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Telecommunications giant AT&T is reaching out to its small and midsize business (SMB) customers with two Syn248 phone models to choose between, thanks to enhancements announced by Advanced American Telephones (AAT), which manufactures AT&T-branded telephones under a license agreement with AT&T Intellectual Property.
The Syn248 system components include the SB35010 Analog Gateway, a basic deskset and feature deskset. Together, the pieces integrate with the existing SMB local area network (LAN), which eliminates the need for additional hardware or extra cabling.
The SB35025 Basic Deskset is the standard model that now includes a music-on-hold source, an external paging source and built-in Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 technology to pair a cordless accessory headset for hands-free talking up to 500 feet away.
In addition, new paging functionality allows the system to more effectively serve larger environments such as warehouses and other expansive spaces by joining with an external overhead paging system.
With music-on-hold support, businesses can connect an external music source such as an MP3 player to avoid annoying the customer with the same old Kenny G nightmare saxophone solo.
The SB35031 Feature Deskset adds more navigation and on-screen call handling and context-sensitive help on a 5-inch LCD display that almost doubles the size of the basic model.
It also includes built-in DECT 6.0 technology for headset pairing, and the SB35031 can handle up to five calls at the same time and boasts six quick dial keys for one-button access to common calling features.
The SB35010 Analog Gateway is listed at $219, the SB35025 Deskset goes for $199 and the SB35031 Feature Deskset is priced at $249, according to a company release.
Features on both phones include call routing, including the ability to set up ring groups, custom recording of on-hold messages and greetings for each department or time of day and the ability to store up to 100 contacts on the system phonebook and 50 contacts per station.
“In response to customers’ feedback, we’ve expanded our basic Syn248 portfolio by enhancing our basic deskset with new features and providing a second higher-end option to deliver the functionality and user experiences small businesses need,” Graham Williams, vice president of the SMB group at AAT, said in a statement. “Not only is the system easy to set up and use, but it offers the professional look and tools that inspire more confidence from customers.”
Syn248 products are also backed by free customer service, free software upgrades and a limited two-year warranty, including advanced replacements to reduce interruptions of business operations.
All Syn248 products also feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, with dual Ethernet ports on phone, built-in voicemail, with 30 minutes recording time, built-in auto attendant with custom recording of on-hold messages, dial-by-name (first or last) functionality and operator selectable day and night modes, three-party call conferencing, and do-not-disturb functionality to avoid meeting interruptions.