At CTIA Enterprise and Applications 2011, Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless announced the launch of a new business tool, Mobile Unified Communications Client (Mobile UC).

The new Mobile UC client combines the processing power of Android (News - Alert) smartphones and Verizon’s wireless network with existing enterprise telephone systems, to deliver enhanced mobility for the modern workforce while maintaining corporate security and control, company officials said.

Verizon’s UC solution addresses the industry’s requirement for compelling mobile connectivity for the employees while away from the office. The service enables a user to access an employee’s personal mobile number and business landline number from his/her smartphone. They can place calls or answer them from their work number even when away from the office.

This business identity mode is especially beneficial to businesses as they can route mobile calls through the existing IP PBX (News - Alert) system to maximize least cost routing for savings on international and intra-company calls, while also maintaining business credibility to customers and prospects who see the business number in their caller ID.

The mobile UC client also allows employees to access standard features including call hold, transfer and conference capabilities available on their desk phones, as well as voicemail feature, which help increase productivity and support the mobile office experience.

"The Mobile Unified Communications (News - Alert) Client from Verizon Wireless revolutionizes the concept of the office phone," said Bill Versen, director, Advanced Mobile Communications, Verizon Wireless, in a statement. "Convenience is key, especially when a professional spends time both in their traditional office as well as going on the road.”

Verizon Wireless Mobile Unified Communications Client simplifies business communications at affordable costs. The package is easy to deploy and manage, so enterprises can reap the benefits of fixed mobile convergence without the need for additional hardware or sacrificing information security, Versen added.

The Mobile UC Client can be deployed by downloading from V CAST Apps store. All existing parameters for smartphone usage, existing PBX calling restrictions and policies, and security settings are maintained with the client. The UC client is compatible with leading IP PBX manufacturers, including Cisco (News - Alert) Unified Communications Manager 6.1.4 and above and Avaya Communication Manager 5.2 and above.

Verizon Wireless' Mobile UC Client currently supports the following Android smartphones by Motorola: DROID X, DROID X2, DROID(TM) 2, DROID 2 GLOBAL and DROID PRO, with other devices and manufacturers to follow, company officials said.

The Mobile UC Client is offered for a monthly fee of $7 per user. Verizon also offers a docking station, available for a one-time purchase price of $125 per station.

Recently Verizon Wireless formed a partnership with Vringo, a provider of software platforms for mobile, social and video applications, to launch of Vringo’s Facetones application in V CAST Apps, Verizon Wireless' mobile storefront, on select Verizon Wireless devices.