M5 Networks Offers Clients VoIP Networking as Out-Of-Office Alternative for Workers Affected by H1N1 Pandemic

M5 Networks Offers Clients VoIP Networking as Out-Of-Office Alternative for
Workers Affected by H1N1 Pandemic
Unique, Multi-Faceted Effort by Hosted Business VoIP Phone System Leader Can
Help Keep Employees Productive While Reducing Spread of H1N1 and Other
Illnesses

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- As the H1N1 virus threatens to cost American
businesses billions of dollars in lost worker productivity, hosted business
VoIP phone system provider M5 Networks today announced it is taking a
proactive stance by offering its clients a range of free or low-cost
"out-of-office" communications options based on its unique VoIP services.

"H1N1, as well as conventional flu and other common seasonal ailments, pose an
enormous risk to companies this year," said Heather Bennett, marketing
director for M5 Networks.  "Our VoIP-based telecommunications services are key
to maintaining worker productivity while employees are caring for family
members or otherwise doing their part to minimize the spread of these highly
communicable diseases."

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the H1N1 virus can potentially
create massive absenteeism.  A recent report by the group cites estimates by
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stating that infection rates for
H1N1 and seasonal flu may rise to a range of 12% to 24% in communities where
the viruses are present.  The Brookings Institute, in its assessment, states
that the United States could lose 10% of all work hours, based on the number
of households in which at least one parent or guardian misses work to care for
their infected children.

Productive While at Home
The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home at
least 24 hours after they are free of fever, defined as at least 100 degrees
F.  This recommendation, combined with the number of workers caring for sick
family members, means that a large number of workers who otherwise could be
productive at work will be staying home.

M5 Networks can help overcome the negative impact of this displacement through
its VoIP-based work-from-home alternatives:
    --  Remote IP phones can be plugged into any broadband Internet
connection,
        at home or other remote location.
    --  Softphones allow a laptop to be used as a phone from any location.  M5
        Networks offers a softphone for a one-time charge of $45, that can be
        used with a client's existing managed profiles at no additional cost.
    --  Fax-to-email service converts and sends incoming faxes to the
employee's
        mailbox.  Outbound faxes are sent as email attachments (scanner
required
        for hardcopy documents).
    --  Call forwarding reroutes any call coming to the worker's VoIP office
        phone to a home or mobile phone.
    --  Voicemail greeting and personal auto-attendant can direct callers to
an
        alternate phone number.
    --  M5 Webportal allows employees to access and manage their voicemail
over
        the Internet.  The portal can also be used to check missed calls, play
        voicemail and otherwise keep on top of messages.
    --  Companywide auto-attendant can provide useful information to callers
        (revised business hours, delayed response time, etc.)

    --  VoIP-based conference calling keeps everyone "in the loop" regardless
of
        their location.



"Workers who connect to their company's M5 Networks VoIP system via IP phone
have seamless telecommunications," noted Bennett.  "They have all the same
features at home that they do in the office.  What's more, they are accessible
to outside callers at their normal work number and extension, without call
forwarding or even involving a receptionist.  And co-workers can see when the
person is available, on the phone, logged out or in Do Not Disturb mode."

Outreach Effort Underway
M5 Networks account managers are notifying their clients of the VoIP
work-from-home options through a proactive communications effort.  To learn
more about program elements, log on to now.m5net.com/content/H1N1Tips.

About M5 Networks:
M5 Networks provides Voice-over-IP managed phone systems delivered as a
disaster-proof service.  M5's delivery model facilitates the rapid deployment
of advanced phone system functionality and features that drive a consistent
voice experience as businesses elevate service levels and employees become
increasingly dispersed.  M5's pay-per-profile pricing model offers companies a
low cost-of-entry to feature sets that traditionally have required large
capital expenditure and dedicated IT resources.  By leveraging M5's network
infrastructure, customers have a voice platform that frees all voice-related
data and commands to mash with other applications. The result is a competitive
edge for driving business intelligence, improving customer service, and
enhancing enterprise application effectiveness. M5 has numerous industry
awards and recognitions and is headquartered in New York City.  To learn more
about M5, visit www.m5net.com.  


SOURCE  M5 Networks, Inc.

Lisa Kornblatt of SS|PR, +1-847-415-9330, lkornblatt@sspr.com, for M5
Networks, Inc.