BT has entered into a joint venture with IT and telecoms services firm Calyx to create an all in one office telecoms solution for SMEs that offers broadband, VoIP and equipment for a fixed monthly price.
Entitled Exchange, the new service includes: a VoIP enabled-telephone system; handsets; broadband; ISDN; line rental; voice service; software updates and a comprehensive technical support and maintenance agreement.
“This is a very important development for us,” commented Calyx CEO Maurice Healy. “Strategically, it reminds everyone of how committed we are in this space – we are one of the largest voice and data companies in the country – and this is an innovative approach to the market. It’s also interesting because it is the first time we have joined forces with BT to develop a new product… this is a product that should do very, very well.”
The service was developed after market research showed a gap in the market for SMEs to source their entire communications needs through one point of contact. The advantages, both companies say, include supplier rationalisation, greater transparency of telecoms charges and equipment, better cost management and the capacity to free up businesses to concentrate on their core business and not on managing their communications systems.
“The aim of our partnership is to satisfy the demands of Irish businesses for innovative technology, at competitive prices, with guaranteed support and maintenance. We believe Exchange will help plug this market gap,” explained Mike Maloney, chief operating officer of BT Ireland.
The new service is aimed at businesses ranging in size from five employees to 50. Prices range from €171.66 per month over three years for companies of up to five people, €239 per month over three years for firms with up to 10 users and €403.16 per month for three years for organisations employing up to 50 staff.
By John Kennedy
Mike Maloney, chief operating officer of BT Ireland with Maurice Healy, chief executive of Calyx
