Bank of America Experiences Operational Efficiencies with Cisco Unified Communications System

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov 20, 2006 (MarketWire)— Cisco today announced the shipment of its 10 millionth Cisco Unified Internet Protocol (IP) Phone which has been delivered to Bank of America, one of the world's largest financial institutions. Bank of America, working with its integration partner EDS, has deployed the phone as part of an ongoing project that is fueling business transformation and next-generation retail banking service innovations.

Bank of America began piloting Cisco Internet Protocol (IP) telephony technology two years ago through its systems integration and services partnership with EDS. The project was the beginning of a large-scale migration to consolidate many multiple networks onto a single voice, video and data IP infrastructure. Since then, the bank has rolled out thousands of Cisco Unified IP Phone 7960G handsets mostly in its retail banking centers and branch and remote enterprise offices as part of a network architecture that delivers ubiquitous voice services across the organization. By replacing its private branch exchanges (PBXs) with a single centralized IP communications network using Cisco Unified CallManager software and Cisco Unified IP Phones, Bank of America has improved operational efficiencies, reduced system management and maintenance costs, and enhanced customer service.

"Large organizations worldwide are optimizing resources and driving business transformation through Cisco Unified Communications systems, and Bank of America is an outstanding example of this trend," said Barry O'Sullivan, vice president and general manager for Cisco's IP Communications business unit. "Teaming with our strategic alliance partner EDS, Cisco is helping Bank of America improve its business communications capabilities, and enabling the deployment of next-generation Unified Communications applications. The deployment of our 10 millionth IP phone within seven years of Cisco entering the market is a significant milestone illustrating the rapid adoption of Cisco IP voice technology globally."