Sprint has announced availability of Sprint Wireless Integration with Cisco Unified Communications Manager, an integrated mobility solution that delivers fixed mobile convergence to businesses on Sprint's Now Network.

Sprint Wireless Integration extends Cisco Unified Communications Manager functionality to Sprint mobile phones, providing productivity, cost efficiencies, and greater control of mobile devices.

Sprint Wireless Integration is delivered using the Sprint IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture, built into Sprint's IP/MPLS network, which minimizes equipment required on the customer premises and allows for intelligent routing and "on-net" calling capabilities nationwide.

The solution uses a customer's existing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unified Internet Protocol (IP) phones, and a Cisco Unified Border Element (provided by Sprint). A Sprint Global MPLS connection provides connectivity directly to Sprint's IMS Core, allowing Sprint CDMA phones (3G) to be fully integrated into the Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

Sprint Wireless Integration leverages the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) in Sprint's core network. The all-IP architecture enables calls to be routed more efficiently. Because many calls can be moved onto the operator's IP network or routed around the enterprise altogether, the solution reduces trunk usage for businesses.

"Sprint Wireless Integration takes convergence to a whole new level," said Dan Dooley, president of Wireline, Sprint. "It not only converges your desk and mobile phones, but it allows all calls within your enterprise to be "on-net." No other solution in the marketplace offers this kind of convergence. This is a great example of Sprint leveraging our core wireline and wireless assets and working with best-in-class partners to deliver a unique and compelling solution to our customers that no other competitor can match."

Sprint Wireless Integration targets a minimum of 100 users and provides the business enterprise the opportunity to minimize capital costs and allows customers to pay only for the service they use.

"We're constantly in motion as we go through our day from workspace to workspace," said Steve Slattery, vice president and general manager of Cisco's IP Communications Business Unit. "Customers using Cisco Unified Communications Manager with Sprint Wireless Integration leverages Sprint's unique wireline and wireless assets to collaborate, enhance productivity, and reduce operating costs through on-net dialling."