LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IT Expo West -- 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT), provider of innovative Internet Protocol (IP) communications solutions, today announced the addition of a new, web-based conferencing service to its existing portfolio of business communication offerings for small to medium sized businesses.
The first in a series of new unified communications services to be introduced over the coming months, the "8x8 Virtual Meeting" web conferencing service is an online collaboration tool accessible instantly (no software download required) from any web browser and any computing platform. Available as an add-on service for existing 8x8 customers or as a standalone offering for new subscribers, 8x8 Virtual Meeting lets users conduct centralized online meetings, complete with integrated voice conferencing (to and from any telephone or web browser platform), presentation slide sharing, desktop and application sharing, instant messaging, chair control, conference control and call recording, with up to 50 participants per conference.
"Small businesses, like those that subscribe to our 8x8 Virtual Office hosted phone services, want and need the same communications tools enjoyed by larger enterprises," said 8x8 Chief Marketing Officer Debbie Jo Severin. "In fact, in a recent survey of our existing business customers, more than 60% of them told us they already use some form of web conferencing in their day to day operations. 8x8 Virtual Meeting is a powerful collaboration tool that embodies all of the cost, performance and ease-of-use characteristics valued by our small business customers. We are excited to offer this new service and look forward to introducing additional communications solutions specifically geared to the small business market."
Ideal for businesses interested in reducing travel costs or enhancing internal and external communications, 8x8 Virtual Meeting offers unlimited conferencing, giving users the flexibility to conduct regular meetings with employees, associates, customers and prospects in remote locations worldwide. Highlights of the 8x8 Virtual Meeting web conferencing service include:
* No software download, plug-ins or supplemental hardware
required
* Integrated VoIP, chat, desktop sharing and dial in/dial out
features
* Unlimited meetings for a low monthly or annual price
* Up to 15 participants per meeting with the option to add
more for a minimal cost
* One free local dial in number
* Flexible local and international toll or toll free meeting
dial-in numbers available
* Audio-only meetings, audio and web meetings or web-only
meetings
* Record any audio meeting or portions of a audio meeting
* Playback and/or download meeting audio recordings
* Perform desktop sharing and pass controls to participants
* Seamless integration with 8x8 Virtual Office services
including corporate directory
* Extensive meeting management capabilities for meeting
creators and participants
* Organize past meetings, upcoming meetings and meetings in
progress
* Create private group audio sessions during a live meeting
* Customize dial in numbers for each meeting, including
international numbers from 19 countries and more than 50
international destinations
* Request and manage participant RSVPs online
Existing 8x8 subscribers can add 8x8 Virtual Meeting service with unlimited conferencing for just $29.99 per month. As a standalone service, 8x8 Virtual Meeting is priced at $39.99 per month. For a limited time, 8x8 is offering a free 30-day trial version with unlimited conferencing, up to 15 participants per meeting and a free local dial-in number. To signup or for additional information, visit http://business.8x8.com/virtual_meeting/index.html.
About 8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) offers voice, video, mobile and web conferencing communications solutions for business and residential customers. These solutions leverage existing broadband Internet connections and cellular networks to deliver advanced features and digital quality phone service at a fraction of the cost of legacy, copper wire alternatives. Businesses of any size, configuration or geographic location can benefit from the cost, performance and operational advantages of VoIP technology. All 8x8 communications solutions carry little or no upfront investment, no maintenance or upgrade fees and no change in user behavior. For additional information, visit www.8x8.com.