Avaya announces mobile UC partnership with DiVitas Networks, adds devices

Avaya announced a number of new products today, but its mobile UC partnership with DiVitas Networks smacks of bigness for both parties, given Avaya's market share and DiVitas' solution.

DiVitas Networks' solution is now integrated with Avaya Communications Manager and Avaya Modular Messaging to provide a dual-mode solution for mobile employees to move seamlessly between campus-based wireless networks and cellular networks. Currently available on Symbian or Windows Mobile dual-mode handsets, DiVitas's client provides the interface to send and receive calls through Avaya's communications network and provides one number reach, mid-call management, presence availability, access to corporate directories and more; integration with Avaya Modular Messaging allows users to visually retrieve their Avaya voice mail with the DiVitas client through a single voicemail box.

CSX Corporation is the enterprise poster-child for the Avaya/DiVitas Mobile UC integration. One of the nation's leading transportation companies, CSX wanted to reduce its cellular pooled minutes, get rid of multiple handsets used by dispatchers to communicate time-critical information, and extend coverage to remote areas that have WiFi but no cellular networks.

CSX employees are using the Nokia E71 dual-mode handset, and the company reports lower cellular costs because of the "extensive" use of WiFi; there are also benefits from having mobile workers continuously reachable on their desk phone number.

DiVitas joined Avaya's DevConnect program in 2007 and upgraded to Platinum Status in 2008, so the selection by Avaya as its preferred dual-mode mobile UC solution shouldn't be a surprise. DiVitas should be integrated with Avaya's Integrated Presence Server (IPS) in Q4 of this year.

Avaya also introduced a couple of new phone gizmos today. The Avaya 9670G desk phone is the first "media phone" for enterprises, a cross between a telephone and a PC. There's a large color touch-screen and plenty of widgets to tap into, including weather reports, a calculator, access to maps and the like; think of it as a Verizon Hub for businesses.

In addition Avaya's new MyPhone USB Drive provides a way to enable any compatible phone within the enterprise; a user carries around his identity, features and preferences on the stick and can plug it into the nearest available phone while in an alternative location. Calls directed to their extension number follow them to the phone currently in use.