Telkom launches cloud-based voice services for enterprise customers

Telkom has introduced a new cloud-based fixed voice service dubbed “Omniconnect”, allowing SMEs and corporates to outsource for robust and secure cutting-edge technology.

Telkom Hosted PBX service will deliver a world-class end-to-end software and hardware system, powered by global technology company Avaya.

Besides making and receiving calls, the service will also offer other features such as conference calls and the ability to integrate with email and the mobile phone.

The subscription-based service will eliminate the need for businesses to make heavy initial capital investment to acquire and maintain the fixed telephone system; nor will they have to host the same on their premises.

Businesses can also flexibly upgrade or scale down the service, in line with changing needs and technology trends.

Telkom Enterprise MD., Kris Senanu, said: “This solution will free corporates and SMEs to focus on their core businesses, without being bogged down by the cost of acquiring, running and maintaining this system. This is the future of doing business; enabling them to become more efficient in their operations by simplifying their processes and infrastructure.”

Mr. Senanu added that the service is competitively priced, with respect to on-net and off-net rates, billed per second, guaranteeing substantial cost savings on voice services.

Fadi Hani, Vice President – Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Avaya, said: “As we continue to invest in Kenya, one of our key focus areas is enabling customers to do business the way they want. Increasingly that means offering cloud-based solutions, and Telkom is at the forefront of meeting this demand. We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Telkom, which joins the growing number of partners worldwide who are now offering Avaya cloud services. We look forward to bringing even more customer-centric innovations into this important market with Telkom.”

Mr. Senanu also added: “The service guarantees security and in-call stability. It runs on a secure system, deployed on Telkom’s backbone network, to protect it from direct access through the Internet, and confers an extra layer of security.”  

The Telkom Hosted PBX service, Omniconnect, also delivers an advanced level feature set, including web collaboration and video calling, thus enhancing employee productivity.

The service comes in three offerings: two options for corporates (silver and gold) and one for SMEs.

The SME option will offer the customer between five and 20 extensions, and comes with third-party mobile app support, as well as basic phone features (making and receiving calls, holding, transferring, voicemail, and parking/paging).

The corporate option, which services a minimum of 20 extensions, provides call recording and ad-hoc video-conferencing on the silver tier. Customers investing in the gold tier will enjoy the same benefits, plus voicemail to email, video calling, web collaboration, Office 365/Outlook integration and conference bridge.