Cloud comms firm 8×8 has launched its new 8×8 Express solution, a unified communications system designed expressly for smaller companies that may not have the IT staff to deploy and run it.
The company said that the online set-up takes just a few minutes and requires no implementation services. The service gives users unlimited calling to the US and Canada; HD video conferencing; business messaging, including text messaging and group chats; and intelligent call routing. Features are all accessible from desktop and mobile applications on both Android and iOS.
The comms platform also includes the recently launched 8×8 Meetings. This allows teams to collaborate with HD video conferencing that includes instant screen sharing, accessible on the same mobile and desktop apps used for calling and SMS. Users can join meetings directly from compatible browsers without downloading software. 8×8 Meetings is in early access now for all new 8×8 Express and X Series customers on X2 packages and above.
Other features of 8×8 Express include the following:
- Call forwarding, auto attendant and ring groups
- Voicemail
- Moving existing businesses’ numbers to 8×8
- HD voice and video
- Compatibility with multiple Poly desk and conference phones
- Integration with Office 365, Outlook Calendar and Google Calendar
- Self-administered management tool
Simplified Onboarding
Amy Lind, research manager at IDC, said that 8×8 Express will be appealing to emerging businesses that don’t have an IT staff, yet want a full-featured communications solution.
“The onboarding experience is designed to eliminate friction and headaches, thereby facilitating the adoption of a professional communications system for entrepreneurs, start-ups and smaller sized organisations,” she said.
Dejan Deklich, chief product officer at 8×8, said that for smaller businesses juggling free-trials or using a personal phone number “limits the ability to create a consistent, seamless experience for customers”.
“8×8 Express was designed to consolidate the core business communications functions and present a unified professional brand identity for organisations who are laser-focused on growth”
Deklich told UC Today that smaller businesses have unique needs for a fast and simple solution that gives them business-grade functionality – PSTN calling, HD video conferencing, SMS and team messaging – along with ease of use and implementation.
“Most solutions available also require an IT staff to assist during implementation – whereas 8×8 Express is designed with streamlined on-boarding in mind. 8×8 Express was designed to consolidate the core business communications functions and present a unified professional brand identity for organisations who are laser-focused on growth,” he said.
8×8 Express is available now in the US as a 30-day free trial through easy online sign-up. After the 30 days, the service is $12.00 per user per month with no minute caps and no long-term contracts. Deklich said that the company currently does not have an offering for the European market yet
You can sign up here for 8×8 Express.
