New SIP based IP PBX phone system from Kerio Technologies boasts intuitive interface and both software and hardware deployment options

SAN JOSE, California - January 19, 2011 - Kerio Technologies today unveils Kerio Operator, its new innovative IP PBX system tailored for small and medium sized businesses. A server software built into its own hardware appliance, Kerio Operator comes out of the box ready to go, thereby simplifying deployment and integration of your phone system into the existing IT environment, while also providing ease of use for both the client and administrator. Utilizing the industry-standard SIP VoIP protocol, Kerio Operator is compatible with any SIP device and provider, and will auto-configure with most popular phones.

"Despite advancements in VoIP, most corporate phone systems remain far too complex. That is in stark contrast to the friendly interfaces we see in consumer products," says Dusan Vitek, VP of Worldwide Marketing at Kerio Technologies. "Kerio Operator builds on simplicity, both for administrators and for end users. Configuring a voice response system takes just a few clicks, as does voice mail integration, with Kerio Connect. We spared no expense to make Kerio Operator as intuitive as any other Kerio product."

Based on the popular Asterisk open source SIP communication software, which enjoys high levels of interest and support from the SIP community, Kerio Operator is compatible with any hardware and software-based IP phone. Kerio Operator provides an option to pick and choose phone devices to fit customer's particular needs. Auto-configuration of most popular hardware IP phones from Cisco, Linksys and Snom makes deployment of new phones an easy, inexpensive task for IT admins. Kerio Operator connects to the public phone network using either or both SIP trunks or T1/E1/EuroISDN lines. Kerio's support for multiple PSTN connections allows for flexible, cost-effective deployments as well as simplified migrations from legacy phone systems.

The intuitive GUI, with advanced drag and drop capabilities for interface configuration, contextual help, and a configuration assistant, makes Kerio Operator's setup simple and easy. The web-based MyPhone user interface allows end-users to access their voicemail and phone settings even when they are not in the office.

Kerio Operator is available as a software appliance, with its own security-hardened operating system, as well as a VMware virtual appliance allowing for rapid production or evaluation deployment on standard PC hardware. Kerio's standalone hardware appliance, the Kerio Operator Box, is available in select countries and comes in two models: the entry level slim desktop Kerio Operator Box 1210, which handles up to 40 concurrent calls, and the 1U rack-mountable Kerio Operator Box 3210, which supports up to 150 concurrent calls. Kerio Operator Box 3210 can be built-to-order with a Digium TE122 T1/E1 or Digium B410 Euro ISDN hardware expansion card.

Kerio Operator pricing starts at $600 for a 5-user server license. The Kerio Operator Box 1210 with a 20-user license is priced at $2,000 USD and the 3210 with a 40-user license is priced at $3,000 USD. Additional user licenses are at $24 each.