Scaling from 25 up to 100 users, ACS Express combines the Microsoft Lync 2013 Server with AudioCodes Mediant 800 voice gateway on a single appliance, including PSTN or ISDN, analogue extensions and SIP connectivity with ESBC functionality, and radically simplifies the deployment and management of Microsoft Lync Unified Communications platform for SMBs, and Hosted Service providers of Lync solutions.
“The cost-effective ACS Express solution provides SMBs with the advantage of having an enterprise class UC solution that includes high quality voice and the full functionality of Lync such as: video and voice conferencing, instant messaging and screen sharing from any device,” said Marco de Jager, Director of Business Development, Active Communications. “ACS Express should be seen as the enabler of Lync voice in Office 365. The ACS family of Lync solutions consisting of ACS Express, ACS Appliance and ACS Enterprise can now support 25 to 80,000 users either on-premise or on Office 365 Lync deployments,” de Jager continued.
“As an innovator in how we bring Lync solutions to market, and as Active Communications’ exclusive distribution partner for ACS Express across EMEA, Westcon is excited about the incremental sales opportunities for our partners represented by this new class of integrated Lync solution,” said Guy Koster, Director Microsoft Lync Business Practice EMEA at Westcon Convergence.
“The ACS Express represents a compelling proposition, firstly it extends the reach of Lync 2013 enterprise voice into organisations of less than 100 users at cost effective and competitive price points for arguably the first time; and secondly the ability to deploy ACS Express either on Office 365 or on-premise solution. We anticipate that Office 365 reseller partners and Lync hosting providers in particular will be quick to recognise the new sales and services opportunities this solution represents.”
“AudioCodes is pleased to partner with ACS as the platform provider of choice for the ACS Express,” commented David Messer, Director of Business Development at AudioCodes. “ACS Express extends the simplicity paradigm offered by our recently launched and enthusiastically received ‘One Voice for Lync’ initiative. ACS Express in combination with our new Lync IP Phones, delivers a simple, end-to-end solution for SMB Lync deployments.”