SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. , provider of Packet8 (http://www.packet8.net/ ) broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications services, today announced that it was awarded two new U.S. Patents for VoIP technology on October 10, 2006.

The first is U.S. Patent number 7,120,143 entitled "Voice Over Internet Processor." Claim 1, the first of twenty-seven (27) allowed claims, reads:

1. A programmable audio processor chip for processing voice data comprising: a DSP voice compression device adapted to compress the voice data; audio processing circuitry programmed with an audio processing software application for processing the compressed voice data; an IP network stack adapted to store and process IP data, the IP network stack including protocols for processing the compressed voice data via an IP network; and a communication stack adapted to store and process communications data, the communications stack including audio processing protocols for processing the compressed voice data.

The second is U.S. Patent number 7,120,238 entitled "Sensor-Controlled Telephone System." Claim 1, the first of twenty-four (24) allowed claims, reads:

1. A method for selecting an operating mode of a telephony system that is used in a closed facility and is communicatively-coupled to the Internet, comprising: detecting at least one person within a predetermined area, the area being associated with a telephone device in the telephony system; communicating a detection signal to the telephony system responsive to detecting the at least one person; operating the telephony system in a first operating mode responsive to the absence of the detection signal, and in a second operating mode responsive to receipt of the detection signal; and communicating via the Internet in response to the first or second operating mode.

"8x8 is pleased that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded these patents in recognition of the core innovation and technological leadership we have contributed to the Internet telephony industry," said Bryan R. Martin, 8x8's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "8x8 developed, built and sold some of the industry's first platforms for analog telephone adapters (ATAs) and IP communications. These two patents nicely compliment the other two VoIP portfolio patents the Company received this past summer," concluded Mr. Martin.

On June 13, 2006, 8x8 announced that it had been awarded U.S. Patent #7,035,935 for the hosted IP-PBX technology used in the Company's Packet8 Virtual Office business telecommunication services. On August 16, 2006, 8x8 announced that it had been awarded U.S. Patent #7,092,379 for technology used to route telephony signals over the Internet and standard switched telephone communication networks. Since its establishment in 1987, 8x8 has been awarded sixty-four (64) United States patents covering a variety of voice and video communications technologies.

About 8x8, Inc.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc. offers internet-based telephony solutions (http://www.packet8.net/ ) for individual residential and business users as well as small to medium sized business organizations. In addition to regular Packet8 VoIP service plans priced as low as $19.99 per month for unlimited anytime calling to the U.S. and Canada, 8x8 offers the Packet8 DV 326 VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alone broadband consumer videophone, and accompanying monthly service plans also priced at $19.99 per month. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP system for small to medium sized businesses, is a hosted PBX solution comprised of powerful business class features. Companies subscribing to Virtual Office pay just $39.99 per month per extension for enterprise class PBX functionality along with unlimited local and long distance calling in the U.S. and Canada. Packet8 Softalk(TM), 8x8's PC-based soft phone client, offers high quality voice and video in-network calling as well as outbound calling to the PSTN. For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.com/ .

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to 8x8's intellectual property. Investors are cautioned that these statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could be materially different from those discussed in this news release. Further information on factors that could affect the actual results of 8x8, Inc. are included in 8x8, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 8x8 does not assume any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release that become untrue because of subsequent events.

NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo, Packet8, the Packet8 logo, Packet8 Virtual Office and Packet8 Softalk are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: media, Joan Citelli of 8x8, Inc., +1-408-687-4320, or
JCitelli@8x8.com

Web site: http://www.8x8.com/