Solving 'absent' worker poser

In many offices, key workers are often away from their desks and unable to answer their telephones. This is a problem Ericsonn hopes to solve with its BusinessPhone Cordless solution.

Compact and pocket-sized, cordless phones can be integrated with existing PABX systems, allowing office workers greater mobility and accessibility, according to the company.

The radio system is based on the digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) standard and is connected with small base stations that can be placed around the office.

The BusinessPhone Cordless system allows secretaries to take calls at any time, even when they are away from their desks. It also means vital personnel can be reached even in the lift lobby or in different offices in the same building.

'Today, in each organisation, one in 10 people are taking care of the LAN system and PCs and this is a vital work area. If there are problems then support personnel must be reachable immediately, so the Business Cordless solution fits right in with that need,' said Jakob Magnusson, senior marketing manager for Ericsson's fixed and cellular networks division in Hong Kong.

'The pace at which we communicate is becoming faster and faster. We need to be reachable all the time. Having a good fixed-line voice quality system is also important. The advantage of DECT systems over mobile phones is that the voice quality is the same as with a fixed line,' Mr Magnusson said.

Because DECT phones operate within a small cell and are always near their base stations, talking time is longer (nine hours) and power use is minimal.

The cordless phones can be connected with PCs allowing enhanced functions, such facilities as caller display, hold and call transfer. When users are at their desks, calls can be taken on normal telephones.

DECT telephones have yet to be introduced, but Mr Magnusson said people were already showing interest in the system.

'The DECT frequency has not yet been opened in Hong Kong, but it was released in spring this year. So the market is more or less sitting there waiting and we think there is great potential for it,' Mr Magnusson said.