NEC Unified Solutions Inc. announced that Black Box Network Services, one of NEC Unifieds largest associates, is now using and selling UC for Business (UCB), a single-server unified communications application for small and midsized businesses. Black Box Network Services, the former Nu-Vision Technologies, has been a long-time NEC dealer and is NECs No. 1 associate in terms of sales volume, selling everything NEC Unified offers through the channel.

UCB allows us to consolidate several different unified communications applications down to a single-server solution and benefit from a robust set of features that normally are reserved for a large enterprise UC solution, said Paul Anthony, vice president of Black Box Network Services.

Black Box, which has achieved elite Triple Diamond Associate status in the NEC Alliance Performance Program, is utilizing multiple UCB features for maximum value. These include unified messaging for voice mail and e-mail in a single inbox; the ability to view detailed status information for employees; contact center management applications, such as faxing, auto attendant, SMS and chat, auto call distributor (ACD), call monitoring and call recording; and mobility features to allow employees working remotely to remain connected.

The UCB solution at Black Box also includes an integrated, customized IVR application that allows Black Box technicians to call in to a toll-free line and log billable hours spent in the field. UCB offers scalability and enhanced communication functionality by combining NECs world-class call center features with unified messaging, mobility and desktop telephony applications, said the companies. With these features, UCB can help improve the management of SMB communications through a customizable desktop application that can seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Outlook.

Black Box www.blackbox.com

NEC Unified Solutions Inc. www.necunified.com