SecurFone America, Inc. Introduces Java-Based Internet Telephony Software, SCIES Fone Express, to Create Web-Based
Building Block for Carriers, ISPs, and Corporate Users
October 7, 1998 SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE) via NewsEdge
Corporation -- Java-based Application Uses a
Single IP Link to Provide Multi-line, Full
Featured Telephone and Facsimile Services
over the Public Internet and Corporate Intranets
SecurFone America, Inc. (OTC/BB: SFAI)
today announced the availability of SCIES
Fone Express(SM), Version 1.0, a Java-based
Internet Telephony software application
providing users with a PC-based three-line,
full-featured virtual telephone via a single IP
connection. Developed by SCIES, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of SecurFone,
SCIES Fone Express permits carriers, ISPs,
cable companies, NextGen telcos,
corporations and others to create Voice over
IP ( "VOIP") services and applications for
their end-users. SCIES Fone Express
harnesses the power of Internet-based
networks to reduce long distance and
international costs by as much as 60
percent, according to research.
SCIES Fone Express can be used in
conjunction with most leading Internet
telephony gateway vendors to create
commercial VOIP services and advanced
applications on a local, regional or global
basis. The SCIES Fone Express software is a
"thin client" application that supports all
standard PBX functions including multi-line
services, conference calls, call hold, transfer,
last number redial, and many other features.
A unique feature of the new virtual telephone
software is the ability to emulate standard
key telephone functions, such as establishing
three independent voice channels via a single
IP link, and conferencing or transferring calls
as needed on these " virtual lines."
Since SCIES Fone Express is Java-based,
providers can offer enhanced features such
as push technologies for web advertising,
electronic commerce, corporate messaging,
access to billing data, seamless software
upgrading, public directories, among many
others.
"Given that end-users are now quite
comfortable with using the web, a user
simply accesses the SCIES Fone Express
from their browser to place long distance or
international VOIP calls at a fraction of the
cost of using the Public Switched Telephone
Network," said Paul B. Silverman, CEO of
SecurFone America, Inc. "More importantly,
the new SCIES Fone Express application
enables new VOIP applications, such as
global virtual Centrex services providing four
digit access between thousands of global
stations, encrypted voice services, virtual
call centers--we believe these new
applications will reshape how traditional
international voice services are provided,"
said Silverman.
"Given a large multinational may spend in
excess of $200 million a year on average for
long distance and international calls, moving
even a small portion of their existing voice
off of the VPN to their own corporate
intranets using SCIES Fone Express software
provides a significant bottom line impact,"
said Steven Faigen, President of SCIES, Inc.
"Corporations can reduce VPN costs by using
SCIES Fone Express to create a virtual
tie-line network using their Intranets
between locations, thus eliminating long or
international expenses. ISPs can use the
software to support their own ibrandedi
service offering long distance voice and
facsimile to their existing dial up and
corporate customer base."
Evaluation copies of the new software are
being distributed to beta users starting
October 9, 1998, and licensing discussions
are in progress with several organizations.
Commercial release of the new software is
planned for the end of October and copies
can be secured via the SCIES web site.
Product Highlights
-- Provides a three line virtual telephone
capability emulating a
typical key telephone set o Offers all
standard PBX functions
(e.g. call forward, transfer, hold, re-dial,
etc.) -- Supports PC-to-PC or PC-to-Phone
calls -- Works with either Netscape 3.0 or
Microsoft 4.0 or higher -- Enables Personal
directories and address books -- Works with
Windows 95 and NT -- Operates using the
self-powered SCIES IP Fone via the serial
port, or any standard full-duplex PC
soundboards -- Compatible with Vienna
Systems gateway equipment -- Compatible
with H.323-standard Internet telephony
gateways in
November, 1998
About SCIES, Inc.
SCIES Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
SecurFone America, Inc. (OTC/BB: SFAI), is
a leading systems integrator and software
developer in the emerging Internet telephony
industry. Founded in 1996 with its global
headquarters located in suburban
Washington, D.C., the company designs,
develops, and markets Internet Protocol
(IP)-based voice and facsimile software
systems. SCIES' customized software and
integration services incorporate off-the-shelf
hardware to deliver communication
applications for multinational businesses,
national and international carriers,
value-added resellers and ISPs. The company
has three principal lines of businesses:
-- Public Internet telephony services --
Private Intranet telephony networks --
Systems integration services
SecurFone America, Inc., founded in 1996, is
a telecommunications company specializing in
prepaid communications services. SecurFone
markets its prepaid services directly under
the name Buy-the-Minute(TM). Through its
prepaid network product, SFA Network
Services, SecurFone offers its prepaid
wireless platform to other communications
companies on a complete turnkey or
component basis. Though its SCIES, Inc.
division, SecurFone provides proprietary
Internet telephony software and systems.
SecurFone America is an OTC/BB stock and
trades under the symbol SFAI. The company
is based in San Diego, Calif.
Statements made in this press release, other
than those concerning historical information,
should be considered forward-looking and
subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Such forward-looking statements are made
based on management's belief as well as
assumptions made by, and information
currently available to, management pursuant
to the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
For more information on SCIES products and
services, visit the SCIES web site at
www.scies.com.
CONTACT: SecurFone America Inc. | Jacki
Jaynes, 404/881-8311 ext. 3201 |
