Sprint Debuts Hosted PBX Service

Sprint Corp. has launched a hosted VoIP service, IP Voice Connect, for enterprises; it offers a typical IP Centrex feature set and links to mobile phones from the company’s Sprint PCS service.

Sprint, which is one of the last major telcos to launch business hosted PBX-type services, is working with Lucent Technologies Inc. to deploy the service. Sprint said the service is enabled by Lucent’s “Hosted VoIP Solution for Enterprises through its Global Network Operations Centers.”

Lucent is a reseller and integrator of the BroadSoft Inc. BroadWorks platform, which is the centerpiece of the service.

Sprint has released a few features of the service, but no pricing. Features named are simultaneous ringing of multiple phones, unified messaging and abbreviated dialing, as well as Web portals for enterprise administrators and end users to manage and configure accounts. Administrators also can manage virtual dial plans on demand.

Sprint is targeting the full spectrum of businesses that it now serves, which ranges from Fortune 250 companies to small businesses.

“There are some sweet spots,” said Joel Whitaker, product marketing manager, VoIP services. “Those customers with what we call ‘greenfield’ deployments, such as a new site – we can definitely lower capital expense cost there. And it’s for customers interested in taking the next step and moving away from the PBX that they have today.”

Whitaker said Sprint will market the service through both its direct sales force and traditional sales channels.

The mobile connection with Sprint PCS means the new service can offer single-number, single-mailbox features now, a convenience for road warriors. However, more complete integration with Sprint’s mobile services will be available later in 2006 and will include access to the phone features that are also available on the desktop phones.

However, the service does not yet include a Sprint softphone, though customers ostensibly could use the Counterpath Solutions Inc. Softphone, which does work with the BroadSoft platform.

Sprint plans to have a softphone available by the third quarter. The company said the issue with a softphone is providing E911 services when a user can relocate at any time. Also, a softphone might cut into Sprint PCS revenues from business users who would prefer a softphone over a mobile phone when wired broadband or Wi-Fi connections are available.

Besides the BroadSoft software and integration by Lucent, IP Voice Connect will offer a range of phones by Cisco Systems Inc. and Polycom Inc., as well as integrated access devices by Edgewater Networks Inc. that include router and firewall functions.

Sprint said the service is available in most major metropolitan areas in 47 states, but IP Voice Connect is not listed under business services on the company’s Web site and the sales call center did not have information, such as features and price points.

BroadSoft Inc. www.broadsoft.com
Cisco Systems Inc. www.cisco.com
Counterpath Solutions Inc. www.counterpath.com
Edgewater Networks Inc. www.edgewaternetworks.com
Lucent Technologies Inc. www.lucent.com
Polycom Inc. www.polycom.com
Sprint Corp. www.sprint.com

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