Alcatel Enterprise IP solution enable an Audi dealership to cut costs and streamline communications

Alcatel today announced that a UK-based Audi dealership, has chosen Alcatel IP technology to link its premises across the Glasgow area. The Alcatel OmniPCX Office will support converged voice and data IP communications between four sites - these include Lomond Audi`s existing premises at Kyle Street and Hillington and the soon to be opened premises in Braehead and Ayrshire. The installation, which is helping Lomond Audi cut costs and streamline communications, was designed and is now being managed by Alcatel Business Partner, Quantum Telecom.

The Alcatel OmniPCX Office is a single Internet, voice and data platform designed to help small multi-sites companies benefit from network convergence. Supporting both fixed and DECT wireless telephony extensions, the OmniPCX Office is enabling Lomond Audi personnel to stay in touch wherever they are on site. As inter-site voice calls now travel over Lomond Audi`s IP network, there are no call charges. The system is also linked to a CTI contact management platform to monitor and analyse inbound and external calls, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction is maintained.

"Previously, the only way we could contact people who were out on site was by mobile phone - this meant we were subjected to extremely high call charges. By combining DECT phones and voice over IP technology, we have dramatically reduced the cost of internal phone calls," said Hugh McMahon, managing director of Lomond Audi. "Using Alcatel technology, it is also much easier for our various customer showrooms and service centres to keep in touch. This is having a positive impact on the way we interact with our customers, who are now experiencing a much more efficient service."

"Lomond Audi`s employees can now instantly access sales, after-sales and servicing information from Audi`s Intranet. Using the same technology, they can also communicate with customers and colleagues by phone and email," said Ian Margeson, general manager for Alcatel Enterprise activities in Northern Europe. "Audi is a brand with a strong reputation so it is a great endorsement that Lomond Audi has chosen to base its customer service on Alcatel technology."

The partner that managed the implementation, Quantum Telecom, is a local company with a proven track record.

"Lomond Audi chose Alcatel`s platform for its breadth of features and because the technology is both proven and stable - it also wanted a solution that could keep pace as it expands operations into Braehead and Ayrshire," said David Gilchrist, account manager, Quantum Telecom. "Alcatel`s technology provides all the necessary functionality in the most flexible way for this multi-site operation. Quantum Telecom is delighted to be involved in such a large-scale project."

The Audi Experience, Lomond Audi`s new premises in Braehead, is due to open in May 2004. This is one of a new breed of Audi Centres, and will be the largest of its kind in the world.