Samsung BCS Debuts OfficeServ 7100 for Small Businesses

By Khali Henderson

Samsung Business Communication Systems (BCS) has joined the growing list of vendors that are targeting small businesses with multipurpose platforms. The manufacturer announced the addition of the OfficeServ 7100 to complete the OfficeServ 7000 series of convergence solutions introduced in fall 2005.

Available in early summer for sale through the companys dealer channel, the OfficeServ 7100 is a basic key system that is network- and IP-enabled. Unlike its larger predecessors in the 7200 and 7400, it comes pre-configured to work out of the box. The default settings support up to four lines and eight stations with pre-labeled TDM phones. It also includes four voice mail and auto attendant ports, and pre-set call forwarding of non-answered calls to voice mail.

Samsung BCS prepackaged the 7100 to reduce the complexity for the small business user and the dealers that sell to them, explained Deb Goswami, manager of marketing research and competitive intelligence for the company. This, he adds, enables the company to offer the 7100 at a very aggressive price point. The standard package retails for $1,800.

A solution is not a solution if no one can afford it, he added, noting a lot of vendors have been looking at multipurpose system for the small business market, but have not been able to put it together at this price.

Goswami says dealer discount structures on the gear remain the same. He added, that by reducing the complexity of the install, Samsung BCS has removed some of the soft costs, such as installation and configuration time, for its channel partners.

While the 7100 can be purchased in the prepackaged sets, it also is available in individual parts.

Stations and trunks can be added in four-port increments. In addition, VoIP applications and wireless technology can be enabled as a customers requirements change. Goswami said there are a dozen cards ranging in price from $100 to $300 that can be added to the system to enable more advanced features and add capacity.

Five CTI-based productivity applications have been extended to the 7100. And, features can be accessed via wired or wireless handsets or a softphone. It also allows wireless devices and PDAs to integrate with the phone system through wireless access points.

Samsung BCS www.samsung.com/BCS