PARTNER* Smart Solutions from Lucent Technologies is a PC-integrated multi-phone system for the small and home office market that uses standard phone lines without rewiring. The Universal Serial Bus-based system provides such advanced communications features as voice messaging, Caller ID, auto attendant and fax server. The PC also provides advanced system administration functions by running Smart Solutions application software.

The system is designed to connect up to 12 telephone sets and peripheral devices such as conference speaker phones. In addition, users can easily link the system to a PC through a standard USB connection. Because the PC is not dedicated to the phone system, it can simultaneously be used to run other business applications.

"Tying a PC server into the system using the USB Plug and Play link puts the Smart Solutions system in touch with the enormous creativity of the PC development community," said Larry Jacobs, Lucent's director of small office and home office systems.

Lucent's Smart Solutions system integrates Intel's 8x930Ax USB controller.

"Intel is pleased that Lucent is taking a lead in using USB Plug and Play technology to further unite telephone systems and computers," said Jim Pappas, Intel director of platform initiatives.

"USB provides a much simpler, more reliable method of attaching everything from printers to phones. It is a key to providing advanced computer telephony to phone systems. Smart Solution