GN Netcom Bridges Gap Between Hands-Free and VoIP With New GN 8120 USB-to-Headset Adapter GN 8120 USB also receives the Avaya DeveloperConnection Compliant Certification for enhancing the softphone experience NASHUA, N.H., March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Today from Booth #1135 at Spring VON, GN Netcom, a global innovator of hands-free communication technologies, today announced the GN 8120 USB, a digital USB-to-headset adapter that is integrated with softphones from Avaya (NYSE:AV) and Xten (OTC: XNWK) (BULLETIN BOARD: XNWK) . The GN 8120 USB features call control buttons, giving the user quick and easy access to the most common call functions, including simple e911 access. This level of integration, unique to the GN 8120 USB, gives the end- user a familiar and convenient interface for the softphone. The GN 8120 USB is a recent recipient of the Avaya DeveloperConnection Compliant Certification. The GN 8120 USB gives users a familiar interface with which to interact with their softphone by putting many of the call-control functions on buttons external to the computer. The device also alleviates the frustration of having to use a mouse or keyboard to begin or end a call or adjust volume. Even when the computer is "secured" by a screen saver, users can press one or more of the inline buttons to answer and hang-up calls, place calls on hold, speed dial, raise and lower call volume, check voice mail or mute the microphone. The GN 8120 USB gives the user the many hands-free, productivity benefits of using a headset. It also improves the sound quality of calls as it plugs directly into the computer's USB port rather than its sound card, providing direct-to-digital sound quality without potential sound card compatibility problems. The GN 8120 USB is easy to connect and delivers consistent, high- quality, digital performance for both PC and Macintosh applications. The GN 8120 USB also helps to address the issue of unrestricted emergency calling. Previously if a user had a medical emergency they would have to log into the nearest computer first and then use the mouse to dial emergency services. Depending on the specific softphone application's programmed functionality, the GN 8120 USB can directly dial emergency services when users press its inline buttons. With three visual LED indicators, the GN 8120 USB's user-friendly design includes a raised digital volume rocker, individually-colored recessed buttons and raised ridge markings beside each button for simplified access for physically- or visually-challenged users. The GN 8120 USB recently received the coveted Avaya DeveloperConnection Compliance certification, an assurance of the GN 8120 USB's compatibility with Avaya IP softphone solutions. Avaya, which designs, builds, deploys and manages networks for enterprises around the globe, is promoting the GN 8120 USB to its customers as a complement to its own innovative, integrated VoIP solutions. "The GN 8120 USB bridges the gap between hands-free communications and VoIP," said Hans Henrik Lund, President, GN Netcom. "As enterprises continue to move towards VoIP, we wanted to provide a solution that enables users to fully embrace the Internet while reducing the limitations of a traditional softphone, such as sound quality and ease-of-use, as well as customers' anxieties about choosing a softphone solution. We are delighted that Avaya has officially certified the GN 8120 USB, an enviable breakthrough for us and a testament to the product's sophistication and dependability." In addition, the GN 8120 USB will be integrated with Xten's SIP softphones, including X-Lite and eyeBeam, to provide a complete VoIP solution. GN Netcom is working to bundle its headsets with Xten SIP softphones, which are planned to be available wholesale and in retail stores across the United States and Canada later this year. Xten is a provider of VoIP, IP Videoconferencing, and Instant Messaging (IM) with Presence SIP softphones. "We look forward to working with GN Netcom and are confident that our relationship will benefit VoIP users looking for a complete IP communications solution," said Erik Lagerway, President and COO of Xten. "We are also excited to work through GN Netcom's distribution network to access new customers that will experience the advantages of this and future bundled offerings." The GN 8120 USB, available in laptop and desktop variants, is certified for use on Windows(R) operating systems (and compatible with Mac operating systems 9.0.4 or greater) and can be used with any of GN Netcom's professional-grade wireless or corded headsets. To download high-resolution images, please visit: http://imageweb.gnnetcom.dk/ About GN Netcom GN Netcom is a world leader in hands-free communication technologies. The company develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of corded as well as wireless headsets and related products. GN Netcom provides solutions covering the hands-free communication needs of professionals working in contact centres and offices. For information about products please visit http://www.gnnetcom.com/ GN Netcom is part of GN Store Nord, a global market innovator in personal communications. http://www.gn.com/ About Avaya Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than 1 million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500(R). Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet Protocol (IP) telephony systems and communications software applications and services. Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications -- and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services -- Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya website: http://www.avaya.com/ Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. About Xten Networks Xten Networks, Inc. is a developer of award-winning, high-quality, carrier-grade SIP softphones for service providers, cable operators, Internet telephony service providers, IP PBX manufacturers and OEMs. Xten's SIP softphones are available either pre-configured or as a software development kit (SDK), and provide VoIP (Voice over IP), Video over IP, IM (Instant Messaging), and Presence functionality. Xten has a feature-rich FREE SIP softphone dubbed X-Lite, in addition to the fully featured X-PRO commercial softphone and eyeBeam, a SIP Video over IP softphone with IM and Presence. Through its deployments with leading service providers, Xten has more than 1,000,000 IP endpoints deployed worldwide. For more information please visit http://www.xten.com/. CONTACT: Betsy Blicharz Edelman 212.704.4484 DATASOURCE: GN Netcom CONTACT: Betsy Blicharz of Edelman, +1-212-704-4484, Web site: http://www.gnnetcom.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/128300.html

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