The AST Group has been the exclusive distributor of and support partner for Philips Business Communications (PBC) in SA since December 2001.
Philips Business Communications (PBC) recently introduced a complete family of Web-enabled data and telephony applications, called MyOffice@Net that will boost employees` productivity and job satisfaction, both inside and outside the office environment.
MyOffice@Net is a suite of PC applications that places a wealth of communications-related information and functionalities at employees` fingertips. In an age when employees are increasingly working away from the office, MyOffice@Net provides Internet or intranet empowered tools that allow employees to benefit from state-of-the-art communication facilities whenever they want to and wherever they happen to be.
Modular concept
MyOffice@Net is a modular application and all its applications have a uniform appearance and styling that can be customised to a company`s requirements. The applications work together, share information, employ self-explanatory icons and are supported by online help and tools. The separate applications can also function independently of one another.
Directory Browser
The Directory Browser application of MyOffice@Net gives an employee Web access to a powerful company directory, coupled with a personal directory and, if required, many more, Web-based directories. If a company does a lot of business in the UK for example, the Web site for a UK directory of enquiries can be included in the search options. Searches, including `fuzzy matching`, in which similar sounding names are included in search results, are quick and easy.
Contact details in the Directory Browser are always up to date, which means expensive, printed directories will no longer be necessary. In addition to offering in-house and remote access to several directories, the Directory Browser, which can be used in conjunction with any type of telephone, has many more benefits. These include enhanced search capabilities, optimum e-mail integration (Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes), ease of use and full integration with operator consoles and other management applications. For a personal touch, a photograph of a contact can also be included in the relevant directory details.
Dialler
The Dialler application of MyOffice@Net allows the user to easily set up a call or send an e-mail to a contact found in any of the other MyOffice@Net applications. By simply clicking on a contact`s number (eg in the directory), a call will be set up with the user`s telephone set, irrespective of which type it is. Alternatively, by clicking the contact`s e-mail address, a new e-mail message, with the applicable address already inserted, will be automatically generated on the user`s PC screen. When used in conjunction with MyOffice@Net Directory Browser, calls can be easily transferred internally, and, depending on the user`s authorisation, also to external numbers.
Phone Display
The Phone Display application of MyOffice@Net places all the call-relevant information that is normally available on a telephone display on the screen of whichever PC the user happens to be using. The information is made available to the user via the Internet or company intranet. It includes information such as the name and number of the caller, details of missed and answered calls, voicemail message received or message waiting indication, a redial list and, in the case of a diverted incoming call, the calling line and the reason(s) for diversion.
The user can set up a call by simply clicking on an entry in one of the caller`s lists. The MyOffice@Net Phone Display application can be used in conjunction with any type of telephone. It is particularly useful for users of non-display phones or phones with small displays, and for employees needing access to extensive call information while working away from the office.
Group Display
MyOffice@Net`s Group Display application makes a wealth of group status and performance information available on the user`s PC, either inside or outside the office environment. Group Display offers similar information about a group - which can have up to 20 members - as a display feature phone or a wallboard. However, thanks to self-explanatory icons, it does so in a much more user-friendly way. In common with the other MyOffice@Net applications, Group Display is made available via the Internet or company intranet, anywhere, anytime.
The kind of status information made available by Group Display includes the names of the group members and their availability for taking incoming calls. Depending on the type of group, statistical performance information made available to the group supervisor includes the number of group members present or absent, and the percentage of successfully handled calls.
Phone Settings
The Phone Settings application of MyOffice@Net allows the user to activate and change certain telephone settings on his PC via the Internet or company intranet. This is a lot easier and user-friendly than only being able to do so via the more complex telephone menu structure. Moreover, the user can make these changes and activations himself, and do it remotely, which is highly advantageous if he is working from home, for example.
With this application, the user can see his phone settings at a glance and personally activate a number of options. These include call forwarding for several contingencies, while also differentiating between internal and external calls, activating group facilities and giving a number to dial to leave voicemail messages.
Key Programming
MyOffice@Net`s Key Programming application allows the user to program his telephone`s speed dial and related functions via his PC, as opposed to the telephone`s more complex menu structure. When used in conjunction with the Directory Browser application, the names and numbers for the speed dial keys can simply be dragged and dropped from the user`s directory. Two levels of key programming are possible and some 40 different basic, executive-secretary and group facilities are available.
The Key Programming application supports models D325, D330, and D340 of PBC`s SOPHO ErgoLine series of business terminals. Key Programming is very useful for users who frequently change the programming of their phones. Moreover, because employees can program the keys themselves, Key Programming also alleviates the workload of system administrators.
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Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world`s biggest electronics companies and Europe`s largest, with sales of EUR 32.3 billion in 2001. It is a global leader in colour television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 184 000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter
Philips Business Communications
Philips Business Communications (PBC) is a leading provider of business communications solutions to medium and large enterprises. Its activities are directed at vertical markets and focused in three domains: Customer Relations, Virtual Offices and Converged Networks. In addition, PBC offers an extensive portfolio of Expert Services. PBC is headquartered in Hilversum, The Netherlands. For more information visit the PBC Web site at www.sopho.philips.com.
AST Group
AST`s intellectual capacity, its business model and strong client base form the foundation for the group`s integrated services solutions business. Ideally positioned as a leading technology solutions company and focused on selected industries, AST unlocks substantial value for its clients. The AST Group - a trustworthy and innovative ICT company.
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