TEMPE, Ariz., March 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Inter-Tel, Incorporated (Nasdaq:INTL), a leading provider of voice and data communications solutions for businesses, is adding two more awards to its mantel. Inter-Tel Remote Support, a web-based collaboration and customer service tool, was chosen "Product of the Year" by Customer Interaction Solutions magazine. In addition, Unified Communicator(r) Version 3.0, an advanced SIP-based presence management and collaboration application, was selected as "Best of Convergence" by the research firm Frost & Sullivan.
Inter-Tel Remote Support is a web-based collaboration application designed to enable businesses to provide spontaneous, on-demand remote assistance to customers. The tool features a unique queuing mechanism, along with video streaming, document sharing and other capabilities. One of Inter-Tel Remote Support's most compelling features is the application's ability to take control of a user's desktop to address technical issues or co-browse to direct users to online resources.
A powerful presence management tool, Unified Communicator(r) v3.0 is designed to enable users to communicate their current location and status to colleagues, associates and clients, and then route incoming calls to specified locations such as traditional, IP or SIP endpoints; cellular and wireless phones; personal computers and handheld devices; or to colleagues or voice mail, depending upon the nature of the call. Users can also view the status of other associates on the network, and manage communications accordingly, based upon their availability. The application is browser-based and has a speech recognition feature, enabling individuals to access and configure the application from any location.
Inter-Tel is scheduled to release two new versions of these applications -- Inter-Tel Remote Support v4.5 and Unified Communicator(r) v4.0 -- later this year.
The Customer Interaction Solutions and Frost & Sullivan awards add to Inter-Tel's already impressive list of honors it has received thus far in 2006. Inter-Tel Web Conferencing, a web-based conferencing solution, was recently selected as a finalist in Network World magazine's annual "Best of the Tests" showcase of top-performing network products. In January, Frost & Sullivan bestowed Inter-Tel with its prestigious "Product Portfolio of the Year Award" for 2005, as well as its "Best Bang for the Buck Award" for the company's value-added applications designed to impact business performance.
"We are thrilled that these products are being so well received by industry analysts, trade media, and most of all, by our customers," noted Jeffrey T. Ford, chief technology officer of Inter-Tel. "These awards underscore the importance Inter-Tel places on developing advanced technologies designed to enable businesses to increase their productivity, enhance efficiency and control costs."
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the features and functionality of the Inter-Tel Remote Support and Unified Communicator(r) software, as well as statements regarding applications and tools designed to offer flexibility and value, increase productivity, improve efficiency and to achieve business objectives. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, dependence on new product or software development; availability of inventory from suppliers; the presence of software "bugs"; market acceptance of the product and related software as designed; and intended uses and benefits identified above. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements, please see the Company's Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006, other subsequently filed current and periodic reports, and the Company's most recent Form 10-Q dated March 16, 2006. Inter-Tel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All products and services mentioned are the trademarks, service marks, registered marks or registered service marks of their respective owners.
About Inter-Tel, Incorporated
Inter-Tel (Nasdaq:INTL) offers value-driven communications products; applications utilizing networks and server-based communications software; and a wide range of managed services that include voice and data network design and traffic provisioning, custom application development, and financial solutions packages. An industry-leading provider focused on the communication needs of business enterprises, Inter-Tel employs approximately 2,000 communications professionals, and services business customers through a network of approximately 59 company-owned, direct sales offices and over 350 authorized providers in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and South Africa. More information is available at www.inter-tel.com.