8x8, an Internet Protocol communications solutions provider, announced that it has updated its 8x8 Virtual Office Mobile application. Users now can access their business phone and service remotely within any 3G coverage area or WiFi (News - Alert) zone.

 

The software application update, available in the Apple iTunes app store for iPhone and iPod Touch models, comes after Apple removed restrictions that prevented Voice over Internet Protocol applications from running on 3G networks.

 

Initially released as a service that required a WiFi connection, the new 8x8 (News - Alert) Virtual Office Mobile release now lets subscribers connect to their business phones and service with 3G or WiFi, extending the functionality of any Virtual Office extension to the iPhone (News - Alert) or iPod Touch platforms, company officials said. This enhances users’ mobility access and helps them save money, the company said.

 

'With the addition of iPhone 3G network support, our Virtual Office subscribers now have even broader mobile access and flexibility when using 8x8's money-saving VoIP business phone services,' 8x8 Chairman and CEO Bryan Martin (News - Alert) said. 'We are pleased to be one of the first VoIP service providers to offer iPhone users an opportunity to experience the capabilities and cost savings of our hosted PBX (News - Alert) platform from any 3G footprint, which is transforming the way businesses of all sizes are managing their day to day communications.'

 

8x8 Virtual Office Mobile is available as a free download in the App Store and can be added to existing service plans for $4.99 per extension per month. Users can also add the application as a bundled service as part of the company’s 8x8 Virtual Office Pro Unified Communications solution. That service is available to existing Virtual Office unlimited, metered, or global extension subscribers for $20 a month per extension. Current Virtual Office Mobile customers will receive the upgraded application for free when they connect to the iTunes store.

 

In other news, the company’s Virtual Office Pro UC solution recently received the “Best of Show” award in the small to medium sized business category from Technology Marketing Corporation. The powerful, Web-based solution lets subscribers manage essential, advanced business communications functions online through a centralized portal.