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News from the Computer World

Toshiba Creates Software VoIP Client

Toshiba's Digital Solutions Division rolled out a software-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) client that turns any Windows XP laptop or desktop into the equivalent of a desktop telephone.

The new product, called a “SoftIPT SoftPhone”, has all the features of a IPT1020 hard-wired [VoIP] phone, but it's all within software. The package duplicates Toshiba's CTX desktop phone hardware within software that uses an IP network, including the Internet, to make and take calls.

The SoftIPT SoftPhone integrates with Toshiba's family of Strata CTX business communications systems, and requires Toshiba's BIPU-M2A VoIP gateway card to operate.

Read the full story

Check Point Acquires Zone Labs

Check Point Software, which has had a strong partnership with Zone Labs, struck a deal on Dec. 15, to acquire Zone for $113 million in cash and $92 million in Check Point stock.

Check Point specializes in Internet security, while Zone Labs provides endpoint security solutions.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Zone Labs shareholder approval and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2004.

Check Point did not announce any planned changes involving Zone Labs' operation or the fate of Zone's free evaluation version of their flagship software firewall.

Read Checkpoint's Announcement