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ShoreTel, a provider of IP phone systems with fully integrated unified communications (UC), has announced it has acquired Agito Networks, a platform-agnostic enterprise mobility provider, for approximately $11.4 million.

Bringing on Agito allows ShoreTel (News - Alert) to redefine the meaning of the "mobile worker" giving mobile device users the freedom to work anywhere at any time, even beyond the wireless network. Since workers are on the move, this will allow communications need to keep up with them.

The Agito technology puts the power of a desk phone into the user's pocket, providing them with voice and UC features, including enterprise call-control capabilities, voice over WLAN and presence and location. Together, ShoreTel and Agito technology will give businesses a solution to boost productivity whether employees are inside or outside of the office.

The transaction further strengthens ShoreTel's cost-saving proposition by reducing mobile and long distance costs and allowing business to use smartphones as PBX (News - Alert) extensions. The Agito solution delivers value to businesses of all sizes, including significant cost savings of up to 80 percent on mobile and international usage.

ShoreTel will also offer support for leading smartphones and tablets including BlackBerry (News - Alert), iPhone, iPad, Nokia, and Windows-Mobile smartphones- a first in the world of enterprise mobility.

"This is a key strategic investment that creates a significant differentiator for ShoreTel in enterprise mobility," said Don Girskis, interim CEO of ShoreTel. "Dependence on smartphones continues to skyrocket, but many workers still struggle with poor coverage areas, inferior call quality, expensive international roaming fees and limited feature sets.“

Girskis adds that by integrating the Agito technology with ShoreTel's UC system users are free to use any network, Wi-Fi or cellular, leveraging the power of the desk phone, and taking advantage of industry-leading call quality and call controls from their smartphone. “This not only has a positive impact on productivity, but it also positively affects the bottom line with significant savings on mobile and international usage fees," Girskis said.

Stefanie Mosca is a Web editor for TMCnet. Previously she worked as a freelance copy editor for Digital Surgeons LLC. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University and a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of New Haven. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Stefanie Mosca