May 1, 2001

Consolidated communications
OUTLOOK: Platform may spur rollout of true unified-messaging services

Long a goal of the computer and communications industry, unified messaging promises real benefits to consumers and business professionals. Imagine single-point access to voice messages, email, faxes, and other types of communications. Furthermore, imagine having such access whether you're connected via a cellular handset, a PC with a broadband link, or a pay telephone. Such a service will clearly be one of the leading revenue producers in the convergence era, but when will it be widely available?

ADC thinks it can drive such services into the market with its new Broadband Services Platform (BSP), which targets ISPs and wireless and wireline carriers. The system includes a unified-messaging portal that allows users to retrieve voice, text, and fax messages using a PC. Alternatively, users can also access messages with a telephone. A service called Voice Profile over Internet Mail allows service providers to bridge different voicemail platforms. The Voice Vector service provides access to the unified infrastructure using local-number access. Other parts of BSP include a voice-to-text capability, a personal organizer that can be accessed via phone, and a short message service for instant messaging between any wired or wireless client.

ADC claims the consistent interface will prove compelling to customers. Moreover, users will be able to manage and configure their accounts via the Internet. Service providers, meanwhile, will be able to mix and match the capabilities of BSP and offer users a variety of service packages at different price points.

—Maury Wright