This follows PBC's intention to actively pursue synergetic partnerships to add value to its customers' communications systems.
Until now, organisations that required a Unified Messaging (UM) platform had to invest in on-site customer premises equipment. Thanks to the possibilities offered by the Internet, applications like UM can be provided by Application Service Providers (ASP's) thereby eliminating the continuous investment for upgrading on-site equipment.
According to the agreement, Conexys and PBC will jointly market Conexys' proprietary ASP-based communications solution. This "i-ComMand" UM platform can be seamlessly integrated with PBC's enterprise communications solutions. The customized solutions will not require changes to existing communications infrastructures and can be integrated with various other applications, thereby providing increased communications efficiency at reduced costs.
This partnership initiative follows an agreement made earlier this year in South Africa where joint activities are currently ongoing, resulting in a very enthusiastic customer appreciation.
"This single platform not only allows companies absolute management control over their communications but also provides them with the opportunity to become an application service provider to their own customers, staff and others," said Conexys chairman Edward Furtak.
"The increasing demand for efficient communication tools in Europe and PBC's strong presence in this market make it a natural choice to expand our joint activities here" continued Furtak.
"We see a tendency for applications to migrate towards the network, hence eliminating the need for companies to own, operate and maintain their own application platforms. Unified Messaging is a first application to go that route. Moreover, the scalability of an ASP solution will allow companies to explore the marketing potential, under their brand, of creating customer loyalty by, via their website, offering Unified Messaging to their customers. Anticipating this ASP market trend, we see an opportunity working with Conexys to gain important experience in this field." said Marc Bauchant, PBC's Marketing Director.
Philips Business Communications (PBC) provides open communications solutions (including IP telephony), applications software and professional services. Its activities are focused in four domains: Mobility, Networking, TeleBusiness and Desktop Productivity. Headquartered in Hilversum, the Netherlands, PBC is a business unit within Royal Philips Electronics. For more information visit the PBC website www.sopho.philips.com.
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 31.5 billion in 1999. Its 226.900 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, medical systems, and IT services. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.news.philips.com.