Smoothstone Delivers Presence, Instant Messaging and Collaboration for Large-Scale Enterprises With the Launch of AMP

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothstone IP Communications, a subsidiary of InterCall and a leading provider of cloud-based communications for the enterprise, announced today the launch of Awareness Messaging and Presence (AMP), a multi–channel (voice, chat and collaboration) platform with features that allow enterprise users to exchange information and work together effectively in a secure, scalable and manageable environment.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090806/CL57709LOGO )

Presence – the ability to monitor the availability of co-workers, instant messaging and real-time collaboration applications have rapidly become essential business tools as enterprises have harnessed the power to accelerate new forms of communication throughout their distributed workforces and stay productive in a socially-networked world.  For the large-scale enterprise, the costs and complexity of deploying traditional, license-based solutions can be prohibitive. Moreover, alternative public instant messaging services lack the security and governance features an enterprise demands.

With Smoothstone AMP, the enterprise can deploy a single, cloud-based application that offers the directory integration, encryption, chat logging and virus protection required for large-scale deployments.  AMP is a single, converged messaging platform that provides instant messaging, group chats, voice calls and file sharing. These user-based tools are designed to allow consistent presence visibility and communication access to reach the right people across their network in an efficient and effective manner.  

The AMP application is available immediately and is included as a no-charge option for users of Smoothstone's VoiceMaxx cloud-based PBX platform. Other users can subscribe to AMP on a simple monthly user-based fee structure.

"Integration of fully collaborative work environments is more important than ever as companies move to an 'always on' workplace," said Luke Blackburn, vice president of marketing for Smoothstone IP Communications. "AMP leverages a number of collaboration tools to enable increased productivity and efficiency and is especially useful for expanding enterprises and companies that support mobile workers."

AMP features dual presence, enabling users to monitor visual indicators of the online and phone status of their co–workers for communication availability. AMP allows users to set their own online status and also detects when they are on a call and will automatically post "On the Phone" or "Do Not Disturb" statuses on behalf of the user.

Like all Smoothstone services, AMP puts the IT manager in control with administrative tools to monitor users and usage of the application through access controls and company–wide chat logs.

About Smoothstone

Smoothstone IP Communications is the leading provider of cloud-based communications for the enterprise – including MPLS-based application networking, enterprise voice, unified threat management, advanced contact center solutions, unified messaging and collaboration tools – all delivered as a unified suite of hosted applications. As part of InterCall, Smoothstone's scalable, on-demand applications and services can be integrated with a customer's existing network and telecommunications infrastructure, operational processes, and employee activities, enabling customers to migrate to unified IP communications as their business requirements dictate. For more information, visit www.smoothstone.com or call 800.773.3037.

About InterCall

InterCall, a subsidiary of West Corporation, is the largest conference and collaborations service provider in the world and a leading provider of global cloud-based unified communications services. Founded in 1991, InterCall offers telephony, messaging, conferencing and collaboration tools for businesses of all sizes, from large global enterprises to small or regional companies. With a global footprint and broad service capabilities, InterCall's flexible models for hosted, managed and on-premises communications services help companies get the most out of their business processes.

InterCall's strong U.S. presence, including four call centers and 26 sales offices, is bolstered by operations in Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. For more information, please visit www.intercall.com.

About West Corporation

West Corporation is a leading provider of technology-driven, voice and data solutions. West offers its clients a broad range of communications and network infrastructure solutions that help them manage or support critical communications. West's customer contact solutions and conferencing services are designed to improve its clients' cost structure and provide reliable, high-quality services. West also provides mission-critical services, such as public safety and emergency communications.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, West serves Fortune 1000 companies and other clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, banking, retail, financial, technology and healthcare. West has sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information on West Corporation, please call 1-800-841-9000 or visit www.west.com.

SOURCE Smoothstone IP Communications