For Immediate Release: 12-Mar-2007
Gloucester Rugby, one of the oldest and most famous English rugby clubs has deployed an Avaya Inc. (NYSE:AV) IP Telephony solution to improve the clubs internal and external communications at their Kingsholm and Hartpury grounds. The agreement was signed with Avaya BusinessPartner Lister Communications. The new IP telephony network, based on Avaya’s IP Office converged voice and data solution, has enabled Gloucester Rugby to transform itself into a seven day a week business. The investment in IP Telephony was made as part of Gloucester Rugby’s plans to upgrade its communications system to address the evolving needs of a professional organisation that has to be in touch with players, coaches and management at all times “Rugby is an international industry, and clubs face the same pressures as any business. Having a fully supported, integrated telecommunications system, such as the solution delivered by Avaya was imperative to meeting the needs of our staff, fans and sponsors” said Perry Perrott, IT Consultant, Gloucester Rugby Club.
The new integrated telephony deploys Avaya IP Office at the main site in the Kingsholm ground and Avaya IP Office – Small Office Edition at the training ground in Hartpury. The two systems will allow better link-up between on-field coaches and head office and provide all staff with the tools to maintain a consistent, high quality service when handling match day calls and enquires.
“It was fundamental for us to be able to address the increased levels of calls both internally and externally. Avaya’s new IP Telephony solution has enabled us to improve communication between our staff at all levels, whether in the playing department or answering match day tickets and other media enquiries – all by using an all ‘in one’ converged IP enabled solution” concluded Perrott. The club’s main site has an IP link to the training site using Avaya IP DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) phones with sites linked by a high-speed Wide Area Network supporting IP telephony. The solution features highly resilient network architecture, ensuring service continuity in the event of a failure or fault. The Rugby club have also been using Avaya’s IP Softphone making it easy for staff to place and receive phone calls from their laptop, making it an ideal application for employees on the move. Paul Louden, SMB director, Avaya, UK & Ireland said: “The Gloucester Rugby Club deployment shows how converged technology can position small to large businesses to embark on a new stage of development in their commercial activities. It is important that businesses benefit from technology that can demonstrate a quick and real return on investment, not only for what they deliver today but also for the opportunities it offers in the future” About Avaya
Avaya delivers Intelligent Communications solutions that help companies transform their businesses to achieve marketplace advantage. More than 1 million businesses worldwide, including more than 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500 (R), use Avaya solutions for IP Telephony, Unified Communications, Contact Centers and Communications-Enabled Business Processes. Avaya Global Services provides comprehensive service and support for companies, small to large. For more information visit the Avaya Web site: http://www.avaya.co.uk About Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester Rugby was founded in 1873 and is one of the leading names in world rugby. With over 125 years of history associated with the club, we are a very special and unique rugby brand with a premium, high- level offering. With such tradition, there is a huge amount of pride and honour in an association with Gloucester Rugby An ever-present side in the English rugby union’s Premiership, Gloucester Rugby also plays in European and domestic cup competitions. With World Cup winners, international stars and young emerging talent coming together with a famously passionate set of supporters, it is the greatest entertainment around. For more information please visit http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk About Lister Communications | 
