The solution, 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.
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 communication. An organisation can cost-effectively deploy the phones to dispersed and remote workers anywhere, knitting together a secure communication 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 centre, making them ideal for home-based contact centre 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 dialling, 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.