German tech and engineering group Siemens AG said on Wednesday it had developed instant messaging-like technology for modern corporate voice networks with U.S. software group Microsoft .
The launch in London is part of a drive to sell applications for the increasingly popular "voice over Internet protocol," which Siemens executives said had so far been adopted largely to save on phone bills but not to improve communications.
Siemens said its OpenScape software could, for example, show callers the names of colleagues or clients next to icons that indicate whether they are away from their desk, out to lunch or busy, along with their preferred method of alternative contact, whether it be mobile phone, text message or e-mail.
"One of the biggest issues regarding communications around the world is managing the information we receive. People need to remain effective and in control, while being well informed and available to those who need them," said Graham Walker, managing director of Siemens Communications.