The Microsoft Response Point phone systems, which will be offered by D-Link and Quanta Computer, will range in price from $2,500 to $3,000 and will be available for pre-order starting Friday, Microsoft said. A third manufacturer, Aastra Technologies, will produce Response Point-based phones starting next year.

Response Point is designed to let companies of up to 50 employees easily set up and maintain a digital telephone network without the cost or complexity of a public branch exchange, or PBX, system. The software, which has been in development under the code name Edinburgh, will work alongside conventional phone systems or voice-over-IP systems, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft is hoping Response Point's ease of use will appeal to small businesses that typically lack in-house computer or telephony expertise. The company claims individuals with average PC skills will be able to use a simplified management console to add users to the system, set up voice mail, and configure extensions.

Embedded voice recognition technology will enable office workers to initiate a call simply by pressing a button on their Response Point phone and speaking a colleague's name.

Microsoft is looking to aggressively build its presence in the market for computer-based voice services. Earlier this year, the company announced the acquisition of TellMe Networks, a developer of voice recognition software, for an undisclosed price.

Customers can preorder Quanta's Syspine Response Point-based phone system beginning Friday, Oct. 5. A package that includes a base unit with built-in analog telephone adapter (ATA) and secure gateway, plus four phones, will cost about $2,500. Additional phones will be available for $159 each.

D-Link's Response Point systems, called VoiceCenter, will be available by year's end. The VoiceCenter system will include a base unit, ATA, and five phones for approximately $2,999. Additional phone lines will cost about $149.

Microsoft Financing will allow customers who purchase through an authorized Microsoft reseller to pay for fully installed Response Point systems on a monthly basis. Microsoft said the plan will give small businesses access to advanced phone technology without straining their credit lines or making large, up-front investments.