Advantages of the Avaya Software Communication System SCS

Unified communications (UC) simplifies how people connect with each other, and with applications, eliminating the challenge of disparate workforces and numerous devices and systems. Presence, real-time and near-real-time communications are unified into a single environment that enables more effective collaboration, faster decision making, and ultimately, accelerated business processes.

But as the traditional line between IT and communications continues to blur, companies are looking for a new type of solution to meet their communications requirements — a solution that is cost-effective, easy to use, support and manage and that will integrate seamlessly into an existing IT environment.

Now you can stop imagining — SCS is a unified communications solution that addresses all this for small and medium sized businesses, in a simple, easy-to use form factor. SCS not only enables you to use the communication device of your choice to reach who you want, when you want, it also allows you to communications-enable your web based applications. It’s a solution that can drive down total cost of ownership, provide you with a competitive edge and make life simpler.

Avaya introduces Software Communication System (SCS), a multi-award winning, innovative solution that will establish a new industry paradigm: simple and truly open unified
communications.

A call server that’s distinctly different

Based on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), the universal standard for communications interoperability, the future proof SCS has the power to accelerate communications and collaboration between employees, partners and customers.
This advanced yet easy-to-use solution provides robust unified communications capabilities, including secure presence and instant messaging, integrated voice conferencing, unified messaging, single number reachability (i.e., Simultaneous ringing or Find Me/Follow Me), desktop-based video conferencing, and application integration with Microsoft™ Outlook and IBM™ Lotus Notes™/ Sametime. Rounding out the SCS solution is a full suite of hard clients, soft phones and application plug-ins.

Saves time and boosts productivity

A robust suite of UC features can help save time and enhance employee productivity. In fact, research indicates that highly mobile, highly collaborative employees can save 30 to 60 minutes every day1 by deploying features such as unified messaging, presence and IM, and single number reachability.

Up to 52% Lower Total Cost of Ownership vs. the Competition

SCS helps you eliminate or reduce the expense of several ongoing costs, including outsourced conferencing fees, tele-worker costs (second line charges), real estate costs, legacy PBX maintenance costs and service provider charges (e.g., long distance, cellular, calling card and trunk connections). In fact, independent research studies have proven the Avaya SCS Total Cost of Ownership is up to 52% less than competing solutions from Cisco and ShoreTel2.

Unique in many ways

SCS includes several unique attributes that set it apart from other competitive solutions. It is a software-based solution that runs on industry-standard IT servers. Based on an open source foundation, it is entirely SIP-based. It’s simple to install, use and maintain, and allows businesses to perform their own adds, moves and changes. Additionally, SCS provides a full suite of UC features in one all-inclusive user fee. No additional hardware or application- centric licenses are required, which can lead to a significant reduction
in overall total cost of ownership.

Eliminates vendor lock-in to ensure an open future

SCS is unique in that it is developed in close collaboration with the global open source community. The value is that it allows for real-time peer review and access to instant feedback to improve SCS. It also helps Avaya stay connected with end users, partners and developers — evolving the solution based on their needs.

This open SIP-based architecture also gives customers the freedom of choice. Rather than being locked into proprietary hardware and handsets, businesses have the ability to build custom communications solutions that address their specific business needs. To facilitate deployment of open, interoperable solutions, SCS has been included as part of the Avaya Developer Program, which enables companies to conduct testing to attain recognition of the interoperability or compatibility which exists between the developer’s product and SCS.

The other unique attribute of the SCS design is that it has been developed using a Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach. This means each communications feature is broken down into its own modular and open component. Individual applications (e.g., conferencing) can then be deployed independently on their own dedicated servers to increase reliability and scalability. In addition, each feature can integrate with other web-based applications — without impact to other features. It is through these open web services interfaces that web-savvy partners and customers can easily communications-enable their business processes and create new application mash-ups.

It’s all about simplicity — from start to finish

SCS offers top-to-bottom simplicity that’s virtually unmatched in the industry.

Packaging
The SCS package includes a fully integrated set of UC features that are bundled and available for one single user fee. Users receive all features and applications, including those that are typically more expensive (e.g., voice and video conferencing). With SCS, no additional core hardware or applications are required. And there are no additional license fees for features. It’s an all-inclusive structure that simplifies ordering and can dramatically improve total cost of ownership.

Installation
SCS installation follows best practices for call servers and is designed for efficient provisioning and configuration to minimize time spent on-site. SCS can be deployed on a variety of industry-leading hardware platforms and basic installation can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Administration
From an ongoing management perspective, SCS offers an intuitive user interface that allows users to do moves, adds and changes in-house. Adding a new user, for example, is a five-step process that takes just a couple of minutes.

Managing permissions is simple, thanks to a sophisticated subscriber management capability that allows you to put users/devices into groups and control access when required (e.g., disabling long-distance calls from lobby or lunchroom phones).

Intuitive applications
From an end-user perspective, an intuitive, integrated portal empowers employees to control and customize all UC applications with just a few clicks.

Smooth scaling
SCS can adapt and grow to keep pace with your changing business needs. Ideally suited for businesses with 50 to 250 employees, SCS can support growth for more than 1000 users.