Hybrex Solutions - Corporate
In strict definition the term 'Corporate' relates to a business association or body that is incorporated, and as such has the legal rights and liabilities of an individual. In general use it implies big business. In relation to the solution suggestions here we are talking about business with employee numbers of ten upwards to one or two hundred or more. This may be in one location, but there is the distinct possibility as well of a network of offices distributed around the country.

Because larger business is usually a collection of groups of people it needs more of its telephone system than just more lines and extensions. It needs the ability to handle departments, even autonomous groups. Moreover as the numbers are bigger all feature and functional aspects of the telephone system are amplified. There is greater need for control and monitoring and economies gained by solution efficiencies have larger effect.

The Hybrex GDS series with its extensive range of features is a suitable choice for a corporate business telephone system solution.
The numbers of lines and extensions is well provided for with system capacities starting at eighty ports per cabinet with expansion to eight cabinets or six hundred forty ports available now. A twelve hundred eighty port system is in development and available soon. The feature set of the GDS provides an extensive range of flexibility for handling traffic in volume to departmental structures, whilst providing the control and reporting desired by management. The departmental approach can be extended to autonomous groups such as serviced offices where a GDS can be 'multi-tenanted', each group or office with its own facilities, control, and billing report-ability, all within the one GDS system. Integrated Voicemail is available as an option. In fact Hybrex Voicemail can be deployed in multiples if required with each GDS cabinet able to carry two four port sixteen hour voicemail modules. In development and available shortly is a new Voice Services module that will offer Unified Messaging and call recording in addition to extended voicemail capacity via open data storage options amongst other features. For a business with geographically separated offices multi-site networks can be formed of larger and smaller GDS cells that can be linked via VoIP trunks providing interoffice traffic economies with features such as desk-to-desk dialing within the company network. VoIP remote extensions will be very soon available allowing geographically remote phones that are true extensions of the parent system.
These are just a few of the features Hybrex GDS provides for a corporate communications solution.
See below for more descriptions :

Hybrex Feature advantages for Corporate Systems :



  • Range of trunk interface types available:
    Interface modules are available for all common types of network connections : ISDN Primary Rate or Basic Rate, VoIP trunking, and PSTN (POTS). The focus of corporate trunk requirements will most likely be ISDN Primary Rate (PRI). PRI provides up to 30 trunk lines in the one connection. There are service options available from some telcos (eg Optus) where PRI can be obtained with a base minimum of 10 lines and be incremented from there as required with no additional cabling. ISDN also provides service enhancements such as the availability of Indial number ranges, integrated CLI, and exchange based transfer (explicit call transfer) that can be well utilised by medium to corporate business. Hybrex GDS systems can carry one PRI interface per cabinet with three trunk slots still available for the other types of interfaces. As mentioned previously GDS can be configured up to 8 cabinets currently so available interface numbers should pose no problem. Where PRI is not required, BRA interfaces are available with the same ISDN functionality and capacity at 3 x BRA interface (6 trunk lines) per module. There are 5 trunk slots available per GDS cabinet. Where older supply points exist or mixed interface options are configured PSTN (POTS) modules are available with 4 or 8 trunk lines per module.

    VoIP trunks: A new technology is now on offer for voice communications where voice traffic is carried over the rapidly expanding digital data networks. This is becoming known by the generic term "VoIP" (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP requires access to a 'broadband' data connection due to its bandwidth requirements but where this is available the deployment of VoIP can result in considerable savings in the cost of calls. VoIP is however a young technology and in development but improving. Deployment overseas is rapid. In Australia the takeup of VoIP for business comms links is somewhat in line with the growing availability of good broadband connections and the (data) carrier networks able to effectively manage voice traffic. There are systems available now that provide PBX features, either by onsite hardware or via a 'hosted' form, that are entirely based on Internet Protocol (IP) where the entire communications system is carried over Internet data links. These IP-PBX have a perceived disadvantage in that if the data link disappears so does the phone system.
    Hybrex systems have advantages in this and other respects as a combination of interfaces can be, and often are, employed so the best of both worlds is on offer. There are VoIP trunking interfaces available for Hybrex GDS in 3 channel (trunk) per module (VMU), and shortly in 4 and 8 channel per module (ITU4/8). These VoIP modules can provide not only trunking to an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP), like Engin, MyFone, etc. for cheap calls, but can also be configured to form inter-office links where there are no call charges in the normal sense. Inter-office links configured in this way have not only the ability to transfer calls between offices but have other features such as 'desk-to-desk' dialing and/or a closed loop extension numbering scheme. For example: consider a multi-site GDS network where combination ISDN, and VoIP trunks are installed. An option avavilable for ISDN trunks is an Indial number range allowing different departments/offices to be assigned direct numbers. The main number for each business site is in the White and Yellow Pages, on letterheads, advertising etc. If an Indial range is leased some of the Indial numbers can be treated in the same way. These numbers are the primary contact for your existing and any new customers so inward customer channels are assured. VoIP trunks can be purpose dedicated or not, as desired, but can serve two purposes: one as a channel for outgoing calls to the public network where call charges are minimised (eg Engin/MyFone calls are 10c flat charge for National calls and very low rates for international); the other as inter-office links for both incoming caller transfer, and inter-departmental calls. Another option deserves a mention: VoIP channels can also be used in the same sense as that provided by a ITSP in that one site can call another another site via a VoIP link and then either by programmed or manual method seize an outgoing trunk on the target site system and dial out to wherever desired from there. So as an extreme example an office in Sydney could call their sister office in New York via VoIP at no charge, seize a local trunk on the NY system and call an unrelated number in New York for a local call charge there. When you consider some of these options it is easy to see why VoIP is creating so much interest and the variety of trunk options available for the GDS make it an attractive proposition for any business.

    GSM : Trunking options for Hybrex systems would not be complete without the mention of the availability of an interface for GSM mobile calls. The one form of call charge which hasn't dropped significantly in general in recent years is the cost of calls to mobiles particularly land-line to mobile. There are other networks available now but the predominant form of mobile network is still GSM. Where a business has a number of roaming personnel the ability to reduce charges for calls to the mobiles those personnel carry is an advantage. This can be achieved by having a number of mobile phones registered under one, or linked, account/s with one service provider. In this case traffic between those phones generally attracts significantly lower charges than otherwise. It is also the case that as mobile traffic on a business GSM account increases the selection of the relevant provider 'plan' for the traffic volume will result in significantly lower per-call tarrifs.
    The facility Hybrex offers for calls to mobile isn't strictly a trunk interface type but achieves the above by combining a line from a PSTN trunk module in the Hybrex system linked to a Hybrex GSM Router. The GSM Router is essentially a wall mount GSM transmitter/receiver. The Router carries a SIM card registered to the company account mentioned above, and the LCR of the system will generally be programmed to forward all outgoing mobile calls to the PSTN port mentioned - and thence to the Router. Thus calls made in this way will attract charges at the lowest 'mobile to mobile' rate available. A Router only represents one channel but multiples can be installed as desired. For business with anything but the most meagre mobile call requirements the Hybrex GSM option makes a lot of sense.


  • Extension equipment options for all needs :
    The full range of Hybrex digital telephones are available to suit any task.
    The digital handsets available range from : the executive DK2 handset offering 4 line backlit display and Bluetooth option; companion DK2 DSS console which offers 66 DSS keys lit with bi-colour LED's which can be used in multiples up to eight units for corporate reception workstations; the display and economy versions of the DK3 handset; the new multi-keyed DK6 handset; and Hybrex doorphones both the standard model and the Access Control Phone (ACP). In the very near future a range of IP (VoIP) handsets will be available allowing remote IP extensions to be deployed.
    The Hybrex Access Control Phone (ACP) is worth consideration where portal access is required. The ACP is a handsfree phone that also has the ability to control access through doorways that have electric door strikes (locks) fitted. Access is controlled by the use of RFID card or fob, keyed in entry code, or both. GDS programming allows governance of time of day, and day of week, access rights for each card holder, for each ACP portal. ACP also has security features that prevent unauthorised access by wiring alteration and can be configured to trip alarms if interfered with. For movement reporting Hybrex Access Manager (AM) software is available to provide records of cardholder movements. In combination ACP and AM can provide security and tracking as well as other applications such as a bundy system - an example where Hybrex software represents additional value to the user as part of the product feature set.


  • Flexible programming :
    Hybrex systems have a rich and facile feature set which can be employed to meet the great variety of behavioural requirements for a coprporate business telephone system. This flexibility is the result of the combination of thoughtful design and extensive programmability. Hybrex GDS systems employ a Web based interface for programming so are easily programmed onsite. With a GDS connected to an Ethernet network that has Internet access, remote programming is easily configured making authorised system access for monitoring, maintenance, support, and backup, available to support personnel anywhere there is an Internet connection. This represents a considerable advantage both in economics and efficient response for business management and service concerns alike.


  • Range of options for inward call handling :
    The desire for incoming call handling behaviour varies according to the type and structure of a business. Hybrex systems provide for inward call handling in many ways, some of which are :
    • Flexible ring assignment : allows for call presentation as and when desired. The GDS has a fully cascaded ring structure allowing any variation imaginable.
    • Call pickup : By default any extension can pickup an incoming call. Individual extension call pickup can also be programmed to group only or none.
    • Call transfer : Calls can be tranfered to any extension or off premises if required. All transfered calls carry the CLI of the original caller with them. A useful function for off premises transfer is an inherent feature of ISDN trunks, if fitted, where calls can be transfered at the exchange level (explicit call transfer) thereby freeing up system trunks for new calls.
    • Call forward : Calls can be automatically forwarded off premises after hours, or automatically picked up and played an after hours message. This is programmable trunk by trunk and satisfies a common business requirement. Each individual extension can set call forward for busy and/or no answer, or all calls. If the system is fitted with a voicemail card the mailbox for the extension would be a common destination. Otherwise functions such as 'follow me' can be employed.
    • Receptionist : The presence of a receptionist to handle incoming callers is a preference in some forms of business. Where a receptionist is desired Hybrex systems provide ergonomic consoles so an efficient receptionist can cope with appreciable call volumes. All Hybrex handsets have headset ports and the DK2 handset in particular is the preference for a reception phone, having a large display, and the ability to partner with the DK2 DSS console or consoles. DK2 handsets are also available with Bluetooth option should a wireless headset be required. DSS consoles can be used in multiples and allow 'at a glance' knowledge of system extension status; they also allow easy transfer of calls and keys can be programmed for special functions. If a receptionist is particularly busy the Hybrex 'Operator Overflow' function can be programmed to take the call, and play the caller a soothing message until their call is answered. Operator overflow, or ACD-1 as it is technically known, is essentially a queueing facility with the call otherwise following the normal ring assignment.
    • No Receptionist : For some business setups a receptionist may be not available all the time, or not desired, or impractical for reasons of the business type. In this instance there are functions Hybrex can provide to handle calls efficiently in an automatic way. The Auto Attendant / Direct Inwards System Access (DISA) facility can be programmed to handle calls by providing the caller with a message structure that allows them determine the destination of their call. This destination may be a department eg "press one for sales", or using the DISA technology they may dial the extension number they desire, if they know it, and the call will be passed to that extension. Another function of DISA is that, using a password or code, an incoming caller may select a trunk on the system and dial out to another destination entirely. DISA can be programmed with a pickup delay so it operates as a backup to normal call handling with all the features mentioned above and more.
    • Direct Inward Dial : Direct Indial (DID) is another feature available when ISDN trunks are employed and a range of telephone numbers are leased from the Telco. This range of numbers may or may not begin with the main business number, known as the pilot, but is commonly 100 numbers or more in Australia. The DID feature allows each of those numbers to be assigned to an extension (like a private line), or other purpose, by programming. DID calls bypass the normal call handling setups obeying only the call forward settings of the destination extension. They can however be picked up by another extension if that extension is programmed to allow it, and can be programmed to forward to a console (reception or other phone) if unanswered.


  • Conference Facilities :
    All Hybrex systems have multi-party conference facilities that can be initiated by a user. The GDS in particular has an automatic 'Conference Rooms' feature. There are eight Conference Rooms available with capacity currently for up to eight members per conference. This is a very useful business feature and easy to use in that a user, having been notified of a conference time and entry code, calls into the system and is greeted by the Auto Attendant then dials the entry code and is then joined to the conference.


  • Integrated Voicemail Option :
    The ability to react quickly to customer enquiries is good for business. Personnel can be in the position where they are unable to take a call and in this case the presence of voicemail in the system is an asset. Voicemail enables a caller to leave a spoken message/s for their desired contact. Calls may be presented to voicemail by forward from an extension (see above) or from an Overflow queue or DISA. Some of the advantages of voicemail are that the receiver is notified of pending messages by message lamp or DSS key so he/she can react immediately, and messages are receiver specific so they don't lose anything in translation, as can messages left by note or word of mouth from another source.
    Hybrex Voicemail modules (VMU) are available in a 4/6 port 16 hr format. These modules are fitted 'inskin' ie. integrated into the main equipment with no external boxes or PC needed. The GDS can be fitted with two VMU per cabinet. User guidance is provided by a voice prompt menu with users able to control mailbox behaviour in a number of ways. Such as record their own greeting, set mailbox password, set external call notification. External call notification is useful when personnel are out of the office : when a voicemail is received the system will place a call to the phone number specified by the user to notify them; the user can then call back into the system and, using DISA, access their mailbox to collect their messages. Another feature is simple call recording where a user can record a call/s to their mailbox for later review - handy for over the phone order confirmation for example.
    Hybrex Voicemail in the GDS has a rare but handy “answer machine emulation” feature where incoming calls can be heard at the receiving extension as they go to voicemail allowing the call to be picked up if so desired. Under development and available very soon is a new voicemail module that will allow extensive call recording and Unified Messaging.
    Hybrex Voicemail is an easy business advantage.


  • Outgoing Call Cost Reduction :
    For businesses of all types, and particularly as the size of the business increases, the continual outlay for the cost of calls can be a significant burden. Hybrex systems provide various ways of reducing call costs :
    • Least Cost Routing (LCR) : There are a variety of suppliers telecommunications services available in todays market. Each supplier differentiates themselves by the services they provide and the call costs they offer. These call costs can vary appreciably according to time of day and/or destination. Commonly a business will have a main supplier but can arrange accounts with one or more other suppliers that offer lower cost calls at times. By programming Hybrex Least Cost Routing can, for an outgoing call, chose the trunk to be used and modify the dialed number so that the call is placed via the path of least cost. This is done automatically by the system according to LCR programming and is transparent to personnel so they no longer have the burden of having to remember and use this detail when making calls. Minimising costs for the calls that are made is therefore a surety.
    • VoIP Trunking : Voice over IP, where voice calls are carried over an Internet data connection, is the emergent alternative to traditional telephone networks. The prime advantage initially for business of this form of telephony is the considerable reduction in call tariffs offered, particularly for national or international calls. Hybrex systems offer VoIP trunking, in addition to traditional interfaces, so business can avail themselves of these significant cost reductions for all call volumes, especially higher volumes. Management of outgoing calls will commonly use LCR described above. As a note, VoIP being new and dependant on data network integrity is not without a wrinkle or two - Hybrex systems being able to offer a combination of intefaces in the one system provide the best advantages of both worlds - the economy of the new and fallback safety if required. Another example description is given for VoIP trunking above.
    • Multi-site VoIP Networks : Where a business has grown to having multiple geographically separated offices the cost of interoffice calls, which will sometimes exceed external calls in volume, can be significant. One of the most prominent advantages of VoIP networks (like VoIP trunking mentioned above) is that networks can be configured for multi-site business where the interoffice traffic has no call tariffs. There are several ways of doing this. The first and probably easiest is that many of the Internet Telephony Service Providers (ITSP's) that provide connections for VoIP trunking also do not charge for calls between customer endpoints on their network. So you can have your cake and eat it too. In the first case your call traffic will go to and fro between the ITSP's servers and the end points with any inherent delays. The second way can provide for faster cleaner connections in that interoffice calls can be made point to point (P2P) ie. direct between sites. This way will usually mean dedicating a broadband connection to the voice link but this is the best method in any case, in lieu of more complex setups. If this is done Hybrex VoIP modules can be set up to allow both methods concurrently. Again - two ways to have your cake.
      There is another option that will be available for multi-site networks shortly. This is remote IP extensions and will be the most powerful for call handling (incoming) and interoffice traffic as the distant endpoints will possess all the characteristics of a standard system extension, including presence (BLF) where Hybrex IP handsets are used.


  • Hot-Desking with Hybrex Mobile Office
    For some forms of business that have a highly mobile workforce who come and go from the office it isn't economic to dedicate a desk/workstation to every worker. But just like a user login/account on computer the advantages of a dedicated extension number for each worker can still be attained using the Hybrex Mobile Office feature. These advantages include individual specific voicemail and more importantly accountability (extension usage can be tracked using Call Accounting - CAS) to name two. In use : the relevant phones are assigned as mobile extensions; a virtual extension with relevant resource and status assignments is created for each mobile worker; the mobile worker then 'logs onto' any mobile extension phone with his/her extension number and password; the phone then acts as their extension until they log off.
    The Mobile Office has immediate application. An example would be for some real estate offices where there are say twenty floating agents and six desk/PC/phone sets available. Another rather interesting application example heard of recently is the situation where a medium corporate with offices in a high rise with fabulous views wanted fairness for their staff; but also reward for effort. All workstations in the office were able to Hot-Desk. The workstations on the office perimeter next to the windows had the fabulous views. Workers were able to choose any unoccupied workstation for their use on a daily basis. The early bird gets the worm - think about it. Hybrex Mobile Office adds flexibility to your telephone asset list.


  • Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) :
    Almost all businesses these days use computers in their day to day running for information management etc. Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) represents the combination of computer applications and networks and the telephone system by virtue of data links and enabled software. The combination of one communication network with another provides tangible benefits. Hybrex systems are CTI enabled, and Hybrex software is supplied, to provide an enhancement of your business asset in various ways :
    • Call Accounting System (CAS) : Business is all about management of resources and so, given the choice, the first thing a business will usually want to know about their phone system is what calls were made and what they cost. It is therefore no surprise that one of the most heavily used advantages Hybrex CTI provides is Call Accounting System (CAS). Hybrex CAS provides the ability to monitor and report system usage by many qualifiers in combination or as required - eg trunk, extension, group, account, dept, time period, etc to name a few. Using this information and programmable rate tables CAS is able to provide a fairly accurate reports on call costs. CAS data is also exportable in forms readily useable for many other forms of business reports and usage. Hybrex CAS software is available in several forms for all Hybrex systems.
      Hybrex CAS is not the only option for call accounting though as Hybrex systems output a standard SMDR(system message detail record) data stream which most, if not all, third party call accounting software can utilize if required.
    • Access Control : Hybrex Access Control Phones (ACP) are able to control doorlocks by the use of RFID card/key and/or code. Where ACP are used the companion Access Manager (AM) software can provide management and reporting of area access.
    • CT Star CTI Suite : Combining CAS, AM, Telephony and Contact Managers the Hybrex CTStar Suite provides a one stop desktop integration solution.
    • First Party TAPI and Third Party TAPI : TAPI (Telephony Applications Programming Interface) is a protocol used by Microsoft Windows applications to enable telephony integration. This protocol is standard and published so there are many applications (software) that have been written for various purposes that use TAPI. Hybrex systems are TAPI enabled by virtue of the Hybrex supplied software components "T-Server" and "TSP". First and Third party TAPI produce the same end result such as screen pops for incoming calls and the ability to "click to dial" for example. The difference between First and Third is in implementation. Primarily First Party has a user's PC connected directly to the telephony device - in the Hybrex case to the keysystem via a serial or LAN connection depending on the system. In this case there will be only one CTI user. Third Party has multiple users connected to a server which in turn is connected to the PBX - in the Hybrex case the server is T-Server running on a suitable PC which is then connected to the Keysystem via a serial link or LAN cable dependent on which system is in use. Many TAPI based applications exist which can be used with Hybrex systems to achieve the advantages of CTI.


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