Panasonic Launches Smart Desk Phone, a Game-Changing Business Communication Solution

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, the leader in small business phone systems*, today announced the introduction of the KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone, expanding the company's current lineup of SIP UT Series telephones.  This new offering is Panasonic's first SIP open source-based operating system desk phone and allows for integrated solutions to be developed for business communications and operations.   

"As a trusted name in consumer electronics, and a leader in the business telephone market, Panasonic is committed to offering innovative telephony solutions to enhance business productivity," said Bill Savino, Marketing Manager for business communication solutions at Panasonic System Communications Company of North America.  "By incorporating open source technology in the new KX-UT670 SIP phone, we are pushing the boundaries of the future of business communications while still offering business owners reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions that they have come to know from Panasonic.  Additionally, we are opening up a new door for application developers to move into a growing industry segment and effectively enhance business communications."

The KX-UT670 offers users a communication solution and business tool that can enhance operations in fields such as retail, education, healthcare and hospitality.  Through the use of the high-quality video (H.264/720P) viewer and up to 16 integrated Panasonic Network Security Cameras, managers in retail environments can discreetly monitor a store with their desk phone from a back office or even from home.  Users can choose a specific camera feed to view or opt for all feeds to run sequentially on the LCD screen. Similarly, school faculty and authorities can monitor potential emergency situations in classrooms from a secure area by viewing live video on the phone from Panasonic's PTZ network video cameras.  Users can control integrated camera's pan, tilt and zoom functions directly from the phone's screen, ensuring they keep an eye on all areas of a room in an emergency. 

In the healthcare and hospitality fields, the KX-UT670 phone gives users the opportunity to develop applications to enhance business operations and could include applications such as nurse call systems and easy ordering from a touchscreen for room service. 

The KX-UT670 is equipped with a large 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which allows for easy access to control phone features and installed applications. The open source-based operating system is programmable in Java, one of the most popular programming languages, allowing for a company to utilize a variety of business-friendly applications or develop ones which are specifically designed to fit their needs.  Applications can be easily loaded onto the phone using the built-in SD Memory Card Slot.  Users can also take advantage of web browsing, access email directly from their phone and check daily calendar appointments**.

Coupling with a hosted or open-source PBX allows for simple, user-friendly configuration so users can easily set-up a phone system without the cost or hassle of installation services.  Two 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability allow for simplified wiring and easy connection of a second device.  Additional phone features include 3-way conference call support, phonebook, long handset cords, non-slip rubber feet, wall mounting option and a changeable angle stand. 

The Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone, available in January 2012, will be showcased at 2012 International CES at the Panasonic booth #9405 .

*For full calendar year of 2010 and first quarter of 2011 in North America.  By the Parsippany, NJ based information technology market research firm T3i Group.  Defined by T3i Group as the sum of key/hybrid, PBX, and IP-PBX business phone systems with 2-40 extensions. 

* For full calendar year of 2010 globally.  By the UK-based market research firm MZA Ltd.  Defined by MZA as the Corded PBX/IP PBX systems under 100 category.

**Requires third party application developed for Panasonic

Panasonic Solutions for Business
Through its broad range of integrated business technology solutions, Panasonic empowers professionals to do their best work. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to reach their full potential, achieve competitive advantage and improve outcomes. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, high definition visual conferencing, projectors, professional displays and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company's full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx).  As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013.  Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/.  Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic