A configurable, multi-function IP-based communication product has a touch screen display and common hardware set form factor that can be configured for use in any of a plurality of operational modes and can be ruggedized for use in harsh environments. The common hardware set form factor enables the IP-based communication product to be optimized for commercial use, that is, easily adapted for different applications and environments using a minimal number of housing configurations or features (e.g., tactile buttons or dials). The operational modes can include, but are not limited to, VoIP telephone, video streaming for video calls, intercom, alarm activation for a central public address/general alarm (PA/GA) system, a “serverless” page-party (SP2) system, voice product with FLASH, product with conference function, transit on-board communications device, and so on.