Several weeks ago when I started looking into VoIP: What About Apple, Zultys came up on my radar several times. I contacted my buddy Dennis Moran over at Zultys and he filled me in on the tremendous effort that Zultys undertook to unify users of Microsoft, Unix and Apple Mac OS using Q.T. that is a cross-platform application and UI framework that creates a better user experience.What I've always believed about Zultys is that they are an IP-PBX solution on steroids, meaning that they've got plenty of power when it comes to unifying users, desktops, phones and mobile devices. The MX250 scales to 10,000 users, and you can view their UC presentation here. In understanding more about their solution, Dennis connected me with Vladimir Movshovich, CTO of Zultys.
Vladimir explained to me their vision of delivering desktop-controlled solutions that provide users with greater value. In doing so, Zultys mapped out a plan to meet most users needs--not just Microsoft users'. The undertaking requires significantly more resources but Zultys uses Q.T. to provide a common platform for Windows, Unix and Apple Mac OS users. Vladimir also told me that just 2% of Zultys customers have all Macs, but 20% of Zultys customers have one or more Macs.
Another very important differentiator Vladimir noted is that Zultys provides call control and features, not audio, for Blackberry and iPhone users. The data experience is one thing and it didn't make sense to monkey around with voice--leaving AT&T or the other cellular carriers to deal with voice. For me, I appreciate this because I already know the iPhone experience using AT&T's network isn't up to par and it makes sense. Zultys can easily and quickly deploy remote teleworker phones without the need for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection by using MXconnect in native Windows, Unix or Apple Mac OS. This lets you make any phone number (e.g. your home or mobile phone) an extension of your office, allowing you to answer your ringing extension from anywhere, and place a call on hold or even transfer the call back to an internal extension using CTI. This doesn't mean giving up your privacy because Zultys will deliver the office caller-ID instead.
Dennis later demonstrated the Zultys UC client on a Mac after I logged onto their demo system without any downloads. What I found true to Zultys's advertising was the "one click" simplification of using the numerous features of MXconnect. The UC package is robust and uniform--meaning from selecting the profile a user logs in under, the UC tool isn't limited to a DSS/BLF or simple chat. Instead it reaches in and out of the ACD or numerous other features with ease and brevity. The real time statistics, drag and drop of calls in and out of queues and groups, visual voice mail, call recording, chat, call back and call back monitoring aren't just cool features but they are purposely designed using software unlike the numerous devices that occupied the ranks of TDM solutions. Still, these features prove to earn their keep because rightly applied they contribute to a better overall communications experience.
