"We are moving aggressively to emulate the way people use the traditional telephone network," said e-Net CEO and President, Robert Veschi. "First, we created a system that enabled people to have telephone numbers so that others could easily place a call to them over the Internet, and now we are introducing a searchable online directory so that others can find those numbers easily. Soon, we will introduce 'Yellow Pages' where businesses will advertise. We believe that by making Internet telephony resemble the telephone system people grew up with, their transition to the Internet for voice communications will be accelerated," he said.
, announced in June, provides free software to download and allows consumers to select a permanent Internet telephone number. Most often, they pick their existing telephone number, and add a zero in front of it. Users are given the option of having their name listed in the directory. With , for the first time, users can provide others a number that can be dialed over the Internet to reach them, thereby allowing for free long- distance calling in an orderly fashion.
"Step-by-step, we are taming Internet telephony, and moving it from an interesting cost-saving gimmick for hobbyists to an orderly international phone system that everyone can use," Veschi said. At the White Pages section of the portal, users will access a search engine that scans the database of all members matching the user's search criteria. "Unlisted" numbers will not be made available. Search criteria can include name, city, state, or nickname.
The system requires that the person receiving the call be logged on to the Internet when the call is made. In the coming months, enhancements to the directory service will enable users to see, in real time, if the person they want to call is indeed online. "Although we are working on this feature, we believe that the issue of whether or not a person is logged-on will be moot. That's because we believe that in the not-too-distant future, people will no longer log-on and log-off to the Internet, but that they will simply stay networked on a full-time basis through high-speed lines that will allow exceptional voice quality. When that occurs," Veschi said, "Internet telephony will be ubiquitous, and users will turn to a system that is both immediately understandable and extraordinarily robust.
"We believe Internet telephony will operate through web portals, and is our effort to capture the First Mover status for that space," Veschi said. He also said the company is now engaged in an aggressive marketing program to enroll users "in bulk" by establishing alliances with other web portals. "We have launched the system. We have thousands of members using it successfully. And, we can demonstrate its power and features to other Internet enterprises that can offer as a valuable free service to their own members. Currently, this marketing program is not highly visible, but initial reactions from prospective partners is very encouraging," he said.
e-Net, Inc. is a recognized leader in developing hardware and software technology that allows voice to be transmitted over data networks, including the Internet, IP, ATM, or Frame Relay. is a wholly owned subsidiary of e-Net, Inc.
The company's suite of products is designed to allow Internet Service Providers, CLECs, and Cable TV operators to offer competitive long distance service over their data networks. By integrating hardware, software, and billing solutions, e-Net is able to offer customers a complete Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. The company has received numerous awards for its technology, including: Product of the Year from CTI Magazine, Best of LAN Times, Computer Telephony Product of the Year and ComNews' Editor's Choice. For more information about e-Net, visit the company's Web site at .com or call e-Net at 301-601-8700.
