AT&T last week announced a new digital voice terminal called the AT&T 7401, which hangs off the company’s System 75 and System 85 digital PABXs. The 7401 is a single-line terminal with five standard features that enable customers to transfer calls or put them on hold; set up a conference call with up to three people or drop conferee when necessary; and choose their own particular ring. Customers can program seven additional features, including the ability to leave a please call message and redial the last number called. Any of the 12 features is activated by touching two buttons. The 7401 can also send and receive data when tied to a computer and AT&T’s PC/PABX Connection, hardware and software that enables customers to access voice and data traffic simultaneously. The 7401 uses AT&T’s Digital Communications Protocol, DCP, which defines how AT&T voice terminals and PABXs communicate, and offers customers ISDN-type functions now and the promise of ISDN compatibility in the future. The box is equipped with a message waiting light and also gives customers access to advanced PABX features such as unified messaging. This facility alerts a customer when a message comes in. The messages can come from a variety of sources, including message centre, Audix voice mail or electronic mail. It is available now for $125 through AT&T’s direct sales.
