The Aastra 400 series combines a range of Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) applications, mobility solutions and user centric devices into a single solution.
According to Thomas Stephan, Head of Product Line Management for SME and Wireless Systems, “As the market leader in SMB communications, we have an in-depth understanding of the needs of SMBs. Building on years of expertise, our R&D departments in Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada and Sweden have collaborated on the development of the Aastra 400 – a best of breed product which is simple to use for a superior customer experience, scalable, cost effective and, above all, brings tangible benefits to small and medium sized businesses.”
Aastra says the embedded UCC applications are a key strength of the product, helping SMBs to increase efficiency and productivity. Businesses will benefit from improved responsiveness for customers and colleagues with a wide range of features integrated into the product such as one number, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and email notification of voicemail messages. The product also aids team work, with group voicemail boxes, instant messaging (IM), presence management and conference call capabilities.
The new Aastra 400 series not only enables employees to be easier to reach but can also result in significant cost savings for an organisation. Least cost routing available with Aastra Mobile Client can result in a reduction of telephone charges, particularly in terms of calls made to overseas numbers. With Aastra 400, remote workers’ calls will be routed over the company’s IP network for further savings whilst benefiting from the same level of efficiency and functionality as those who are office based.
A further product benefit is the high level of security, with voice and signalling encryption for IP/SIP desk phones. The Aastra 400 also has strong networking capabilities, which is particularly important for multi-site organisations such as estate agents.
The Aastra 400 series comprises three communication servers – Aastra 415 for four to twelve users; Aastra 430 for up to 50 users; Aastra 470 for up to 400 users. All three servers are IP appliances which support legacy connections so SMBs can migrate to IP at their own pace. With the Aastra 400, all types of trunk and extension technology are supported.
The company adds that with a strong focus on open standards, the Aastra 400 reflects Aastra’s commitment to investment protection. The Aastra 400 offers a compelling migration path for existing BusinessPhone, IntelliGate or MD-Evolution customers wishing to benefit from UCC and the enhanced mobile solutions.
Thomas Stephan continues, “The launch of the Aastra 400 ensures exemplary communication for all small and medium sized businesses. It is an exciting new development for our organisation, providing our telephony-oriented partners with the high standards and support they have come to expect from Aastra and opening up new opportunities amongst more IT-oriented customers and partners.
“The business customer is at the heart of everything we do at Aastra. With the Aastra 400 series, we have created a flexible and scalable, future proof solution to enhance communication for businesses, whether they have four or four hundred employees.”