UK Telecoms Consultancy First to Adopt New Hosted VoIP Communications Solution from Telstra Europe

21st August – CAS Ltd (Communications Advisory Service Ltd), a UK-headquartered telecommunications consultancy specialising in voice and data networks has adopted Telstra Europe’s new internet protocol-based Hosted PBX solution to drive down communications costs and improve the management and quality of telecom services for its employees in the UK, USA and South East Asia.

Telstra offered CAS its Premium Hosted PBX service, which includes pre-configured desk phones and PC soft phones, enabling users to make calls via their office computers and laptops which, in particular, give remote workers greater communications mobility when working away from the office. Upon installation by CAS of the pre-configured phones, the service was up and running immediately without the need for on-site engineer support.

All UK employees connected to the CAS Hosted PBX now make “on-net” calls for free. The service also includes features such as an operator console to manage multiple calls, geographic and non-geographic numbers, a “MyPBXService” online portal to carry out user profile amendments and to manage call traffic, call waiting and a separate online billing service. Through “virtual conference room” functionality, CAS is able to conduct fully interactive online meetings with colleagues around the world. 24/7 customer and technical support also comes as standard.

David Jones, Managing Director, CAS, said, “Telstra’s Hosted PBX service is enabling us to communicate more efficiently with clients and our colleagues around the world and drive our business costs down.”

“The quality of service is excellent and, as a converged voice and data solution, we have the flexibility to incorporate new services and add or amend users without incurring major equipment or technical support costs associated with a traditional PBX solution.”

He added, “Our colleagues in the US are also using their soft phones to connect to the CAS network via a VPN and enjoying cheaper internal and external calls. As the service is hosted at Telstra’s state of the art data centre in London we are confident that our mission critical communications are secure and that we have the service continuity we need.”

CAS adopted a tiered approach to implementation - it started with a LAN upgrade to ensure quality of service, then it transferred its fax and broadband service to Telstra, and finally installed the pre-configured IP phones.

Richard Gandon, Head of Product Management and Development at Telstra Europe, said, “All small and medium sized enterprises are looking for more cost effective and efficient communication solutions. Many now recognise the business benefits of converged voice and data communications which enable them to scale their communications infrastructure more cost effectively, whilst providing telecom functionality normally associated with much larger businesses. Our Hosted PBX service combines leading-edge technology with high levels of customer support to deliver a truly converged set of end to end services that help SMEs develop their businesses.”

Telstra’s Hosted PBX service has three pay-as-you-go service bundles for standard, enhanced and premium users. For detailed information go to:

www.telstra.co.uk/hosted-ip-pbx or call/email 0845 856 2120 / sales@uk.telstra.com

Telstra Europe will soon announce both reseller packages for its Hosted PBX service and also further details of its Hybrid-PBX service, which will enable enterprises to take a gradual approach to VoIP adoption using their existing PBX system.

Telstra’s Hosted PBX solution is supplied by Vistula Communications Services Inc (VSTL:OB) as their V-Cube VoIP platform.

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Media Contacts: Telstra Europe

Peter Fitzpatrick, hbl media, 020 7612 1830 / peter@hblmedia.com
Kathryn Hughes, hbl media, 020 7612 1830 / kathryn@hblmedia.com

Notes to Editors:

About Telstra Europe:

Telstra Europe is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS). Operational in Europe for over 14 years, Telstra offers an extensive range of voice and data services including total managed network solutions using Global IP-VPN (MPLS), Internet, ATM, Frame Relay, Private Lines, hosting and co-location services and enhanced voice solutions to medium sized business and multinational corporations in the UK. Additional value added services include fully managed CPE, network reporting, consulting, planning, project management, service tools, which enable customers to monitor and view their network status 24x7 and customer support seven days a week.

Delivering connectivity business solutions, value-added services and complex managed IP solutions, Telstra Europe’s portfolio is complemented by its independently-owned and managed switched network. Switches are located in London, Birmingham and Manchester working alongside 14 co-location points throughout the UK. Additionally, state-of-the-art, resilient datacentres are located in London, Docklands, Cambridge and Sunderland.

Parent company, Telstra Corporation Limited, is a full service global telecommunications company.

www.telstra.co.uk

About CAS:

CAS is a vendor independent IT and Telecommunications consultancy company that was established in 1980.

CAS has developed a broad base of understanding a client's needs and developing solutions using technology to provide business benefit and advantage.

Over 70% of CAS business is from referrals and additional contracts from satisfied clients. All consultants possess a significant level of experience in their specific field of expertise. Each one has held responsible line management positions and has at least ten years experience.

CAS further expanded on an international level, with a US based company (CAS Inc.), incorporated in 2000. Based from its offices in Houston, Texas, this provides a good platform to provide experience and international knowledge to its US based clients and also supports US companies with projects in Europe.

CAS is a member of the Communications Information Technology Association (CITA - formerly the TIA) and is taking a leading role with ongoing consultation processes for consultancy standards and conduct. Four of CAS's consultants are long standing members of the Communications Management Association (CMA), the leading body for positive influence and representation of UK business user views regarding communications supply and regulations. CAS also takes active roles in various committees and special interest groups (SIGs).

CAS are also members of the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), Association for Project Management (APM) and Institute of Directors (IoD)

CAS’s corporate office is in Westerham, Kent, UK.

www.c-a-s.co.uk