8x8, a cloud provider of voice, video, collaboration, and contact center solutions, has launched 8x8 Express, a complete business phone system for emerging businesses.
8x8 Express offers unlimited calling to the United States and Canada, HD video conferencing, business messaging (including SMS and group chat), and intelligent call routing, all accessible from desktop and mobile applications.
"8x8 Express will be appealing to emerging businesses that don’t have an IT staff yet want a full-featured communications solution," said Amy Lind, research manager at IDC, in a statement. "The onboarding experience is designed to eliminate friction and headaches, thereby facilitating the adoption of a professional communications system for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and smaller-sized organizations."
"Our target segment thrives on rapid-fire problem solving and innovative solutions, often while working within a tight budget," said Dejan Deklich, chief product officer at 8x8, in a statement. "But juggling free-trials or using a personal phone number limits the ability to create a consistent, seamless experience for customers. 8x8 Express was designed to consolidate the core business communications functions and present a unified professional brand identity for organizations who are laser-focused on growth."
Features of 8x8 Express include the following:
- One mobile app for calling, texting, voice, and video meetings on iOS or Android devices;
- Call handling, including call forwarding, auto attendant, and ring groups;
- Voicemail;
- Porting of existing business phone numbers;
- HD voice and video meetings;
- Instant screen sharing;
- Business messaging, including SMS, one-on-one, and group chat with file sharing;
- Compatibility with several Poly desk and conference phones;
- Integration with Google Calendar and Office 365/Outlook calendar; and
- Self-administered management tool.