Avaya Inc. (NYSE: AV) today unveiled its next generation of Internet protocol (IP) phones that deliver unparalleled simplicity and faster access to a vast array of advanced applications, transforming the way people think about, use and hear voice communications. Exclusively demonstrated at the recent Avaya 12 city roadshow across the Middle East, the new Avaya one-X™ Deskphone Edition is designed to enhance user experiences through more intelligent access to intelligent communications.
These advanced business phones are more functional and flexible, and as easy to navigate as a cell phone, providing a better way for enterprise users to communicate, get information and be more productive in their work, whether they are based in Abu Dhabi or Amman..
“Many companies in this region have offices in five or more countries, and as they look for a way to work productively together, they are increasingly facing information overload, and turn to the clarity of voice communication,” said Nidal Abou Ltaif, managing director, Avaya Middle East & Africa.
“Enabling employees to pick up the phone and access an up to date company database, managed from a central location, as well as new applications such as survey functionality and mobility features that expand the range of the desk phone, Avaya is delivering phones designed by users, for users, which help to raise enterprise communications to a whole new level,” Abou Ltaif concluded.
The phones are the latest addition to the Avaya one-X family of products that give users access to the full range of IP applications with greater simplicity, consistency and control across Avaya devices and interfaces. The one-X family, launched in March, also includes the Avaya one-X Mobile Edition, launched with an Arabic interface during the Avaya Middle East Roadshow, Quick Edition and Desktop Edition.
User-Designed IP Phones Deliver Simplified Access, High Fidelity Audio and Flexibility to Grow with Future Needs
In redesigning and building its new IP phones for businesses, Avaya set out to create a phone designed by users and for users. In a survey conducted by Avaya, 85 percent of people who used the phone said it could have a positive impact on productivity and save costs by reducing mistakes and dropped calls, while 90 percent said the phones could save time through easy access to mobility features, reducing phone tag. Ninety-six percent said time savings could result due to the phone’s ability to quickly find contact information.
Simplified access to both familiar and advanced capabilities is delivered through an intuitive context-sensitive screen that presents different information depending on what the user is doing, whether he is making a phone call, retrieving messages or checking contacts. This gives fast and easy access to the telephony features of Avaya Communication Manager – the company’s industry-leading IP telephony software – and other important capabilities, such as Call Logs, which allow quick dialing of missed or recently dialed calls.
Enhanced capabilities, such as multi-party conferencing and mobility options, change what is possible with a desktop phone. On a multi-party conference, for instance, the user can now see all of their teleconference participants on the screen, and scroll through them to add, drop or mute individual people. Mobility applications let a user bridge their IP phone with their cell phone with one touch, providing constant connectivity and one-number access for those on the go.
The phone is simplified further by providing users with step-by-step directions for accessing many features, helping to make phone operation easier and reducing errors and dropped calls. This includes guides for conferencing, transferring, and handling multiple calls simultaneously. Other key capabilities of the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition include the capability to expand through intelligent applications, high-fidelity sound, and investment protection with a flexible platform.
The Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition models have been developed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The users were categorized into four profiles – ranging from power communicators who are often mobile, to those who require only basic telephony functions. The phones have an international design to serve users around the world, and screen prompts will be available in many different languages.
Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition is comprised of a new 9600 Series of IP telephones. The first two one-X Deskphone Edition phones will be generally available in July 2006, with others models to be introduced in January 2007.
The Newtel Example
An organization currently using the one-X Avaya Deskphone Edition IP phones to drive greater productivity across their workforce is Newtel Essence, a Dutch company and Avaya BusinessPartner that focuses on helping businesses optimise communications solutions for clients. The company’s employees gained immediate advantages from the phones’ many capabilities, and could speed their communications due to the phones’ simple, step-by-step guides to functions. Sales managers, engineers, and project managers were among the Newtel Essence employees using the phones advanced features for a more intelligent communications experience.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance productivity, and the IP phones’ streamlined user interface and simple layout give us a new way to drive greater value through communications,” said Serge Poppes, CEO of Newtel-Essence. “Our employees were immediately engaged with these phones due to the easy access they provide to even the most advanced capabilities. A real standout is the mobility feature that bridges one’s mobile phone with the IP phone, and keeps us connected to clients when we’re away from the desk.”
"With the increasing adoption of IP telephony platforms, developers can now focus on designing phones that leverage capabilities inherent in the technology,” said Jay Lassman, research director, Gartner. “Enhanced access to a broad range of familiar and advanced features can provide better communications experiences to workers, and make a positive impact on business processes."
About Avaya
Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than one million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®. Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable IP telephony systems and communications software applications and services. Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications - and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services - Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya website: http://www.avaya.com.
