Telkom launches cloud-based voice services for enterprise customers

Telkom has launched a new cloud-based fixed voice service called “Omniconnect”, designed to provide SMEs and corporates with access to secure, cutting-edge technology without the burden of managing in-house systems. This Hosted PBX service, powered by global tech giant Avaya, offers a comprehensive software and hardware solution tailored to meet the communication needs of modern businesses.

Key Features of Telkom’s Hosted PBX Service

Beyond just making and receiving calls, Omniconnect offers a wide range of features that aim to enhance business communication and productivity. These features include:

• Conference calls: Facilitating group discussions remotely.
• Integration with email and mobile devices: Seamlessly connecting phone systems to mobile phones and email platforms for improved accessibility and communication.

One of the main benefits of this service is that it operates on a subscription model, eliminating the need for businesses to invest heavily in purchasing and maintaining fixed telephone systems. Since the system is hosted in the cloud, there is no need to physically host it on company premises.

Additionally, businesses can easily scale the service to match changing needs, whether it’s upgrading to more features or scaling down, ensuring that companies can stay up to date with technological trends.

Cost Efficiency and Business Focus

According to Kris Senanu, Telkom Enterprise MD, the Omniconnect service allows SMEs and corporates to focus on their core activities without being burdened by the cost and complexity of managing communication infrastructure. The service is designed to simplify operations and infrastructure, driving efficiency.

Senanu emphasized that the service is competitively priced, offering significant savings on both on-net and off-net calls, with billing based on per-second usage.

Enhanced Security and In-Call Stability

Security is another priority for Telkom’s Hosted PBX service. The service runs on a secure system deployed on Telkom’s backbone network, shielding it from direct exposure to the internet. This extra layer of protection ensures that the communication system remains secure from external threats, giving businesses confidence in the stability and safety of their calls.

Advanced Productivity Tools

Omniconnect delivers an advanced set of features aimed at improving employee productivity, such as:

• Web collaboration: Enabling teams to collaborate effectively online.
• Video calling: Facilitating face-to-face communication even when employees are remote.

Service Options for SMEs and Corporates

Telkom has tailored Omniconnect to suit the different needs of SMEs and larger corporations by offering three distinct service tiers:

1. SME Package:
   • This option is designed for businesses with 5 to 20 extensions.
   • It includes basic phone features such as making and receiving calls, call holding, transferring, voicemail, and paging.
   • Additionally, it supports third-party mobile apps to ensure that employees can stay connected from their smartphones.
2. Corporate Silver Package:
   • Aimed at businesses requiring a minimum of 20 extensions.
   • Includes call recording and ad-hoc video conferencing capabilities, offering a higher level of communication flexibility.
3. Corporate Gold Package:
   • The gold tier provides the full suite of features available in the silver package, along with voicemail-to-email, video calling, web collaboration, and Office 365/Outlook integration.
   • It also includes a conference bridge, making it easier for businesses to hold large meetings.

Expanding Partnership with Avaya

Fadi Hani, Vice President of Avaya for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, highlighted the growing demand for cloud-based solutions in Kenya. He expressed excitement about the partnership with Telkom, noting that Avaya’s cloud services are designed to help businesses operate in the way they want. The collaboration between Telkom and Avaya is part of a larger global trend toward offering flexible, customer-centric cloud services.

Conclusion

Omniconnect by Telkom represents the future of business communication, offering SMEs and corporates a cost-effective, scalable, and secure voice service. With features like email and mobile phone integration, video calling, and web collaboration, the solution is tailored to boost productivity and simplify communication processes. As more businesses look to the cloud to drive efficiencies, Telkom’s Omniconnect service is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Kenyan market.