Avaya brings new IP telephony, data networking and applications to small and mid-size businesses

Avaya is focused on delivering converged voice and data communications solutions that continue the company's commitment to SMEs by providing them with networking and communications applications - such as unified messaging, contact centre services, and Internet Protocol (IP) telephony - that large companies are using as tools to help them drive sales results and improve communications.

Building on its strong European SME offering, particularly highlighted in the UK where Avaya holds a leading position in the PBX market, Avaya's strategy is to offer SMEs a range of solutions which enable them to quickly benefit from advanced communications - such as IP Telephony - as a strategic asset to improve their bottom line. Smaller businesses can already obtain Avaya's Network Alchemy as an entry into converged networks. Avaya's INDeX Communication Server is focused on mid-sized companies requiring enhanced networking and contact centre solutions.

Recently, Avaya announced new IP capabilities for its INDeX platform enabling remote locations and desktops to be connected over IP. The range of new INDeX applications includes IP-enabled call centre solutions to support home-based agents, and also offers SMEs the possibility to distribute call centre functionality across multiple locations by linking up their INDeX systems over IP. Additionally, INDeX terminals can be IP-enabled to allow companies to capitalise on efficiency and cost savings through using a single converged infrastructure within the local area network. The new INDeX IP capabilities will also allow similar savings and seamless integration across the wide area for home workers, remote offices and branch offices.

Also announced recently is the Avaya IP Office which is optimised for up to 100 end users and 50 contact centre agents, with expansion up to 180 end users or 75 agents. The new solution joins Avaya's Enterprise Class Internet Protocol Solutions (ECLIPS) portfolio of products, applications and services, and brings the sophistication and robustness of big-business communications to small and mid-sized business customers.

By converging voice and data communications, SMEs can make savings by sending phone calls over an IP network. For those not yet ready to deploy IP telephony, Avaya's IP solutions will enable them to first benefit from highly efficient traditional voice systems while at the same time allowing them to have the infrastructure in place to address future communications needs.
"Avaya is committed to helping small and mid-size enterprises succeed in the customer economy," said Don Peterson, president and CEO of Avaya. "Our diverse portfolio of small and medium enterprise offerings will enable this important and growing market segment to achieve the benefits that converged-communications provides: reliable and cost-effective networking, and the sophisticated applications that used to be the sole province of large companies."

Avaya IP Office is an "all-in-one" solution that can be configured and sized to suit the customer's needs thus allowing SMEs to implement IP communications at their own pace, while preserving some investment in their existing equipment. It provides a rich set of voice features and data handling capabilities, delivering Internet access; full voice and data remote working/access; integrated hub, router, and firewall; and data networking. IP Office can function as an IP- or circuit switched-PBX, complete with office communications applications for a single site; a compact remote office solution ideal for standalone branch office locations; and as a small, integrated contact centre. IP Office can use the same wired and wireless phones as the Avaya INDeX Communication Server and Network Alchemy Argent products.

The complete range of Avaya SME solutions supports an applications suite that offers voice mail, integrated and unified messaging, multimedia collaboration, a PC-based console for attendants, auto-attendant, screen pops, and an extensive array of contact centre management tools. In addition, Avaya supports third party applications through the availability of a Software Development Kit and comprehensive Independent Software Vendor (ISV) programme.

Avaya's INDeX and Network Alchemy systems are already available through Avaya's sales channels. Avaya intends for the Avaya IP Office to be generally available through Avaya and its BusinessPartner network of dealers, including data and convergence Value-Added Resellers, in Europe and selected Asia Pacific countries in 4Q2001 and in North America in 1Q2002. Availability in additional Asia Pacific countries and South America is planned for mid-2002.