New Avaya one-X IP Phones Transform Enterprise Communications Through Enhanced User Experiences
Next-Generation IP Phones Deliver Simplified Features, Advanced Applications for Intelligent Access to Intelligent Communications
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 8 / -- 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. The new Avaya one-X(TM) 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.
"With more businesses facing information overload, it's the clarity of voice communications that cuts through the clutter and gets things done," said Geoffrey Baird, vice president and general manager, Communications Appliances Division, Avaya. "We've made voice communications more valuable for businesses by providing richer user experiences, simplified access to features, and application enhancements that expand the possibilities of what a phone can do. With one-X Deskphone Edition, Avaya delivers phones designed by users, for users, and which help raise enterprise communications to a whole new level."
The phones are the latest addition to the Avaya one-X family of products that give users access to a 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, Quick Edition and Desktop Edition.
One organization that relies on phones for their vital work is LifeNet, the nation's largest nonprofit, full-service organ donation agency and tissue banking system. Every day, time is of the essence for LifeNet. LifeNet is using the consistent reliability and easily accessible features of the one-X Deskphone Edition to speed communications and donations.
"The organ donation process begins with a phone conversation, and we need to stay in constant touch with hospitals and doctors throughout the time- sensitive process of saving lives," said Russell Stewart, information systems technical support manager, LifeNet. "Avaya's new IP phones have made it easier for us to effectively manage every step of the donation process, including urgent communications with donor families, recipients, and organ transporters."
Stewart noted the phone's mobility features contribute to LifeNet's effectiveness in serving patients by instantly notifying LifeNet employees, wherever they are, when a donation is ready.
"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."
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.(1)
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 are:
- Expansion with Intelligent Applications: An integrated Wireless Markup
Language (WML) interface enables the phones to be expanded with new
Avaya and third-party applications, redefining what a phone can do. The
phone can be used as an employee time clock for reporting number of
hours worked. Companies can conduct employee surveys using the phone
interface and display graphical results in real-time. These and other
applications -- including searchable enterprise-wide contact
directories, broadcast alerts, and industry-specific applications - help
developers make the most of the phone's Web browser display.(2)
- High-Fidelity Sound: Higher quality wideband audio provides enhanced
sound quality in the phone's handset, headset or speakerphone. This is
achieved through a combination of the latest VoIP chip technology,
acoustic design, and support of the standard G.722 wideband audio codec.
This unique approach delivers a more natural, clearer sound, making for
more productive conversations across national, cultural and
organizational boundaries.
- Investment Protection with a Flexible Platform: As customer needs
expand, the phone's modular architecture extends investment protection
by enabling the addition of new technologies as communications evolves.
In the future, Gigabit Ethernet capabilities will make for more flexible
network connections, Bluetooth will provide "hands free" communication,
and a USB interface will allow expansion to other capabilities, such as
text entry using a keyboard. Phones will also be able to be customized
with new color faceplates, including company logos.
Details on the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition for the 9600 Series of IP Phones
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 14 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 other models to be introduced in January 2007. The phone models include:
-9630 IP Telephone - For power-communicators where the phone is essential
to their job and they must stay connected, even while mobile, offering a
combination of functionality and ease-of-use. Available in July 2006
-9620 IP Telephone - For those working with several communications
alternatives daily. This phone serves as another communications tool on
the desk for simple, everyday tasks. Available in July 2006.
-9650 IP Telephone - For people who use phones as a continuous part of
their job, including those who manage their own calls and the calls of
others. Examples are busy executive assistants or those involved in heavy
customer interaction. Available in early 2007.
-9610 IP Telephone - Provided to those in lobbies and public locations
where simplicity in making calls is essential. Available in early 2007.
Further variations of models will be available to address specific user needs.
In addition, Avaya offers a wideband audio headset and a 24-button LCD module to support the Avaya one-X Deskphone Edition IP phones. Also forthcoming are Bluetooth accessories, a SIP software release, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. For more details on the phones, and to obtain photos, please visit http://www.avaya.com/media.
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(R). 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/.
About the FIFA World Cup and Avaya
As the Official Convergence Communication provider for the FIFA World Cup 2006(TM), Avaya is providing a champion communications network for the world's largest sporting event. The converged network - that combines voice and data on the same infrastructure- will connect the 12 host stadiums, the international media centres in Munich, Berlin and Dortmund and the FIFA headquarters in Berlin. Players, coaches, volunteers and fans alike will benefit from the Avaya network that will be instrumental in player and journalist accreditation, the reporting of results, material tracking, accommodation confirmations, transportation, and ticketing among other critical functions. With an estimated 45,000 network connections, 30,000 network devices and over 15 terabytes (or 15,000,000,000 bytes) of data, it is the largest converged communication network ever built for a sporting event.
(1) Survey conducted by Avaya at InAAU conference (International Association of Avaya Users), 2006
(2) For more information, see Avaya release issued today regarding Avaya DeveloperConnection support for the new IP Phones.
Source: Avaya Inc.
CONTACT: Media - Jonathan Varman, +1-908-953-6432, jvarman@avaya.com, or Investor - Matt Booher, +1-908-953-7500, mbooher@avaya.com, both of Avaya Inc.
Web site: http://www.avaya.com/
