Alcatel-Lucent’s Smart DeskPhone
Alcatel-Lucent’s new Smart DeskPhone combines the rich communication experience of a smartphone, Enterprise reliability and open applications
Alcatel-Lucent has announced an innovative new class of “Smart DeskPhones” that transforms a desk phone into a rich communication experience beyond what mobile smartphones provide. The new phone brings together enterprise reliability, fast, convenient access to multimedia communications capabilities and web applications to create personalised mashups or industry-tailored applications.
The Alcatel-Lucent OmniTouch™ 8082 My IC Phone ushers in a new era of software access and sophistication never before seen in a desktop phone, and redefines what users can do from their desk. Unlike traditional desk phones, the new device offers an open platform and an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display. Powered by pioneering new software and an open interface, it has a seven-inch wide capacitive touch screen that is LED backlit and includes context aware sensory feedback, as well as connectivity to Bluetooth and USB devices. Its green design includes compliance with EU green standards, including low power consumption, long life, and an online manual.
The new interface allows enterprises to leverage new and existing applications and capabilities, such as instant messaging, presence, contextual applications, integrated e-mail, and MP3 music which can be brought together on the desktop. A powerful example of the company’s approach to Application Enablement, the new phone serves as an application pod featuring an open API developer platform similar to the approach taken in the applications explosion in the mobile space , and will be integrated with the next generation Unified Communication services from Alcatel-Lucent.
Critical to supporting the new phone and platform, Alcatel-Lucent is leveraging its Developer Application portal that brings together best-in-class applications. The portal is an extension of the successful Alcatel-Lucent Applications Partner Program (AAPP), bolstering a vibrant community that already has more than 10,000 active developers and partner companies. To join, go to http://developer-enterprise.alcatel-lucent.com
Developers are currently tailoring applications for specific industries, such as hospitality and financial services, where unique features are most impactful. For example, a tailored set of applications in a financial services environment could include tailored applications such as real-time video and twitter feeds from traders, to enable a rich experience which augments the capabilities of a desktop PC.
“This new device has the potential to transform the role of the desktop phone. No longer constrained and static, it offers a quicker, more convenient and reliable alternative, complementing smartphones and desktop computers,” said Zeus Kerravala, distinguished research fellow at Yankee Group. “The device can harness the creativity of third party developers and give business users an emotional attachment to their deskphone, its introduction will be one to watch.”
My IC Phone was recently debuted at VoiceCon in Orlando for developers and enterprise customers and will be available in late 2010. A demonstration version of the phone was running at the Alcatel-Lucent booth to show a range of applications.
The Developer portal will allow developers to begin creating applications immediately. A complete range of tools for open application development are available using standards such as Java Script, HTML 5.0, Ajax, and an open API, including connectivity to Bluetooth devices and LANs or PCs.
Designed for an enterprise business environment, it is critical to provide a secure management framework for its applications. Smart DeskPhone application deployment and update can be centralised and controlled via an enterprise administrator. The Smart DeskPhone will also support application signing and certification, ensuring administrators can guarantee security and reliability while giving users a great experience.
