AireSpring, the cloud communications and managed connectivity provider, has unveiled its new Cloud Hosted Key System, aimed at serving the needs of small business or branch offices that prefer the familiarity of a traditional key system to a PBX.

The new system combines the functionality found in traditional key systems with cloud communications. Users can avoid the need to purchase or maintain on-premises equipment, as everything is hosted in the cloud, according to the company.

AireSpring’s Daniel Lonstein

Daniel Lonstein, AireSpring’s chief operating officer, tells Channel Partners his company has been offering hosted PBX systems for many years and customers have continually asked his company to change the new PBX systems to operate like their old key systems. AireSpring agent partners now will be able to move more customers to a cloud-based system, he said.

“This will allow them to replicate the way their current office is set up,” he said. “The key system was the basic system for small businesses. We’re happy to sell PBX, but at least we now have an alternative for those who want key functionality.”

The system now is available and agents can quote it in AireSpring’s online, real-time quoting system.

The Cloud Hosted Key System offers the following features: shared lines across all phones; direct intercom paging to a specific extension; a page all function; as many as 10 shared key system lines and 20 extensions; three-way calling; and music-on-hold.

The system also provides built-in disaster recovery, AireSpring Advantage service, a diversified network and the AireSpring Escalation List up to the CEO level.

Last week, AireSpring announced it has partnered with FiberNet Direct, a Crown Castle company, to offer its nationwide Ethernet Access connectivity.