The advent of unified communications and, in particular, its mobile aspect, presents a number of advantages for businesses with mobile and remote workers in that it enables considerably greater communications possibilities than were available even a year or two ago, let along five or ten years. However, with the enhancements to communications systems, recent years have also brought more government regulation regarding mobile communications, particularly in regard to emergency services, which must be available to all callers, regardless of access method or device.

 

So, while SMBs are chomping at the bit to adding remote endpoints to their IP PBXs without any remote office line expenses, it is not always as easy as it might seem to provide E (News - Alert)-911 services to the remote users, though is a legal responsibility.

 

This provides a natural opportunity for the company or companies willing to invest in a solution, like Multi-Tech Systems, which has devised a solution that has a low initial investment and precludes recurring fees. Multi-Tech has taken its VoIP server and one of its cellular gateways, combined the two, and come up with a solution that enables the use of standard IP endpoints for regular calling, and users’ cellular networks for emergency calls. For emergency calls, the IP PBX routes calls via MultiVOIP and CallFinder over the cellular network, enabling communications in emergency situations. 

 

Another advantage to the solution is that a standard fax machine can be connected to one of the two ports on the MultiVOIP, eliminating the hassles of a connecting a fax machine to an IP network.

 

“The solution of using a MultiVOIP and CallFinder will not only protect your remote office employees emergency communications, but will add productivity as well,” said Chip Harleman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Multi-Tech Systems.

 

The system can be set up for under $1500 excluding the cellular service, which is reasonably inexpensive these days.

 

To see the Multi-Tech solution first hand, come see the company this week at booth #1027 at INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO. In addition to enjoying the warmth of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with all the leaders of the IP Communications industry, who will be able to answer all of your communications needs and demonstrate their products on the show floor.