DFAT to Deploy $6.5M VoIP System

May 7, 2007: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is making a $6.5 million investment in VoIP technology, announcing that Integ Communications and UXC have been contracted to deploy the system in its offices around the world.

The five year deal will see a new system encompassing unified messaging, PC telephony, one-number call routing, and web and audio conferencing rolled out in Australian offices first, then international offices further down the track.

A unique feature of the system will see international offices continue to use the existing voice networking system in the meantime, but according to UXC, the new system will enable users in overseas offices the access to the same features and interface as workers in Australia.

The system has been tailored specifically for DFAT at its 3,400 staff, and is expected to return substantial long-term telephony savings for the department.

"The UXC value proposition of combing specialised voice skills and experience, local presence and a strong partnership with Alcatel-Lucent were all key to making this a compelling case to position UXC to deliver this major voice infrastructure project for DFAT," said UXC executive chairman Geoff Lord. "We are excited to be participating in such an important DFAT initiative."

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