Avatel Technologies Helps Southern Eagle Insurance Improve Client Service With Avaya IP Telephony

BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - December 10, 2009) - When Southern Eagle Insurance needed a more efficient, comprehensive communications solution to meet the demands of its growing number of clients, the company turned to Avatel Technologies, a Silver-certified Avaya channel partner. The winner of the 2009 Avaya SME Channel Partner of the Year for North America, Avatel Technologies knows that small businesses have a lot to gain with the right communications for their specific business needs -- especially when expenses are tight.

Southern Eagle Insurance specializes in providing Workman's Compensation coverage for Florida businesses and is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. The company often handles time-sensitive claim evaluations and adjustments. A missed call or unanswered message can delay the claim process, result in needless frustration for clients and put Southern Eagle's commitment to service at odds with a customer's experience.

To help Southern Eagle improve service and avoid delays, Avatel Technologies recommended Avaya IP Office 500 for its feature-rich capabilities and the simplicity with which it could be managed. The flexible solution can also be easily updated or modified as the business grows in the ever-changing insurance field. In addition, the solution would allow Southern Eagle to tie into the communications network of its parent company, Administrative Concepts, for greater savings and efficiencies.

As a trusted partner, Avatel Technologies plays a critical role keeping the Southern Eagle and Administrative Concepts' network finely-tuned, providing a dedicated, two-person team to help ensure a seamless continuum of service delivered jointly by Avaya Global Services and Avatel Technologies staff members certified in Avaya technologies.

"Avatel has been my telecommunication vendor of choice for several years. They provide the same prompt service and follow-through every time, whether I'm placing a $100 order or a $20,000 order," said Joe Link, IT Administrator for Administrative Concepts. "I have a designated account manager and an engineer from Avatel to support me. It's nice to know that someone is always available to handles my account."

Sales, skills and service earn Avatel Technologies the Avaya 2009 Small Medium Enterprise Channel Partner of the Year award

The kind of care experienced by small and mid-size customers such as Southern Eagle Insurance and Administrative Concepts are among the reasons Avatel Technologies recently received the Avaya 2009 SME Channel Partner of the Year for North America.

In 2009, the company increased its sales Avaya IP Office by 25 percent and achieved a 126.8 percent lease penetration rate with Avaya Financial Services. Avatel's focus on marketing and sales combined with an investment in a strong team to continually exceed customer needs led to their success. Furthermore, Avatel initiatives such as its Client Advocate Program help ensure strategic service and quality throughout the entire customer experience.

"After attending a recent Avatel seminar on Unified Communications and Avaya IP Office, Administrative Concepts has decided to purchase another Avaya IP Office with centralized voicemail. Avatel will continue to support the communications needs at all of our locations," said Link. "Representatives at Avatel Technologies are always dependable, thorough and respond in a timely manner."

Avatel Technologies is a Silver-certified Avaya channel partner, Avaya SME Expert and an active member of the Avaya SME BusinessPartner Council. Avatel Technologies also was recently named the winner of the Best Place to Work in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Avatel employees.

"It's an exciting achievement for Avatel to be named Avaya's SME Channel Partner of the Year for North America," said Jamie Wood, Executive Vice President, Avatel Technologies. "We're proud to be recognized within such a strong community of Avaya channel partners and feel the honor is a true testament to our organization's work ethic and values."

About Avaya

Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

About Avatel

Avatel is a total communications facilitator, with expertise in systems design, planning, installation and maintenance. Avatel is one of Avaya's most qualified and knowledgeable communications solution providers in the industry with a singular commitment to excellence. From small business key systems to fully IP enabled multi-location Enterprises, Avatel offers its expertise to help any business communications environment become more efficient and productive. For further information, call 813-314-2166, or visit us at www.avatel.us.

Contact Information: Media Inquiries: Deb Kline 908-953-6179 klined@avaya.com