LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN ), a leading provider of advanced network communications, today announced the nationwide availability of its enterprise-class Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). Windstream's UCaaS is a fully managed cloud-based solution, offered to enterprise and mid-sized businesses for a flat monthly rate. The UCaaS product suite is hosted in Windstream's secure data centers and leverages Windstream's high-quality Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networking with Quality of Service (QoS) for optimized performance.
"Our UC solution helps businesses create a more collaborative and connected workforce, providing anytime, anywhere access to a range of UC options, using a single, consistent interface," said Matt Preschern, senior vice president and enterprise chief marketing officer at Windstream. "Our business customers are seeking solutions that offer business continuity, security and increased productivity – UCaaS, supported by our team of experts and entirely hosted and managed by Windstream, from our data center to the MPLS network, provides the smart solutions and personalized service our customers need to help their businesses succeed."
According to industry research firm, Frost & Sullivan, the hosted IP telephony and UCC market in North America, which includes UCaaS, is projected to reach $13.23 billion in total market size by 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 28.4%. 1 Developed in 2013, Windstream's UCaaS solutions achieved success during beta testing and have been designed to meet the evolving technology needs of enterprise and mid-sized businesses. UCaaS seamlessly integrates with existing customer tools, such as call centers, Exchange products and social media platforms, and its single interface enables a higher level of application integration and customization. Bundled solutions offer easy, affordable implementation of Unified Communications, and include services such as analog or VoIP lines, unified messaging, desktop video and a variety of other mobility solutions.
Windstream's MPLS network provides private and secure networking for fast and safe communications between multiple sites and locations, as well as the scalability required to adjust as business needs change, as well as QoS ensuring high quality voice communications. Windstream's UCaaS solutions feature 24x7 remote and onsite monitoring and support. Windstream's cloud computing, data storage and managed services operate out of its nationwide network of enterprise-class data centers.
"The introduction of seamless and uniform real-time communication platforms is driving enterprise adoption of unified communications solutions," said Bill Haskins, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research. "Windstream UCaaS is a cloud-based UC solution that yields a number of benefits and advantages, including the ability to reduce or eliminate capital investment, decrease management complexity and enhance the flexibility of upgrades; plus, it's a multi-vendor solution that can be tailored to meet an enterprise's specific requirements."
As part of its UCaaS solution, Windstream has forged partnerships with a number of market leaders, including Avaya, Cisco, Mitel and ShoreTel. For more information about Windstream's enterprise class data, voice, network and cloud solutions, please visit www.windstreambusiness.com .
1 Includes access revenues. Frost & Sullivan. July 2014
About Windstream
Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN ), a FORTUNE 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. For more information, visit www.windstream.com .
Windstream Contact: Tanja Jameson 501.748.7236
