URBANA, Ill., June 17, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Scitec, an award-winning ISO-9001-certified manufacturer of intelligent telecom solutions, has announced the receipt of patent number 6,556,663 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the company's innovative "single-action" one-touch message retrieval technology. Smart, software-driven one-touch Scitec voice mail retrieval technology is currently installed on Scitec 600 Series telephones, and Scitec 5S-c line-powered Caller ID models.
Originally designed for hotel guests who may be visually impaired or generally unfamiliar with guestroom telephones, the dual-function Scitec light bar improves visibility and also serves as a programmable speed dial key. "But the applications for this technology in the office and home are also limitless," states John Grubb, Scitec Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications. "Because traditional small, square message waiting light lamps are often difficult to see blinking during daylight hours in a hotel room, office, or home, we incorporated a larger message light bar located at the front base of the phone", he explains. "To access voice mail, the user simply depresses the light bar once to automatically dial voice mail, and simultaneously engage the speaker. The user then chooses to listen to messages over the speaker or lift the handset for greater privacy," Grubb notes.
"Our implementation of smart, software-driven systems continues to drive development and applications are advancing on many fronts, because we own and control our research, design, and manufacturing facilities", Grubb continues. "Phones that can't be upgraded or reprogrammed end up becoming obsolete in as little as 12 to 18 months, which is why our customers prefer our smart phones that are easy to reconfigure and designed to go from one line, to two lines, and back to one line without having to change out the telephones or do a lot of rewiring," he concludes.
In the field, Scitec reports that acceptance of their patented one-touch technology among the company's hotel customers has already proven very positive. Scitec customer John Savage, former President of Pacific Hospitality Group in Santa Ana, California, has noted "One-touch voice mail retrieval technology was the key feature that sold me on 600 Series phones. Our guests don't have to search the telephone faceplate or our services directory for dialing instructions. They simply press the blinking light bar to speed dial into voice mail and then automatically listen to their messages on the speakerphone without ever picking up the handset. We continue to receive compliments from our guests, and the phones also interface well with our new Hitachi Telecom switch. These phones really are smart, and guest-friendly!" Pacific Hospitality Group was recently named Developer of the Year by Hilton Hotels Corporation for development of the new Doubletree(r) Hotel in Santa Ana, California.
According to Dr. Bing N. Sun, Ph.D., Scitec President and CEO, "Because our customers and prospective customers continue to enjoy a host of personal communications options, our goal is to provide telephones that, on the one hand, are more convenient and appealing to use, yet still flexible and profitable for our customers to install and maintain. Smart technology offers a win-win solution for our dealers...and the customers they serve," Dr. Sun concludes.
For a demonstration of Scitec one-touch voice mail retrieval technology, visit Booth #303 during HITEC 2003, June 24-26 in New Orleans or view a demonstration online at www.scitecinc.com/voicemail.htm. For OEM telephone product information and Scitec telephone model and pricing, call 800-451-4035, or write info@scitecinc.com.
About Scitec
Scitec is an award-winning ISO-9001-certified manufacturer of intelligent telecom solutions for business, education, healthcare, hospitality, call center, government, and consumer applications. Products include more than 40 Centrex/PBX/IP-compatible feature phones, headset-equipped speakerphones, line-powered Caller ID phones, emergency sets, single-use infection-control phones, healthcare accessories, and standard 2500 sets. With world headquarters in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA, one of the top ten high-tech centers in the world, Scitec is strategically positioned for telecommunications innovation and global sales, distribution and support.