Aastra's New 5xi-Series Phones and Epygi's Quadro IP PBX Simplify SMB VoIP Deployment

Epygi Technologies LTD, manufacturer of the Quadro Product Line, a SIP- based IP PBX phone system for small businesses, announces that the new Aastra 5xi series phones are cross-certified for usage with their products. This development allows both companies to offer additional choice and flexibility to customers looking for standards-based IP desktop and mobility solutions through the availability of auto configuration and plug and play features.

The 5xi series is comprised of four new telephones and two expansion modules which feature elegant design, large LCD display screens, additional programmable function keys and expansion modules for console and reception functions. They synch with Epygi Quadro IP PBX’s auto configuration features that are part of their recent 4.1 Call Manager software release. This innovation permits the PBX device to recognize IP phones, automatically assign extensions and auto-configure without user guidance. Users can add new extensions instantaneously, without technical knowledge or prior training.

IP technology resellers and their customers benefit from new efficiencies created by the simplified deployment and configuration. Aastra’s dual auto-sending switched Ethernet ports eliminate additional wiring and simplify installations. Integrated IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet allows easy deployment with centralized powering and backup. Epygi simplifies the process further by allowing manual configuration via the web GUI from the Quadro. Phones feature an XML browser and an extra large display for easy access to customized services and applications.

"Aastra’s portfolio of feature-rich SIP telephones creates great value and utility for our customers by saving businesses time and money" said Warren Sonnen, Director of Marketing for Epygi," which is why people ultimately choose IP telephony."

Epygi’s New Website is More Than Just a Pretty Face

Executives at Epygi Technologies LTD understand the two most important ways to serve and capture the VoIP SMB market; intelligent, reliable products and real world information that educates the channel and the end-user

"In order to create a website that could really serve this channel, we interviewed a number of industry insiders to get their perspective" said Warren Sonnen, Marketing Director of Epygi. "The key issues they mentioned brought focus to the creative efforts. Understanding their challenges and those of their customers in the small to medium business (SMB) range gave us a solid background on which to build our message."

To meet those challenges, a two-pronged approach was taken to the website itself. Visitors to www.epygi.com can choose an informational path based on whether they are resellers seeking information about Epygi products and the VoIP marketplace or a potential end-user who is seeking to educate themselves on whether or not VoIP telephony is a solution for them. The details covered on the end-user side can also function as sales tools and talking points for the reseller wishing to find ways to communicate with their customers about this technology, what it can do for them and optimum conditions for a successful deployment.

Distributors, resellers, sales agents and SMB data VARs around the globe, some new to the Epygi name, were questioned about their role and their concerns in this converging technology and their responses centered on three areas.

VoIP is a vague concept that challenges channel members and end-users alike. Because it comprises many elements to be fully functional, getting the big picture of what constitutes a complete VoIP system and how to get one can be illusive to reseller and end-user alike. Unlike other so-called solutions, simply buying a box and plugging it in does not lend itself to a successful VoIP experience.

Resellers familiar with other forms of technology sales need an understanding of how VoIP can be profitable to them and how to prepare their clients for a successful implementation. They can access information in "The VoIP Opportunity" that discusses the VoIP market and forecasting trends. "Requirements for a Successful Installation" gives readers reality-based data on installation practices that lead to customer satisfaction with the VoIP experience and reinforces the trust built by that reseller in their ability to take care of their technology needs.

End-users in the SMB demographic have other things on their minds besides the details of a specific technology. They need information geared to their level of understanding explained in a format that does not intimidate with meaningless techno-speak. Convergence: Business Case outlines the reality of where this technology is headed. "VoIP Truths about Myths" gives a clear picture of what to expect from VoIP telephony and provides critical discussion points.

Understanding the needs and buying habits of the SMB is critical to success for the reseller. SMB end-users are by nature more interested in how a technology can benefit them as opposed to simply being thrilled by the technology itself, which is something that resellers and data VARs tend to forget. By guiding their clients to Benefits of IP Voice which outlines the applications that allow small businesses to compete with larger businesses, they can demonstrate the business changing effects of the technology. The Application Scenarios link tells two stories about how business solved problems of size and location by correctly implementing an Epygi IP system. Along with the stories are “how-to” articles that tell with words and diagrams exactly how this was accomplished in each case, creating an excellent selling tool for the reseller while giving the end-user a non-threatening picture of how the Quadro IP PBXs and gateways actually work for them and the system they already have.

The Distributor or Reseller who registers with Epygi can look foward to a growing wealth of information evolving behind the log-in. Approved partners will be able to access marketing documents, product demos and training for themselves and their clients on the use of Epygi products. Mario Cuello, president and CEO of Epygi, says "Our goal is to build strong channel partners and the tools found in the reseller section of our website will provide them with the resources they need to stay on top of the IP telephony game."

Persistent Myths Affect Small Business’ Perception of IP Telephony.

If you’ve heard of VoIP, you’ve no doubt heard the exuberant claims. "It will inevitably replace the current telephone network." "It will revolutionize business as we know it." "You can call anywhere in the world for free."

Not all the claims are positive. "VoIP calls are not secure." "The quality of service is below that of the public network." "Installing VoIP will wreck your LAN."

What’s fact and what's fiction? Is the value really there? What are the genuine risks? An entire mythology has grown from what, for many, is a brand new technology. Epygi feels a responsibility to inquirers and potential convergence converts to set the record straight with verifiable evidence in a regular column in this newsletter. For more extensive coverage, use this story's accompanying link to the "VoIP Enabling Your Business" section of www.epygi.com.

Myth: You'll have to dump your current telephone system and all your phones to get the benefits of VoIP.

FACT: Manufacturers have developed a variety of products that provide a gentle migration path from legacy PBX to IP voice (see Epygi Gateways).

Need to amortize a previous investment or take a lease to term? Your business can use the old familiar PBX and desk sets until they fall apart (the phones, not the employees) and still take advantage of the cost savings created by sending some voice traffic over the Internet. The smartest applications can even route calls along the least expensive paths (See Epygi Quadro E1T1 Gateway).

CONCLUSION: Protect your investment. Reduce your risk. You can keep your old phones and upgrade as IP voice applications proliferate.

Epygi Technology at IP Expo and Conference in L.A. September 10-12

Warren Sonnen, Marketing Director of Epygi Technology, will be meeting with potential resellers and other members of the IP industry in ABP Technologies’ booth (# 513). The focus of the event is the selection and deployment of IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications for enterprise, SMB and government agencies. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Expo and Conference will cover a wide range of topics including disaster recovery, a SIP trunking workshop and a full conference schedule. ABP Technologies is an Epygi Distributor located in Dallas, Texas.

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