by Sandra M. Gustavsen, Analyst. T3i Group

NEC takes a practical approach to UC, encouraging customers to explore the benefits but understanding that not everyone can make that commitment today. The company is offering SMB customers two new options, Univerge bundles or Business Basics starter packages, both of which provide a complete solution at a savings over purchasing the components separately.

UC1 (for small businesses) and UC3 (for mid-sized businesses) are based on the latest Univerge solutions and include a communication server, call accounting application, web-based system management and UC for Business (UCB) productivity application which combines several solutions (contact center, unified messaging, mobility and desktop telephony applications) as a customizable desktop application that functions alone or with Microsoft Outlook. Third-party integration allows connection with other business applications. Both bundles include the UCB core software kit which comes with a 40-user license, 10 executive users (Executive Outlook module), 10 unified messaging users and four voice ports.

UC1 includes SV8100 Communication Server (25 IP phone licenses included), PC Pro/Web management and Communications Analyst tool. UC3 includes SV8300 Communication Server (44 IP phone licenses included), MA4000 management system (100-user license version) and MA4000 expense management tool. Customers can add telephones and user licenses as their business grows – SV8100 scales to 512 IP stations and SV8300 to 1,024.

Contact the author at sgustavsen@t3igroup.com.