PointOne Links IM, VOIP

AUSTIN, Texas -- PointOne has announced further expansion of its IM Connect service, which freely interconnects users of standards-compliant instant messaging VoIP services that utilize the PointOne network. IM Connect now allows public telephone customers to direct dial into VoIP instant messenger services from 20 major markets across the US with the addition of Phoenix and Las Vegas. IM Connect is a function of PointOne's Global Bridge network, which establishes peering relationships between different networks to ensure transparent end-to-end calling capabilities for IP telephony users. IM Connect is already utilized by Free World Dialup (FWD - http://www.freeworlddialup.com), SIPphone (http://www.sipphone.com) and the new Gizmo Project (http://www.gizmoproject.com) VoIP messenger services. Instant messenger services from providers such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google either already incorporate VoIP calling capabilities or are planning to integrate voice services with everyday PC use. However, these services do not interconnect, unnecessarily restricting their customers' ability to connect with whom they desire.

"The announcement of the acquisition of Skype by eBay, following the purchase of VoIP technology companies by both Microsoft and Yahoo, dramatically underscores how VoIP is emerging as core to future network growth," said Sam Shiffman, EVP of PointOne. "PointOne is uniquely positioned to integrate these emerging services." IM Connect lowers the barriers separating VoIP messenger users with public telephone network users. While some VoIP messenger services providers allow their customers to dial out to the public switched telephone network, PointOne's IM Connect allows regular phone users in markets across the US to dial into local exchange numbers to connect with VoIP messenger users.

"PointOne has always been one of the biggest proponents of VoIP, but service providers cannot ignore the huge embedded user base of the telephone network," said Shiffman. "PointOne's IM Connect allows different technologies like the common phone and the home computer to work together. Adding VoIP to instant messaging essentially joins the power of email with the power of voice. Connecting VoIP-enabled IM to the public phone network joins two of the most powerful means of communication."

PointOne is a pioneer in standards-based IP telephony and operates the largest VoIP network in North America. Service providers utilizing the PointOne network are able to interconnect their customers with those of other service providers on the PointOne network so that calls never have to travel the PSTN, no matter what type of VoIP service or service provider they are using.

PointOne Telecommunications