Level 3 Communications is adding voice offerings for the Microsoft VARs that it partners with, who are deploying Microsoft Lync solutions. Level 3 is offering customers a trial period when they use the Level 3 SIP Voice Complete solution to support their Lync deployment; expanding Enhanced 911 Lync coverage in North America; and is now supporting Lync audio conferencing.
“Implementing a Microsoft Lync voice solution can be an important decision for many businesses,” said Shaun Andrews, Level 3’s senior vice president of Global Voice Services. “Our ability to work with Microsoft partners to coordinate end-to-end solutions takes a lot of the guesswork and uncertainty out of it for our customers.”
He added, “Together we are helping customers design, deploy and implement new IT and telecom solutions. That’s just one way Level 3 continues to enrich the capabilities we offer through the program, and demonstrates our commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience.”
Level 3’s trial SIP Voice Complete solution for Lync offers installation of the service in 10 business days after the date of order acceptance, so that customers can quickly trial the capability before they commit to a permanent implementation. Customers must have existing direct Internet access or a virtual private network installed, and must adhere to deployment parameters outlined in the provided SIP Lync Configuration Guide. They also must provide any equipment, such as headsets or USB telephones.
Level 3 is also adding the ability to support Lync audio conferencing to its existing support for toll-free, local PSTN connectivity and 911 calling for Lync. Customers have the option to use Level 3’s Ready Access Audio Conferencing solution in the event they decide not to pursue a Lync solution.
Meanwhile, the company’s coverage of its Nomadic E-911 for Lync capability will soon be expanded by 500 locations this year for a total of more than 6,000 on-net Public Safety Answering Point connections, covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population.
Level 3 said that it is already has recruited more than 20 Microsoft partners into the Level 3 Solution Provider Partner Program, which also includes national, regional and global VARs, managed service providers, hardware and software suppliers, technology consultants and vertically focused solution partners.
