CenturyLink is now offering medium-sized businesses cloud-based voice and communications services through its new Engage portfolio. With Engage, CenturyLink is enabling businesses to tap into the benefits of cloud-based communications services by using either their own connectivity, CenturyLink's or both. The service is currently available to business customers in all 50 states.
The more than 80 unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) features include advanced call routing, audio, video, instant messaging, file sharing collaboration and access to call centers.
“This is an over-the-top solution that can be paired with the customer's existing internet/network connections, or paired with CenturyLink networking services," said CenturyLink's Simon McCaffrey, director of product marketing, in an email this morning to FierceTelecom. "The UC&C features are via Cisco’s BroadCloud platform. There are plans to offer internationally but no firm time frame yet.”
In September, CenturyLink announced it was looking for new partners across its Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by expanding its global channel partner program there. CenturyLink's EMEA portfolio spans networking, security, hybrid cloud and IT, voice and unified communications
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CenturyLink Engage includes a softphone app for PC, tablet and smartphones. IP phones are optional, and customers can bring their own compatible phones. CenturyLink Engage also provides customers with an optional online directory listing, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration and additional add-on tools.
CenturyLink Engage also features a "satisfaction" program that allows businesses to terminate the service at any time without incurring early termination fees, regardless of the contract type.
“CenturyLink’s new Engage service allows customers to bring their own Internet, but also offers the option to optimize performance by using the service over the CenturyLink network,” said Amy Lind, research manager at IDC, in a statement. “CenturyLink also allows users to mix and match the connectivity, which can be advantageous for customers with multiple locations in different cities.”