Telecommuter Solution embeds VPN capabilities into IP phones.
Press Release Summary:
VPNremote for Avaya 4600 IP Telephones embeds VPNremote(TM) software into IP telephones to extend communications to employees working from home, temporary work site, or emergency location. Employees can install desktop IP phone in remote office with minimal equipment or IT assistance. Features include speakerphone, short extension dialing, transfer, conferencing, and web-based access to information and corporate-wide broadcasts via screen display.
Original Press Release:
New Avaya IP Solution Simplifies Business Communications for Telecommuters and Remote Workers
o Employees Working from Home, Temporary or Emergency Locations Can Easily Install IP Desktop Phones Connected Securely with VPN via the Internet
o New VPNremote Software Drives Improved Business Continuity, Productivity and Cost-Savings From Distributed Enterprise Networks
NEW YORK, Dec. 12 / -- Interop -- Avaya, a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and services, today announced a new telecommuter solution that embeds virtual private network (VPN) remote capabilities into Avaya's family of IP telephones. Businesses can use this solution to more easily and securely extend headquarters-quality communications to employees working from any home office, temporary work site or emergency location. By integrating new Avaya VPNremote(TM) software within the phone, telecommuters have an "always on" business-class IP telephone that contains all of the functions required for highly-productive and continuous enterprise voice communications.
The solution-called VPNremote for Avaya 4600 IP Telephones-enables telecommuting employees to quickly and cost-effectively install the desktop IP phone in their home office with minimal equipment or IT assistance, similar to how a laptop PC is connected for remote access via Internet. For example, after an IT administrator loads the new VPN software into the Avaya IP Phone, a home office-based worker can simply plug the phone into a power source, connect it to a home broadband router, enter a password, and it is operable. No other equipment or software is required in the home office. This simplicity can also be applied to temporary remote deployments, such as when business teams gather at trade shows, corporate events or other temporary work locations.
The number of telecommuters and home-based workers are expected to continue rising over the next few years, according to IDC Research. By 2009, 10 million U.S. workers, or 10% of its workforce, will be telecommuting. In Western Europe, 9 million workers are expected to telecommute, representing a growth rate of 10% from 2004 - 2009(1).
This solution drives greater business continuity by enabling companies to swiftly deploy Avaya IP phones with VPNremote to necessary locations when responding to a disaster recovery scenario or disruption in network communications. An organization can cost-effectively deploy the phones to dispersed and remote workers anywhere, knitting together a secure communications network that keeps business running and workers productive under the most challenging conditions.
The features of the Avaya IP phones with VPNremote are identical to those found in a corporate headquarters or contact center, making them ideal for home-based contact center agents, telecommuting sales people or other remote employees that must access enterprise telephony capabilities daily. Familiar features includes a high-performance speakerphone, superior voice quality, short extension dialing, transfer, and conferencing -- as well as Web -- based access to information and corporate-wide broadcasts via a screen display.
"In order for telecommuters in a home office or remote location to be productive, they require a business communications experience that is secure, highly-functional and equal to that within a corporate headquarters," said Allan Sulkin, president of TEQConsult Group. "Avaya's new solution helps improve the performance capabilities of the telecommuter, and can be a lifesaver for executives who need to operate in a virtual workspace."
VPNremote for Avaya 4600 IP Telephones is part of Avaya's portfolio of mobility solutions, which includes the Avaya IP Softphone, a software-based version of one's office phone accessible from a laptop PC and designed for highly-mobile users and road warriors. Both solutions are based on the Avaya Communication Manager software platform, the company's award-winning IP telephony software.
Businesses can obtain this solution by purchasing the Avaya VPNremote software, which can then be integrated into an existing or newly purchased Avaya 4600 series IP phone. The models supported are: 4610SW, 4620SW, 4621SW, 4622SW IP Callmaster and the 4625.
American Red Cross Uses Avaya VPNremote Phones to Support Hurricane Relief Effort
An organization that used the Avaya IP phone with VPNremote is the American Red Cross, which recently provided help for those who survived the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as it roared across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
To establish an emergency communications infrastructure in the early days of the massive relief effort, Avaya joined a multivendor Hurricane Katrina technology task force headquartered in a Red Cross command center just outside Washington, D.C. Using the new Avaya VPNremote IP phones to stay in touch, task force participants were able to expedite equipment deliveries and orchestrate the deployment of tools, technology and people across the Gulf region.
"With Avaya VPNremote phones, we quickly established the secure and reliable voice communications we needed for our volunteer technology team," said David Craig, chief engineer, Disaster Response Technology, the American Red Cross. "The Avaya phones were truly 'plug and play.' All we had to do was power them up and plug them into our network. They worked flawlessly with no need for onsite configuration."
"Today's businesses are facing the realities of a workforce that is increasingly dispersed across many remote locations, but which still requires the same communications experience found within a corporate office," said Geoffrey Baird, Avaya's vice president, Communications Appliances Division. "Avaya's new VPN-enabled IP phones transparently extend the office to users, giving telecommuters an easier way to communicate, while supplying enterprises with a strategic solution for improved business continuity and streamlined costs."
Avaya is demonstrating VPNremote(TM) for Avaya 4600 Series IP phones at the Interop trade show event in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center, December 12-16. It can be seen at Avaya booth #837.
Product Details: This new solution is comprised of Avaya 4600 series IP telephones integrated with new Avaya VPNremote(TM) software. The models supported are:
o 4610SW IP Telephone-Includes a medium screen graphic display, call log, speed dial, 12 programmable feature keys, Web browser, and full duplex speakerphone.
o 4620SW and 4621SW IP Telephones-Includes a graphic display, call log, speed dial, 24 programmable feature keys, web browser, Unicode support, and full duplex speakerphone.
o 4622SW IP Callmaster-This phone is built specifically for the contact center environment, and helps home-based and remote contact center agents improve customer interaction.
o 4625 IP Telephone-This is an ideal device to support applications within the Avaya Phone Application Suite. It includes a brilliant color display
All of these phones are compatible with a new Bluetooth ® Headset System, the Avaya ABT-35s, also introduced today.
About Avaya
Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than 1 million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®. Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet Protocol (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/.
1. Source, IDC Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2005-2009 Forecast and Analysis. Doc. #34124 October 2005
