VoIP: an invaluable asset

A converged net means unprecedented productivity for these bankers.

When it comes to using advanced technology, 120-employee Goldsmith Agio Helms could teach the megasized investment banks of the world a thing or two.

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WANs, VoIP & Convergence Enterprise All-Stars

Guide to the '06 All-Stars Winners alphabetical listing WINNERS BY TECHNOLOGY Applications | LANs & Routers | Network Management | OS, Servers & Data Center | Security | Storage | WAN, VoIP & Convergence | Wireless & Mobility WINNERS BY INDUSTRY Construction | Education | Financial Services | Government | Healthcare | Manufacturing | Media | Retail | Travel/Transportation | Utilities Vendors to the All-Stars

When it comes to using advanced technology, 120-employee Goldsmith Agio Helms could teach the megasized investment banks of the world a thing or two.

Consider the sophisticated, converged network infrastructure over which the Minneapolis-based firm conducts its multinational business. Because it supports such advanced applications as instant messaging/presence, unified messaging, video calling and VoIP, the network lets bankers stay in touch and up-to-date at all times.

Unified messaging has proved particularly beneficial for Goldsmith Agio Helms, says Chris Ferski, vice president of IT at the firm. Using a simple baseline calculation, Ferski figures the new voice mail system saves 80% of people 10 to 20 minutes a day. That's because no one ever has to miss a message again. Employees get notices on their new handhelds when voice mail arrives. Such integration has elevated the level of customer service to an all-time high.

In essence, Goldsmith Agio Helms has become a virtual company capable of unprecedented employee productivity and customer responsiveness. As such, it earns a 2006 Enterprise All-Star Award.