CVS Corporation to Standardize on Vertical Networks' Integrated Communications Platform.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2001 Nation's Largest Provider of Retail Prescriptions Chooses Vertical Networks' InstantOffice System to Upgrade Its Communications Capabilities and Reduce Network Costs Vertical Networks, the leading maker of Integrated Communications Platforms (ICPs), today announced that CVS (1) (Concurrent Versions System) A version control system for Unix that was initially developed as a series of shell scripts in the mid-1980s. CVS maintains the changes between one source code version and another and stores all the changes in one file. Corporation, the largest retail provider of prescriptions in the U.S., has selected the InstantOffice(TM) system for its new stores and certain pilot markets within its network. CVS has already started installations in these areas. Vertical Networks' InstantOffice system will provide complete voice capabilities, increase the capacity of CVS's voice/data network (thus enabling it to support new and enhanced applications immediately), and provide the company a migration path to voice over IP. Because the system integrates voice and data traffic over a single T1 line, CVS can eliminate some of the multiple voice lines that now serve each store. The retailer thus expects to deploy greater bandwidth for approximately the same price it now pays for telecommunications. The combination of increased bandwidth and the InstantOffice system can support new CVS applications that bring value to customers, but require more bandwidth than the company's existing applications. "Our decision to purchase Vertical Networks' InstantOffice platform for our stores is driven by our desire to enhance the services we provide to our customers, physicians, and other health care providers. We expect this platform will allow CVS to redeploy re·de·ploy tr.v. re·de·ployed, re·de·ploy·ing, re·de·ploys 1. To move (military forces) from one combat zone to another. 2. network costs, increase applications bandwidth, and improve our ability to monitor and manage our voice and data infrastructure," said Howard Edels, senior vice president and CIO CIO: see American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. (Chief Information Officer) The executive officer in charge of information processing in an organization. of CVS. "We compared products from a number of vendors and found that the InstantOffice system met our requirements. Furthermore, Vertical Networks was able to work with us to quickly customize its platform for our unique needs." "The market for Integrated Communications Platforms really started to take off at the end of last year. CVS's purchase of the InstantOffice system demonstrates that major enterprises are searching for more effective and efficient alternatives to the traditional, piece-part communications solutions that they typically use in their branch offices," said Joe Gagan, senior analyst at The Yankee Group (the Yankee Group, Boston, MA, www.yankeegroup.com) A major market research, analysis and consulting firm founded in 1970 by Howard Anderson. It provides general consulting and strategic planning in the computer and communications field. . "The fact that Vertical Networks is winning large corporate accounts proves that it is emerging as one of the leaders among companies providing convergent equipment solutions to businesses." CVS decided to standardize stan·dard·ize v. 1. To cause to conform to a standard. 2. To evaluate by comparing with a standard. on the InstantOffice 3500 model after an extensive review of in-store telecommunications systems from a variety of industry-leading companies. The InstantOffice system will become a key CVS platform that will enable new customer service-focused applications. The Vertical Networks platform will also integrate with existing in-store systems, such as CVS's Interactive Voice Response (IVR (Interactive Voice Response) An automated telephone information system that speaks to the caller with a combination of fixed voice menus and data extracted from databases in real time. ) system for prescription refills. "Since it is interoperable The ability for one system to communicate or work with another. See interoperability. with CVS's data network and IVR application, the InstantOffice system meets CVS's need for increased bandwidth while maintaining the value of its investment in its legacy systems," said Alan Fraser, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Vertical Networks. "At the same time, InstantOffice streamlines communications now and provides a clear path to the future, enabling CVS to move to new technologies such as voice over IP when it's ready." A Call Center in Each Store Vertical Networks' integrated solution includes InstantOffice Call Routing and Queuing (CRQ CRQ Call Request CRQ Common Recall Queue (IBM mainframes, dataset management) CRQ Contrôle routier Québec CRQ Claim Reunderwriting Query (insurance) CRQ Command Response Queue CRQ Continuous Repeat Request ), an application that will allow CVS in-store pharmacies, and indeed entire stores, to act like small call centers. CRQ will improve communications and enhance customer interaction by quickly and efficiently routing inbound in·bound 1 adj. Bound inward; incoming: inbound commuter traffic. Adj. 1. inbound calls, based on caller needs, to pharmacies or other in-store departments. In the future, this functionality will allow CVS to continue to build custom applications that improve customer service. Vertical Networks worked with CVS to develop customized CRQ features and integrate them with existing CVS processes, such as its IVR system. Although it provides the functionality of a high-end call center application, CRQ is not as costly or complex as other products designed for larger enterprises. The InstantOffice system will provide CVS with integrated voice and data access facilities over T1 lines, centralized cen·tral·ize v. cen·tral·ized, cen·tral·iz·ing, cen·tral·iz·es v.tr. 1. To draw into or toward a center; consolidate. 2. management, and convergence of voice and data applications over CVS's network infrastructure. Each InstantOffice system will be served with one T1 line and will be equipped with integrated auto-attendant/voice mail capability and an uninterruptible power supply See UPS. (hardware) Uninterruptible Power Supply - (UPS) A battery powered power supply unit that is guaranteed to provide power to a computer in the event of interruptions in the incoming mains electrical power. . About Vertical Networks, Inc. Vertical Networks is the leading provider of Integrated Communications Platforms (ICPs), the first systems that combine voice, data, and applications support into one remotely manageable platform. With a unique focus on the needs of enterprise branch offices and small to medium-sized businesses worldwide, Vertical Networks delivers business solutions to a wide range of industries, including financial services The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. , medical, publishing, and retail. To ensure total customer satisfaction, Vertical Networks' strategic network service provider, reseller, and systems integration partners offer comprehensive support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services , including 7x24 on-site support. For more information about Vertical Networks' products, visit the company's World Wide Web site at www.vertical.com or call 408/523-9700. |
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