Sprint (NYSE: S) has struck a partnership with Smoothstone to provide a new suite of cloud-based voice services that will be packaged with its Mobile Integration services for enterprise customers.
Delivered over Sprint's Global MPLS network, the new service will extend PBX functions from the cloud to Sprint mobile phones. One of the obvious benefits of the new cloud-based service is that it does not require the enterprise customer to invest in another on-premise PBX system.
Not only does the new service help the enterprise forgo the investment in a new PBX, but it also can be integrated with their existing IP or legacy TDM infrastructure where required.
Among the many features of the new service, which is available now, are a single number for users that will enable them to be reached inside or out of the office, a single voice mail in addition to abbreviated dialing plans and sophisticated group and personal call controls.
Of course, it will take time to assess how the product will actually resonate with enterprise customers. But by providing users with a path to next-generation IP communications that allows them to leverage their embedded PBX systems while enabling them to take advantage of new integrated wireless/wireline features could be a good entry point for enterprises that are considering a move to an IP-based telephony platform.
"The largest enterprises see the value of converged IP communications with full mobile integration, but many do not have the resources or budgets to completely replace their existing infrastructure," Monnie McGaffigan, vice president of wireline, international and strategic alliances Sprint said in a release. "Our combined solution enables a complex enterprise to migrate to a fully converged solution at a pace that makes sense for their business."
For more:
- see the release
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