MCI Advantage

MCI Advantage is the industry's only network-based IP Communications product serving both enterprise and small business customers. It consolidates local and long distance for multiple business locations over a customer's single data network. This dynamic product offering is the winner of the 2002 Product of the Year from Internet Telephony magazine. MCI Advantage allows customers to integrate traditional voice and data applications with new multimedia applications by converging these services over an MCI-provided data network. Much more than a VoIP solution, MCI Advantage allows customers to manage their networks more efficiently, reduce costs, and take advantage of new, leading-edge, multimedia, business applications. Customers can also experience simplified and less expensive moves, adds, and changes in their enterprise.

MCI Advantage supports traditional voice features, inbound and outbound calling, 911 and 411 services, and local number portability. Additionally, a Web browser is used by the customer to control features and call routing. All customer sites can be administered from a single location. Through MCI's innovative use of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), MCI Advantage also provides advanced features like network-based voice mail and instant messaging. SIP's open, standards-based structure offers more flexible and scaleable convergence solutions, and will be a key driver for future enhanced applications.

MCI Advantage consists of two services including:

• Bundled solution – This package includes unlimited local, long distance, plus high-speed Internet access for one monthly price. The required CPE to support the converged architecture of MCI Advantage is also included in the monthly price. Available in 786k and T1 speeds, it's an excellent fit for small businesses or larger enterprises with multiple remote locations. This converged solution replaces existing analog local business lines or PBX functionality, and combines local, long distance, and Internet connectivity into a single enhanced service. 
• A la carte solution – This offering prices each element individually and is designed to address the needs of multi-location enterprises. Transport methods include Internet Dedicated, Option 2 Frame Relay, and Option 2 ATM. Customers may choose to implement this solution with an existing PBX or use IP phones running Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). When using SIP phones, customers may eliminate their PBX and obtain their routing and features from the MCI network, providing a low-cost alternative to purchasing voice equipment.