Intel Corp., the world’s leading chipmaker, unveiled at the first day of Computex Taipei 2006 its new product that would enable users to make VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls using their convenient existing telephones. Potentially, this allows customers to use several VoIP providers at once, however, the product will definitely compete fiercely against specially designed telephones for networks like Skype.

Intel 600SM PCI Phone Adapter is a simple low-profile add-in card that employs several chips to enable phone interface, improved voice quality and so on. Users have to install the board, plug the existing telephone to it and then install a program called SoftPhone agent, which will allow users to call traditional landlines or cell phones using various services, including engin, Packet8, Skype or yak

Theoretically, the Intel 600SM PCI Phone Adapter allows opportunities to lower telephone bill costs and provide some ease of use to those, not familiar with special headsets for calling using computers or not willing to use a special telephone designed for VoIP services.

However, when users or small businesses employ the 600SM PCI Phone Adapter, they cannot make emergency calls in many cases, as, for example, Skype does not support emergency calls with address-specific call-back information. While other providers listed by Intel actually support emergency calls, users will be required to keep their computers always on and ensure that the Internet connection works properly.

All-in-all, in Europe, where there is no engin (an Australian VoIP provider) or Packet8 and yakCommunications (U.S.-based companies), customers will have to stick to Skype and keep another telephone plugged to the traditional line in order to have emergency call as well as call receive opportunities. This means that many customers may think twice before getting the 600SM Phone Adapter or to acquire a special phone that links Skype VoIP calls with traditional landlines.

Intel did not provide any pricing information about the Intel 600SM PCI Phone Adapter.