Avaya's new solution looks to help combat cybercrime

Avaya looks to increase security for cloud-based deployments with its latest office release.

The business solutions provider has announced version 10 of Avaya IP Office which it says provides a number of benefits for businesses in terms of security, resiliency and end-user experience.

Avaya IP office is now available with built-in signalling and media encryption for endpoints and a particular focus on an increase in security.

In order to meet the rising expectations of end-users for a richer, more streamlined experience, the Avaya IP Office Platform introduces the H175 video phone, with a 7" hi-definition touchscreen display that's particularly suitable for smaller conference rooms. 

According to Avaya, the latest version takes a unique approach to resilience, providing system failover cloud to cloud, cloud to premises, premises to cloud and premises to premises.

Adrian Ho, principal analyst of Enterprise at Ovum APAC, says the small and midsize business sector in Asia Pacific is all about speed and streamlined deployment.

"Avaya's IP Office promise of ease, speed and built-in encryption hits the right sweet spot in this region," he says.

"In addition, the Avaya partner community in Asia Pacific - and specifically at the country level - is an important differentiator for providing the local customisation needed and in addressing vertical industry nuances."

This increase in security is especially significant to the midmarket, according to a 2015 global survey report, the number of attacks reported by midsize companies increased 64% between 2013 and 2014, from 2,581 to 4,227.

Gary Barnett, SVP and GM of Avaya Engagement Solutions, says the main challenge for small and midsize businesses is to keep up with the growing and ever-changing cybersecurity threats.

"It's these very constraints that increase the inclination to choose cloud-based services; however, it's also not a given fact that security is or will be provided by their cloud vendor," he says.

"That's why we believe security should be built into the solution as opposed to bolted on. It's essential, and a core component of our Avaya IP Office Platform.

The Avaya IP Office Platform is available through authorised channel partners in three deployment options: premises-based, hybrid or pure cloud solution.