IBM Integrates IP Telephony

ARMONK, N.Y. -- On the heels of being named the top provider of network consulting and integration services for the sixth consecutive year by independent analyst International Data Corporation (IDC), IBM announced today an expansion of its portfolio of services for migrating customers' telephone systems to Internet Protocol-based (IP) networks. This announcement comes as many companies are now investigating IP telephony as a valid alternative to their legacy systems when faced with new phone system decisions, especially when renewing branch office equipment and fitting new buildings. The new IP telephony and voice over IP consulting and integration services can help organizations save up to 30% on network costs via lower management, bandwidth and application integration costs. These services also help increase productivity, flexibility and customer service with new IP-based applications, such as Unified Messaging (UM), IP-based Customer Relationship Management (IPCRM) and IP-based Contact Centers (IPCC). "Improvements in IP telephony technology are compelling customers to evaluate converging their voice and data networks to achieve cost savings, increase manageability and reap the benefits of IP-enabled applications," said Colleen Rafferty, vice president, IBM Networking Services. "As part of our commitment to e-business innovation, IBM is integrating voice and data across its own global infrastructure and, as a result, has developed a proven and extensive portfolio of network solutions for our customers." IBM Corp.