CounterPath has launched Bria for Microsoft Outlook. The offering integrates CounterPath's softphone technology directly into Microsoft Outlook, providing users with all-in-one access to their VoIP and personal information manager services. Appearing as part of Outlook's toolbar, the Bria plug-in provides a non-intrusive VoIP interface that does not infringe on the PIM's traditional three-pane design or workspace real estate - preserving the productivity benefits of Outlook while integrating value-added VoIP services.

Bria for Microsoft Outlook has a SIP-based architecture, allowing for rapid integration and deployment across any service provider or enterprise vendor SIP-enabled network. With the ability to avoid supporting and investing in an expansive underlying Microsoft infrastructure, voice providers are able to immediately deploy a Microsoft-integrated VoIP solution without placing any strain on their existing service delivery model.

Bria for Microsoft Outlook provides a wide assortment of VoIP features including:

• Screen pops and call handling options such as call hold, forward and ignore
• Click-to-Dial from any location within Outlook
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous calls
• Message waiting indicator and one-click access to voicemail
• In-call features such as mute and call forwarding

In addition to calling features, Bria for Microsoft Outlook provides support for a wide assortment of narrow and wideband codecs, zero touch configuration during installation, auto-updates and NAT traversal using STUN and ICE. Bria for Microsoft Outlook also offers flexible branding options, allowing solution providers to incorporate their brand into the integrated VoIP-to-Outlook user experience.

Bria for Microsoft Outlook will be available for purchase at the CounterPath website beginning December 9, 2008.