Avaya IP Office R6.1

Avaya released the newest version of IP Office this week. This new version installs on the standards based Linux operating system. This should reduce installation and licensing costs to the user as the process is more streamlined and there are no Windows licenses to purchase.

Other new enhancements to 6.1 include:

Flexible Avaya one-X™ Portal for IP Office: The solution’s dynamic Web-based desktop communications interface for remote, mobile and office workers features a newly-designed, customizable interface with drag and drop application gadgets. The solution—which lets users manage calls, instant messages and e-mails from one PC-based portal—is more flexible, allowing users to place gadgets (i.e. Directory, Call Log, etc.) wherever they want on their screen. Further customization includes 'skins' and branding with a business' name.

Improved Contact Center Reporting: Now, an SME can gauge the success of a customer campaign through location-based business intelligence that analyzes the calls flowing into a contact center, and makes them viewable on a geographic map. This capability provides a visual report of the volume of customer interaction based on each customer's location.

Expanded Video Options: Avaya IP Office expands upon its videoconferencing capabilities, going beyond Softphone-based video to now offer more advanced multi-point HD videoconferencing with up to 4 parties.3 Additionally, it enables video integration with selected third-party SIP phones.

Multi-site Management: SME owners can now manage multiple office sites using one consolidated interface and a single log-in. This lets users view and manage all of the key communications parameters (i.e. user rights, hunt groups) of multiple locations (up to 32).

Also with 6.1 comes the ability to use some Nortel IP sets on the platform. Future releases will also allow Nortel digital sets to operate. These advances will let businesses with Nortel systems upgrade to take advantage of the latest advancements without throwing out the investment in all of those telephones.

Small and medium sized businesses want the same tools that Enterprise sized business have taken advantage of for years. With 6.1 come some of these tools with the promise of more in the near future.