Local converged network provider and Cisco partner, KSS Technologies, has introduced an affordable state-of-the-art IP PBX solution for SMEs that includes an optional, full featured Telephone Management System (TMS) that allows SMEs to have control of call costs from the outset, and next business day maintenance and remote support.
The Cisco Unified Communications 520 for Small Business, a critical part of the Cisco Smart Business Communications System, is an affordable unified communications appliance that provides voice, data, voicemail, automated attendant, video, security, and wireless capabilities. More importantly, it integrates with existing desktop applications such as calendar, e-mail, and customer relationship management (CRM) programs.
KSS sales manager Stuart Cohen says the easy-to-manage platform supports up to 64 phones and voice mailboxes. “The solution provides flexible deployment options based on one's needs - a wide array of IP phones, public switched telephone network (PSTN) interfaces and Internet connectivity. Furthermore, it comprises a Cisco UC520 IP PBX, Cisco PoE LAN Switch, Cisco SPA IP phones and a TMS solution for call cost management.”
The Cisco Catalyst C2960 Power over Ethernet (PoE) LAN Switch provides connectivity for the IP phones to the IP PBX and for desktops to connect to the Local LAN. It provides PoE to power the IP phones and 10/100 Ethernet connectivity.
Additionally, the Cisco SPA 500 Series IP phones have a second switch port that provides 10/100 connectivity for computers to connect to the phone. This allows the IP phones and PC to share the same LAN cable; customers don't require two LAN points per user.
The optional TMS Solution application can run off a standard computer and it allows customers to manage their phone call costs more efficiently. It provides reports per department or per user extension and scheduled reports can easily be e-mailed to management.
Components of the Cisco Unified Communications 520 include:
* Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express for call processing of Cisco Unified IP Phones, providing a phone system rich in features.
* Cisco Unity Express for voice messaging and Automated Attendant, to help improve communication among employees and with customers.
* An integrated 8-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) local-area network (LAN) switch.
* Network security functions including Cisco IOS Firewall, which protects the wide-area network (WAN) entry point into your network, and virtual private network (VPN), which gives up to 10 remote users highly secure access to your network.
* Optional integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) capability on some models or external access points and Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Modules, to enable mobile networking, which can help increase employee flexibility and productivity.
* Cisco Configuration Assistant so you can easily configure devices and technologies including unified communications (phones and software), switching, routing, security, and wireless.
* Optional remote system-monitoring capabilities.
Cohen says the solution's voice messaging capabilities raise the level of professionalism, productivity, and customer service available to small business customers with built-in Automated Attendant and advanced voicemail capabilities. “With Professional Automated Attendant, all calls can be handled efficiently and reliably 24 hours a day. Callers can dial by extension number of the group or person they are trying to reach or use the Dial-by-Name feature when they do not know a specific extension.
“Voicemail extends your organisation's productivity by allowing employees to access messages at any time from any telephone. Both internal and external calls to a busy or unattended phone are forwarded to the user's voice mailbox and are greeted with the user's personalised greeting,” he explains.
More importantly, integrated messaging allows one to check voicemail using Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) e-mail clients, including Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes. Customers can also access voicemail features using the XML display on Cisco Unified IP phones.
Part of the Cisco Small Business Pro Series, the Cisco SPA 500 Series IP phones are a robust portfolio of small business phones that provide a rich user experience with Cisco wide band audio support, XML applications and intuitive menu options.
Two options are available: the 20-phone bundle includes a UC520 PBX, receptionist phone, two manager phones, a 24 port PoE Cisco LAN Switch and 17 standard user phones; the 40-phone bundle includes a UC520 PBX, receptionist phone, four manager phones, a 48 port PoE Cisco LAN Switch and 35 standard user phones. These solutions are available on a monthly rental over five years, from R1 691 and R2 978 respectively.
For more information, contact KSS Technologies on (011) 545 6300 or send an e-mail to enquiry@kss.co.za.
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