Deploying IPC: IP Communications brings the potential for deploying new business applications that transform communications and build competitive advantage. Read more about Cisco IP phone system and Cisco voice over IP phone solutions and learn the VoIP advantages of Cisco solutions.

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from Cisco Systems Inc.

Early adopters of IP Communications solutions have realized substantial savings in toll charges, maintenance, and support costs. But recent studies reveal that the principal reason for adopting IP Communications isn’t just cost savings, it’s the potential for deploying new business applications that transform communications and build competitive advantage. Many experts believe that unprecedented business agility will be delivered when advanced data applications—such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and supply chain management (SCM)—are transparently integrated with IP Communications solutions such as IP telephony, unified messaging, contact centers, and rich media (voice, data, and video) conferencing. When both networked applications and IP Communications solutions use the same intelligent network infrastructure, organizations will transcend individual productivity improvements and enjoy enterprisewide efficiency. Read further to see why different industries have deployed IP Communications solutions from Cisco Systems. Find out how top companies are taking advantage of the integrated network intelligence that a Cisco solution can deliver.

Southern U.S. bank cuts costs as it improves customer services
With more than 10,000 Cisco IP phones, Birmingham, Alabama-based SouthTrust Bank—which recently merged with Wachovia Bank—has one of the largest deployments of IP telephony worldwide. As a result of an integrated data and telephony solution, the bank will save more than US$5M through reductions in long distance costs, conference call charges, local and Frame Relay circuits, and more cost-effective moves, adds, and changes. Those savings will continue to grow as the bank more fully utilizes its Cisco IP Communications system. The bank recently began deployment of virtual contact centers that allow agents to flexibly work from home or remote offices. With Assisted Service capabilities such as Voice over IP, text messaging, and advanced browser and forms sharing, agents provide immediate, personalized assistance to customers to complete complex transactions without ever leaving the Web site.

Canadian airport integrates terminal operations
The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) recently finished construction of a new terminal that accommodates 65 airlines. The terminal integrates more than 14 separate communications networks and 11 information silos into one intelligent voice, video, and data network. Terminal workers can now access any information from any gate, service counter or kiosk using any IP-enabled device. Thanks to advanced IP Communications solutions from Cisco Systems, GTAA is transforming communications between airlines with unique capabilities such as automated boarding reminders, passenger information kiosks, emergency gate alerts and access to public and private wireless services.

According to market analysis by AMR Research, companies using virtual contact centers increase productivity by 15% and save an estimated US$1 million per 100 call-center agents. Annual agent turnover also decreases from 60% to 5%.

European sports retailer scores with customer satisfaction
The checkout counter clerks at Sports Soccer, a leading sport retail chain in the United Kingdom and Belgium, use Cisco IP phones to quickly and cost-effectively locate inventory items for customers. The Cisco IP Communications solution, which is based on an intelligent Cisco network, allows staff to search all stores in the area, automatically initiates a call to the store that has the item in stock, and presents a picture of the item on the phone display. Within seconds, clerks have information that used to take much longer to obtain and customers can immediately indicate whether the item should be shipped or held for pickup.