Cisco IP Communicator (Figure 1) is a Microsoft Windows-based application that delivers enhanced telephony support through personal computers. It is easy to deploy and features some of the latest technology and advancements available with IP communications today. This application endows computers with the functionality of IP phones, providing high-quality voice calls on the road, in the office, or from wherever users can access the corporate network.

Cisco IP Communicator is designed for users who require a supplemental telephone when traveling, a telecommuting device, or a primary desktop telephone. When using Cisco IP Communicator remotely, users are not just taking their office phone extension with them-they also have access to the same familiar phone services they have in the office. This advantage boosts business collaboration and responsiveness, and helps organizations keep pace with today's mobile business environment.

Cisco IP Communicator uses the Cisco CallManager call processing system to provide advanced telephony features and VoIP capabilities. Access to eight telephone lines (or a combination of lines and direct access to telephony features) is included. When registered to Cisco CallManager system, Cisco IP Communicator has the capabilities of a full-featured Cisco IP phone, including the ability to transfer calls, forward calls, and conference additional participants to an existing call. This means that system administrators can provision Cisco IP Communicator as they would any other Cisco IP phone, greatly simplifying IP phone management. This solution also helps enable customers and developers to deliver more innovative and productivity-enhancing Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based applications to the display.