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Lia Ditton, "transatlantic" virtual sailor, launches FFoIP

by Staff Writer | posted on 15 June 2006

Flying fish fingers replace flying fish through internet voice plea

Lia Ditton, transatlantic yachtswoman and performance artist currently engaged in a virtual solo crossing of the Atlantic next to London’s Tate Modern, and ProVu (www.provu.co.uk), the supplier of innovative voice communication equipment today announced that Lia’s request for traditional mid-Atlantic party fare via ProVu’s voice over the internet (VoIP) system is to result in a barrage of flying fish fingers.

Lia is on a virtual voyage on board the 40-foot racing trimaran, ProVu, firmly fixed on dry land. For 28 days from 5 June until 1 July 2006 she will live and work on board recreating an Atlantic crossing, her isolation broken only by contact via ProVu’s VoIP technology.

Part of any self-respecting Atlantic voyager’s life is the capture, on deck, of flying fish and their subsequent gutting, preparation and eating, which relieves the monotony of comparatively dreadful dried food. However, flying fish are not often seen around Westminster and Pimlico so Lia discussed this with her supporters using VoIP and quickly came to the conclusion that fish fingers were known to appear in this area and would not require the gutting that would result in an unhealthy mass of entrails.

Lia said: “I will be having my mid-Atlantic party on 18 June, which traditionally involves a flying-fish feast. However, thanks to ProVu’s VoIP system I’ve been able to encourage supporters to throw fish fingers on to ProVu, which I will then prepare in the semi-time-honoured fashion, perhaps by symbolically removing the breadcrumb coating.”

Peter Bryant of ProVu said: “I can honestly say that to my knowledge obtaining fish in this way is the most unusual use of VoIP technology to date. A lot of spinning does goes on in the Westminster area but it’s not usually the type you’d associate with fishing.”

If you want to join Lia’s fish-finger feast in a virtual sense, visit your nearest supermarket and call her once you’ve got your catch out of the grill.

Notes

Lia Ditton, 26, has made two solo crossings of the Atlantic during the last twelve months. In the single-handed Faraday Mill OSTAR 2005 trans-Atlantic race, Lia was the youngest competitor and only woman to finish.

ProVu, UK-based ProVu Communications supplies innovative voice over internet protocol (VoIP) products and solutions to a wide range of trade clients, enabling them to communicate simply and cheaply using data and voice over the internet. As a distributor, ProVu directly represents world-class manufacturers supplying customer premises equipment (CPE) products, together with a fully automated fulfilment and provisioning service. ProVu clients' customers can order from their suppliers' websites and receive appropriately-branded equipment supplied directly from ProVu. ProVu's clients include ISPs, ITSPs, WiMAX/Wireless network operators, communications and VoIP resellers, network solution providers and systems integrators. Find out more on http://www.provu.co.uk .

The event has seen the UK launch of the new Siemens Dual DECT C460IP phone from ProVu. It will simplify life for the end user, either at home or in small and medium sized offices. Main features are:

· No need for a pc

· Dual mode: one phone handles both internet voice calls and land line calls

· Up to six DECT (digitally enhanced cordless technology) handsets can be run from one base station

· Can handle two calls at once (one VoIP and one landline)

· Easy configuration of internet telephony (VoIP) without a PC

· State-of-the-art handset including hands-free talking

· Handset can handle SMS.

· Supports the common SIP VoIP protocol

Also launched by ProVu is the latest Snom 300 range primarily for use with corporate SIP systems or SIP service providers. Main features include:

· Two line display (2 x 16 characters)

· 27 keys, 7 LEDs

· 6 programmable function keys