Toshiba America Information Systems introduced entry-level unified
messaging server hardware for small to medium-sized businesses.
Strata Messaging is compatible with TAIS' Strata CIX family of
Internet-based business communications systems. The new product,
which is available through the company's dealers nationwide, is
marketed as offering unified messaging to SMBs at a "very
affordable price."
"In the past, small to medium businesses had to purchase expensive
equipment for unified messaging features," Ron Hunsaker, senior
product manager for TAIS' telecommunications systems division, said
in a statement.
Strata Messaging is sized and priced for TAIS' smaller voice over
IP systems, the Strata CIX40 and CIX100. The new product supports
two to eight ports of voice mail, up to 400 mailboxes and has 300
hours of storage. The base system package offers two voice mail
ports and 10 seats of unified messaging.
Strata Messaging, introduced Tuesday, is deployed on an external
Linux-based appliance that connects to the Strata CIX through IP
channels.
A major advantage of unified messaging is having one repository for
e-mail, fax, voice mail, instant messaging and even video
conferencing. The technology is particularly useful to companies
that depend on staying connected, since a unified messaging system
marries asynchronous applications such as store-and-forward e-mail
with real-time applications that incorporate unified
communications.
Today, implementation of unified communications platforms have been
complicated by the tug of war between the types of devices
employees want to use and the pragmatic concerns over security in
running a business. With the iPhone, Macintosh computers, Linux PCs
and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter
infiltrating the workforce, most enterprises are looking for ways
to support the diversity of systems and devices.
In approaching the problem, Bruce Morse, IBM's VP of unified
communications and collaboration, recently advised attendees of
VoiceCon 2009 in San Francisco to look for solutions that
incorporate collaborative technologies as an important part of
business communications.