Lucent Technologies introduces reliable, NT-based version of its industry-leading DEFINITY Communications Server

Lucent Technologies has introduced DEFINITY ONE Communications Server, the first Windows NT-based platform with the advanced features, applications and flexible networking capabilities of Lucent`s industry-leading DEFINITY business communications software. The reliable, easy-to-administer server is a cost-effective solution for an enterprise`s branch offices, and for small and mid-sized businesses needing the powerful applications that the DEFINITY system provides.

DEFINITY ONE features the same sophisticated network management capabilities and superior, market-leading applications as Lucent`s large DEFINITY systems. It is shipped with five of these applications built right onto a single circuit pack: DEFINITY Release 7.1, Intuity AUDIX voice mail system, fax messaging, Intuity Message Manager, and DEFINITY Site Administration (DSA). Bundling these applications on the DEFINITY ONE processor reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional PCs, applications servers and adjuncts, and associated connectivity and maintenance costs.

In addition, DEFINITY ONE provides call centre functionality that supports advanced call routing, and seven available universal card slots that make it simple to add big-company capabilities such as in-building wireless. Like all DEFINITY servers, DEFINITY ONE provides users the choice of moving voice and fax over circuit-switched, Internet Protocol (IP) or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks.

"While others are talking about `high availability` on an NT server, Lucent is delivering real-world reliability, with the sophisticated features and functionality that enterprises have come to expect from a world-class communications server," said Bill O`Shea, executive vice president and CEO, Lucent`s Enterprise Networks business. "DEFINITY ONE delivers what our customers have been asking for: a cost-effective small system that provides the `look and feel` of DEFINITY, offers user friendly system administration, and protects their technology investment with an intelligent migration path to the future."

"We are extremely pleased with the performance and reliability of DEFINITY ONE," said Marc Mindermann, network analyst at Farm Credit Services, a cooperatively owned agricultural lender that is trialing the system. "And system administration over our LAN is a snap with the new, user-friendly software.

"We plan to deploy DEFINITY ONE at all 45 of our branches, and with just two people maintaining all 46 systems (including headquarters), having the same look and feel is important," he added.

Superior Networking Capabilities DEFINITY ONE supports DEFINITY Release 7.1 software, giving it superior IP, ATM and Q Signaling (Q-SIG) capabilities. Companies with several locations can link DEFINITY ONEs to each other, or to other DEFINITY servers - such as DEFINITY ProLogix Solutions or their headquarters` DEFINITY Enterprise Communications Server - via Lucent`s DEFINITY Communications System (DCS) networking capability.

Voice over IP - DEFINITY ONE supports Lucent`s IP Trunk Interface, which allows businesses to reduce the costs of communications services by sending voice and fax directly to the Internet or over corporate intranets. With the simple addition of this card, enterprises also can create a virtual private network, sending voice and fax over IP networks to other DEFINITY servers with the IP Trunk Interface.

Businesses requiring a high level of reliability can still take advantage of the network efficiencies offered by IP. DEFINITY ONE offers the flexibility of intelligent Least Cost Routing and Class of Service features to monitor IP network performance. If at any time the IP network`s performance is not acceptable for voice or fax calls, DEFINITY ONE will reroute the call over an alternative network.

ATM Networking - Businesses using ATM for data networking can take advantage of the DEFINITY family`s expanded ATM capabilities. The ATM Circuit Emulated Service (CES) Interface provides the equivalent of eight ISDN PRI cards on a single card - a double benefit that lowers costs by eliminating the need for multiple PRI cards and frees up card ports for other uses.

Easy to Administer

DEFINITY ONE`s on-board Ethernet connectivity allows system administration over a company`s local area network (LAN), with user-friendly, wizard-based screens that can be learned quickly and easily. A web browser interface provides tools needed to administer the system, and allows the administrator to choose from and manage pre-installed administration software and end user applications. For example, the administrator can download DEFINITY Site Administration (DSA) software, which provides a graphical user interface for performing changes, basic analyses and system reporting through a single point of management. New employees can be assigned a phone number and voice mailbox through a single set of point-and-click screens.

DEFINITY ONE`s table- or floor-mounted, single-box design reduces equipment room real estate and maintenance costs. It uses the same telephones and circuit packs as the rest of the DEFINITY family, allowing companies to share and re-use telephone inventory across locations while providing the same look-and-feel to all users, whether in a small branch or corporate headquarters.

Superior Security and Service DEFINITY ONE comes with an encrypted security administrator called Access Security Gateway for network protection, and network management enhancements such as E-911 Crisis Alert Routing to a digital station. Through the Lucent NetCare portfolio of services, customers will have around-the-clock remote monitoring, diagnostics and alarm resolution using Bell Labs` EXPERT Systems. Unique in the industry, EXPERT Systems can resolve 95% of network problems remotely in minutes - usually before the customer is aware that a problem occurred.

A Range of Choices for Small and Mid-Sized Offices DEFINITY ONE supports up to 168 stations and trunks in any combination, and is ideal for offices with fewer than 50 employees. It joins the wide range of choices Lucent already offers small and mid-sized business customers, including:

.         INDeX - An ISDN-based communications platform designed and built for the European market. INDeX 1000 supports up to 1000 ports

.         DEFINITY ProLogix Solutions - The DEFINITY system for up to 400 users, ProLogix is targeted at offices of about 250 users.

Availability DEFINITY ONE will be available in the US and Canada in the first quarter of 2000. Shortly thereafter, it will be available in Germany, United Kingdom, Mexico and South Africa, followed by others countries later in the year. It will be sold by Lucent BusinessPartners.