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Does a bowling alley really care about customer service or do they just build leagues to keep their lanes occupied? Whatever your assumptions of these recreational locations, AMF Bowling Centers Inc. is actually trying to improve the overall experience for customers while also positioning itself for growth by tapping the power of leading-edge information technology.

Who better to deliver this technology than Verizon Business? The company stepped in with a comprehensive and integrated IP networking solution that is designed to enable AMF Bowling Centers to operate more effectively and efficiently throughout its more than 300 bowling centers in 38 states.

The two companies signed a three-and-a-half-year agreement that includes a tailored solution provided by Verizon Business (News - Alert) to allow critical applications, such as Verizon VoIP, point of sale and credit card transactions. Other apps include web site hosting video streaming and an on-demand hosted solution for downloading customers’ musical selections.

Eventually, AMF will work with Verizon Business to implement a video surveillance system for monitoring activity from centralized locations and a centralized energy-management system for regulating temperature and lighting at each bowling center.

“Despite the down economy, we concluded that the benefits of upgrading our IT infrastructure for long-term, strategic growth were innumerable,” said Harsha Bellur, vice president of information technology at AMF Bowling Centers, in a statement. “Consolidating our data, voice and video applications onto one managed network has simplified our operations, proven to be cost-effective, and significantly reduced technical issues across our locations, sparing customers and staff from potential interruptions.”

The essential platform to meet AMF’s advanced communications and IT applications needs is the Verizon Managed Private IP network. This platform features six classes of service to enable the prioritization of applications that are critical for business to run smoothly on today’s heavily trafficked networks.

Bellur continued: “In addition, with locations across 38 states, we needed a reliable and stable technology partner that could match our broad national footprint. Verizon Business’ compelling combination of network, extensive managed offerings, professional services and account management has been central to helping us improve the overall experience of our customers.”

With the Verizon IP Integrated Access VoIP service with a Burstable Enterprise Shared Trunk capability across all of its locations, AMF gains the streamlined network management and cost management of VoIP while extending the capabilities of the company’s existing phone system.

“AMF exemplifies what can happen when advanced IP networking and managed network solutions come together,” said Jared Kearney, senior vice president of sales with Verizon Business. “Recognizing the operational and cost efficiencies that can result from outsourcing IT operations has customers around the globe turning to managed IP networking for streamlining their business models.”

 

Verizon Business recently announced new professional IT security consulting services that aim to help electric utility and power companies meet reliability standards as well as cyber security challenges of adopting smart grid digital technology.

 

The company is also recognized by Frost & Sullivan with its North American Leadership Award for Hosted Contact Center Services. This award focuses on the features and benefits of Verizon Business’ hosted contact center product suite, including Web Center, Hosted Intelligent Contact Routing (ICR) and ICR Integration.