Aastra announces improvements to the Aastra 5000, a software-based IP telephony solution for large, multi-site enterprises. The solution is based on open standards such as SIP and the Linux operating system and supports scalability from 500 to 150,000 users, or 15,000 per server, throughout up to 2,000 sites. Service providers can offer the solution as a managed service. Centralized administration makes it easy to install, configure and manage system data from multiple locations. And, the system supports several levels of security, including spatial duplication, as in a second local or remote server, with automatic switchover, anti-virus and firewall capabilities. The Aastra 5000 software also supports a range of gateways, compatible with the company’s NeXspan IP PBX systems, providing a migration path for current customers.

 

The new Version 5.1C improves functionality in several key areas, including enhanced security – two levels of authentication for IP terminals and trunks – as well as simplified deployment, such as new provisioning tools for IP DECT and SIP endpoints, and survivability with a dual homing feature for branch offices and a back-up Call Server that can be located at a data center.

 

Aastra 5000 customers will also benefit from improved redundancy and security for IP DECT handsets. The system now supports up to 4,000 IP DECT handsets using an additional server. IP DECT handsets are among a variety of user device options since, as a SIP-compatible system, Aastra 5000 supports the full line of Aastra terminals, including SIP, SIP Video, SIP WiFi and SIP softphones, as well as H.323, IP DECT, GSM/WiFi and IP telephones. Aastra 5300ip IP telephones, are compatible with several platforms from Aastra including Aastra 5000, IntelliGate and NeXspan, and Aastra 5000 supports two digital versions of the 5300 Series telephones, Aastra 5370 and 5380, which are common with the Aastra IntelliGate systems.

 

Aastra 5000 supports a number of productivity applications, including Aastra Communications Portal, or “ACP,” for contact center, IP conferencing, Web attendant and directory, as well as the Unified Communication Platform, or “UCP,” for unified messaging and Web Services for CTI (News - Alert) and presence management.

 

The Aastra 5000 Call Server is delivered either as software-only to be installed by the customer on a standard server per Aastra’s engineering rules, or the software can be pre-integrated on a Dell (News - Alert) server. Aastra 5000 is available globally, but is sold primarily in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For a 10,000-user deployment with telephones with 50 percent entry-level, 50 percent mid-range, the price is approximately $250 per user.