Unified messaging from Cisco, Microsoft and Lynx

Your messaging and communications in perfect harmony

According to Bill Gates, "Integrated communication will provide a single 'point of entry' to the networked world… People should have a unified, complete view of their communication options, whether by voice or text, real-time or offline, with ready access to tools like speech-to-text and machine translation." This is now a reality.

Lynx unified messaging solutions - founded on Cisco Unity and Microsoft Exchange - provide your organisation with one-stop message access anywhere, any way, any time, so improving productivity and customer satisfaction while bringing down costs.

Why Cisco Unity?
Cisco Unity takes current Microsoft Exchange 2003 capabilities and extends them to include facilities such as voicemail and fax through the same system

- Unity is founded on Exchange: it doesn't simply 'interface' with Exchange, its underlying parts are Exchange

- Unity offers a complete IP-based solution, requiring no additional cards or interfaces to deliver IP communications capabilities. It is able to take voice calls, faxes, e-mails and so on, using pure IP, and integrate them as part of the organisation's data network, collating all these messages and sources in a streamlined and sophisticated way within Exchange.

The flip side is that users can use Unity to dial-in as a voice portal and connect with the Exchange box: they can, while on the road, browse their Exchange inbox from their phone, PDA or similar device. Users, business professionals, are empowered while out of the office to prioritise and review voice messages, faxes, e-mail and so on: bulk access to a single personalised information store to improve business efficiency, speed of service and responsiveness, productivity, and so on.

Why Exchange Server?
Microsoft Exchange has been around in the market for quite a while - with Exchange Server 2003 it has truly come of age and is maturing as an essential tool in an IP networked world.

- Previously, implementing Exchange required well-engineered and sometimes convoluted interfaces for PBX, fax servers and so on. Now, you can buy a single Exchange box and enable IP interfaces into your telephony system, fax system and so on.

Why Lynx?
Lynx is the 'glue' that brings Microsoft Exchange 2003 and Cisco Unity together in the most efficient, cost effective and business-focused ways. We are a single point of resource, knowledge, expertise and accountability - and are proven in the field. Working with Lynx means you can get the best of all worlds.

- No other UK solutions and services provider has as much experience or the levels of accreditation for both Cisco and Microsoft that Lynx has. Lynx is unique in the UK as it is both a Cisco Gold Partner (Cisco specialisations are IP Communications, VPN Security and Wireless LAN) and a Gold Partner for Microsoft, with competencies in Advanced Infrastructure, Information Worker Solutions and Security Solutions.
- Tried and tested: BT Lynx has implemented unified messaging for a number of customers, including Irwin Mitchell law firm
- Customer Innovation Centre (CIC): BT Lynx's purpose built centre of excellence for all of its solutions, the CIC enables potential customers to see solutions in action and so achieve proof-of-concept/business justification - able to represent unified communications in action, showcased solutions include: data centre zone; home office; small branch office; mobile working; and integrated IP communications.

A member of Lynx plc, we employ 600 people at ten offices across the UK. 75% of employees are in customer-facing roles such as business managers, consultants, project managers and engineers.

A clear and defined route to full IP communications
Implementing Cisco Unity on Exchange provides a natural segue into full IP communications, including telephony, either now or in the future (when your business is ready). You can put Unity in now while you still have a legacy PBX - which isn't due for replacement just yet - and integrate voice, fax, e-mail, etc. You also have the assurance and peace of mind provided by an IP platform from Cisco, the undisputed global leader in IP-based systems and networking.

You are working with a truly open standard, so you're not locked into proprietary systems or technology. At some point in the future - one, two, three years - you can move to full IP communications. Yet your existing investments in hardware, software and PBX systems have been protected and capitalised on (even enhanced) throughout.

The Lynx IP communications roadmap is flexible, depending on where you are now and where you want to be. Converged networks and the benefits they bring - most notably through IP communications - are already a reality. It's not a case of "if" but "when". If you're not ready to make the move now, it makes sense to plan ahead for when you are ready.

For more information email enquiries@btlynx.com or call 01246 574481
Alternatively go to www.btlynx.com/events and book onto one of our July Unified Messaging Events being held at Cisco's HQ near Heathrow or at BT Lynx near Sheffield.

Lynx is a Microsoft Gold Partner and Cisco Gold Certified Partner