There are some incredible collaboration tools and capabilities available today, but more often than not, small and mid-sized businesses just can’t afford them, leaving the enterprises to snatch up all the fun toys. Now, Verizon (News - Alert) Enterprise Solutions has a new communications system specifically designed to help smaller businesses get the same features and solutions as their larger counterparts – the Virtual Communications Express.

Verizon’s Virtual Communications Express is available to companies in the U.S. now, and uses a Web-based console to let workers use Verizon’s communications technology platform to command and control where and how they communicate. Mainly intended for businesses with multiple locations, it’s a cloud-based offering that can be used with Google (News - Alert) Apps for Business.

With it, small and mid-sized companies can provide better communication and collaboration tools for their employees. Companies can download a Virtual Communications Express application that lets them make calls from Gmail, GChat, or Google Calendar with a single click, as well as checking if other Google Apps users are free to join in on a call. Administrators can also authorize and manage the features available through a dedicated tool line

All that one needs to use the Virtual Communications Express is a Verizon-certified phone and an Internet connection. It combines Verizon’s VoIP solution with Broadsoft’s cloud infrastructure, thus removing any need for on-site PBX (News - Alert) equipment or upgrades. Customers will have access to communications features such as visual voice mail messages, Office Anywhere, and more.

"We've built a cloud-based solution that is cost-effective and easy for employees to adopt and use for working smarter in their day-to-day jobs. Customers in our pilot for this solution appreciated its self-serve, which enabled their employees to be more productive,” said Janet Schins, Verizon’s VP of mid-market solutions and alternate channels.

‘They also benefitted from the cost savings associated with unlimited local and long-distance calling, zero maintenance fees, and no need for costly back-office phone systems.”

This provides a great help to smaller businesses in need of enhanced communication and collaboration tools, which they cannot always afford otherwise. It’s affordable and effective, although as it’s only available through the Google Apps Marketplace, not all will be able to make use of it. For those who can, though, it will certainly be a useful tool.