Embarq adds managed VoIP services

Embarq Communications released a hosted VoIP offering with two tiers aimed at enterprise customers. Embarq said its Managed IP Telephony service provides always-on monitoring and alerting, and informs customers about network issues through phone or email.

Annette Pollock, product manager of managed services for Embarq, said customers migrating to VoIP often find it to be a "mine field."

"The VoIP applications are more complex than anything you can get over TDM," Pollock said.

The MIPT service also provides remote diagnostics and minor repairs, a 24x7 live response help desk, and monthly traffic and alarm activity reports, the company said. Customers who want to analyze their network performance at a more granular level can upgrade to the Comprehensive Services package, which gives them an assigned technical engineer, detailed problem reports to determine remedies, and project implementation.

Pollock said Embarq has sold IP telephony applications and validating networks to users for some time, but now it can provide proactive management as well. She said the hosted VoIP offering is mainly targeted at small- to medium-sized businesses, and it retails on a per server basis, rather than per seat. 

For more:
- see the press release here 

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