Parallels, a company that provides platforms for delivering cloud services, has announced the successful deployment of Microsoft Lync through Parallels Automation at iiNet. iiNet is the second-largest DSL internet provider in Australia and a major competitor in the country’s telecommunications market. This new Microsoft Lync service from iiNet will provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia with access to affordable, enterprise-grade voice, telephony, and video calling services.

Source: iiNet website.

For the past two decades, iiNet has provided Australian SMEs with innovative connectivity solutions to adapt to the evolving dynamics of its domestic market. With almost 40% of SME employees now working remotely, the company recognized an urgent demand for readily available and cost-effective business-class collaboration solutions.

Building upon iiNet’s well-received Hosted Microsoft Exchange email service, this new offering provides SMEs with fully integrated corporate communication and collaboration tools accessible from anywhere, at any time, and through any preferred method.

The iiNet Microsoft Lync service allows businesses to conduct high-quality voice and video calls over their broadband connections, share their desktops with colleagues, and engage in instant messaging – all within a familiar Microsoft environment. Business customers can also take advantage of free local and national landline calls from a personalized number directly through their desk phones. Additional advanced telephony features encompass voicemail forwarding to email, call forwarding, and automated receptionist services.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of this groundbreaking voice solution, a first for an Australian ISP. By combining this offering with Lync, we can empower our small business customers to reduce costs and revolutionize their work processes,” stated Greg Bader, Chief Business Officer at iiNet.

“Lync represents a significant advancement – a professional communication solution designed to seamlessly integrate with your desk phone and desktop computer. Moreover, it is fortified by our dependable broadband network and award-winning support team, complete with dedicated priority business lines.”

According to the latest Parallels SMB Cloud Insights report, the global market for communication and collaboration solutions is predicted to experience a threefold increase within the next three years. This growth will see the market expand from US$6.5 billion in 2013 to US$20 billion by 2016. Customers are realizing substantial advantages by integrating unified communication services like Microsoft Lync with their existing cloud-based collaboration and communication tools, such as Hosted Exchange.

“The most recent report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) supports our findings that SMEs are prepared and eager to incorporate technology into their business operations, provided the solutions are budget-friendly, user-friendly, and require minimal maintenance,” commented Pavel Ershov, Vice President for Service Provider, Parallels Asia Pacific and Japan.

iiNet Microsoft Lync is offered in three packages, with prices beginning at A$1.95 per user per month, and no contract commitment required.

*”Home is where the work is – the digital worker” study, ACMA, October 2013.