The FMC service, available on Nokia E and N series dual-mode mobile phones, will enable businesses to take advantage of free or cheap calls in the office and WiFi hotspots and can switch to regular GSM rates when outside of it.
It allows companies to equip workers with just one communications device, one phone number, one directory and one voicemail box.
Alternatively, organisations that already have Nokia E and N series phones can simply deploy the Inclarity FMC client software onto their devices for a simple conversion.
Inclarity FMC enables workers to use their mobile devices just like an IP desk phone. For example, employees can transfer calls, hold a call or conduct a three way conference call all from one mobile device. Calls made over the devices within any WiFi network are also significantly cheaper than conventional fixed line rates.
Dave Millett, chief operating officer at Inclarity, said: “This has the potential to change the way businesses use telephony in the office forever. We’re one of the first companies to market with a comprehensive FMC offering in the UK. In these pressured economic times it’s vital that companies have a practical way to take advantage of cheaper calls and more effective communication.
“Inclarity conducted research in conjunction with YouGov last year that revealed British businesses were leaking money through inefficient use of work mobile phones. We polled more than 2,000 people across Britain and revealed that 31% of employees make work-related calls from their mobiles when in the office more than two or three times a week, even when they had an opportunity to use a landline. Of those, 65% make work-related calls from their mobile phones more than twice a day,” Millett said.
Inclarity believes that demand for FMC services has started to mirror WiFi hot spot growth. ABI Research said it expects the number of WiFi hotspots around the world to grow by 40% in 2008 (compared to 2007) with the largest increase taking place in Europe, notably the UK.