Andrew
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
LIQUID Intelligent Technologies has set up the first cloud voice services in Zimbabwe as the company moves to align its services to the growing needs of the fourth industrial revolution 4IR.
The service allows users to make calls over the internet, moving away from the traditional analog phone system that uses copper wires or optical fibres to make a connection.
Termed “OneVoice for Operator Connect” the cloud voice services will be a departure from the traditional multi-line telephone system that mainly uses a centralised private branch exchange (PBX) in business environments.
The cloud voice service offering is being piloted in Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and South Africa and is going to be offered in basic business standard and the business premium packages.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is characterised by the growing utilisation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies, among others.
The term “cloud services” refers to a wide range of services delivered on demand to companies and customers over the internet. These services are designed to provide easy, affordable access to applications and resources, without the need for internal infrastructure or hardware.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch event, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Head of Cloud and Cyber security, Munyaradzi Choto said the shift to cloud voice service came as a realisation of the heavy loss of work time resulting from Covid-19, which confined people to their homes from traditional workplaces.
However, this negatively affected some businesses as their operations could only be conducted from workstations without an alternative.
“One Voice for operator Connect aims to enhance collaboration in a remote work environment by integrating traditional telephony calling within the Microsoft Teams ecosystem, which allows individuals to work from any location,” said Mr Shoko.
“The product effortlessly automates Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) calling to the Microsoft Teams platform, providing Liquid Intelligent Technologies customers centralised access and control of traditional voice calling on their Microsoft 365 suite.
”The introduction of cloud voice services also came with the launch of cyber security services where the company has partnered with a number of big vendors in the market including Cisco, Huawei, and Fortnet.
“At Liquid, we have come up with solutions and expertise available to assist our clientele on the cyber security journey so that you can adopt these technologies and be protected at the same time, we have discovered that companies lose money and individuals can lose their identity if they are not protected, so this is the purpose of having cyber security,” he said.
Cyber security services protect computer systems against viruses, worms, spyware, and other unwanted programmes.
It is also critical in protecting users against data theft and computer hacking.
Commenting on the introduction of Cyber security services, ICT expert Rungano Chihonde said the risk mitigation had become pertinent in the Fourth industrial revolution given the growing use of the internet, which at the same time was prone to cyber-attacks.
He said the services would enhance the security of important information in institutions like banks, big companies, and individuals.
“Cybercrime is constantly on the rise, and many smaller businesses are extremely vulnerable as a result of ineffective cyber security.
“IT security solutions are essential for all kinds of businesses, particularly when you think about how important the internet and your digital systems are for your day-to-day operations,” he said.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a full one-stop-shop technology group that provides tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors across the continent.
Established in 2005, the pan-African technology group operates capabilities across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The group has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider.
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