AAPT launches VoIP for SMEs

Stuart Corner
Monday, 10 July 2006 16:43

Business IT - Technology

AAPT has launched Business Connect, the first fully managed VoIP service for SMEs that combines the function of PSTN line replacement with centrex functions and valued added services such as voice messaging to email.
Mark Frederikson, general manager, business marketing, AAPT said that small business had shied away from currently available VoIP offerings because of the cost of upgrading data networks to support VoIP and the complexity and difficulty of managing an IP PABX.

"Business Connect changes this with an off-the-shelf VoIP solution that gives customers the cost savings of VoIP without having to upgrade their phone system. It works seamlessly with your current telecom infrastructure, delivers integrated local and long distance calling with high speed broadband, IP-VPN and remote working in an affordable package."

The company's Internet access, multiple voice lines and VPN are delivered over a single high speed DSL connection.

Key system or PABX features available include call forwarding, line hunt, hold and transfer.

"We have already implemented our first customer, Global Insight Market Research, a market research agency in Brisbane. They were impressed with the simplicity of the all-in-one package that they could add extra functionality when they need it. They also told us that no competitor was even close on price - in fact the closest was four times as much," Frederikson said.

For Global Insight AAPT is providing the equivalent of seven PSTN lines, voicemail to email for two users, Internet access at 2M/384 with no download limits and a VPN linking a branch to head office, for total of $215 per month, plus call costs, with no set-up fees.

The value added features such as voicemail to email and simultaneous ring are supported by AAPT's BroadSoft IP centrex platform. During the year the company intends to add ISDN basic and primary rate replacements, extended access and IP trunking.