telephones at a briefing at Hamilton Princess, presented by leading systems integrator and reseller Applied Computer Technologies (ACT).

Company consultant, John McDougald, introduced CallWare Technologies, which together with Novell, has developed a single computer interface providing voice, email, and fax messaging accessible from the desktop.

Computer users are now able to access voice mail messages by simply clicking their mouse, and, would have a scanning capability that prioritises messages in terms of urgency.

Conventional voice mail systems are more time consuming to access.

Another CallWare product gives business the ability to cluster voice messaging at different locations via the Internet. With this integration, a CallWare voice mail system can link branch offices or departments, eliminating long distance charges.

Business travellers can access any mailbox in the system from any designated location for the cost of a local telephone call.

Mr. McDougald said: "Global voice messaging is now as easy and inexpensive as email.'' ACT's director of sales and marketing, Richard Parker said "With CallWare, over 300 telephone systems can now be integrated with the desktop PC and the Internet.

"We are bullish about this new technology because by merging two major technologies, organisations can take advantage of significant cost reductions in network administration, which today represents 73 percent of network ownership cost.

"Long distance charges can also be significantly reduced through the use of the Internet which will be particularly beneficial for companies with an international presence.'' The company estimates that next year the market for computer telephone integration will reach $3 billion, and will rise 50 percent annually through the next millennium.

ACT has been offering technology-related products and services in Bermuda since 1983, including computer hardware and software, systems integration, network planning and design, and consulting services.