AT&T offers hosted VoIP

AT&T is adding network-based voice over IP service to its portfolio, but don't call it IP Centrex.

The hosted VoIP offering is the first in a series of what the company is calling AT&T Dynamic Network Applications and is targeted at large businesses with multiple smaller remote sites and at small- to mid-sized businesses. AT&T is also unveiling new pricing plans that include any-distance service as well as local and long-distance calling plans. Future AT&T DNA rollouts will include IP-based conferencing and messaging, the company said.

"We aren't using the IP Centrex term--it has very negative connotations," said Joe Aibinder, director of services over IP offer management for AT&T. Thus far the new service has had a positive response, however, to the extent that AT&T has all the customers it needs for the controlled service rollout it has planned.

Service features include the ability to move an in-progress call from one phone to another without disruption; personalized call handling; simultaneous ring; click-to-dial, location service and multiple ring service.

"IP telephony is a good fit for many small to mid-sized businesses," said Aibinder. "They look at this and say this is a great opportunity to get better control of business and in some cases, reduce costs. We think price-wise it will be very competitive versus traditional Centrex or standard PSTN services."

In addition, the offering represents a way for customers to get their feet wet with VoIP before making the investment in an IP-PBX, he said.

AT&T will continue to offer both premises-based and network-based VoIP, and allow customers to choose which one better fits their needs, Aibinder said.