AG Communication Systems' iMerge Centrex Feature Gateway Extends Centrex Features to Packet Networks

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AG Communication Systems' iMerge Centrex Feature Gateway Extends Centrex Features to Packet Networks
    PHOENIX, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- AG Communication Systems, a subsidiary of
Lucent Technologies, today launched a new Centrex Feature Gateway (CFG)
product that extends office Centrex features over packet networks, giving
users the ultimate Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) service.
    Called iMerge, this solution enables service providers to deliver all the
Centrex features of any class five switch to their customers.  iMerge combines
the inherent reliability of the public switched telephone network with the
advantages of the packet network, including savings on long distance charges,
global reach and virtual private networks.
    "iMerge is a well-targeted product that aims to fill the service gap
between today's circuit-switched world and next-generation IP networks," said
Chris Nicoll, director, Infrastructure Analysis at Current Analysis.  "iMerge
makes a compelling argument to users who want  to get their familiar office
phone features over cost-effective IP networks and to service providers who
must provide those services using their existing infrastructure."
    iMerge gives businesses several applications.  For example, it offers
companies with multiple locations a single dialing plan and significant
savings using secure reliable packet networks for their voice traffic.
Telecommuters and road warriors get the office features they are used to, like
four-digit dialing, caller ID, call transfer and call forwarding, wherever
they happen to be.  When combined with AG Communication Systems' SuperLine
Access System and newPinnacle call center solution, iMerge enables businesses
to create "virtual call centers," with agents based in small offices or home
offices in different locations across the globe.
    The solution also offers a number of advantages to service providers.  For
example, it allows providers to expand their Centrex customer base without
incurring the expense of laying new copper.  iMerge also helps carriers
increase market reach by serving corporate locations out of their local
serving area and helps differentiate their Centrex offerings with
revenue-generating applications like virtual call centers, virtual private
networks, etc.
    Finally, it helps establish and maintain customer loyalty with bundled
service packages and unique pricing plans for geographically-independent
Centrex service.
    "iMerge is notable not just for what it does, but how it does it," noted
Ken Arndt, director of marketing, Switching for AG Communication Systems.
"The product's open, scalable architecture interfaces to multiple switch
types.  This allows service providers to use their current circuit-switching
infrastructure as a springboard into emerging communication technologies and
safeguards their investment in existing assets."
    AG Communication Systems (http://www.agcs.com), a subsidiary of Lucent
Technologies, is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced
communication products and services, including switching, access, video,
wireless and intelligent network products.  AG Communication Systems' GTD-5(R)
digital switching systems serve more than 17 million business, government and
residential subscribers.

    All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.  GTD-5 is a registered trademark used under
license from GTE Corporation.
SOURCE AG Communication Systems
http://www.agcs.com
CONTACT:
Hiro Notaney of AG Communication Systems,
623-581-4639 (work), 602-228-1989 (mobile), notaneyh@agcs.com