infoTECH Feature

October 09, 2008

Qwest integrates Home phone with Internet Services Using qHome

By Nitya Prashant
qHome, an Integrated Message Manager, is now available for Colorado customers. This was announced by Qwest (News - Alert) Communications International Inc.
Developed in collaboration with Microsoft (News - Alert) Corporation, the new web tool integrates the Qwest services on the customer’s home phone with their Qwest Internet services. It essentially allows customers online access to their Qwest home phone service.
Company sources said that by integrating the Qwest Choice Home phone service and Qwest High-Speed Internet service through Microsoft’s Windows Live, it was now possible for customers to view, listen to and manage all their messages – e-mail, instant Messages, call logs and Voice Mail from one single place, which is the qHome online portal.
Stating that Qwest was committed to delivering solutions that enabled multiple services to work together at home and on the go, Qwest product director Ken Rambo added, “qHome brings Qwest home phone and Qwest High-Speed Internet services together in ways that allow people to simplify their lives.”
Among the features of the new tool is qMessaging, which allows customers to see who is calling the Qwest home phone line and listen to voicemails through Windows Live. The feature also enables customers to see the ten most recent voicemails and calls logged.
Official sources said that customers can manage all their contacts through Windows Live and use the Quickcall feature to initiate a call on the Qwest Choice Home phone line from a personal computer. Once the call is initiated, customers can pick up the Qwest Choice Home phone when they are ready to talk.
When qHome customers are away from home, they have the option to log into the qHome portal from computers, and remotely view and manage their home phone activity. They can also receive instant message pop-ups of incoming home phone calls with Windows Live Messenger, company officials said.
Other features provided by the qHome web tool includes My account which allows customers to view their Qwest account status and links to contact Qwest customer service, schedule repairs and more. There is also the Preferences gadget through which customers can manage certain call detail preferences, voicemail features and Qwest Choice Home phone features online. Updates about qHome and Windows Live are available on the Qwest home page for customers.
Full qHome functionality is available at no additional charge to Qwest customers who have Qwest Choice Home phone package with caller ID and voicemail, Qwest High-Speed Internet with Windows Live (minimum 1.5 Mbps recommended), or a q.com, msn.com, hotmail.com or live.com member name or e-mail address.
qHome is likely to launch in additional markets before the end of 2008.
 

Nitya Prashant is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nitya's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Tim Gray
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