CallWave, Inc. provides two services for Web surfers which allow them to more easily communicate with their friends, family, and business partners.

The Internet Answering Machine (IAM) is a software download for Windows-based PCs which captures incoming phone calls which may otherwise be missed while the user is online. The software presents a small on-screen window that appears each time the user goes online, and allows them to see and hear messages left for them while online.

IAM can be utilized two ways. The user can setup IAM to work in conjunction with the Busy Call Forwarding feature of their phone line; in which case callers would simply telephone the online user with their actual telephone number, as they would normally, with the telephone calls that are received while the user is online automatically routed to the IAM service. Users should note that "Busy Call Forwarding" for your phone line must be setup directly through your telephone service provider; this feature is typically not free and is priced independently by each telco.

The second way IAM can be utilized is via an 877 number provided by CallWave. In this configuration, people who wish to contact a user who is online must call a designated 877 number, and then follow the instructions (inputting the user's actual number, for example) to leave a message that will then be forwarded to the online user. The CallWave members section contains tools helping the user to notify their friends of the 877 number for leaving them messages.

IAM works with your local ISP (including AOL) and is available throughout the US. Originally a free service, CallWave now charges for the service when it is used with Busy Call Forwarding (the first configuration described above). Pricing is set at $3.95/month, or $2.95/month when an advance annual subscription is purchased. In return for the new pricing, CallWave states that additional premium services will be offered to customers, including support for CallerID. The 877-number configuration of CallWave is still available, though it is not directly advertised on the CallWave site (it becomes an option after the initial free product evaluation period expires). Additionally, CallWave offers their "Lifeline" service, wherein certain individuals may qualify to continue using the CallWave service (with Busy Call Forwarding) free.

The second service available from CallWave is FaxWave, which supplies the user with a free fax number that they can provide to colleagues. Faxes sent to this number are converted to electronic format and forwarded to the user via E-Mail. Received faxes can be viewed both on the PC and Mac platforms; the CallWave Web site suggests free downloadable solutions for both. The CallWave Web site also mentions that premium services such as local fax numbers (numbers given out now are primarily in the Northern California area) and toll-free numbers may be available in the future.

Both services are available immediately and can be obtained through the CallWave Web site.

product submission by DPW Staff

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