Today we’ll catch up on all the relevant news from late last week as we highlight a Genband addition to its IP-Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) portfolio along with a new addition to Verizon’s SMB portfolio with “Virtual Communications Express.”
Verizon’s latest cloud-based offer provides a Web-based console designed to help workers better control where and how they want to communicate. The service combines Verizon’s Voice-over-IP solution with BroadSoft’s cloud infrastructure to eliminate the need for on-site PBX.
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Targeting business with one or more locations, the solution seeks to improve productivity and customer service. To use the service, subscribers will need a Verizon-certified phone along with and an Internet connection from any broadband provider. Administrators can authorize and manage the features through a dedicated online tool.
Virtual Communication Express can be also be used with Google Apps for Business by using a an application from the Google Apps Marketplace, which will allow users to make calls — with one click — from Gmail, Gchat and Google Calendar. Individuals can also see if other Google Apps users are available to join a call instantly.
Commenting in a statement, Janet Schijns, vice president of mid-market solutions and alternate channels for Verizon Enterprise Solutions, said, “Customers in our pilot for this solution appreciated its self-serve, which enabled their employees to be more productive. They also benefitted from the cost savings associated with unlimited local and long-distance calling, zero maintenance fees, and no need for costly back-office phone systems.”
In other news, Genband has introduced the Genband C20 Access Gateway Control Function (AGCF) as part of its IMS solution. The new C20 AGCF is designed to help operators leverage their IMS investments and deliver ubiquitous multimedia services across different access types, including broadband IP, legacy fixed and mobile access infrastructures. The C20 AGCF can be added as a software application on any existing Genband-deployed solution.
In a statement, David Snow, principal analyst of IP Services Infrastructure at Current Analysis, said, “GENBAND continues to enhance the business case for IP modernization by developing flexible solutions that maximize existing carrier infrastructure investments and extend revenue-generation capabilities. Many operators are reluctant to pour significant capital into the access portion of legacy fixed networks — the C20 AGCF provides a competitive solution for carriers looking to offer end-users the best possible services supported by their existing CPE and avoid expensive upgrades to access nodes.”
