Unique Telephony and Radio Solution Improves Response Time and Facilitates Growth
Siemens Communications, Inc., in partnership with Windstream Communications, recently provided Air Methods a unique unified communications solution that addresses its radio and telephony needs now and into the future. Siemens and Windstream developed a solution that would not only address Air Methods’ needs for a new radio solution but also build a scalable unified communications solution to benefit all areas of the business.
Air Methods is the nation’s largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems. With 28 years of experience, the company transports more than 98,000 patients annually on its fleet of more than 340 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in 42 states. In mid-2007, Air Methods issued an RFP to architect a more sophisticated, easy-to-use dispatch center to enhance business operations. The company wanted a new, robust console that would be compatible with its existing voice and data systems, including the voice logging recorder they intended to keep in service.
With Siemens’ HiPath 4000® real-time IP communications system and HiPath ProCenter® as the backbone, the solution treats radio calls as telephony, so both types of calls can be routed from a single console. This will streamline the company’s communications and simplify its radio infrastructure, as well as make it easy to integrate multiple locations and future potential acquisitions.
“Siemens and Windstream crafted a solution that met our expectations to deliver a truly unique offering that integrated our radio and telephony needs,” said Curtis Morice, director of LifeCom, Air Methods’ national communications center. “This solution transformed our overall communications infrastructure, making it much easier to manage, saving us time and allowing us to respond more efficiently to calls.”
The Siemens solution also provides Air Methods with a greater level of redundancy, offering more assurance that their communications systems are always functional. Ongoing support from Windstream will also help ensure that Air Methods’ rollout will proceed smoothly.
“Windstream and Siemens collaborated to design a creative solution that addressed Air Methods’ unique needs,” said Cheryl Krueger, Area Vice President, Business, for Windstream. “I’m happy to say this was one of the best teams I’ve been a part of.”
“This solution exemplifies the ideal of open communications – it transforms the way Air Methods manages it communications and combines radio and telephony needs in a way no one else can do,” said Shawn Puddester, U.S. Director of Channel Sales and Development for Siemens Communications, Inc. “Working closely with Windstream, we have been able to deliver a truly superior solution that will keep Air Methods’ national communications center state-of-the-art for years to come.”
About Siemens
Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $107.4 billion in 2006. Founded 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $21.4 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens’ worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 480,000 people in 190 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.
About Siemens Communications, Inc.
Siemens Communications, Inc. is an affiliate of Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG, one of the world’s leading suppliers of Unified Communications technologies. The company’s unique Open Communications approach to providing software, solutions and services for enterprises of all sizes enables business processes to be more productive, faster and more secure - with any device, network or information technology infrastructure. Siemens Communications, Inc. and Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG are wholly owned subsidiaries of Siemens AG with global headquarters in Munich.
For more information about Siemens Communications, visit: http://www.siemens.com/open.
About Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (AirMethods.com) is a leader in emergency air medical transportation and medical services. The Hospital-Based Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals. The Community-Based Services Division is the largest community-based provider of air medical services. The Products Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. The company’s fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features more than 340 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Note:: Siemens HiPath and ProCenter are registered trademarks of Siemens AG or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All other company, brand, product and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This release contains forward-looking statements based on beliefs of Siemens management. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “should,” and “project” are used to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results to be materially different, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance of new products or services and changes in business strategy. Actual results may vary materially from those projected here. Siemens does not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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