OKI Launches "CTstage® Lite" Small-scale Alternative Package for the "CTstage® 5i" Call Center System
Integrated hardware/software solution targets call centers with fewer than 50 seats
TOKYO, September 9, 2010 -- OKI Networks, an OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) subsidiary that designs and manufactures telecommunication products, today announced the launch of "CTstage® Lite", a small-scale alternative for the "CTstage® 5i" call center system that currently holds the leading market share in Japan. The software will be available in Japan stating today.
For "CTstage Lite", system functions and configuration have been simplified to suit the needs of smaller businesses, reducing cost by roughly 60%. Offering enhanced usability at lower installed cost, the product is ideal for users planning to set up a small-scale call center or those considering installing their first call center system.
The full-scale "CTstage 5i" system is an all-in-one package that provides all the functionality required for major call center systems. Its major feature is easy expandability: Systems can be scaled up simply by adding servers, using a single architecture that is based on Windows®. While "CTstage 5i" has won high marks for ease of customization, flexibility, and the fine-grained control it gives users, customers installing their first call center system or running small-scale systems tend to need simplicity, ease of use, and lower system installation costs more than expandability. To meet these needs, OKI Networks has developed "CTstage Lite", a small-scale package for "CTstage 5i" that addresses all these customer requirements.
"CTstage Lite" is an alternative to "CTstage 5i" that targets small-scale call centers with no more than 50 seats. It offers a package at cost savings of roughly 60% by simplifying functions and the system configuration, while offering a powerful range of features inherited from "CTstage 5i", including telephone control, real-time monitoring(*1), reporting functions, and high-capacity voice recording.
"To make system setup easy for customers installing their first call center, 'CTstage Lite' offers simplified settings for patterned control management items like ACD(*2) and IVR(*3), which previously required call center expertise," says Hidetoshi Saigou, President of OKI Networks. "The ceiling of 50 seats makes it possible to run all functions from a single server, including voice recording. The simplified hardware configuration reduces system price, installation costs, and labor requirements."
"CTstage Lite" also incorporates OKI Networks' "IPstage® MX/EX300" as a gateway used to connect with public networks, allowing customers who have already installed "IPstage" to establish full-scale call centers simply by adding "CTstage Lite". Since inquiries can be escalated by integrating the office and call center, this configuration allows departments to work together to respond to inquiries received through the call center.
As a specialist in call center systems and applications, OKI Networks will continue to meet customer needs and provide innovative solutions that help them create added value, and ensure their success.
Glossary
- *1 :Real-time monitor
Function that monitors the current operating status of telephone lines and operators.
- *2 :ACD
Abbreviation for Automatic Call Distribution, a function where incoming calls are sorted to a specific group of terminals that operators use. the appropriate terminals.
- *3 :IVR
Abbreviation for Interactive Voice Response, a function that provides automated voice response and interactivity.
About CTstage
OKI Networks launched CTstage in 1996 as a computer telephony integration (CTI) system for computer and telephony convergence. Since its launch, over 6,900 sets have been sold (as of March 2010). They are installed and deployed in various markets and currently hold the leading market share in Japan for call center systems. In November 2006, OKI launched CTstage 5i, which offers enhanced durability and expandability, offering customers the latest in technologies and capabilities through enhancements such as softphones and thin client functions. For more information, please visit: http://www.oki.com/en/ctstage/.
About Oki Networks Co., Ltd.
Established October 1, 2008, OKI Networks was spun off from OKI Electric to focus on sales, marketing, product planning, and product development related to OKI's telecommunications products. Tokyo-based OKI Networks currently has approximately 590 employees.
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