Avaya one-X IP phones transform enterprise communications

Avaya today unveiled its next generation of Internet protocol (IP) phones that deliver unparalleled simplicity and faster access to a vast array of advanced applications, transforming the way people think about, use and hear voice communications. The new Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition is designed to enhance user experiences through more intelligent access to intelligent communications.

These advanced business phones are more functional and flexible, and as easy to navigate as a cellphone, providing a better way for enterprise users to communicate, get information and be more productive in their work.

"With more businesses facing information overload, it`s the clarity of voice communications that cuts through the clutter and gets things done," says Geoffrey Baird, VP and GM, Communications Appliances Division, Avaya.

He adds: "We`ve made voice communications more valuable for businesses by providing richer user experiences, simplified access to features, and application enhancements that expand the possibilities of what a phone can do. With one-X Deskphone Edition, Avaya delivers phones designed by users, for users, and which help raise enterprise communications to a whole new level."

The phones are the latest addition to the Avaya one-X family of products that give users access to the full range of IP applications with greater simplicity, consistency and control across Avaya devices and interfaces. The one-X family, launched in March, also includes the Avaya one-X Mobile Edition, Quick Edition and Desktop Edition.

An organisation currently using the one-X Avaya Deskphone Edition IP phones to drive greater productivity across their workforce is Newtel Essence, a Dutch company and Avaya BusinessPartner that focuses on helping businesses optimise communications solutions for clients.

The company`s employees gained immediate advantages from the phones` many capabilities, and could speed their communications due to the phones` simple, step-by-step guides to functions. Sales managers, engineers, and project managers were among the Newtel Essence employees using the phones advanced features for a more intelligent communications experience.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance productivity, and the IP phones` streamlined user interface and simple layout give us a new way to drive greater value through communications," says Serge Poppes, CEO of Newtel-Essence.

"Our employees were immediately engaged with these phones due to the easy access they provide to even the most advanced capabilities. A real standout is the mobility feature that bridges one`s mobile phone with the IP phone, and keeps us connected to clients when we`re away from the desk," he adds.

"With the increasing adoption of IP telephony platforms, developers can now focus on designing phones that leverage capabilities inherent in the technology," says Jay Lassman, research director, Gartner. "Enhanced access to a broad range of familiar and advanced features can provide better communications experiences to workers, and make a positive impact on business processes."

User-designed IP phones deliver simplified access, high fidelity audio and flexibility to grow with future needs

In redesigning and building its new IP phones for businesses, Avaya set out to create a phone designed by users and for users. In a survey conducted by Avaya, 85% of people who used the phone said it could have a positive impact on productivity and save costs by reducing mistakes and dropped calls, while 90% said the phones could save time through easy access to mobility features, reducing phone tag. Ninety-six percent said time savings could result due to the phone`s ability to quickly find contact information.[1]

Simplified access to both familiar and advanced capabilities is delivered through an intuitive context-sensitive screen that presents different information depending on what the user is doing, whether he or she is making a phone call, retrieving messages or checking contacts. This gives fast and easy access to the telephony features of Avaya Communication Manager - the company`s industry-leading IP telephony software - and other important capabilities, such as Call Logs, which allow quick dialling of missed or recently dialled calls.

Enhanced capabilities, such as multi-party conferencing and mobility options, change what is possible with a desktop phone. On a multi-party conference, for instance, the user can now see all of their teleconference participants on the screen, and scroll through them to add, drop or mute individual people. Mobility applications let a user bridge their IP phone with their cell phone with one touch, providing constant connectivity and one-number access for those on the go.

The phone is simplified further by providing users with step-by-step directions for accessing many features, helping to make phone operation easier and reducing errors and dropped calls. This includes guides for conferencing, transferring, and handling multiple calls simultaneously.

Other key capabilities of the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition are:

* Expansion with intelligent applications: An integrated wireless markup language (WML) interface enables the phones to be expanded with new Avaya and third-party applications, redefining what a phone can do. The phone can be used as an employee time clock for reporting number of hours worked. Companies can conduct employee surveys using the phone interface and display graphical results in real-time. These and other applications - including searchable enterprise-wide contact directories, broadcast alerts, and industry-specific applications - help developers make the most of the phone`s Web browser display. [2]
* High-fidelity sound: Higher quality wideband audio provides enhanced sound quality in the phone`s handset, headset or speakerphone. This is achieved through a combination of the latest VOIP chip technology, acoustic design, and support of the standard G.722 wideband audio codec. This unique approach delivers a more natural, clearer sound, making for more productive conversations across national, cultural and organisational boundaries.
* Investment protection with a flexible platform: As customer needs expand, the phone`s modular architecture extends investment protection by enabling the addition of new technologies as communications evolves. In the future, Gigabit Ethernet capabilities will make for more flexible network connections, Bluetooth will provide "hands free" communication, and a USB interface will allow expansion to other capabilities, such as text entry using a keyboard. Phones will also be able to be customised with new colour faceplates, including company logos.

Details on the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition for the 9600 series of IP phones:

The Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition models have been developed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The users were categorised into four profiles - ranging from power communicators who are often mobile, to those who require only basic telephony functions. The phones have an international design to serve users around the world, and screen prompts will be available in 14 different languages.

Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition is comprised of a new 9600 Series of IP telephones. The first two one-X Deskphone Edition phones will be generally available in July 2006, with other models to be introduced in January 2007.

The phone models include:

* 9630 IP telephone - For power-communicators where the phone is essential to their job and they must stay connected, even while mobile, offering a combination of functionality and ease-of-use. Available in July 2006
* 9620 IP telephone - For those working with several communications alternatives daily. This phone serves as another communications tool on the desk for simple, everyday tasks. Available in July 2006.
* 9650 IP telephone - For people who use phones as a continuous part of their job, including those who manage their own calls and the calls of others. Examples are busy executive assistants or those involved in heavy customer interaction. Available in early 2007.
* 9610 IP telephone - Provided to those in lobbies and public locations where simplicity in making calls is essential. Available in early 2007.

Further variations of models will be available to address specific user needs.

In addition, Avaya offers a wideband audio headset and a 24-button LCD module to support the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition IP phones. Also forthcoming are Bluetooth accessories, a SIP software release, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

For more details on the phones, and to obtain photos, please visit www.avaya.com/media.