New Covad PBXi Plus Lets Companies Use Existing Equipment

Covad Communications Group Inc. yesterday unveiled an IP PBX that lets small businesses and spread-out companies use their existing phone numbers, handsets and other equipment.

Covad VoIP PBXi Plus – a step below a fully hosted VoIP service – is sold through the company’s direct sales force and its agent channel.

“For Covad, this product offers a short sales cycle and easy customer implementation, and is particularly well-suited for our existing high-volume channels,” said Dave McMorrow, executive vice president of sales and strategic alliances.

Covad VoIP PBXi Plus runs over Covad’s Voice-Optimized Access T1 lines so the provider can manage the quality of voice and data services simultaneously. VoIP PBXi Plus includes complete E911 service.

"For small businesses and distributed enterprises, cost savings is the No. 1 reason for choosing an integrated voice and data access service,” said Elka Popova, manager of the IP Communications and Enterprise Solutions groups at research firm Frost & Sullivan. “Additionally, these companies may not yet be ready to adopt a fully hosted VoIP solution, so integrated access is a good alternative."

Covad Communications Group Inc. www.covad.com