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| Main Summary Points |
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A limited user attendance did not detract from what was indicated to be a useful day and a half with some interesting presentation and interactive sessions. Feedback suggested that there was a better understanding of the options and the application capabilities and potential of version 4.
We have introduced our first session on feedback captured on the upgrade experience. This was seen to be useful information and it is now published in the members area. Further details can be obtained by emailing us. |
| Closed Session |
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Main questions for Aastra revolved around brand and marketing efforts in the UK and software assurance. Aastra responded with:
An undertaking to make reports/analyst info available to the to share with their management.
Software Assurance - no real commitment to a time but work in progress.
Internal matters - selection of chairperson and two new members of the committee. Fee structures were also discussed for the future. |
| A technical issue was raised on Aastra's function testing of new releases. Function testing response - They would review issues. |
| Aastra provided their road map going forward for the UK and updated us with product material. |
| Version 4.2 on MX-One coming out toward the end of 2011 which will include the new multimedia terminal. |
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| Datatrack gave an overview of billing challenges for both the end client and the vendor. A movement to more hosted billing services is apparent. |
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| MX-One update experience now being collated independent of the vendor and service partner. Information available in the portal. Main emphasis is on being prepared and ensure that training is not glossed over internally or by the partner. |
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Mobility Subject in the Enterprise..
We attempted to look at mobility from three perspectives:
- eFMC (all singing and dancing smart devices offering flexible UC and business apps integration). Damovo kindly presented and highlighted that despite lots of market noise out there little eFMC was actually deployed by businesses.
- The Aastra portfolio capabilities looked at what the products offered by Aastra can do to address mobility. THese included the soft client, AMC and AMC+ and not forgeting SIP DECT.
- The final mobility angle consisted of a hosted platform offered by Ericsson to Westminster Council where the MX-One is hosted in a data centre and the client has a one-phone policy of either a mobile phone or a fixed phone. This model was explained by Westminster council comms manager in conjunction with Ericsson. The interesting thing is that this solution was not about smart phones it was using straight forward mobiles used primarily as a voice service. 70% of the users are using mobiles not fixed phones. It is cellular based not requiring WiFi coverage.
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| Bham University have MX-One version 4.1 and Microsoft OCS deployed and interworking together. A true hybrid environment, with the client explained the interworking and day to day issues. This combined solution was implemented along with their partner Damovo. A hybrid environment will be more common place in future as comms moves towards a UC environment. Version 4.2 will have formal certification of Lync inter-operability. |
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| A session was held on digging in to SIP and where it is used in the comms infrastructure. Aastra highlighted where SIP can deliver real value. Note that SIP end points are availavle on 4.1 with a strong feature set, 4.2 will further enhance that and also include the Blustar (Video) end point. . |
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| Last but not least we had Simon Turner from AVST presenting network Vs corporate voice mail. Touching on the voice mail security issues and what can be done to alleviate them. The One Box platform is still a much underused tool for the business. AVST are happy to help. |
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| Aastra Day on July 4th |
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Aastra Day presentations are also enclosed for members access (see the downloads).
The Aastra Day was geared around updating all users partners distributors and consultants on all things Aastra SME and MLE.
A useful presentation from IDC was made.
Microsoft conferenced in to the presentation session acknowledging the Aastra end points for Lync. Using the opportunity to also promote Lync as a enterprise IPBX rplacement.
Aastra concentrated on some new client case studies and also focused on the strong DECT offering they have. The final and most significant element of the demo/presentations was the new Multimedia /video device the Blustar 8000. Early days yet, we thing the end of Q4 for potential deployment (V4.2 on the MX-One) but that would need to be verified via your partner.
Aastra should have their demo facility at Farnborough on line by August (hopefully) where you will be able to see the new devices in all their glory! |
