SPRINT IS TAKING what could logically be thought of as the next step in its voice-over-IP evolution with the launch of a new service that allows enterprise users to get the same features and functionality of their desktop phone on mobile devices.

The new mobile element is based on Broadsoft's Mobile PBX product and is being marketed as part of the company's IP Voice Connect service. Like a traditional hosted PBX, the new service allows users to dial extensions, integrate corporate directories and activate attendant features on a mobile device. Initially, the company plans to keep the features relatively familiar and allow users of any device to access them. However, Sprint is perhaps even more excited by the future applications.

“I really see the power of the mobile VPN,” said Brian Gregory, product marketing manager for Sprint's VoIP portfolio. “What we're really looking to do, using the IMS architecture, is really allow the idea of an all-IP call to the mobile device. A number of the advancements we're working on allow you to completely eliminate desktops.”

That already is possible with the Broadsoft platform, said Scott Wharton, vice president of marketing for the vendor.

“You could have a 10-user company where there is no PBX,” he said. “Instead of spending $1000 for an IP/PBX user, they could get rid of that and have the user go totally mobile. From a network point of view, they use the regular TDM connection to the [mobile switching center] and then have SIP or IP on the back end.”

Sprint, which launched the IP Voice Connect service six months ago, is looking beyond just the 10-user company.

“I've been very pleased with the interest we're seeing in the enterprise; we're talking 1000 or 1500 seats,” Gregory said.

The company also is seeing a natural evolution of vertical markets such as manufacturing and health care that are interested. As part of an effort to jump-start the product, Sprint is packaging the mobile part of IP Voice Connect with a standard set of features such as find me/follow me and a single voicemail box.

“The product we have on the road map that really makes it sing is the integrated trunking offer, which is due out sometime in 2006,” Gregory said.