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Mid-Continent Instruments Flies High With Toshiba's Strata CIX IP Business Telephone SystemIRVINE, CA, Mar 29, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division (Toshiba -- www.telecom.toshiba.com) has helped Mid-Continent Instruments meet its goal of connectivity between its Kansas and California facilities while reducing telecommunication costs. Based in Wichita, Kan., Mid-Continent Instruments is a leader in the overhaul, exchange, repair, design, and manufacturing of aircraft instruments, avionics and emergency power supplies. Tara Crain, IT manager for Mid-Continent Instruments, issued specifications for a system that would: -- Provide total connectivity between the company's two locations in Wichita, Kan., and Van Nuys, Calif.; -- Handle more than 2,000 monthly incoming calls; -- Enable remote employees to connect to the system and call center; -- Allow mobility of on-site employees; -- Provide high-quality video conferencing between facilities; -- Expand the call center management capabilities; -- Enable remote monitoring and management; -- Provide a reliable system with virtually no downtime; and -- Deliver it all at an affordable cost. Crain turned to Great Plains Communications, also of Wichita, Kan., an Authorized Toshiba Dealer. The Great Plains Communications team recommended Toshiba's Strata(R) CIX(TM) IP business communication system. Installed by Great Plains Communications, the telecommunication system at Mid-Continent Instruments includes: -- Two Strata CIX670 IP business telephone systems in Kansas and California that are networked over IP using Toshiba's Strata Net; -- More than 170 networked connections across the two locations; -- Stratagy(R) iES32 Voice Messaging system, shared across both locations; -- Strata Call Center with ACD and Unifier to push ACD across the network to both locations; -- Strata Call Manager for call management and handling; -- Unified Messaging with Fax-to-Email to improve overall communication; -- Network eManager(R) for daily remote monitoring and management of the two systems; -- Polycom(R) Spectralink(R) wireless telephone system with wireless handsets; -- SoftIPT(R) softphones for use on laptops; and -- Digital telephones for local employees at the two locations. Result #1: Connectivity Between Kansas and California The Strata CIX670 IP business telephone systems at the Wichita and Van Nuys locations are networked over IP using Strata Net. With Strata Net, there is networking between the two sites, including application sharing such as centralized voice mail, plus visual indicators for individual status (DSS keys) and more. The systems can also operate completely independently of each other, providing the security of system redundancy. Using Toshiba's Video Communication Solution (VCS(R)), Mid-Continent Instruments can facilitate videoconferences -- either scheduled or on-the-fly -- between the locations, which has reduced the need and related costs for in-person meetings. Result #2: On-site Mobility and Remote User Capabilities Mid-Continent Instruments has a variety of mobile and remote employees at both the Wichita and Van Nuys facilities. Wherever they are in the building, mobile employees have access to their calls using Polycom's SpectraLink wireless telephones. Integrated with the Strata CIX system, the Polycom's SpectraLink wireless phones are an extension of their desk phones. Traveling sales representatives use Toshiba's SoftIPT softphones, which work on laptop (or desktop) computers. Regardless of the employees' physical locations, the calls are handled just as if they were using their office desk telephones. As well, other employees can dial the four-digit extensions, and from there, they can be routed to the users' cell phones. Unified Messaging also helps managers receive their office voice mail while they are away from the office. Since Unified Messaging integrates their voice mail with their email, they can now get their messages on their iPhone(R) smartphones. "The combination of Toshiba's Strata CIX IP system and Polycom's SpectraLink mobile telephones ensure that our mobile employees get their calls no matter where they are at our facilities. This greatly helps improve both internal and external communication," said Crain. Result #3: Enhanced Call Center Improves Customer Service With call centers in Kansas and California, Mid-Continent Instruments ensures that its customers get the highest possible customer service every hour of every business day. By routing after-hours calls in Kansas to the west coast facility in California, the company provides its customers with an additional four hours of call center access daily. Focused on answering virtually every call live, the system is set up so overflow calls can be rolled over to the other locations so callers can reach a live person. As well, agents at either location can log in and take calls at the other location. This is particularly helpful when there are meetings and call center agents are away from the phones. "Toshiba's Strata ACD has changed the way we do business. Our calls are routed to the right ACD groups and can be handled most effectively by our employees. This ensures the best and fastest customer service possible," added Crain. Bottom Line: Toshiba System Met Connectivity Goals While Reducing Long Distance Costs The Strata CIX IP business telephone system has helped Mid-Continent Instruments meet its goals of connecting its two locations to improve user experience and customer service, plus it has also helped reduce communication costs while delivering exceptional reliability. Mid-Continent Instruments' cost savings includes: -- Long distance savings between locations, including least call routing; -- Reduced long distance costs by providing SoftIPT softphones for traveling sales representatives; and -- Ability to use lower-cost digital telephones for static employees while still on an IP system. For an Authorized Toshiba Dealer, visit: www.telecom.toshiba.com About Mid-Continent Instruments Mid-Continent Instruments is a leader in the overhaul, exchange, repair, design and manufacturing of aircraft instruments, avionics and emergency power supplies. Founded more than 45 years ago, Mid-Continent Instruments has the expertise to overhaul nearly 6,000 aviation instruments, including autopilot gyros, altimeters, HSI's and GPS annunciators. In addition, the company engineers and builds new products for almost every general aviation manufacturer and provides specialized aftermarket products worldwide. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Mid-Continent Instruments has a second location in Van Nuys, California. The company prides itself on exceeding customer expectations. Visit: www.mcico.com About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry-leading portable computers; televisions, TV/DVD Combination products, Blu-ray Disc and DVD products, and portable devices; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and IP business telephone systems with unified communications, collaboration and mobility applications. TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information & communications systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems, including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 204,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.3 trillion yen (US$68 billion). For more information on Toshiba's leading innovations, visit the company's Web site at www.toshiba.com. Copyright 2011 Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. All rights reserved. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including, without limitation, product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1559472 Toshiba PR Contact Teri Sawyer T&Co. 714-536-8407 Email Contact SOURCE: Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=2CB465365045F4C6 |