Media release

iiNet provides missing Lync for small business

27 August, 2014: iiNet today launched a small business first - an innovative communications solution that brings together the best of voice and video calling, desktop sharing, instant messaging and innovative telephony in a single platform.

iiNet Microsoft Lync is available across three of the ISP's business plans, starting from just $1.95 per month, per user, with no contracts.

iiNet Chief Business Officer Greg Bader said iiNet Microsoft Lync is an enterprise solution for small businesses, which is built on iiNet's popular Hosted Microsoft Exchange email service that launched last year.

"Our new Lync offering equips small-to-medium businesses with the tools they need to communicate on the move, from virtually any device, at an affordable price. It's all about making it easier for business owners so they can worry less about technology."

Last week's FY14 financial results saw iiNet Business revenues grow by 11%, now accounting for 20% of total group revenue at $204 million.

"We're focused on providing cutting-edge, value-for-money solutions and that's why we are growing in popularity among the small business community. Lync is an example of how we're combining a professional communications product with a unique voice solution," added Greg Bader.

"Our customers value that we host locally in Australia, which means fewer lags and dropouts, and better service. Additionally, it's backed by our reliable broadband network and award-winning support team with priority business lines."

Since the adoption of iiNet Microsoft Lync, Brodie Rice, Director of Innovation at Broden Innovative Holdings, has seen significant improvements in the way his staff collaborate.

"Some of the ways we use Lync is to share ideas, hold video conferencing meetings with offsite workers and communicate via instant message even on the road. It's been a real time and money saver for our business and we rely on Lync to deliver a seamless, flexible and high quality experience," said Brodie Rice.

iiNet Microsoft Lync delivers these features in a familiar Microsoft environment integrated with Outlook. Businesses can make included standard local and national landline calls directly from their desk phone, or from their desktop or mobile device to offer true flexibility.

Microsoft Australia Microsoft Office Division Lead Steven Miller said technology played a vital role in enabling people to get the job done from wherever they were, in an environment where almost 40% of Australian SMEs* allowed their staff to work away from the office.

"This expanded partnership with iiNet is about bringing together the key elements that underpin a mobile workforce - a powerful ISP offering together with world-class communications and collaboration solutions in the form of Lync to help enable Australian SMEs to shift to a smarter way of working," he said.

For more information, including a full features list, visit www.lync.iinet.net.au.

*"Home is where the work is - the digital worker" study, ACMA, October 2013

For further information, please contact:

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Fisk or Jane Humphries
Communications - iiNet Group
Ph: +61 8 9214 2210 or media@staff.iinet.net.au

About iiNet 

iiNet is Australia’s second largest DSL Internet Service Provider and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. Publicly listed on the ASX 200, this billion-dollar company has been recognised as a global leader in customer service, winning the Large Business award at the 2013 International Service Excellence Awards. We employ more than 2500 inquisitive staff across three countries - 80 per cent of whom are employed to directly service our 900,000 customers. We maintain our own broadband network and support over 1.7 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.

We're committed to making it simple for all Australians to connect across both our own network and on the NBN. Our vision is to lead the market with services that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.

A full list of current awards can be viewed at iiNet Award /about/awards