Panasonic Enters Cloud-Based Communications Market with Services Designed for Small Businesses

SECAUCUS, N.J., Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic System Networks Company of America today launched its first Cloud-based services solution, Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System for small businesses.  This marks the first step into the services industry from a company that has provided state-of-the-art telephony systems for business owners nationwide.  Recognized as the number one choice for small business phone systems*, Panasonic is now expanding into services to meet changing market needs by pairing its highly regarded business phones with equally reliable Cloud-based voice services.

"The Cloud is the new frontier for major technology companies like Panasonic, and we're excited to harness it for the benefit of our customers," said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America.  "Our small business customers tell us they want a simple, feature-rich, customizable business phone system.  Panasonic values this feedback and we have hand-picked the leading companies in their fields to help us reliably meet our customers' requests. With support from these industry leaders, we created a top-of-its-class Cloud-based hosted-voice solution to help small businesses maximize their potential."

Small businesses are the fastest growing business segment in the U.S. today. Collectively they account for more than $92 billion in spending on telecommunications equipment and services. Despite the size of their investment, many smaller businesses are underserved by service providers who have prioritized the needs of larger enterprises. Panasonic, with its history of providing hardware solutions for small businesses, will now use its expertise to provide convenient and cost-effective services to fit small business needs.  

The Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System is designed specifically to meet the communications needs of owners and operators of the nation's 5.5 million small businesses.  Using Cloud-based voice services provides small businesses with increased benefits such as, intuitive web-based installation and the ability to enable features, or activate additional lines by simply going online, instead of relying on tech support to help.  This reliable and easy-to-use phone system does not require complicated IT setup or support and is the first product of its kind to be available online and at convenient retail locations where small business owners frequently shop.

Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System is designed in collaboration with BroadSoft, the leading global provider of software that enables the delivery of real time voice and multimedia communications services.

"We believe Panasonic's expansion into the hosted unified communications services market exemplifies its dedication to innovation and desire to meet the communication needs of its small business customers," said Michael Tessler, president and chief executive officer, BroadSoft.  "Panasonic has been a trusted brand by small businesses for decades; we share its commitment to serving this market segment, and we believe small business will benefit greatly from this comprehensive device and cloud-based communications services offering."  

An affordable, off-the-shelf communications solution, the Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System includes easy, web-based set-up and account management.  Installation is as straightforward as registering the phone online and then plugging it in directly out of the box.  The suggested retail price for the basic package, which includes one corded phone and one cordless phone, is $299.99, plus $39.95 per line per month includes popular features, such as remote office, voicemail to email, conferencing and call forwarding, all of which can be tailored to fit a variety of business needs.  

The Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System model KX-TGP551, offers scalable systems for companies with fewer than 10 employees.  Later this year, the company will expand its Cloud service offerings even further.

The Panasonic Cloud Business Phone System is currently available at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, OfficeDepot.com, Staples.com, Frys.com and beginning on August 8, Fry's Electronics retail stores.  For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/cloud.

* For full calendar year of 2010 and first quarter of 2011.  By the Parsippany, NJ based information technology market research firm T3i Group.  Defined by T3i Group as the sum of key/hybrid, PBX, and IP-PBX business phone systems with 2-40 extensions.

About Panasonic System Networks Company of America  

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic System Networks Company of America is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). A comprehensive business-to-business solutions provider, the company develops and delivers reliable, affordable, and flexible solutions for communication, collaboration, security and productivity.  The complete suite of solutions addresses Cloud-based services, other home and business communications, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, and high definition visual conferencing, keeping Panasonic customers connected, informed, accessible and secure. Information is available at www.panasonic.com/psna. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic