Research In Motion (RIM) has announced support for OpenScape Voice V6 from Siemens Enterprise Communications for its BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (MVS) 5.1. The solution allows customers to access desk phone functionality on their BlackBerry device.

RIM says that BlackBerry MVS, together with OpenScape Voice, can be used to provide a comprehensive Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) solution for BlackBerry users, enabling Siemens Enterprise Communications customers to place and receive desk phone calls on their BlackBerrys and enjoy the convenience of single number reach, extension dialing and phone features such as hold, transfer and ad-hoc conferencing. 

To connect with OpenScape Voice, customers can use AudioCodes Mediant Gateway, which will allow BlackBerry MVS to be used with mobile as well as wi-fi networks. With BlackBerry MVS, calls are routed through the company’s phone system.

Administrators can set IT policies and controls to take advantage of least-cost routing, and save on long-distance and international roaming charges. Call routing through the corporate phone system can also help with adherence to company policies and regulatory compliance requirements.

“Mobile and flexible working is now commonplace around the world, and BlackBerry MVS gives companies the means to further leverage their corporate phone system and better support employees while they are away from their desks” says Alan Panezic, VP, enterprise product management & marketing at RIM. “Giving users a wireless extension of the corporate phone system via their BlackBerry smartphones can improve workforce productivity, save costs on long-distance and international roaming charges and reduce employee cell minute usage, by allowing wi-fi-based phone calls from work, public hotspots and at home.”