AT&T Extends Reach with End-To-End Business Phone System in The Cloud

DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees today work virtually anywhere and communicate using a variety of devices – desk phones, smartphones, tablets and PCs. Yet most businesses don't have a consistent, professional way to connect their customers with employees working in multiple locations, out in the field or across the country.

AT&T* is meeting this need by offering RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T, an end-to-end cloud-based phone system that's affordable, easy-to-manage and ideal for today's mobile and distributed workforces. This nationwide service makes it easier for business owners and corporate work groups – both in-office and mobile – to connect with each other and their customers on whatever device they prefer. Additionally, the cloud phone system can be easily set up and managed with apps on smartphones and tablets. All that's needed is a broadband connection – no expensive PBX hardware or complex installation is required. Overall, the solution provides substantial cost benefits to businesses.

RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T extends the original offering (AT&T Office@Hand) to an end-to-end business phone system for both office and mobile work environments within one cloud-based solution. It offers a variety of features, including Plug & Ring™ ready IP desktop phones for the office, enhanced PC and smartphone apps for mobile employees, and international calling options.

In today's competitive business environment, all employees must be productive and professional by being readily available to customers. Office@Hand enables employees to make and receive customer calls and faxes from virtually anywhere by using their business number from their desk phone, smartphone, tablet or PC. 

Office@Hand also gives businesses added control over their company's image by empowering employees to have a single local or toll-free business number that keeps their professional identity separate from their personal mobile number.  Employees can also use their mobile devices to route calls, set up auto-receptionist and update call routing as business responsibilities change.

Key New Features of RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T

• Pre-configured Plug & Ring™ ready desktop phones
• Enhanced mobile apps for leading operating systems and improved PC and Mac applications to make and receive calls and faxes, as well as manage phone system settings and preferences
• Improved call handling capabilities, with virtually unlimited voice calling and faxes
• Presence feature for select desktop phones to see when somebody is already on a call
• Nationwide calling
• International calling options, vanity, toll-free and local fax/voice numbers
• Ability to add up to 800 employees for business locations nationwide

Quotes

AT&T: "Employees managing business outside the office can't afford to be offline or unavailable to customers or others company colleagues," said Chris Hill, senior vice president of Advanced Business Solutions. "They rely on AT&T to provide the type of solution that will help them succeed in this competitive environment. And RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T addresses their need to easily and affordably manage their complete phone system without having to deal with different vendor services."

RingCentral:
"Many businesses today have multiple offices along with on-the-go and remote workforces, yet most don't have an efficient and professional way to keep employees and customers connected within one business phone system," said Vlad Shmunis, CEO and founder of RingCentral. "We've solved this problem with RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T. It empowers companies and their employees, regardless of where they work, to more effectively communicate with customers and colleagues via a variety of business and personal devices."

Industry Analyst:
"Small businesses are increasingly turning to cloud-based technology for a competitive edge in today's marketplace," said Matt Davis, program director from IDC, an industry analyst group. "With employees working in multiple locations using a variety of devices, businesses need a consistent, reliable solution, such as RingCentral Office@Hand, to ensure they can connect with their customers whether in the office or on the road."

For a brief video on RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T, please click here. Small business owners looking for more information should go to AT&T Small Business.

RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T is made possible through an exclusive relationship with RingCentral Inc., an industry leader for innovative cloud-based business phone systems.

RingCentral Office@Hand from AT&T starts at an average of $16 a month per user for Virtual mobile users; and $38 a month per user for Premium office-based users. Free mobile apps are available from the major app stores, and a limited free 30-day trial for Virtual users is available for AT&T wireless customers. Monthly plans for up to 800 users are available.

General Information

For free business resources such as webinars, case studies, and best practices, visit the AT&T Small Business Solutions website.

Additionally, real-time information and updates can be found on the AT&T Small Business Facebook page and AT&T Small Business Twitter channel.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About RingCentral

RingCentral is a leading provider of cloud business phone systems designed for today's mobile and distributed workforce. By combining a hosted, multi-extension business phone system with advanced voice and fax functionality, RingCentral delivers ease of use, flexibility and mobility, which cannot be provided by complex and expensive on-premise legacy phone systems. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, RingCentral is privately held with backing from Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, Cisco, Scale Ventures, and DAG Ventures. For more information on RingCentral products, call 1-877-268-2403 or visit www.ringcentral.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.