German company delivers IP PBX, on an iPod Shuffle

Stuart Corner
Monday, 16 October 2006 21:47

Business IT - Technology

Berlin-based 4S newcom GmbH has launched iBlue: a software-based IP PBX that runs on an Apple Mac Mini and  which is delivered on an Apple iPod Shuffle.

In order to use the Mac mini as an IP PBX, the Mini is booted off an iPod Shuffle which, 4S newcom claims, has been engineered to host the complete system, from OS to IP PBX, as well as continuing to  fulfil its normal role as an  MP3 player.

"We have put our complete IP PBX on it [the iPod Shuffle]", says Dr Harry Behrens, managing director of 4S newcom. "It is so compact that even on the smallest iPod Shuffle (512 MB) enough room is left for 4 full hours of music."

Once the system is booted off the iPod shuffle, the software can be installed on the built-in hard disk, leaving the user to enjoy the iPod Shuffle safe in the knowledge that it will also serve as installation media in case of emergency, 4S newcom says.

The iBlue entry level system consists of a Mac mini, the iPod Shuffle with the 4S IP PBX licensed for up to 250 users and 30 parallel calls, as well as five snom300 VoIP phones. It will be priced at 2,999.00 Euro. Online sales will commence on November 6th 2006 - in time for VON Europe, which will be hosted in Berlin between November 6th and 8th.

Before founding 4S newcom,  Behrens was developer and then global sales manager for software for snom technology AG in Berlin.