Avaya steps up commitment to provide intelligent communication capabilities to EMEA SMBs

Avaya Inc is introducing new software capabilities to address the communication needs of small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). "We are committed to developing our product portfolio for businesses employing less than 100 employees. This segment is one of the highest growth areas of IP telephony and business communication applications," said Patricia Hume, group vice-president, Avaya`s Small and Medium Business Solutions group.

Research has shown that 50% of companies in this segment will be using VOIP by 2008^1. As such, they are rapidly adopting IP telephony to improve their communication systems and reduce costs through features such as call forwarding, conferencing, unified communication and other applications.

To enable greater mobility, Avaya is announcing that IP Office supports IP DECT for digital cordless phones. This means that when employees are away from their desk, they can choose to have both their desk phone and a cordless phone, or soft-phone ring simultaneously so they need never miss a call.

Responding to feedback from customers and business partners, Avaya has made its Avaya 4621 IP phone compatible with IP Office 3.1 with a backlit screen display for clearer visibility when making and managing calls.

Following Avaya`s acquisition of Tenovis with its strong focus on the SMB market, the company is announcing new software for IP Office (version 3.1) which integrates with the Tenovis Integral portfolio of products. This will provide SMBs with more choice and a smooth migration path to IP telephony. Now, the latest IP Office 3.1 software supports Tenovis T3 digital phones which were previously only compatible with the Integral 5 system. As a result, customers can upgrade from earlier versions of Integral such as Version 3, without the need to purchase new phones. This enables them to protect their investment whilst also providing increased functionality.

Customers who are already using Integral phones can still benefit from the functionality that comes packaged with the previous releases of the IP Office software such as integrated voicemail, contact centre capabilities, computer-based call management, conferencing and call forwarding.

"SMBs are constantly finding new and exciting ways to benefit from IP telephony - whether by improving customer service, enabling mobility or increasing productivity," said Hume. "With the new functions available in IP Office 3.1, Avaya is now offering its early Integral customers a clear migration path to experience the increased benefits and cost savings available through IP Office, without the need to invest in new IP phones."

Natalie Foers, managing director of Avaya SMB distributor, MTV Telecom commented: "It is encouraging to see Avaya continue its investment in communication systems and applications specifically for the SMB market in Europe. As a UK distributor, having research and development on our doorstep really helps us to meet the needs of our resellers and end-customers. IP DECT is a great example of a new software application developed here to provide SMBs with greater mobility to support their employees."

After researching how SMBs in EMEA are using IP telephony, Avaya is developing its multi-channel strategy working in conjunction with its business partners throughout the region, enabling customers to more easily purchase the communication platforms and applications. To support this approach, Avaya`s vertical market strategy focuses on delivering business consultancy and communication systems specifically to SMBs in the healthcare, property, car dealership, education, retail, accounting and financial services sectors. Already this approach has enabled the company to achieve significant market share in these industries.

"The communication needs of small and medium enterprises have traditionally been underserved by the industry, which has tended to follow a one-size-fits all approach," says Mike Cansfield, research director at Ovum. "The challenge is to develop products and services that are flexible and meet the particular needs of small businesses. Broadband particularly can help SMEs not only communicate more effectively, but also improve their business processes."

Avaya IP Office 3.1 will be available across EMEA by January 2006.