Fonality Updates Cloud UC Platform

By Regina Ciardiello

Fonality announced Tuesday at IT EXPO the latest release of its platform, 2010.2, which includes a new version of HUD, its unified communications dashboard.

With 2010.2, HUD is offered in the cloud with one interface across Web browsers and mobile devices. The platform’s new architecture allows users to manage calls, the presence/status of colleagues, and queues directly from their desktop, iPhone or Android device.

Aron Aicard, senior director of product management for Fonality, said the update is part of the companys overall, larger strategy to now offer telephony as a service to its channel partners. We just completed a company re-invention on the direct side of the business selling telephony as a service,” Aicard said. And now that we have rolled that out, and have worked out the kinks, we want to let our channel partners know that this same opportunity is coming soon.”

The good news for our VAR channel is that we have already made the decision to change our business model,” Aicard added. We are making the effort to ensure that this business model change is all worked out, so that the pain of transition is lower for our VARs.”

Aicard offered that the service is expected to be channel-ready toward the early part of 2011. For the most part, we will be getting aggressive on how we are going to offer this service to our channel partners,” he said. However, this quarter, right now, is all about preparation.”

Fonality’s 2010.2 will be released for general availability in fourth quarter 2010 for all of Fonality’s cloud-based product lines, including Fonality Connect, and is now available as a beta for interested customers.

Fonality Connect includes a phone for every employee, a number for each phone, unlimited calling between 10 countries and competitive global rates and telephone support. Ideal for offices with 2-25 employees, Fonality Connect comes in two editions: Standard or Team. Companies can also select add-on modules, including Call Center packages, CRM integration, a Mobility package, paperless fax, toll-free numbers, virtual conference rooms, premium desk, wireless and conferencing phones. Fonality Connect starts at $30 per user, per month with no contract and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Fonality Professional and Fonality Enterprise offer additional benefits such as advanced CRM integration, dedicated hosting, on-site data backups and redundancy, a wider selection of phones and calling plans, local toll connectivity and premium support.