Siemens Information and Communication Networks (Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd) today announced the launch of its HiPath* MobileOffice suite, marking a focal point in Siemens' strategic direction to enable mobile users to communicate from anywhere in the same way as from the office.
Fred Maurus, the Product and Technology Solutions Manager of Enterprise Networks at Siemens Telecommunications, said the new applications and comprehensive portfolio of the HiPath MobileOffice suite will significantly raise the efficiency and productivity of mobile employees and people who work at different locations.
Siemens is in the advanced stages of rolling out HiPath in Southern Africa. HiPath allows companies, in accordance with their own individual requirements and securing existing investments, to further develop their existing voice and data infrastructures, and, if necessary, to implement new Internet Protocol technologies.
Says Maurus: "People and data can be accessed on an integrated, controlled, and prioritized basis from whatever terminal is being used. Redundant communication is trimmed back, mobile applications are integrated in the corporate network, and service effort is reduced; this means significant savings in operating expenses, an instant reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and a higher Return on Investment (ROI).''
In today's corporate reality, Unified Messaging, Teleworking, Desksharing, and CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) are areas that are segmented into separate, differently functioning applications, he said.
''Fixed network and mobile lines are also separate and can only be accessed on different numbers. The consequences of this are increased organizational effort, unnecessary duplication of communication actions, and customers' inability to access employees at all times. The various elements of the HiPath MobileOffice Suite, for example the one number service, will allow these areas to be integrated and made efficiently controllable for every individual employee,'' Maurus said.
A plus on the cost side is a marked reduction in operating expenditure: in the future, mobile users will also be able to use the corporate network, and fewer redundant communication attempts mean a reduced overall telecommunications volume, so the result will be a significant cut in routine costs. Simplified service will also help to economize on operating costs.
With the HiPath MobileOffice Suite the focus is on the following aspects:
* Access: providing secure access to the enterprise network from any location, any device, fixed or mobile
* Content: providing prioritized links to individual and group multimedia content, presented appropriately for the access device's abilities and user's preferences
* Intelligent Tools: unique tools to calm the communications chaos by prioritizing filtered notification and automating routine communications functions
New components of the HiPath MobileOffice Suite are the applications HiPath ComResponse, which is the web-based voice application for personalized call center functions, and CorporateConnect, the infinite mobile delivery platform offering mobile terminals access to the fixed network and to all telephony functions. Also worthy of highlighting are HiPath Xpressions, the Unified Messaging system from Siemens which coordinates voice-mail, e-mail, fax, and SMS; HiPath SimplyPhone, the web or groupware-based personal CTI application for integrating phone and PC; HiPath Teleworking which gives remote and home-based employees access to all HiPath system voice features; and HiPath DeskSharing which provides a simple and efficient solution for hoteling in offices. Siemens is also previewing the next expansion: HiPath ComAssistant, which provides individual presence management for every user.
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Siemens Information and Communication Networks (IC Networks) is a leading provider of network technology for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Its comprehensive portfolio comprises IP-based convergence solutions for voice and data (HiPath for enterprises, SURPASS for carriers), a full range of solutions for broadband access, and optical transport networks (TransXpress). The Siemens Group thus provides complete solutions from a single source for the infrastructure of the Next Generation Network - optimized for a prompt return on investment and to open up new business opportunities for customers. In fiscal 2001 (year-end 30 September) IC Networks employed 51,000 people worldwide and posted sales of EUR 12.9 billion.
Further information about ICN is available at: http://www.siemens.com/networks
Enterprise Networks
Enterprise Networks is a division of Fixed Networks, within the Siemens Information and Communications Group (Siemens Telecommunications Pty Ltd). There are over 1 million customers in 160 countries for this division. With 70 million connections and 2.5 million Hicom communication servers, Siemens is a key player in this highly competitive and dynamic market. New convergence solutions such as HiPath convergence architecture, provide customers with an end-to-end strategy for integrating voice and data networks on the basis of IP protocols.
The spectrum of products offered by this division included PABX systems, contact centers, digital, analogue and IP compliant terminals, as well as specialised business solutions for the hospitality industry, telephone management as well as a variety of cordless solutions.
Enterprise Solutions also offers professional services, consulting and integration services.
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