CompUSA to save $2.5m through multi-site converged communications network

Mitel Networks has announced a large-scale IP communications implementation with CompUSA, the number one computer retailer in the US.

IP telephony is a core component of CompUSA`s technology strategy to significantly enhance its network to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. As part of this strategy, it is converging voice and data traffic onto a single network and using Mitel Networks IP communications solutions to replace an ageing base of legacy Nortel PBXs.

CompUSA needed a highly distributed communications solution to seamlessly network its 226 locations and selected Mitel Networks 3300 Integrated Communications Platform (ICP). The solution is being sold and implemented by Five Star Telecom, a Mitel Networks Platinum Solutions Provider.

"At CompUSA, the deployment of IP telephony is critical to our five-year plan of implementing a leading-edge, highly distributed enterprise network," said Ken Monroe, Director of IT Communications and Support Services, CompUSA.

"Mitel Networks and Five Star Telecom provided a solution with the high-availability and broad functionality we needed to optimise communications within our operating environment. This, in tandem with a strong understanding and responsiveness to our business needs, made them the right choice to deliver this next-generation solution."

The implementation is already under way, with all locations to be completed within 18 months. By utilising its new local and wide area network for voice and data, CompUSA will save approximately $2.5 million over five years, with additional savings resulting from simplified network management, reduced cabling costs and improved bandwidth capacities.

"For companies with large, highly distributed networks, IP telephony can offer significant savings, through both lower administrative costs and reduced management complexity," said Jeff Snyder, Research vice-president for Enterprise Communications, Gartner.

"A well-designed architecture can provide a reliable, stable communications environment that allows the enterprise to expand as needed."

"In a highly distributed environment the business case for IP telephony is extremely attractive and cost-effective," said Andy Bull, director of Mitel Networks South Africa.

"Within the retail segment, these benefits are magnified with the ability to greatly improve intra-office communications and distribute resources between locations. Through IP telephony, CompUSA enjoys both these capabilities with the security of knowing they can easily provision new services to their customers and employees as business needs evolve."