Net2Phone and Switchboard Partner to Offer Fast and Cost-Effective Internet Telephony

Strategic Insights -

The partnership between Net2Phone and Switchboard aims to revolutionize the way people communicate over the internet. The collaboration will enable Switchboard's users to make phone calls anywhere in the world over the Internet, saving up to 95 percent on traditional long distance calls. The technology, known as Click2Talk, is designed to make phone calls from any multimedia PC, offering full-duplex real-time conversation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Switchboard users will be able to utilize Net2Phone's Click2Talk service simply by clicking on a phone number they locate in the Switchboard yellow or white pages.
  • The service is expected to save users up to 95 percent on traditional long distance calls.
  • Click2Talk is designed to make phone calls from any multimedia PC, offering full-duplex real-time conversation.
  • The service will be exclusively integrated throughout Switchboard's on-line directories on its flagship web site CBS Switchboard.com and its mapping site MapsOnUs.com.
  • Net2Phone is a leading provider of voice-enhanced Internet communications services to individuals and businesses worldwide.
  • Switchboard Incorporated is a leading Internet-based local merchant network interconnecting consumers, merchants, and national advertisers.
  • CBS Switchboard.com is viewed more than 50 million times each month and has won numerous awards since its launch.

Statistics:

  • Net2Phone enables people to place low-cost high-quality calls from their computer, telephone, or fax machine to any telephone or fax machine in the world.
  • Net2Phone has 39% market share in Internet telephony minutes routed, according to International Data Corp.
  • Switchboard's flagship Web site, CBS Switchboard.com, connects consumers searching for specific products and services and the merchants that provide them.
  • Switchboard offers a rich suite of online services including yellow and white pages, E-mail and web site directories, and interactive maps and driving directions.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Net2Phone and Switchboard Partner to Offer Net2Phone's One-Click Dialing Technology as a Fast and Cost-Effective Means of Contacting Businesses and People," December 21, 1999.
  • Net2Phone, "About Net2Phone."
  • Switchboard Incorporated, "About Switchboard Incorporated."
  • International Data Corp, "Internet Telephony Market Research Report."