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8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT), provider of Internet Protocol (IP) communications solutions for business and residential users, today announced it has joined forces with Aastra, a global provider of enterprise communication products, to roll out and support co-branded Virtual Office business IP phones, bundled with the 8x8 Virtual Office suite of services, at nationwide Office Depot retail locations. Aastra will supply the co-branded 8x8/Aastra 6755i Virtual Office IP phone, while 8x8 provisions and manages the 8x8 Virtual Office hosted IP PBX service.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6213

The 8x8/Aastra 6755i Virtual Office IP phone replaces the Virtual Office ST2118 analog business phone which Office Depot had previously been carrying. These plug-and-play IP telephones serve as endpoints for the 8x8 Virtual Office hosted IP PBX business phone service, currently in use by over 16,000 companies. 8x8 Virtual Office provides businesses with a complete, enterprise class phone system at a fraction of the cost of a traditional PBX and roughly half the cost of traditional business phone service.

"The 675xi Virtual Office IP phones developed jointly by 8x8 and Aastra have been favorably received by our subscribers since their introduction last summer and we are excited to now offer this next generation product to Office Depot customers with the added convenience of retail availability," said 8x8 Vice President of Business & Channel Development Huw Rees. "Office Depot has been a valued sales partner for over two years and we applaud their continued commitment to offer businesses the latest advanced communication technology services and products."

Designed with 8x8's advanced network address translation (NAT) traversal technologies to facilitate usage from any high speed Internet connection worldwide, the 8x8/Aastra IP phones plug into any broadband Internet connection to allow users to immediately make or receive calls without performing any network configuration or firewall manipulation. In addition, the 8x8/Aastra IP phones deliver enhanced features including corporate directory display and lookup, extension dialing and transfers, intercom paging, shared line appearance and an embedded XML browser.

"8x8 and Aastra have experienced great synergy working together on an OEM level, and we look forward to broadening our relationship into the retail sales and marketing channel," said Tim Whittington, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aastra USA. "The combination of Aastra's superior quality business IP phones together with 8x8's

Award-winning business services, available direct to the end user through Office Depot, is a unique and compelling offer for the small and medium sized business market. We look forward to providing these businesses with a product and service that significantly exceeds their expectations."

The 8x8/Aastra 6755i telephone is currently available at Office Depot locations nationwide for an MSRP of $199.99. Additional models are available online at www.officedepot.com. In addition to full duplex speakerphone functionality, programmable softkey appearances and LCD display screens, all models support "Power over Ethernet" and come equipped with dual auto-sensing switched Ethernet ports to eliminate additional wiring for a computer and simplify installations.

"Our business customers consider us a trusted resource for products and services that will not only save money, but also contribute to their company's growth," said John Lostroscio, Vice President of Merchandising, Consumer Electronics and Peripherals, for Office Depot. "We believe the 8x8 Virtual Office Business Phone System and new 8x8/Aastra co-branded IP phones offer an outstanding value that will benefit any business looking to enhance and save on their telecommunications costs by adopting proven IP technology. We are excited to be the first retailer to offer the newest 8x8/Aastra IP phone product in our stores."

To learn more about the 8x8/Aastra 675xi IP phones or purchase them online, visit http://preview.officedepot.com/a/products/861630/Packet8-Virtual-Office-6755i-Enterprise-Grade/.

About 8x8, Inc.

8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) offers voice, video and mobile communications solutions for business and residential customers. These solutions leverage existing broadband Internet connections and cellular networks to deliver advanced features and digital quality phone service at a fraction of the cost of legacy, copper wire alternatives. Businesses of any size, configuration or geographic location can benefit from the cost, performance and operational advantages of VoIP technology. All 8x8 communications solutions carry little or no upfront investment, no maintenance or upgrade fees and no change in user behavior. For additional information, visit www.8x8.com or www.8x8.net.

About Aastra

Aastra USA is a North American business unit of Aastra Technologies Limited ("Aastra"), a rapidly growing global company at the forefront of the Enterprise Communication market. Headquartered in Concord, Ontario, Canada, Aastra develops, markets, and supports a comprehensive portfolio of products, systems, and applications for building and accessing communication networks. Aastra's products include a full range of both open-standard Internet Protocol (IP)-based and traditional networking solutions including; Enterprise Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs), IP-PBX's, gateways, digital and analog telephone terminals, VoIP telephones, wireless handsets, and advanced software applications. For more information on Aastra, please visit our Web site at www.aastratelecom.com.

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT: 8x8, Inc.

Joan Citelli

(408) 687-4320

jcitelli@8x8.com

Aastra USA, Inc.

Robyn Thompson

+1.469.365.3249

pr@aastrausa.com




Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.

"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. "This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."

Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,

2009-2010 Corolla,

2009-2010 Matrix,

2005-2010 Avalon,

Certain 2007-2010 Camry,

2010 Highlander,

2007-2010 Tundra,

2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:

-- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)

-- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)

-- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky - Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)

-- Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)

-- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)

No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.

The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Toyota Motor Sales

CONTACT: Brian Lyons, +1-310-468-2552, Brian_Lyons@Toyota.com of ToyotaMotor Sales, or Mike Goss of Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing NorthAmerica, +1-859-803-1698, Mike.Goss@TEMA.Toyota.com

Web site: http://www.toyota.com/

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