail and e-mail system.

It delivers corporate-strength voice mail, call/voice processing, auto attendant, basic Automatic Call Distribution, Microsoft Exchange integration, an e-mail server and Internet-based extension configuration for businesses with up to 100 users.

"With a Windows-based PC and a regular handset, we can quickly and affordably manage all phone calls and e-mails, even for remote workers and telecommuters," said Brian Jacobs, manager of Source One Solutions in Laguna Beach, Calif. "And because AltiWare OE is fully integrated with BackOffice Small Business Server, it is an ideal choice for those companies who need a robust solution that is easy to set-up, manage and use. AltiWare OE is an integrated package that brings tremendous power to even the smallest of businesses and we are very excited to offer this platform to our customers."

"The AltiWare OE platform offers powerful and cost-effective features that are specifically designed to address the needs of small businesses," said Betsy Johnson, group product manager, Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server. "When used with BackOffice Small Business Server, AltiGen's products deliver an unbeatable solution for giving small businesses a truly competitive advantage."

AltiWare OE Eases Communication in Office, Across the Miles

AltiWare OE 2.0 makes the AltiServ system the only system on the market with integrated voice and call processing functions like Boomerang and Call Out from Voice Mail. Boomerang allows voice mail users to have the system automatically dial the number of the person leaving the message, and then returns users back to voice mail once the call has been completed.

Call Out from Voice Mail allows traveling workers to save time and money by placing outbound calls while checking messages from the road, then return back to voice mail -- all within a single phone call.

Traveling and remote employees can also use a simple browser-based Internet interface to change and update their extension configuration from the road. With AltiReach, users can remotely retrieve and reconfigure the handling of e-mail, incoming calls and voice mail messages.

AltiWare OE also offers the industry's most flexible and powerful "follow-me" features for telecommuters and mobile workers, like Message Notification, Call Forwarding and One Number Access. Remote offices benefit from the Message Forwarding and Call Forwarding functions which allow them to appear as if they were on the same business system.

The product is also TAPI (telephony application programming interface) compliant, making it easy for developers to create a wide variety of software solutions for clients. Small business customers are not tied to expensive or proprietary applications.

AltiConsole Provides Simple Client Interface for Phone System

AltiConsole is another new product from AltiGen. A TAPI 2.1-based client application for AltiWare OE, it allows users with a cost-effective, standard analog telephone to manage calls better than proprietary digital console phones. By integrating the console phone functions in a computer system, businesses can choose to efficiently manage the flow of calls with a live operator or auto attendant.

With an easy-to-use, point-and-click interface, AltiConsole users can dial from their phone, computer keyboard or by clicking on the screen. It provides a busy lamp field, an automatic screen pop for incoming calls with Caller ID, handles multiple calls at once, enables conference calls and blind or supervised transfers, as well as transfers to the auto attendant or voice mail.

AltiGen's Secret Weapon: Quantum Boards

The keystone of AltiGen's AltiServ system is AltiGen's Quantum board. This full-size ISA board includes high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) technology and supports the most advanced PBX switching and voice processing features available on a single board.

The Quantum board slides into an ISA slot of a Windows NT-based machine and provides up to 12 ports for trunks and extensions plus six voice processing resources, eliminating the need for multiple boxes. It also requires no external power supply and is optimized for reliable mass production.

Pricing and Availability

AltiGen products are available from authorized dealers and therefore retail pricing varies by customer. However, approximate list pricing of AltiGen's AltiWare Open Edition 2.0 is US$695. The AltiConsole application is sold separately for US$495 and each 12-port Quantum board lists for US$3,300.

All new AltiGen products are available now through the company's worldwide network of resellers and distributors. To find the nearest authorized AltiGen dealer, customers can call 510-252-9712. AltiGen supports all its products with a one-year warranty.

AltiGen Communications, Inc. is the leading provider of "all-in-one" telecommunication servers. Its products represent the convergence of computers, telephone systems and the Internet into a single Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server or Windows NT-based platform.

AltiGen provides advanced telephone system (PBX), auto-attendant and voice mail functionality and further integrates them with the Internet and is TAPI/MAPI-compliant to provide CT functions on a global basis. Computer Telephony awarded AltiGen a "Product of the Year" award in 1996 and CTI Magazine named AltiServ "Product for the Year" in 1997.

For more information, visit the AltiGen web site at http://www.altigen.com.

CONTACT: For AltiGen Communications

Renee Maler, 510/485-5972

[e-mail]