Vonage has announced the launch of Vonage Pro(SM), a first-of-its-kind digital voice offering featuring five innovative components that keep you connected to your home life while on the go, including the ability for customers to use their home phone number virtually anywhere they have access to a high speed Internet connection. Vonage Pro is the next step in the MyVonage(TM) product strategy, which is focused on developing products and services based on the requests of customers who have a wide variety of lifestyles and communication needs.

Vonage Pro features five components that specifically accommodate the lifestyle of “prosumers,” or professional consumers who are comfortable with and understand the benefits of using technology to improve their personal and professional lives.

Announced recently, the $35-a-month service can also automatically transcribe voice mails to e-mail or SMS text. Customers can read, store, search, and respond to voice mail messages on their PCs or smartphones with the service.

Incoming Vonage Pro calls ring at both the customer’s home number and at a companion number chosen by the customer. The Vonage Companion feature is provided by mobile VoIP software company CounterPath. Customers can initiate outgoing calls on both phones simultaneously.

Here are the main features of the service:

• The offering includes a next generation Vonage SoftPhone client, Vonage Companion, that allows the residential or home office user to access their home number from any desktop or laptop PC connected to a high speed Internet connection, enabling them to communicate as if they are at home.
• Incoming calls ring both the customer’s home phone and their Companion, and customers can make outgoing calls on both devices simultaneously — essentially providing a second phone line.
• Vonage Companion also offers customer requested features such as selective call block, conference calling, personalized ringtones and call recording.
• Customers can use their PC’s built-in microphone and speakers or plug in a headset with microphone to make and receive calls.
• Vonage Companion automatically synchronizes with Vonage Contact Center(TM)*
• Home office users will never miss an important call when away on vacation or on a business trip.

Patrick Monaghan, Senior Analyst in Consumer Research at Yankee Group said:

“In a competitive communications landscape, VoIP services need to differentiate themselves on more than price, advanced, flexible features that allow consumers to communicate anywhere will continue to grab market share.”

Haenggi, Vonage chief marketing officer, in a statement said:

“Vonage Pro is the VoIP offering that (consumers) have been asking for to help them stay connected while on the go”.