Florexpo Experiences Significant Productivity Gains with Sphere Communications Enterprise IP PBX.

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. -- Sphere Communications enterprise softswitch and desktop communications software enables Florexpo to increase efficiency and become a more connected organization

Sphere Communications and Florexpo announced today the completion of its three phase rollout of Sphere Communications' Sphericall IP PBX - a next generation enterprise IP communications solution for all types of mid-sized and large organizations.

Florexpo has increased employee productivity across its multiple operating and distribution centers by utilizing high quality VoIP, presence, unified email/voice mail, three-way desktop video, instant messaging, on demand conference bridging and more - all available in the Sphericall IP PBX.

"In our business, being responsive on a moment's notice can make us money. I like that," said Keith Richards, Florexpo Chief Operating Officer. "With the Sphere system, I use the integrated video and text messaging frequently. It's made our communications much more effective and it's clear that our business is now operating more efficiently."

Florexpo began deployment of the Sphericall IP PBX in their Carlsbad, California location, by leveraging Sphere's ability to enable a smooth migration from their legacy PBX environment. Florexpo then expanded their IP PBX deployment to other west coast sites in a multi-phase rollout; quickly transitioning to a new IP-based communications environment.

"Before we had the Sphere system it could be very frustrating to locate people in other facilities," said David Briggs, General Manager of Florexpo's Kendal North business unit located in Portland, Oregon. "Today I can get a hold of people much faster and it's made our day-to-day business much easier."

Utilizing the Sphericall Desktop software and standard IP telephones, Florexpo employees each have a "smart directory" on their desktop that allows them to see the status of other employees and easily click to dial, transfer calls anywhere inside and outside of the organization, send instant text messages, and more. Because the Sphericall Desktop software synchronizes with each user's telephone and calendar, the online smart directory automatically notifies other employees if the person is available, on the phone, or in a meeting, etc., enabling everyone to reach each other faster, more efficiently and with less effort.

The Sphericall IP PBX also enables people working from home or on the road to have the same communications features as if they were in the office. "When I'm traveling, it's really nice to be connected through the integrated softphone," said Richards. "I simply fire up my Sphericall Desktop and I'm totally accessible, no one even knows I'm out."

"Florexpo is a great example of an organization that truly understands the value of converged communications," said Todd Landry, Vice President of Product Management & Marketing for Sphere Communications. "In addition to measurable telecom savings, they are experiencing the real promise of what software-based IP Communications can deliver - inherent productivity gains and an easy-to-deploy solution."

For additional information and for an online demo of the Sphericall Desktop software, please visit www.spherecom.com or call Sphere Communications at 888-774-3732.

About Florexpo

Florexpo is one of the largest fresh-cut flower suppliers for western United States retail customers, with over 500 different products. Leveraging over 100 western U.S growers combined with 32 farms across Columbia, Florexpo produces over 600 million stems annually. Florexpo includes Kendal Floral Supply as a wholly owned subsidiary providing its distribution network; utilizing three distribution centers across the western region that combined provide over 60,000 square feet of cooler space to process and deliver fresh-cut flower stems via a refrigerated truck network to retail customers.

About Sphere Communications

Sphere Communications is the leading provider of enterprise telecommunications software technology, providing truly integrated voice, video and data communications solutions. Sphere Communications has thousands of operational customers and was first to deliver IP PBX systems into the market. Founded in 1994 Sphere Communications headquarters is located in Lincolnshire, Illinois and provides its products to a variety of enterprise customer networks. For more information please see the Sphere Communications website at www.spherecom.com.