ClearConnect unveils VoIP bundle for business, promises major savings

Last month Complete Technology Implementers (CTI) and newcomer ClearConnect International VoIP Services introduced the CTI VoIP Business Bundle. Reseller CTI, which is looking to expand its services across Canada and around the world, is banking that businesses will be enticed by the savings and the warranty offered by its new bundle. "We are excited about the financial benefits to Canadian businesses, who will now save as much as 70% or more on their long distance calling," says CTI and ClearConnect President, Giles Ouellette, in a press release. "The key to the service is the worldwide termination agreements established by ClearConnect." Although ClearConnect has only been incorporated for six months, it already offers point-of-presence in over 200 countries. While both were founded by Ouellette, and are headquartered in Barrie ON, CTI and ClearConnect are incorporated as different companies and have very different backgrounds; one is still in its infancy while the other has over two decades of industry experience. Founded in 1983 as a consulting firm originally specializing in office equipment, CTI quickly moved into telecom and became one of the first authorized partners of Nortel Networks. ClearConnect, on the other hand, is billed as a broadband telephone and video service company for both business and residential use, and the product that it offers is only nine months old. Currently, CTI is offering two ClearConnect VoIP packages, the Business Plan and the Business Bundle. Both include features such as up to 90% off regular long distance rates on international calls, the VoIP access device and unlimited branch-to-branch calls including to off-site personnel anywhere in the world. The difference between the two, however, is the bundle is packaged with a warranty program. "The CTI VoIP Business Bundle allows business to embrace the new VoIP technology without a change to their current telephone system or major capital outlay, and protects their current system from breakdown and malfunction however caused," says Ouellette. Indeed, the bundle’s all-perils warranty program protects a company’s entire communications system from any mishap, including accidental damage and acts of God. CTI also claims its software and remote access device allow about 95% of all trouble calls to be cleared without a visit from a technician. It’s this service and protection, along with a focus on the business sector, that will help differentiate the CTI VoIP bundle from competing offerings. Ivan Cohen, directing of marketing at CTI identified Vonage Canada and Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. as competitors in the VoIP market, but says they are putting more effort in residential sector right now, leaving lots or room in the business market. "Our code requires less than 20k per conversation, keeping bandwidth low," Cohen tells Network Letter. "This is an important consideration for any client considering a move to broadband technology for voice communication." When it comes to potential customers, CTI envisions an extremely broad market. "Any company with in excess of $200 a month in long distance would be considered a potential customer," says Cohen. "It’s pretty well a broadly acceptable product." To that extent, the ClearConnect service is also designed to seamlessly gel with existing business phone systems. According to its website, "the ClearConnect converged enterprise technology includes all the IP telephony elements that are needed to converge legacy phones, faxes and systems using an existing VPN." The system also allows businesses to retain their existing digital or analog phones along with their features. As Cohen says, "The ClearConnect bundle doesn’t represent a change to a company’s current telephone system. It adds to the existing phone system, expands calling capacity and frees up lines, also reducing rates for long distance." He also notes that ClearConnect’s distribution agreements with the major players in the industry will allow it to continue providing worldwide service at excellent price points. All this has ClearConnect and CTI thinking about the future potential of the service and the companies. "The Internet has no borders, and ClearConnect is available around the world wherever a high-speed Internet connection is available," states Cohen.

ClearConnect unveils VoIP bundle for business, promises major savings

News | 07/22/2005 4:00 am EDT

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