AudioCodes Unveils CloudBond 365

AudioCodes introduced a new Skype for Business solution for service providers and enterprises: CloudBond 365. This hybrid appliance has a complete Skype for Business Server infrastructure, combined with management utilities and cloud connectivity tools, and is designed for hybrid environments, main sites, and branch offices. It provides the connection between on-premises and cloud, enabling companies to take advantage of Skype for Business and "the power and promise of the cloud."

CloudBond 365 is the latest in the AudioCodes' One Voice for Skype for Business suite of products. It's designed to provide smooth migration from on-premise Lync, Skype for Business Server, or other legacy PBX deployments into Microsoft's Cloud PBX. It provides full Skype for Business UC and Voice PBX capabilities, combining Cloud PBX with local PSTN services.

• The solution is based on AudioCodes' Gateways and Session Border Controllers, and is comprised of CloudBond 365 Standard, Pro, and Enterprise Box Editions, plus a Virtualized Edition and Management Pack.
• CloudBond 365 Standard Box Edition supports up to 200 users, and provides an integrated hardware appliance based on Mediant 800B.
• CloudBond 365 Pro Box Edition supports up to 500 users, and is a server-based appliance with integrated Software SBC.
• CloudBond 365 Enterprise Box Edition supports up to 5,000 users, and is also a server based appliance with integrated Software SBC.
• CloudBond Virtualized and CloudBond Management Pack will be available in the near future.

One of the major focuses of CloudBond 365 is easier deployment and migration of to Microsoft's Office 365 Cloud PBX technology. It includes a Cloud-PBX Connector, along with an open platform for Skype for Business and third-party applications. The solution supports Microsoft's Cloud PBX architecture, and is compatible with the AudioCodes 400HD series of IP Phones, Session Experience Manager, and Element Management System, which, when used together, can provide an end-to-end Skype for Business deployment.

In order to quickly recover from any losses, CloudBond 365 includes a backup and restore solution, as well as full user life-cycle and device management software.

Blair Pleasant, co-founder of UCStrategies, notes: "Most businesses prefer to migrate to the cloud gradually, and don't want to jump in all at once. This is especially true for Microsoft Office 365 Cloud PBX, which is currently lacking some of the functionality that businesses may need. By combining Cloud PBX with local PSTN services, CloudBond 365 offers gradual migration of users to Microsoft Office 365 Cloud PBX, providing more options for customers."

She adds, "By adding third-party application certification and working with companies like Clarity Connect, which offers contact center capabilities and runs directly on CloudBond, AudioCodes is helping to bridge the gap until Microsoft's Cloud PBX can be used by all types of companies as a full PBX replacement."

For more information, visit www.audiocodes.com.