Enterprise Telephony News
Avaya Unveils Distributed Office
Avaya Inc.’s Distributed Office, a SIP-based communications solution for branch offices, adds a new offering to Avaya’s branch solutions portfolio. Avaya is initially targeting large enterprises in the retail and financial services industries that need to manage hundreds to thousands of small locations worldwide and ensure effective communication among even the smallest locations. Avaya Distributed Office is quickly deployed, centrally managed and provides employees with intelligent applications, such as presence, instant messaging and mobility features, at every branch. Avaya also announces an agreement with Motorola to develop retail solutions based on Distributed Office, and Hewlett Packard will offer the solution within its Branch of the Future offering for retail banks.
Template libraries with vertical-specific profiles are available for speedier deployment. Pre-configured Profiles that include speed dial numbers, dialing prefixes, announcements, call coverage paths and other parameters can be configured before installation. Or, the Web-based Profile Assistant can be used to create a specific profile. Headquarters IT personnel can use centralized management tools to view and control operations, while the individual branch will have local administration with intuitive wizards for administration and customization.
In addition to intelligent applications from Avaya and its partners, Avaya Distributed Office enables familiar IP-PBX features, such as voice mail and auto attendant, conferencing, hunt groups, paging and E911 functionality, as well as key line selection, one- or two-way speakerphone, busy lamp indication and other key-like features. Two versions are available: Avaya Distributed Office i40 (40 users) and i120 (120 users). Both versions come in a number of “constructs,” including analog, digital and ISDN BRI versions with additional variations for the i120 for high capacity, Power over the Ethernet and ISDN PRI. The Applications Module is the “heart” of the system and contains the processor and memory used to run the telephony features, voice mail, auto attendant, SIP Enablement Services and the TAPI function.
 Staff at the branch locations can take advantage of Avaya’s wide range of IP, SIP, analog, WiFi and DECT telephones, including the new Avaya one-X Deskphone Value Edition 1600 Series of basic, cost effective IP Telephones (1603 pictured) and new IP DECT wireless telephones recently certified by the FCC for North America (WT3711 pictured).
Avaya Distributed Office (US $350 per seat, list) is available as of May 29, 2007 from Avaya and certified Avaya resellers in North America and some European and Asian countries (the UK, Ireland, Spain, France and Australia).
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Avaya and other telecom manufacturers are wise to target the growing branch office market. Avaya’s Distributed Office adds yet another option to the company’s branch solutions portfolio which already includes branch solutions for smaller networks and large enterprise environments. Key differentiators for Distributed Office: vertical-specific profiles (retail and financial industries) and intelligent applications at every branch.
snom Continues Growth Throughout North America
 German telephony provider snom technology AG continues to expand its presence in the North American marketplace, adding two new partners and a new distributor. snom and California-based Brekeke Software, Inc. have certified snom's VoIP phones to interoperate with the recently introduced Brekeke PBX v2.x, an IP-PBX system for small or large companies available in Basic (traditional telephony features) and Pro (full set of Call Center features) versions.
The company is also partnering with Cedar Point Communications of New Hampshire to formally deploy snom SIP telephones with the SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System, a carrier class VoIP switch that touts superior performance and reliability with network integrity, security and privacy. Already trialed in a university setting, the SAFARI C3 system with snom SIP telephones is now available for field deployments.
Canadian-based Gentek will become an official distributor for snom, making snom SIP phones available to Gentek's network of customers and resellers in the North American market. snom believes that the Gentek partnership will be key to the company’s expansion in North America. Michael Knieling, CFO and executive vice president of marketing and sales for snom cites Gentek’s “long history selling a wide range of communications solutions, especially in the SMB/SME market.”
The snom SIP phone family includes four models: the snom 300, a basic model for small offices, call centers, lobbies, recreation areas or the home, the snom 320 full duplex speakerphone designed for general office workers, the more advanced snom 360 with built-in mini browser for Web-based applications, and the newest snom 370 (pictured) with large graphical high-definition display and extended memory. Compliance with security standards, SRTP and SIPS, reduces unsolicited eavesdropping, data theft and spam calls, providing a secure telephone for sensitive environments such as banks, medical or military offices.
Founded in 1996, German telephony provider snom technology AG manufacturers SIP-based VoIP telephones for small and medium-sized enterprises, home offices, and for Internet Service Providers, carriers, and OEM customers. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) ensures interoperability with other manufacturer's SIP-based solutions, including open source based IP PBX systems.
www.snom.com
TelecomTactics Takeaway: snom is making great strides in its expansion into the North American marketplace, adding over a dozen new partners since last fall to a growing list of SIP-based systems and suppliers that support the snom portfolio of SIP phones – a testament to the quality of the snom technology.
Teltronics Launches Cerato SE for Small Business
Teltronics, Inc.’s Cerato SE is a new converged voice and data telephony system for the small business market and the first offering in a new product family from Teltronics that will add the Cerato ME and LE systems in third quarter 2007. Cerato SE is touted as “application rich” since it includes a number of standard applications not typically found on competing systems such as an automated attendant/voice mail module with e-mail delivery and call record. An Applications Card (part of the basic system) has 12 available channels that can be used to support Voice Mail Ports, Call Recording Ports, VoIP Subscriber Ports (up to eight), SIP Trunk Ports and Music on Hold wav files; each of these options uses one of the available 12 channels, and licenses are added via a simple download.
Additional standard functionality includes PC dialing (dial-out from Microsoft Outlook), 6-party Meet-Me conferencing, remote worker connectivity and VoIP encryption. The unit is pre-configured for simple installation, and a built-in Web server with Graphical User Interface (GUI) is available for administration locally or remotely.
The Cerato SE incorporates voice and data communications, voice mail, automated attendant, unified messaging and computer telephony on a single, compact platform. The base unit includes the controller, power supply and a base configuration of four trunks and 16 extensions. Plug-in modules can be added to expand the capacity to eight trunks and 48 extensions (up to eight IP) and add ISDN PRI or T1 lines. Customers can use the Cerato SE Standard single-line key set or the Cerato SE Executive digital and IP key sets (pictured) with four-line, back-lit displays and context-sensitive navigation keys, 16 programmable keys and Button Expansion Module (BEM).
Designed and priced for small businesses or branches such as medical or legal offices, Cerato SE costs $350 to $450 per phone depending on system configuration. The forthcoming Cerato ME (2,048 ports) and Cerato LE (9,216 ports) for mid-size to larger environments are based on the company’s IXP system (on the market since 2000), but add a high density back plane, new high density cards, new gateways and new interfaces. Cerato ME and LE support a specialized package for high security and high risk applications such as in correctional institutions and jails, as well as applications for hospitality, tandem networking and contact centers in a variety of industries: educational, hospital, manufacturing, military or government and utilities. Cerato ME and LE will support traditional TDM digital phones and IP phones. Teltronics also offers the Cerato IP (formerly Cypreon), an IP system that supports IP and analog phones only.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Applications, built-in with no hidden costs, are becoming the trend in new telephony systems entering the market. Teltronics’ Cerato SE, a converged solution for small business, includes standard applications not typically found on competing systems such as an automated attendant/voice mail module with e-mail delivery and call record.
Zultys Introduces TAPI for MX30 and MX250 SIP-based Systems
Zultys Technologies, designer and developer of IP-based communications products since 2001, announces a Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) for its SIP-based MX30 and MX250 Media Exchange systems that target small to mid-size businesses and the lower-end of the large enterprise telephony market. TAPI is a Microsoft Windows API which provides computer telephony integration and enables PC's running Microsoft Windows to control telephony functions such as establishing, answering and terminating telephone calls. With TAPI, customers can integrate business applications, such as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application that can automatically retrieve a caller’s contact information (based on Caller ID) and present this data to a call center agent. With this screen pop information, an agent can handle the request more efficiently for better customer service.
Following a financial restructuring completed last year, Zultys Technologies became a sister company of Telrad Connegy. With this fresh start and positive feedback from resellers, Zultys continues to improve its MX IP PBX product line and foster reseller and distributor relations. In 2007, Zultys announced several developments, including two software releases that add T1/E1 support (MX-30), music on hold and queue announcements, call recording options and more. A partnership with BandTel for SIP trunking services and a new distributor in the U.S., Computer Telephony Distributing, were also announced, as well as a Global Pricing Strategy – a streamlined pricing scheme that makes it easier for channel partners to put together a customer quote. Many licenses are now included in the base system cost as is the maximum 400 hours of voicemail storage (previously sold incrementally).
Zultys offers a line of SIP telephones and the scalable MX IP PBX systems: MX30 Media Exchange (to 30 users) and MX250 Media Exchange (10 to 250 users). Additional capacity and redundancy can be achieved by clustering units. Multiple MX250 system can be clustered together to support up to 1,000 users at a single site. And, multiple systems can be seamlessly linked or “grouped” for a single virtual IP-PBX across 32 sites and 10,000 users. Zultys notes that survivability and ease of use makes the MX systems well-suited for multi-site deployments and remote workers. Financial services industries such as banks, real estate and insurance companies, sales organizations and educational institutions are among industries currently deploying Zultys systems.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Zultys is on the move following a financial restructuring completed last year in which Zultys became a sister company of Telrad Connegy. Zultys continues to develop its IP PBX product line, but more importantly, is fostering reseller and distributor relations such as new U.S. distributor Computer Telephony Distributing. Zultys’ new streamlined pricing scheme is also a positive step.
Active Voice Unveils VideoMail
Active Voice, LLC unveils VideoMail, an integrated component of the company’s Kinesis next generation Unified Messaging solution. Kinesis 3.0, due out July 2007, will include the new VideoMail technology that addresses “visual communications,” allowing users to create video messages using a camera (and including audio) or record a screen capture, then send the audio/video message from an Outlook client. The result is time savings and improved productivity for business employees and their customers. Active Voice will announce additional new features and components for Kinesis 3.0 this summer.
 There are numerous applications for VideoMail technology, including medical environments, training, marketing, news reporting and troubleshooting problems. For example, VideoMail can screen capture an application problem on a computer and send this to IT for diagnosis. Or, a Web Designer can capture a Web animation and e-mail this to a customer for review.
In addition to the benefits of a visual message that makes communications “richer and easier,” Active Voice’s VideoMail enables the sending of compressed files in the size of a standard e-mail or voice mail, and the recipient has the option to activate only the audio voicemail file or activate the full video file from a PDA or computer (requires a streaming video application available free on the Internet or via their operating system).
Kinesis targets enterprise sites that have globally dispersed workforces or need a scalable, redundant and clustered system capability. Kinesis is a Windows-based messaging server that can serve as an affordable voice mail only solution or a full unified messaging solution with which subscribers manage voice, fax and e-mail messages from a Microsoft Outlook inbox; all message types can be managed from a PC, telephone or the Internet. Users can also access calendars and listen to e-mail over a phone using optional text-to-speech technology (English) or take advantage of optional Speech Recognition (English) functionality. Kinesis integrates with a variety of telephone systems, including traditional (150+) and IP or combined IP/PBX environments such as those from Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, NEC, Nortel and Panasonic.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Active Voice looks forward with new VideoMail technology that addresses “visual communications,” allowing users to create video messages using a camera (and including audio) or record a screen capture, then send the audio/video message from an Outlook client. Applications for this new technology abound – a visual message improves the quality and speed of communications - training, marketing and troubleshooting are just a few of the possibilities.
Aspect Software Releases Aspect Unified IP 6.5
Aspect Software, Inc.’s Aspect Unified IP 6.5, a new version of the company’s SIP-based VoIP advanced contact center, consolidates several of the company's products following a series of mergers and acquisitions over the last several years - the 2004 purchase of Rockwell FirstPoint Contact from Rockwell Automation, Inc., the July 2005 merger between Concerto Software and Aspect Communications and 2006 acquisition of SophistiCom Technologies. Now generally available, Aspect Unified IP 6.5 represents the next release for Aspect customers currently deploying the Aspect EnsemblePro (originally from Concerto Software). Aspect has re-branded EnsemblePro as Aspect Unified IP, a name that more accurately describes the product’s capabilities, according to Aspect.
The SIP-based Aspect Unified IP contact center solution enables all the features and functionality a contact center expects from recognized leader Aspect, plus new, enhanced capabilities from Aspect, including:
- Embedded voice portal for advanced speech recognition and text-to-speech (Microsoft Speech Server)
- Advanced outbound list management (tight integration with Aspect Enterprise Campaign Manager)
- Multi-tenancy and partitioning that supports a Software-as-a-Service model
The Aspect Unified IP operating environment combines communications routing, data integration, advanced speech and reporting into one tightly integrated open standards-based software format. Additionally, customers can add the Aspect Software Contact Center Performance Optimization line of products for analytics and workforce management. Aspect Unified IP gives businesses a single view of their contact center operations and a single point of control. Aspect Unified IP is compatible with traditional voice telephone systems, SIP 2.0-compliant PBXs, proprietary IP PBXs and open source IP PBX solutions such as the Asterisk Business Edition from Digium. (Recently, Aspect Software deployed the Digium Asterisk Business Edition at the new Aspect corporate headquarters where 500 Aspect business employees and technical service support personnel are located.)
Unified IP is suitable for smaller businesses with up to 100 agents (single server solution) or enterprises with multiple systems linked and centrally managed to support ‘tens of thousands’ of agents. Unified IP is also available as a hosted service (and now an SaaS model) from Application Service Providers or outsourcers that can offer a partitioned and secure solution for multiple organizations. Unified IP is available in English and Simplified Chinese languages with additional languages to be added over the coming months (Spanish, French, German, Brazilian, Portuguese, Thai, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Korean).
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Aspect Software continues to improve and consolidate its contact center offerings following the 2004 purchase of Rockwell FirstPoint Contact from Rockwell Automation, Inc., the July 2005 merger between Concerto Software and Aspect Communications and 2006 acquisition of SophistiCom Technologies. As in all telecommunications corporate mergers, the products are evolving into new offerings that reflect the best of each original manufacturer, while ensuring investment protection for existing customers.
Cisco Looks Forward with In-Store Mobility
Cisco rolls out In-Store Mobility Solutions, two new wireless technology solutions for retail stores and part of a series of recent technology solutions that Cisco has developed for this industry. With an eye toward improving store operations and enhancing the customer experience, the new solutions make accessing information easier, help employees to be more responsive and foster new opportunities for revenue.
 Cisco In-Store Mobile Voice combines Cisco Unified Communications and the Cisco Unified Wireless Network to deliver voice and data to a variety of Cisco and partner devices, including Cisco’s Unified Wireless IP Phone 7921G (pictured). Cisco is working with application partner, Berbee for a PushToTalk (walkie-talkie) application that lets employees communicate in real-time with colleagues and managers. Cisco In-Store Mobile Personal Shopper combines the Cisco Unified Wireless Network and the MediaCart (pictured), creating an interactive shopping cart with video display. This advanced Cisco technology uses “passive radio frequency identification sensors” from ThingMagic to determine a customer’s location within the store and deliver specific advertising per this location. MediaCart data also provides important information to the retailer about the influence of this advertising on customer buying patterns.
The new In-Store Mobility Solutions, part of Cisco’s “mobility vision,” are available now from Cisco authorized partners.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Cisco, along with its partners, rolls out future-focused technology solutions for retail stores. “Cisco In-Store Mobile Personal Shopper” is a “win-win” solution for both customers and retailers. The new solution features an interactive shopping cart with video display that determines a customer’s location within the store in order to deliver specific advertising per the location, but also provides information to the retailer about the influence of this advertising on customer buying patterns.
Siemens Expands OpenScape Portfolio
Siemens Communications, Inc. introduces a new range of options for its OpenScape unified communications solution for managing real-time communications. Siemens has elevated “OpenScape” from a product name to an “umbrella” or portfolio name and has added compatibility with the company’s HiPath 8000 SIP Softswitch. OpenScape makes it easy for users to manage their communications using a Web interface, resulting in improved business productivity as colleagues and customers are able to reach people more efficiently. The right person can always be found since OpenScape users can view the presence and location of others and communicate using a variety of media – voice, video, instant messaging, e-mail, short message service and fax.
A user needs only one phone number since OpenScape routes calls based on the user's status and preferences. Personal rules can be defined and prioritized by current status, available devices, time of day and other factors. A simple click sets up audio or multimedia conferences (Meet-me, multimedia and video). Specialized features include Tell Me When (instant notification when a contact is available), Text User Interface (mobile user access to directories, conferencing, and calendars), natural speech recognition and the Rules Wizard (for automated changes in presence status and device preference).
 The OpenScape “umbrella” now has three options:
OpenScape Enterprise (a new release of the original OpenScape tool) adds a new toolbar for Windows (pictured) for quick and direct access to functions (search, call, conference Web Collaborate, Instant Message or E-Mail) in a small desktop footprint (top docked or free-floating). The toolbar access leaves room for other desktop business applications and eliminates the need to switch between running applications.
OpenScape VoiceLink (formerly Telephony Control Link or TCL) is an entry-level desktop version for organizations running Microsoft Live Communication Server and Microsoft Office Communicator. Siemens is not releasing any new features for this version at this time; however, the company notes that VoiceLink will integrate with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 (90 days after Office Communicator 2007 is generally available), enabling compatibility with HiPath 8000 Version 3.0. Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 compatibility with HiPath 4000 and HiPath 3000 systems will follow, according to Siemens.
OpenScape Enterprise Hosted is a new offer in which OpenScape is available through a Service Provider as a hosted service for a monthly per-user fee. The Service Provider hosts the OpenScape server, so that business customers can use the tool without purchasing their own premise-based server. Siemens has collaborated with Accenture and Ensim Corporation to develop the provisioning, billing and management software. Telstra of Australia is already offering the OpenScape hosted service branded as Telstra Live Connect.
The entire OpenScape portfolio is available worldwide through Siemens direct sales, Value Added Resellers and Service Providers. OpenScape Enterprise costs about $250 per user, or $75 per user for the entry-level version, VoiceLink.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Addressing the growing popularity of Unified Communications tools for managing real-time communications, Siemens has elevated its “OpenScape” unified communication tool from a single product to an “umbrella” or portfolio and has added compatibility with the company’s HiPath 8000 SIP Softswitch. Three solutions are now available to address entry-level, enterprise and hosted configurations.
ShoreTel Offers New Applications for Unified Communications
ShoreTel, Inc. addresses productivity and efficiency in small and mid-size enterprises with two new applications. Designed for customers currently using NetSuite sales force automation and customer relationship management software, ShoreTel Professional Services has developed the NetSuite Integration Application ($165 per client seat) to integrate the NetSuite Web-based CRM application with ShoreTel’s IP telephony platform. With this integration, incoming calls are automatically linked to existing customer records, or for new callers, the application opens a new record creation screen. Users can attach notes which are saved to the customer record, improving caller identification and personalization and speeding response times during calls.
Also new is an account code tracking application called Cost Recovery Integration ($225 per client seat; volume price discounts considered) that targets legal and professional services organizations. The application enables the capturing of telephone activities for reimbursement and includes end user client software and integrations to Copitrak and Equitrac cost recovery databases (other cost recovery systems can easily be added, according to ShoreTel). The integration automatically imports client material and account billing codes from a database per a schedule and adds codes to call records.
Both new applications are available in the United States from ShoreTel Authorized Resellers and may become available outside the U.S. per demand.
ShoreTel also announces a new Managed Services Program which allows customers to finance a new ShoreTel communications solution (equipment, installation, maintenance, software, network assessment, training and support) for a fixed monthly payment (no down payment) for up to 10 years. Customers can select a 3-year or five-year initial term which can be renewed for one, three or five years at 50% of the initial term’s cost. For example, a customer can sign up for a five-year term and then renew for another five years, giving them a 10-year lease.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: ShoreTel continues its momentum after winning the Best in VoiceCon Award at VoiceCon Spring 2007, stepping forward with two new applications for its ShoreTel IP PBX that address business productivity. ShoreTel’s new Managed Services Program will also draw customers who can finance a new ShoreTel communication solution for a fixed monthly payment (no down payment) for up to 10 years.
Toshiba Introduces Strata Media Application Server for SMBs
Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Telecommunication Systems Division (TAIS TSD) announces the Strata MicroMAS, a cost-effective application server for small- to mid-sized enterprises. The new Strata MicroMAS desktop platform complements Toshiba’s earlier rack-mount Strata Media Application Server (Strata MAS). The servers consolidate and run multiple applications on the same server to simplify configuration, save space and lower costs. While both options are compatible with Toshiba’s Strata CIX VoIP systems, the new MicroMAS is designed and priced for Toshiba’s smaller Strata CIX systems – Strata CIX100 (72 users) and CIX40 (24 users) – providing a more affordable MAS option.
Like its counterpart, Strata MicroMAS runs the same wide range applications on a single server. The number of applications that run simultaneously depends on the amount of memory installed. MicroMAS supports eight ports of voice mail and/or Strata ACD Voice Assistant ports in any combination compared to the larger 32-port MAS. Pre-installed applications (activated by licenses) include Toshiba’s Stratagy ES (Unified Messaging, Fax, TTS, ASR), Strata ACD, MIS (Insight or TASKE™), Feature Flex™, eManager™, MyPhoneManager™ and eMonitor.
Strata CIX customers can choose from two models: MicroMAS-H, an HMP IP-based system with support for two ports of fax, and MicroMAS-D, a Dialogic-based system supporting four ports of fax and four channels of speech recognition.
TelecomTactics Takeaway: Toshiba makes it easier for small businesses to afford its Strata Media Application Server that consolidates and runs multiple applications on the same server. The new Strata “MicroMas” is designed and priced for Toshiba’s smaller Strata CIX systems – Strata CIX100 (72 users) and CIX40 (24 users) – but runs the same wide range of applications as the larger Strata MAS.
Avaya Opens New Lab in Japan
Avaya Inc. opens a new DevConnect Interoperability, Compliance and Testing Lab in Japan – now the 5th lab in Japan where DeveloperConnection members can test their solutions for interoperability with Avaya solutions. The new Japanese lab supports partners and customers in the country, but also demonstrates Avaya’s commitment to global expansion. Similar labs are already open in the U.S., England, Germany and Singapore.
Founded in 2004 in the U.S., the Avaya DeveloperConnection program provides technical resources and training to assist third party developers in designing and testing their products for Avaya compliance. The program now has over 5,300 member companies worldwide that have created a plethora of Avaya-compatible applications, including speech recognition, wireless, computer telephony integration and specific vertical industry applications. The DeveloperConnection membership has three levels – Registered, Gold and Platinum – with Registered membership available free to any interested developer and Gold and Platinum memberships that require “rigorous” standards for customer satisfaction, product support, business operations, marketing and sales.
Digium and NTT Software Partner in Japan
Digium, Inc. (the Asterisk Company) furthers the adoption of open source telephony in Japan by partnering with NTT Software Corporation, a subsidiary of Japan’s Nippon Telegraph & Telephony Corporation. A licensing agreement between Digium and NTT Software will allow NTT Software to sell products based on Digium’s Asterisk Business Edition, an Open Source PBX designed for small and mid-sized businesses. Specifically, NTT Software has developed a custom PBX, called ProgOffice, based on a Japanese version of Asterisk Business Edition. NTT Software is adding language customizations and some specific PBX features for the Japanese market. ProgOffice will be in beta trials in third quarter 2007 and is expected to be generally available in fourth quarter 2007.
Designed for small- and medium-sized businesses, “Asterisk Business Edition” software on CD-ROM is an Open Source PBX that runs on Linux, providing features and functionality of a PBX or VoIP system. This cost effective, low maintenance and flexible solution combines with Digium hardware and a common PC for PBX functionality, VoIP, voicemail, conferencing and more. Asterisk Business Edition is a "professional grade" version that has been tested for reliability and performance and offers technical support, free upgrades and support for third party products.
“NTT has not disclosed at this time the maximum number of simultaneous calls that their specific system will be designed to handle. However, the product is targeted for Small-Medium business applications which typically require 100 calls or less,” according to Jim Webster, director of technology partnerships at Digium. The number of stations or calls that Asterisk Business Edition can handle actually depends on the hardware on which it runs. Asterisk Business Edition is currently sold with a 40-call limit and can support up to 240 calls in increments of 40 calls. (Lab tests show that the HP Proliant DL360 server is capable of the 240 call limit, and some beta installations are running with up to 480 calls.)
Mitel Expands in Brazil
Mitel announces a new office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where there is significant growth expected in IP Telephony. Paulo Ricardo Pinto will be the general manager of the new showcase and demonstration center for Mitel’s portfolio of communications solutions. "CALA was a strong market in 2006 with line shipment growth of 35%, compared to only 5% in 2005. Brazil represents the largest opportunity, with a 42% share within CALA," reports Susan Hobart, Vice President, InfoTrack for Enterprise Communications (a TelecomWeb and TelecomTactics sister division, www.telecomweb.com). Hobart also notes that while over half of the shipments are of IP Telephony lines, traditional PBX and Key systems continue to be an alternative for small business. Mitel, with an attractive product targeting the SMB market, is investing heavily in developing relationships within that region, particularly in Brazil.
Mitel will also expand its channel program throughout Brazil’s 26 states and the federal district. The recently announced channel program, called PARTNERprogram, offers rewards for revenue performance, sales and service certifications and varying levels of service that provide top tier partners with additional benefits, tools and Mitel support. Mitel has added two Brazilian channel partners, Seal Telecom (IP Voice Conferencing Systems) and Agora Telecom (reseller of trunked radio systems).
The Mitel portfolio includes the SX-200 IP Communications Platform for small to medium-sized businesses and the company’s flagship 3300 IP Communications Platform for larger configurations, as well as a wide array of unified communications applications for contact centers, mobility, teleworking, messaging, collaboration, presence, video conferencing and wireless communications. Mitel’s broad portfolio of IP phones benefits all business types with single line IP phones (LCS presence with Active Directory), a full-featured IP Appliance, phones with built-in HTML, as well as dual-mode models that support both SIP and MiNET protocols.
SpliceCom Ships maximiser 5 Series
 SpliceCom Limited, a UK-based IP convergence company, announces the new maximiser 5 Series Modules, the next generation of its maximiser business telephone system. The new modules double system capacity from 5,000 analog or IP extensions to 10,000 extensions and introduce an entry-level module that supports four extensions. New V3.2 software is also announced and will run on existing 4 Series Modules.
The maximiser system is comprised of a 5100 Call Server and trunk and telephone modules up to a maximum of 100 Call Servers and 10,000 extensions; capacity is increased simply by adding Call Servers, each of which handles 500 extensions (up from 300). A new Call Server (5108) is available for smaller businesses and branch offices and supports four analog and four IP extensions, a maximum of eight trunks (BRI, SIP & H.323) and a 2-8 port voice processing system for voicemail, auto attendant and meet-me-conferencing facilities. (The earlier 4140 Remote Call Server starts at eight extensions and scales to 40 extensions.) The new 5315 Phone Module (15 analog/4 IP extensions) and 5330 Phone Module (30 analog/4 IP extensions) offer higher capacity compared to the earlier 4315 and 4330 Phone Modules which supported 15 and 30 analog extensions, respectively, and no connectivity for IP Telephones.
The maximiser system includes a built-in voicemail/auto attendant (expandable via license keys). Optional Voice XML-based IVR, text-to-speech, spoken email collection and reply are also available. Version 3.1 software, introduced last fall, added over 100 new features and enhancements including SIP terminals and trunks, unified messaging and new time-saving features.
In other news, SpliceCom announces SpliceLog Pro – a Next Generation Call Management and Recording Application and PCS 410 (pictured), the next-generation of the company’s color touch screen IP Phone with a large 640 x 480 pixel, full color, VGA touch screen. SpliceCom and Exterity, a provider of network IPTV, are partnering to deliver live IP TV and IP Video via this IP Phone (expected by mid-2007).
SpliceCom’s maximiser was first shipped in January 2003 and is presently sold in the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, UAE and Kuwait.
For questions, feedback and product information,
contact sgustavsen@accessintel.com. |
Designed for small enterprises and home offices, the OfficeServ 7100 is a single, compact “office in a box” that is pre-configured for simple installation. Default programming sets up four CO lines and eight stations, expandable in four port increments up to a maximum of 24 trunks and 32 stations and four voicemail ports. The 4-port voicemail and auto attendant application is embedded on the Main Processor card, as well as eight Media Gateway Interface channels to support VoIP functions (IP telephones, IP networking and IP trunking - SIP or H.323). An additional 16 MGI channels can also be added. OfficeServ 7100 supports one data module which provides 10/100Base-T interface and performs the Layer 2 Switch function, connecting four Power over Ethernet ports (for ITP phones, Wireless Access Points, SP-Net, LAN printers, PC programming uplink or other Ethernet devices). (OfficeServ 7200 and 7400 support two and four data modules, respectively.)
