TORONTO, CANNADA: Nortel, a provider in communications capabilities, for both service provider and enterprise networks, on Tuesday announced the release of a new unified communications-based (UC) software for Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The software would help SMBs to obtain productivity, cost-savings and the investment protection critical to success in today's business environment

The latest software release 5.0 for Nortel's Business Communications Manager  (BCM) adds new UC capabilities, including unified presence, and greater simplicity with the introduction of a common software stream for  BCM50  and  BCM450, said a press release.

The Nortel BCM450 and BCM50 are Linux-based IP/TDM PBXs delivering application-rich, all-in-one solutions for converged voice and data communications.

The BCM50 serves businesses with up to 50 users while the larger capacity BCM450 is suitable for growing medium to large businesses and branch offices with up to 300 users. Each supports a mix of IP and digital clients and can enable firms to save up to 70 percent of their original investment by reusing existing equipment.

As part of the new BCM Rls 5.0 software, BCM450 and BCM50 provide SMBs with features like InTouch, which delivers true federated presence, and popular integrated communications applications capabilities, the release said.

InTouch lets users communicate easily with anyone in their personal directory - across Microsoft Outlook, Nortel BCM, MSN, and Skype for click-to-call, click-to-IM, and click-to-email.

By connecting people faster, improving collaboration and speeding up the time to decision, Nortel estimates that unified communications can help businesses realize cost-savings and an increase in productivity of up to 18 percent, it added.