Toshiba has joined the competitive fray of service providers and infrastructure suppliers who offer a cloud-based VoIP solution. The company’s “VIPedge Cloud Business Telephone Solution” targets the small to midsize business (SMB) market with a cloud-based option that provides the same features found in Toshiba’s telephone systems.
As with other hosted services, VIPedge gives companies the option to pay a monthly service fee and scale on as needed to meet size and usage needs without the need to buy an on-premises telephone system. VIPedge prices start at an average of $29.99 per user.
BACKGROUND: Cloud-based vs. premise-based VoIP
Toshiba will continue to offer its IPedge and Strata CIX business telephone systems, giving business customers a choice of cloud-based services, or premise-based telephony systems.
Commenting is a statement, Brian Metherell, VP and general manager of Toshiba’s America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division, said, “Toshiba is pleased to announce availability of its VIPedge IP business telephone solution, giving customers the best of all worlds with a choice of … solutions. Supported by our Authorized Dealer Network with expertise in design and implementation on a cloud platform, VIPedge is a cloud solution like no other.”
VIPedge provides SMB-friendly features such as call hold, night-mode, voice mail with unified messaging, Unified Communications (with Toshiba’s Call Manager solution). Integration with leading common SMB applications such as Salesforce.com, Act!, and Microsoft Outlook is also provided. Mobility features are supported with find-me follow-me call routing, and customers have a choice of endpoints, including Toshiba’s IP5000-series desk telephones, IP4100 wireless telephones, and Toshiba’s Call Manager with integrated voice.
