8×8, Inc.†(NYSE: EGHT), a leading cloud provider of voice, video, collaboration and contact center solutions for over one million users worldwide, today announced the availability of†8×8 Express, a complete business phone system that empowers emerging businesses to quickly and seamlessly establish a professional identity, for purchase exclusively on 8×8’s e-commerce platform.
8×8 Express makes it fast and simple for professionals and businesses to get a communications service up and running. The online set-up takes just a few minutes and requires no implementation services. 8×8 Express offers business-grade functionality that meets the unique requirements of growing companies including unlimited calling to U.S. and Canada, HD video conferencing, business messaging (including SMS and group chat), and intelligent call routing, all accessible from desktop and mobile applications.
For smaller organizations, creating connections and positive experiences is a critical component of building a community of advocates. A recent†8×8 study†found that over half of consumers are more likely to provide a review for a small business after having had a positive experience.
“8×8 Express will be appealing to emerging businesses that don’t have an IT staff, yet want a full-featured communications solution,” said Amy Lind, Research Manager at IDC. “The onboarding experience is designed to eliminate friction and headaches, thereby facilitating the adoption of a professional communications system for entrepreneurs, start-ups and smaller sized organizations.”
“Our target segment thrives on rapid-fire problem solving and innovative solutions, often while working within a tight budget,” said Dejan Deklich, Chief Product Officer at 8×8. “But juggling free-trials or using a personal phone number limits the ability to create a consistent, seamless experience for customers. 8×8 Express was designed to consolidate the core business communications functions and present a unified professional brand identity for organizations who are laser-focused on growth.”
8×8 Express includes the new†8×8 Meetings†solution, which lets teams collaborate effortlessly with HD video conferencing that includes instant screen sharing, accessible on the same mobile and desktop apps used for calling and SMS. For added convenience, guests can join meetings directly from compatible browsers, with no software to download, or from their phones. 8×8 Meetings is in early access now for all new 8×8 Express and X Series customers on X2 packages and above.
Features of 8×8 Express include:
- One mobile app for calling, texting, voice and video meetings on an iOS or Android device
- Unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada
- Call handling including call forwarding, auto-attendant, and ring groups
- Voicemail
- Porting existing business phone numbers to 8×8
- HD voice and video meetings
- Instant screen sharing
- Business messaging including SMS, one-on-one, and group chat with file sharing
- Compatibility with several Poly desk and conference phones
- Integration with Google Calendar and Office 365/Outlook calendar
- Self-administered management tool
Availability
8×8 Express is available now in the U.S. and Canada as a 30-day free trial through easy online sign-up. After the 30 days, the service is $12.00 per user per month with no minute caps and no long-term contracts.
