Allworx Telephony Targets SMB Environments

It’s true that smartphones are invading the world of business communications. But contrary to growing belief, phone cords are not facing extinction.  In fact, they’re not on the endangered office supplies list at all.

Allworx, a Windstream company focused on voice over IP (VoIP) and unified communications (UC), confirmed this sentiment with the launch of

its new Connect line system for small and midsized businesses (SMBs). The result is an office environment in which the conveniences of mobility and the quality of good old desk phones (the other GOP) aren’t competing. Instead, the two will complement one another.

Dedicated hardware—especially when compatible with SIP handsets—is still top dog when it comes to delivering strong voice quality, a must-have for any industry where even the tiniest miscommunication can incite catastrophe. But who doesn’t love mobility features? With this in mind, Allworx Connect VoIP hardware platform and System Software 8.0 enhances call management while providing mobile-accessible call features.

On the hardware end, we’re looking at five new models for the Connect line of VoIP appliances: the 320, 324, 530, 536 and 731. But the heart of the mobile-enabled voice calling platform is the software, which features Reach Link—entirely compatible with the Allworx Reach app for Android and iOS devices. This allows for active voice calls to oscillate between Wi-Fi and cellular. Network degradation issues are solved thanks to what Allworx chief technology officer, David Plakosh—in an article from Small Business Computing— refers to as a "one-touch mechanism” that manages calls, so that they go “. . . over the traditional voice network and transfers it to a desk phone.”

Other noteworthy features of Allworx System Software 8.0 include compatibility with codecs (G.711u, G.711a and G.729A), HTTPS encryption, and the option for existing customers to upgrade to a Connect system via Allworx Migrate.

As SMBs straggle in adapting new phone technology to their office environments, and as mobile continues to carry over into business infrastructure, mobile compatibility features offered by Allworx Connect VoIP hardware platform and System Software 8.0 could provide a solution that solves both problems at once. 

Edited by Maurice Nagle