The networking distributor's technical director, John Hamill, said it had been on the hunt for a software PBX package to bundle with its existing range of voice hardware from VegaStream.

Lan 1 had originally earmarked software from Snom Technology but the VOIP vendor had decided to exit the software business during negotiations and spun it off to US company, Pbxnsip, he said. As the two companies still had the same CEO, the deal was approved.

The software provides virtual PBX connectivity via a Web interface. It is compatible with Windows or Linux and based on SIP standards. Features include auto attendant, call forward, mailbox, conferencing and security. According to the vendor, it can be connected to a VOIP telco service, PSTN or ISDN gateway.

"The products could be used to replace an existing PBX or to link up remote branches," Hamill said.

Lan 1 plans to bundle the software with VegaStream hardware and D-Link SIP handsets. Resellers would also be entitled to a 50 per cent discount off the list price for NFR products, he said.