Aastra Telecom SA launches OpenCom 130, OpenCom 150

Issued by Livewired Communications for Aastra Telecoms

Johannesburg, 24 Jul 2009

Aastra, a global leader in communication technology, has launched the Aastra OpenCom modular communication system in South Africa - ideal for SME businesses as well as small business units.

Sales Director for Aastra Telecom South Africa, Zak Evans, says: "In South Africa, it is estimated that 600 000 plus businesses are registered as SMEs. In this market, there is a need for a product that provides practical, user-friendly features that streamline business processes."

"The OpenCom is well positioned to address the SME market in South Africa, bringing with it its powerful DECT (digital wireless technology) and mobility solutions, previously not available in a product of this size. The OpenCom systems are ideal for micro and small businesses, allowing for various mobile options either via DECT or GSM, providing fixed-mobile convergence," he says.

Another important aspect of the OpenCom is that it provides Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) connectivity via SIP trunking or utilising SIP clients. This means that where open standards are required, the universal SIP phones will meet the demands of businesses. "Due to XML support SIP phones offer almost unlimited potential for individualisation with minimal effort and seamless integration with own applications and services," says Evans.

The OpenCom SIP clients can either be Aastra (first-party) or third-party SIP clients. The OpenCom allows for branches to be networked, taking full advantage of IP infrastructure that in most cases already exists between different branches.

Many SMEs are, in the current economic climate, forced to seek solutions that can grow with the business. The Aastra OpenCom fits this bill at its multifunctional features allow it to cater to customers' needs for mobility, connectivity, fixed-mobile convergence and Microsoft Outlook integration, including the following features:

* Contacts (dial from Microsoft Outlook contacts)
* Voicemail to e-mail
* E-mail notification on terminal

OpenCom's embedded hospitality application is ideally suited for guesthouse and bed & breakfast businesses.

The OpenCom 130 and 150 models will be supplied via accredited distributors and various resellers nationally.

Aastra Telecom South Africa

Aastra Telecom South Africa is the Sub-Saharan business unit of Aastra Technologies (TSX:"AAH"), a leading company at the forefront of the enterprise communication market. Headquartered in Concord, Ontario, Canada, Aastra develops and delivers innovative communications products and applications for businesses. Aastra's operations are truly global with more than 50 million installed lines around the world and a direct and indirect presence in more than 100 countries. Aastra is entirely dedicated to enterprise communications and offers one of the most complete portfolios of unified communications solutions individually tailored to satisfy its customers' requirements. These range from feature-rich call managers for small and medium businesses and highly scalable ones for large enterprises, integrated mobility, call centre solutions to a wide selection of terminals. With a strong focus on open standards, Aastra enables enterprises to communicate and collaborate more efficiently. For additional information on Aastra, visit our Web site at http://www.aastra.com.

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Aastra Telecom SA launches OpenCom 130, OpenCom 150

New modular communication systems that are cost-efficient and convenient for SMEs.