OTTAWA, ON – March 29, 2005 – Centrepoint Technologies, a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative telephone systems for small and multi-location businesses, today reiterated that its TalkSwitch IP PBX customers are always connected to traditional local emergency services. Because the TalkSwitch provides connections to the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) in addition to the Voice over IP (VoIP) network, customers are not required to sign up or activate any additional services in order to reach emergency assistance.



“It is absolutely critical that businesses and homes retain some level of connection to the traditional telephone network,” said Jan Scheeren, President and CEO, Centrepoint Technologies. “Issues like access to 911, the ability to communicate during a power failure, robustness and quality of service are all vital to telephone users. As a company, Centrepoint has recognized that VoIP has not yet evolved to the point where it can completely replace all PSTN-based services. That’s why we’ve designed the TalkSwitch system to deliver the best of both worlds. We believe a combined PSTN/VoIP access system brings the most choice, value and reliability to customers.”



Centrepoint has been designing telephone systems for the small business market since 1990. Its VoIP equipped system, the TalkSwitch 48-CVA, was released in 2004. TalkSwitch systems have given small business customers their first realistic opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP without having to give up their local telephone lines. In addition to keeping at least some of their local telephone lines, users are not required to purchase expensive IP telephones, as TalkSwitch allows IP calls to be placed using almost any standard analog telephone set. The ability to use most analog phones provides further emergency protection, in that they will continue to function in the event of a power failure. An IP phone will not.



“For VoIP service providers, issues with 911 access have been a long-standing challenge. Being able to integrate a solution like TalkSwitch with their services is a potential solution to that problem,” said Scheeren. “Centrepoint is currently undergoing rigorous interoperability testing with a number of leading service providers, and we’re confident those tests will be successful. We’re also involved in a number of initiatives, like the recently announced SIPconnect specification, that aim to improve the way manufacturers and service providers interoperate to provide added value to customers.”



Centrepoint’s focus continues to be on providing the most flexible and reliable telephone systems to its customers.



TalkSwitch is the ideal telephone solution for small, multi-location and home-based businesses with up to 32 phone users per location. The VoIP-equipped TalkSwitch 48-CVA sells for $1795 US, and is available from Centrepoint Authorized Resellers or online at www.talkswitch.com TalkSwitch systems without VoIP start as low as $695.



About Centrepoint
Centrepoint Technologies has set the standard for innovative telephone systems that provide small and multi-location businesses with affordable, yet powerful communications solutions. Designed to be installed and configured by the end user, the TalkSwitch is a hybrid PSTN/VoIP PBX that gives customers unparalleled flexibility and value. Built on a SIP-based architecture and uniquely scalable, the TalkSwitch is a good investment both today and tomorrow. Established in 1990, Centrepoint is focused on the global telecommunications market, and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For more information call (888) 332-9322 or visit the Centrepoint website at www.talkswitch.com.



For more information, please contact:

Chris Brennan
Public Relations Manager,
Centrepoint Technologies
613.725.2980 x 136
888.332.9322 x 136
cbrennan@talkswitch.com



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