* Delivers voice, e-mail and video services to landline phones, mobile devices and computers.
Qwest Communications has introduced a hosted unified communications service designed to help enterprises, governmental agencies and educational institutions integrate legacy phone networks with IP-based data networks. Qwest iQ Hosted Unified Communication Service (iQ HUCS) is a platform that delivers voice, e-mail and video services to landline phones, mobile devices and computers. As a hosted solution, the service helps organizations migrate at their own pace, freeing technical staff for other strategic initiatives.
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The service leverages elements that include Cisco’s Unity, Unified Communications Manager and Meeting Place; VOSS 6.1; and Movius’ unified messaging. Cisco’s applications help HUCS provide traditional services with advanced capabilities (such as mobility) and integrate with legacy equipment and voice, video and Web-conferencing. VOSS 6.1 automates tasks such as adding and removing users using scripts and standardized templates along with the integration of legacy TDM systems, helping to simplify migration to HUCS. Movius’ Unified Messaging system simplifies and streamlines communication by bringing voice mail, SMS and e-mail into one in-box.
Qwest’s HUCS includes a Web-based portal over a secure connection to an organization’s network, giving authorized IT staff the flexibility to add and remove users, along with the ability to modify user feature sets and set parameters for which sites can perform specific tasks. If preferred, Qwest can also administer and configure HUCS on behalf of the organizations.
Commenting in a statement, Eric Bozich, vice president, Qwest Product Management, said: “Qwest iQ HUCS is a perfect solution for large customers interested in quickly and cost-effectively migrating to a unified-services platform. Customers are able to leverage their existing voice and data network investments, reap the benefits of an integrated network, and maximize efficiencies through an IP-centric architecture.”
Next time: We hear about another hosted solution targeting the SMB market opportunities.
