Apptix Launches Hosted VoIP Solution for SMBs

A provider of on-demand messaging and collaboration products, Apptix is offering the solution via a Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model. It works with the company's exisiting Hosted Exchange service.

The integrated voice and Exchange product aims to provide SMBs with a VoIP solution that comes with minimal set-up costs and a predictable monthly subscription fee, the company said.

Hosted Advantage

"There are close to 100 million SMBs worldwide today, yet traditional software vendors have largely ignored the critical need for business-class e-mail, voice and collaboration solutions for this segment of the market," said Amir Hudda, CEO of Apptix. "Apptix Voice provides SMBs with access to an enterprise-class IP telephony service without the expense and expertise required to deploy and manage this technology in-house."

"It is critical for us to have a reliable, high-quality phone service," said Russ Davis, president and CEO of Contxtual, an emergency communications provider. "I'm a 'set it and forget guy' and since we became an Apptix Hosted Exchange customer, I have gained a true appreciation for the value a hosted solution provides."

Contxtual now has a reliable, company-wide phone system without the headache and cost involved in buying and maintaining an on-premise solution, he added.

Apptix Voice is initially available through its MailStreet division and is built on the BroadSoft VoIP platform.

Voicemail Features

Apptix Voice includes voicemail function such as three-way calling, call transferring, call forwarding, and auto attendant; a "find me" function and other remote office and mobility functions; a Web-based administration module for configuring and provisioning voice services; support for multiple locations; and free on-network extension dialing.

An integrated Outlook toolbar provides access to calling features (including click-to-dial) from within Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Outlook.

"The value proposition of outsourcing components of their communications infrastructure is becoming more attractive to small and medium-sized businesses that depend on telecom to increase efficiency and professionalism," said Lynda Starr, senior analyst for IP Communications at Frost & Sullivan . "Apptix makes it simple for SMBs to migrate to reliable and affordable business-class applications to which they would not otherwise have access."

The set-up process for Apptix Voice is managed by Apptix and includes an optional on-site network assessment, porting of existing phone numbers, hardware and service plan selection, and installation services.

Apptix Voice plans start at $39.99 per month for basic features. A call center application, which comes with call queuing, call center agent distribution and statistical reporting, is also available.