Shoretel Pushes Unified Communications Upstream

Version 11 of unified communications software also includes Web client and Apple iPone support.
Shoretel today released an update to its namesake unified communications software platform that adds support for the Apple iPhone and the ability to use a standard Web browser.

In addition, Shortel 11 has extended the number of database instances it can support while also supporting more integration with a variety of legacy PBX systems.

According to Kevin Gavin, vice president of marketing for ShoreTel, the extended database support means that ShoreTel can be deployed in a broader number of enterprise scenarios. Although ShoreTel has succeeded mostly by focusing on small-to-medium-size businesses, the company’s lower cost approach to unified communications is starting to gain traction with higher-end customers, he said.

This new version also lends itself more to being deployed and managed as a shared service, either by an internal IT organization or a service provider, Gavin said.

Gavin added that Shoretel, while locked in a battle with larger rivals such as Microsoft, Cisco and others, continues to gain market share in a tough economic climate as more customers pay closer attention to the true cost of unified communications.