Toshiba Launches Stratagy IVP8, a New Generation Voice Processing System for Two to Eight Ports.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2002

Cost-Effective, Robust Voice Processing for Toshiba's New Strata CTX Digital Business Telephone Systems and Toshiba's Strata DK Hybrid Key

Business Telephone Systems

Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division (Toshiba TSD) today announced the release of its new generation Stratagy IVP8 voice processing system, delivering a more cost-effective, robust solution for its customers.

Compatible with Toshiba's new Strata(R) CTX line of new-generation digital business telephone systems and Toshiba's Strata DK line of hybrid key business telephone systems, Stratagy IVP8 provides integrated voice processing using flash drive technology. The Stratagy IVP8 supports two to four ports of voice processing. (See release on Strata CTX product line, also announced today.)

"Toshiba is dedicated to delivering exceptional value, reliability and capabilities for its users, large and small alike," said Paul L. Wexler, executive vice president of Toshiba America Information Systems, in Irvine. "Supporting two to eight ports, the new Stratagy IVP8 is an integrated solution for Toshiba's new generation CTX digital business telephone systems and also is compatible with our traditional Strata DK hybrid key business telephone systems."

Integrated Solution Delivers Improved Compatibility at Value Pricing 

The Stratagy IVP8 is an integrated voice processing solution designed to be installed in a base or expansion cabinet card slot of a Toshiba Strata CTX or Strata DK telephone system providing support for two to eight ports.

"The Stratagy IVP8 provides an integrated voice processing solution with the Toshiba telephone system, making it much more cost-effective than purchasing a phone system separately from voice mail. In fact, it is typically at least 20 percent less expensive, yet offers unparalleled compatibility and integration," said Michael E. Durance, vice president and general manager of Toshiba Telecommunication Systems Division.

"This seamless integration also delivers faster, more efficient call transfers, without the frustrating pauses and delays often found with other systems," Durance said. "And because the telecommunication system is from a single manufacturer, upgrades and improvements can usually be incorporated into the existing system quickly and inexpensively."

Proprietary Design for Exceptional Compatibility and Reliability

The Stratagy IVP8's circuit card architecture is a Toshiba proprietary design utilizing state-of-the-art embedded processing capabilities. It has flash memory, two serial ports and a built-in modem for local or remote interface with a PC. It provides approximately four hours of storage, with an optional upgrade to 12 hours.

The Stratagy IVP8 incorporates all of its voice processing capabilities on a single card, so it's simple to install. Because it has no moving parts, the Stratagy IVP8 delivers faster performance and enhanced reliability. There's no need for standard telephone ports, outside cabling or a separate battery backup. The entire voice processing system is contained within the Strata CTX or Strata DK telephone system, without the purchase of new, expensive, external hardware.

"Because the Stratagy IVP8 was designed specifically to integrate into the Toshiba telephone systems, it offers unmatched compatibility and integration capabilities, delivering unparalleled performance," Durance pointed out.

"Call Record to Voice Mail" Lets Users Record Telephone Conversations

When used with the new Toshiba Strata CTX digital business telephone system, Stratagy IVP8 users can activate the "Call Record to Voice Mail" feature. This allows users to record and store telephone conversations simply by pressing an optionally programmed record feature key on the digital telephone. Users can save the recordings in their own voice mail or send it to an alternate voice mailbox.

Monitors Status of Extensions and Automatically Handles Night Transfers

Because the Stratagy IVP8 is installed directly in the telephone system, it has the ability to monitor the status of extensions for busy/idle status and a DSS/BLF console's night transfer key for alternate incoming call routing applications. It can also be synchronized with the Strata CTX KSU or run on its own system clock, which automatically makes Daylight Savings Time adjustments.

System Stays Live, Even During Power Interruptions

The Stratagy IVP8 achieves voice and data storage by utilizing a solid-state Flash memory data storage device that uses non-volatile, semiconductor read/write storage technology. This means that if power is interrupted, the database is not lost. The database information on the Stratagy IVP8 remains secure through power outages without employing onboard batteries.

Because the Stratagy IVP8 is a circuit card that is inside Toshiba's Strata CTX or Strata DK telephone system, both of which come with battery backup options, the Strata IVP8 system operation will be maintained even during blackouts.

Increased Reliability With Use of Flash Memory

The flash memory data storage device in the Stratagy IVP8 contains no moving parts and is built with all solid state components. As a result, it is fast, noiseless, lightweight and delivers a higher level of reliability than standard disk drive-based systems. It operates like an industry standard Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) hard disk drive; however, unlike disk drives, flash memory speed does not decrease with increasing amounts of data stored, nor does disk storage fragmentation occur. This makes the flash-based Stratagy IVP8 much more reliable than disk drive-based voice processing solutions.

The flash memory also has very high-data integrity with automatic bad-spot management and sparing, plus full Error Correction Coding (ECC) for high reliability.

Easy Administrator Functionality

Basic administrative functions, such as adding users, resetting passwords, etc., can easily be performed by the system administrator using a touchtone telephone. More extensive system administration requires an IBM-compatible PC with keyboard and monitor.

Port Upgrades Done Remotely by Toshiba

The Stratagy IVP8 system supports two to eight ports. Upgrades are easily performed remotely by Toshiba via the internal modem that is standard with the system.

Pricing & Availability

The Stratagy IVP8 is priced under $1,900, excluding installation, and is now available from authorized Toshiba dealers. To find an authorized Toshiba dealer in your area, visit the Toshiba Web site at www.telecom.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba America Information Systems

With headquarters in Irvine, Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) is comprised of multiple divisions that provide computer, communications and imaging products and services. Products include industry leading portable computers, PDAs, mobile computing accessories, communications and portable servers, storage subsystems, cable modems, digital business telephone systems, voice mail, digital cameras, security systems and projectors.

TAIS provides sales, marketing, services and manufacturing for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., which is a world leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems. Toshiba has global sales of more than $50 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

About Toshiba Telecommunication Systems Division

The Toshiba Telecommunication Systems Division markets the Strata CTX and Strata DK families of digital business telephone systems, Strata CS Communication Server, Stratagy voice processing systems and Interactive Voice Response.

For additional product information, contact Toshiba America Information Systems, Telecommunication Systems Division, 9740 Irvine Blvd., P.O. Box 19724, Irvine, Calif. 92618-1697, or visit the Web site at www.telecom.toshiba.com.