Keen interest from operators followed its commercial launch, and KPN is one of the first operators to include Ericsson Mobile Centrex in its range of enterprise solutions.

The demonstration at 3GSM showed how companies and end users employ a web browser to control their communications preferences on the virtual PBX - a service that also includes full attendant functionality. In addition to services available via mobile phones - such as call waiting, call back on busy signals and company-specific messages - the demonstration featured high-caliber PBX services such as a call queuing and advanced call distribution.

Anders Johansson, Ericsson's sales manager for Business Communications, says: "Mobile services are now commoditized and are consequently price sensitive. Mobile Centrex allows operators to differentiate their offering and generate new revenue streams by providing a premium service that fully competes with traditional PBX providers."

Ericsson Mobile Centrex supports SMEs in rationalizing their IT and telecommunication budgets. By removing the need for fixed infrastructure, Ericsson Mobile Centrex paves the way for a cost efficient and streamlined all-mobile solution.

"In addition to cost savings, an all-mobile solution can boost flexibility and provide greater employee efficiency," Johansson says. "It also ensures that incoming calls always reach an appropriate destination, preventing loss of valuable business.

"For the mobile operator, Ercisson Mobile Centrex drastically improves customer retention and stimulates increased operator penetration within the valuable enterprise segment."