The IntelliGate 7.7 includes a new dedicated client for Symbian mobile phones (such as the Nokia E-Series) enabling mobile access to the most popular features of a desk phone - such as conferencing, call transfer and even call back. One of the most innovative functions is the 'take' facility whereby users can seamlessly take over an active call from their desk phones with their mobile devices, or vice versa, if they need to move around, without the caller even being aware.
A growing mobile work force is driving demand for FMC, and it is important that employees are easily contactable in order to provide top-class customer service and enhanced collaboration. IntelliGate 7.7 provides 'One Number' functionality ensuring members of staff can be reached effortlessly on a single number, no matter which devices they are using or whatever their location. It also offers shared directories and call lists between Office deskphones, 2380i softphone or a GSM phone with the Aastra mobile client. The highly adaptable call routing capabilities of IntelliGate 7.7 also include Least Cost Routing and 'Personal Call Routing Profiles' for calls made from the Aastra mobile client.
Mike Ballantine, Business Development Manager, Aastra UK said: "Small and medium sized businesses need solutions that can improve productivity and customer service. Businesses can have competitive advantage through integrated communications and IntelliGate 7.7 offers a hassle-free way to achieving this goal, providing advanced applications for mobility without any additional server or access to presence management solution."
Furthermore, there is no need to juggle between different individual directories or separate voicemail boxes anymore:
- IntelliGate 7.7 offers a single point of access to the integrated voicemail system, from the Aastra Office desk phones, the Aastra 2380i softphone or any GSM phone with the Aastra mobile client,
- IntelliGate also integrates with Microsoft® Exchange: Outlook® directories can be accessed via name dial and directory search directly from the Aastra Office desk phones and any GSM phones with the Aastra mobile client (to access the mobile phone directory, that is normally synchronised with Exchange).
IntelliGate 7.7 recognises all phones numbers entered in the directory with the international format (+country code) as well as whether a dialled number is internal and routes the call accordingly.
"Connectivity is vital in this 'always on' business world and people often have two or three different numbers, sometimes even more. There are important benefits to be gained from having one number, routed to your choice of device and location," continued Mike Ballantine. "To maintain and grow our leadership position in the European SMB market, Aastra is committed to offering highly functional, quality products at competitive prices as well as investing in R&D with a focus on integrated mobility and open standards."
"Businesses have come under increasing pressure to offer flexible working for employees. New legislations oblige employers to be more positive toward employee requests for flexible working conditions including time, location and contracts" said Matthew Ball, Senior Analyst at Canalys. "FMC can be part of a solution that helps businesses comply with these regulations while establishing a productive and agile workforce. Aastra is in a strong position to help small and medium sized businesses increase the flexibility and mobility of their workforce".
The IntelliGate 7.7 software is now available on all IntelliGate systems. This range of scalable communication systems can support anywhere between just a few users up to 400 extensions (600 in an intelligent network) on any mix of IP and traditional lines, in one or multiple locations - including remote workers. A full range of desk terminals with a choice of 16 languages, SIP phones, soft phones, DECT and WiFi handsets and integration of mobile phones) ensures that there are a number of solutions to meet the needs of users.
The choice of handsets is also wider than ever with the availability of Aastra's popular range of SIP phones (675xi) and its advanced and versatile XML browser for customised services and applications. Bluetooth capabilities can now be easily added to desk phones to link them to cordless Bluetooth headsets.