Verizon Business Empowers Corporate Users Through Unified Communications

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Corporate users around the globe can control their unified communications experience with a simple click of the mouse by using a new managed service announced by Verizon Business on Wednesday (March 11).

The service - based on the recently released Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 platform -  delivers unified communications functions to the desktop, enabling workers to enhance communications through real-time instant messaging, "presence" (the status of an end-user's online or phone availability), Web conferencing and voice over IP (VoIP).  The service is available immediately.

Verizon Business is one of the first global service providers to offer management of  Office Communications Server 2007 R2, which was specifically designed to meet the real-time communication needs of today's distributed workforce.  As a result, enterprise customers no longer need to deal with the complexity of unified communications (UC).  They can offload to Verizon Business UC application integration and management while benefitting from enhanced collaboration, better productivity, improved customer service and support while reducing carbon emissions by avoiding unnecessary travel.

"Unified communications is a transformative technology that has the power to change the way people communicate and work together to be more effective, creative and productive in the office or on the go," said Michael Marcellin, vice president of global managed solutions, Verizon.  "By managing this leading software-based solution, Verizon Business can help customers take the complexity out of introducing unified communications across an enterprise while keeping their resources devoted to their core business activities."

According to industry experts, end-user interest in unified communications is strong and the market is growing.  Market research firm In-Stat has found that "the market for unified communications products in 2007 was $1.5 billion, growing to nearly $18 billion by the end of 2012." ("Unified Communications: A Clash of Titans," By David Lemelin, September 2008) 

Verizon Business Makes It Easy for Enterprises

Verizon Business Application Management for Office Communications Server offers an integrated group of communications applications.  Enterprise users can easily toggle among the applications, which include:

• On-Premises Web Conferencing: Users can create, join and modify Web conferences in real time.  The technology makes collaboration easy, with the capability for IM, audio, video, application sharing and slide presentations built in and simple to use.  Users benefit from a secure, stable Web conferencing platform running within the Office Communications Server platform.

• Enterprise Voice: This VoIP-powered solution allows users to choose the best way to interact with colleagues, either by phone or computer.  For instance, users can place a call by clicking on a contact in e-mail or IM, as well as access voice mail from their computer and e-mail on their phone.  Verizon Business Application Management for Office Communications Server provides full integration and support with any Microsoft-certified PBX or SIP Trunk. The technology is particularly beneficial for workers who are traveling or telecommuting, as the VoIP functionality enables users to place a call from their computer wherever an Internet connection is available, without incurring additional long-distance charges.
• Enhanced Presence: Enables users to choose the most effective means for communicating with other users by providing information on status, location and availability. 

Verizon Business provides proactive monitoring and management in a secure and stable environment.  The service offers flexible delivery and service options, based on customer preferences.  Verizon Business can host the service at one of its 200 worldwide data centers or manage the environment remotely at the customer's premises or from a third-party colocation facility.  The company's managed services include comprehensive infrastructure support, including provisioning, patching, monitoring, and ongoing administration to maintain continuous uptime. 

This offering works with existing communication systems so businesses can deploy and integrate advanced VoIP and conferencing without removing their legacy phone networks, and they can leverage existing technical and network investments. 

Broad Capabilities and Professional Services Expertise

With this new managed solution, Verizon Business is expanding its comprehensive portfolio of advanced collaboration and IT services. The company's global IP network and worldwide professional services staff of 2,700 combine to deliver conferencing, mobility, VoIP, contact center, and managed and hosting solutions that enhance performance and security of network communications and IP-enabled applications.

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with the world's most connected IP network to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment.  Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

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