Panasonic is distributing Computer-Telephone Integration software from Q.Sys, Inc. that will give users of KX-TD systems and a Local Area Network ("LAN") greatly improved call-handling capabilities from their PCs. With an enhanced KX-TD system and Q.Sys "Group PhoneWare" software, groups of up to 15 people can manage, screen, and direct incoming calls via computer, using database information available through the LAN.

Members of a workgroup, such as a customer service staff, can manipulate phone calls with the same ease as moving blocks of text with a mouse. Since the status of every group member's phone is displayed on-screen, staff members can route calls more intelligently.

Group PhoneWare is installed on each PC in the group, and a serial cable connects the control unit to one PC in the network. Once set up, people on the LAN can see representations of the other group members, with their phone status and itineraries. This allows group members to more efficiently manage calls, increasing productivity. For example, a group member can see a caller's number, name, and information from the database before answering or while on another call, send calls or faxes by clicking on a name; drag-and-drop calls in other extensions and mailboxes and more. Users can keep detailed reports of each call, including those that are abandoned before being answered, and print statistical records or reports on demand.

Group PhoneWare is sold in two packages. Model KX-QS100 handles five client Ocs and one server. Model KX-QS101 is for five clients.

Group PhoneWare System Features:

1. Drag-and-drop answer, hold, transfer, retrieve & other functions
2. Know the caller name and info about the caller (last purchase, credit status, medical history, etc.) before answering
3. Send a real-time message to any PhoneWare user, even during a call
4. Send an Email message during a call
5. Dial from an on-screen call log
6. View an icon-based busy lamp field
7. Pull a call back from voice mail
8. Click on multiple calls for a conference call
9. View or print instant statistical call records
10. Enter and view itineraries up to 30 days in advance for all group members -- itineraries will pop up when a call comes in for a specific extension
11. Call logging holds detailed records of date, duration and notes on each call that can be printed on demand; data can be exported to other software (such as for billing or word processing)