OzEmail has launched a new IP telephony service that allows users to make voice calls to standard telephone numbers straight from their PC.
The new service builds on OzEmail's existing voice-over-IP network, OzEmail Interline, which allows users to make phone calls from one standard phone to another through an series of IP gateways. The new service takes this one step further by allowing users who are connected to the Internet to dial a standard phone directly from their computer.
The service uses Ozemail Interline software working with Microsoft NetCast in order to transmit the voice data over the Internet. The software can also be integrated with Microsoft Outlook to allow users to call people directly from their address books.
Users of the service can either register an account with Ozemail or obtain a pre-paid phone card from newsagents or service stations.
According to OzEmail's new CEO David Spence, the service is the next step in the development of his company's telephony strategy.
"We are witnessing the next era of voice and data communications," Spence remarked. "PC-Phone lets our customers around Australia surf the Web and ring a friend in Malta, Melbourne or even on their mobile phone, at the same time."
In response to questions from the media regarding the purchase of OzEmail by MCI WorldCom's UUNet, Spence asserted that OzEmail will keep its name, identity and organisational structure.
"We're part of UUNet and we're working closely with MCI WorldCom, but we're two separate companies," Spence stated.
