Linksys And Sotto Wireless Team up

Sotto Wireless Service Bundled with Linksys Networking and IP Phones Enable VARs to Deliver Fixed-Mobile Communications Solutions to Small Businesses

Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., and Sotto Wireless, today announced they have joined forces to roll out a new small business communication service that bundles Linksys wired and wireless networking hardware and desktop IP phones with Sotto's hosted communication service. The Linksys and Sotto Wireless bundle provides Value Added Resellers (VARs) with a simple all-in-one wireless and office communications solution for the small business market.

With Sotto's Service, every employee has a single number and voicemail for office and mobile calling - as well as wireless email and messaging. The Sotto Service Manager is a web-based application that makes it simple to control and manage all communication activity for office and mobile users. Linksys' networking and VoIP hardware helps to deliver the quality and reliability Sotto's Service requires for the rigorous demands of voice over wireless networks.

The Sotto Service also uses the latest devices from Nokia, featuring both office Wi-Fi and cellular network connectivity options. Sotto's Hybrid Wireless solution uses the Nokia devices to send calls over the Internet using a customer's Wi-Fi network in the office and uses the cellular network when employees are away from the office. The Sotto Wi-Fi Office Coverage helps customers save money and minutes compared to cellular only phones that are often used in the office. Sotto also offers an Office Phone solution that features Linksys Voice System (LVS) IP desk phones. This option offers VoIP service and wired networking for connecting notebooks, printers and other wired devices.

The teaming of Linksys and Sotto Wireless provides bundled hardware and services together to help simplify buying decisions for the customer. The products and services are tested and certified to work together making it easier for VARs to offer a complete solution of hardware and service.

"This bundle presents companies with major new opportunities in business communications," said Patrick Kelley VP of Netex Group Inc in Charlotte, NC. "This technology is the first solution I have seen that finally makes converged voice solutions a reality for small and medium-sized business customers. The busy professional is really going to appreciate this level of convenience once they see Sotto's solution."

"Our value proposition to the small business customer is compelling," said Scott Hansen, Vice President of Sales and Distribution for Sotto. "This service simplifies communications with the first fixed-mobile convergence solution in the marketplace for small business. It is complementary to what VARs are selling today, and we expect the Linksys bundle to be a major catalyst for adoption of converged solutions."

Richard Platt, VP/GM of the Linksys Small Business Organization said, "We share the same vision as Sotto in offering VARs and small businesses a complete data and voice solution specifically catered to their needs. This bundle provides small businesses with big business features that help to increase productivity, enable more responsive communications, and can save money. At Linksys we are committed to helping small businesses build the infrastructures they need to conduct and grow their businesses."

The Linksys products bundled with the Sotto Service include:

- VPN Router (RV082)
- Wireless Access Point (WAP200)
- Linksys Voice System (LVS) Desktop IP Phones (SPA901, SPA942)
- PoE Adapter (WAPPOE12)
- 8-port 10/100 and Gigabit Switches (SRW208P, SRW208MP, SRW2008MP) - Linksys.