InterCall, the world’s leading conferencing and collaboration service provider, offers a range of unified communications solutions, including design, implementation, and adoption services. InterCall wanted to use unified communications internally, to streamline communications and to become more familiar with issues its customers face. The solution needed to help teams connect more easily and provide flexible tools to support cross-functional workgroups. Many of its customers use Microsoft® technology, so InterCall worked with SKT Business Communication Solutions to deploy Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. Now, InterCall employees have access to voice over IP, instant messaging, presence, and collaboration tools. InterCall estimates that the new solution saved each pilot user about 30 minutes a week and could save as much as 15,000 hours annually when deployed companywide.

Central Technology Services (CTS), a subsidiary of Central Bancompany, which operates 13 community banks in the Midwest, wanted to improve access for traveling IT employees. CTS also wanted to build a cost-effective foundation for expanded communications options for the banks it serves. With the help of SKT Business Communication Solutions, a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, CTS implemented a unified communications solution based on Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The solution provides presence features and improved access for employees who are away from their desks, saving them 15 minutes a day. Users also appreciate the ability to manage their voice and e-mail messages from a single inbox. Because the solution integrates with existing telephony hardware, CTS can extend the life of that hardware while expanding communications options.

Thompson Coburn LLP, a regional firm with 340 attorneys, needed to address its aging Private Branch Exchange hardware. Wanting to use technology to improve client service, it also sought to enhance communications for staff by offering more options (including video) and by streamlining the contact process. The company deployed a solution based on Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007. The solution lowers the firm’s telephony costs, helps attorneys to identify the best methods to reach colleagues, and supports enhanced video conferencing. Thompson Coburn will integrate the new software with its proprietary customer relationship management application, Firm Contact Manager, to provide attorneys with additional information about incoming calls. The firm expects to derive business value from new forms of communications data that the solution will help collect.

Friends University, a private university based in Wichita, Kansas, wanted to improve conferencing across its three statewide campuses. Several Friends faculty and staff members also traveled frequently and sought streamlined communications while on the road. Additionally, Friends needed to replace an aging voice-mail system. To address these needs, Friends deployed a solution based on Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. A campus licensing agreement made the Microsoft unified communications solution dramatically less expensive than alternatives. The solution provides remote conferencing and unified messaging in a user-friendly way, effectively integrating with other applications. The university has also taken advantage of the solution to improve IT operations, providing a foundation for future enhancements to collaborative technology.