Cox Business, a broadband communications and entertainment provider, announced it has enhanced its voice services by including a managed IP PBX (News - Alert) solution based on Cisco’s Small Business Communications System.

By adding the new managed IP PBX solution, Cox (News - Alert) became the first cable operator to achieve the Cisco Managed Services Channel Partner Express Certification, company officials said. Cox has also launched the Cox Managed IP PBX+ services.

The new Cox Managed IP PBX+ service offers an integrated, premise-based, IP-PBX communications system. The main benefit will be to small business customers with limited or no internal IT department which are equipped with a telecommunications system. The telecom system of such companies will be monitored and managed by Cox Business (News - Alert), 24/7.

Businesses can share features between up to five networked locations, including four-digit dialing, without incurring long-distance toll charges. The solution is designed to offer productivity-enhancing applications such as a PC-integrated toolbar. Its softphone allows secure access to communications features for employees working remotely, according to company officials.

The service is designed specifically to address small and medium businesses with less than 100 employees, many of which have limited in-house IT resources. Cox Business plans to extend the Managed IP PBX+ service to additional Cox markets in 2011.

“Managed IP PBX+ provides advanced communications capabilities to small businesses that prefer onsite telecom equipment and frees them to more strategically allocate resources to core business activities,” said Kristine Faulkner, vice president of product development and management, Cox Business, in a statement.

“Cisco (News - Alert) is a recognized data networking and VoIP leader and validates Cox’s commitment to partner with best-in-class technology organizations to expand the business product portfolio to meet diverse customer needs,” Faulkner added.

The Cisco certification recognizes a solution provider’s investment in the processes, practices and tools necessary to provide high-quality managed services. As a Cisco Managed Services certified partner, Cox Business has demonstrated the ability to deliver sophisticated solutions and has met stringent requirements that reflect a depth of capabilities.

In addition to the new Managed IP PBX+ service, Cox Business is expected to launch SIP Trunking in 2011, allowing customers to more efficiently route voice traffic over Internet Protocol.

Cox Business provides voice, data and video services for more than 260,000 small and regional businesses, including healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions and federal, state and local government organizations.

In December last year, the company announced it is going to attain $1 billion in annual revenue soon.