Avaya`s SIP products allow easier cross-device communication; improve efficiency, productivity

Avaya Inc, a leading global provider of communications networks and services for businesses, has launched new software, applications and phones that provide greater control over the growing number of devices, such as PDAs, laptops and phones, that people use to conduct business.

The new converged communications solutions integrate Internet applications such as instant messaging, with voice and telephone features, such as conferencing, voice-mail and "click-to-dial" capabilities. This enables individuals and entire teams across many locations to easily contact the right person, no matter what device they are using.

By making it easier to track people down, using the device they have to hand at the time, these solutions will greatly reduce the time it takes to reach colleagues, obtain information and make decisions, thereby increasing overall productivity and efficiency throughout an organisation.

With today`s introductions, Avaya integrates Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) - an industry standard that enables users to initiate, modify and end multimedia communications sessions - into its portfolio of IP-based applications. Using a SIP-based presence function, users can indicate their availability, the device they are using and how they want to be reached, thus accelerating and simplifying real-time communication across multiple points of contact - including desktop telephones, mobile devices, PCs and instant messaging.

For example, a team leader can turn an instant messaging session with a team member into a phone conversation, simply by clicking on the team member`s IM address. Then, if the team leader requires immediate input from others, they can see who is available via phone (based on presence icons), alert them via an instant message, and set up a conference call with multiple parties.

The foundation for these SIP capabilities is the new Avaya Converged Communications Server, a set of open standards-based software applications that enable IT staff to securely and cost-effectively deploy SIP and presence-enabled applications. Through the server, network administrators can provide employees with a single, secure SIP address that works across various types of communications.

The Avaya Converged Communications Server incorporates Avaya`s comprehensive security features with secure SIP signalling and encrypted instant messaging. The server also enables an organisation to evolve its existing infrastructure with SIP-based solutions that support interoperation with any type of phone, as well with SIP phones from other vendors, reducing the costs of deployment and maintenance. By bringing security, open standards and interoperability to its SIP-based solutions, Avaya aims to help IT staff introduce enterprise-quality instant messaging, presence and other advanced applications to their workforce.

Margaret Hopkins, Associate Analyst with Analysys Research, comments: "SIP is the person-to-person protocol of the internet and the future of communications, integrating voice, text, video and any other data into flexible collaboration tools. Managing these communications through standardised presence management (`buddy lists`) will allow users more control of who they interact with and how they do it. SIP-based communications systems will eventually transform interaction with customers and colleagues, and deliver real benefits to businesses."

"Organisations are being challenged on a daily basis to grow revenue through increased productivity and improved customer satisfaction, while also keeping an eye on the bottom line," said Don Peterson, Chairman and CEO of Avaya. "Avaya continues to take the lead in helping businesses meet these challenges with solutions that improve the speed and accuracy of communications, while retaining the reliability and security enterprises expect from communications networks. Our current series of security seminars, taking place around Europe, underline the importance of security to Avaya, particularly where SIP-enabled solutions are concerned."

The Avaya Converged Communications Server SIP-enables the following Avaya products, extending them with presence and other advanced telephony capabilities:

* Avaya Communication Manager: The Avaya Converged Communications Server extends the calling, mobility and IP-based features of Communication Manager - the company`s flagship IP telephony software - to SIP phones and applications, fostering the integration of presence-based Web applications with new telephony and voice capabilities.

* Avaya IP Softphone R5 with Instant Messaging: This new SIP-enabled IP Softphone, which turns any PC into an office phone, delivers secure, enterprise-class instant messaging with voice interactivity and presence. This easy to use soft phone lets users send encrypted instant messages, initiate `click-to-talk` phone calls with contacts, show and view availability/phone status of users, and dial phone numbers listed on Web sites.

* Avaya 4602 SIP Desktop Phone: Avaya`s new standards-based SIP office telephone drives a cost-effective communications evolution including interoperation with any type of device in an enterprise (ie traditional, IP or digital).

The new converged communications solutions announced by Avaya are supported by its worldwide services organisation -- Avaya Global Services -- which provides a full complement of end-to-end services and support offerings. Additionally, Business Communications Consulting helps companies gain maximum business benefits from secure SIP-enabled networks. The new solutions will be available in most European countries from April 2004.