Avante Unified Communications System
The Avante Unified Communications System has been designed and developed by AG Research for the needs of Educational facilities, and the educators and administrators who staff them. Avante provides a full suite of both internal and external communications modules to support education objectives, while at the same time addressing the safety and security issues of both students and staff. The modular design permits administrators to select the features required immediately, and add additional functionality in a cost effective manner in the future. Avante is built on a core architecture and technology which is fully redundant, ensuring dependable communications in any emergency.The Avante Unified Communications Suite
Avante Communications Manager (Core Component)
The Avante Communications Manager (ACM) is the core of the Unified Communications System. Avante is built on Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology. AG Research has enhanced this technology within the ACM to custom fit the requirements of Educational Facilities.
The ACM provides the internal and external communications including telephone, voicemail, conference calling, call record, fax to email, voicemail to email, call forward, remote access via computer “soft phone”, as well as numerous other features. Best of all, these features are included for all telephone extensions. The VOIP technology can also provide significant savings on long distance costs, while at the same time maintaining a communication umbrella around key employees regardless of their location.
Avante Touch Screen Interface
The Avante Touch Screen Interface has been designed to facilitate the enhanced use of the Avante Unified Communications System even by non-technical users. The easy-to-use interface provides a staff contact list, a suite of emergency responses, and offers control and monitoring of both Public Address and Security Systems. Access to building floor plans, automated PA messaging, and video camera control are only a few of the advanced features. The Avante Touch Screen interface radically reduces the training time required to become an enhanced user.
Avante Public Address Module
The Avante Public Address Module (APA) is designed to provide facility-wide communication using telephones with speakerphones, and loudspeakers precisely placed throughout the facility. The APA provides the flexibility to enable two-way communication to each individual classroom, or broadcasting to a building wing or an entire facility. APA’s emergency announcement feature provides pre-recorded messages for a range of potential emergencies (Fire, Intruder, Health, etc). The APA can also be used in combination with the Avante Security system to enhance perimeter (doorway) security of each school.
Avante Security and Surveillance Module
The Avante Security and Surveillance Module (ASSM) integrates advanced security cameras into the Avante Unified Communications System. Using the latest video technology with two-way audio, ASSM provides an integrated surveillance with sound. This offers educators a clearer understanding of events. ASSM is designed to retain several weeks’ worth of security video for review and archiving. Additionally, ASSM cameras are equipped with Motion Sensors and Low-Light capability which provides enhanced building security on nights and weekends. As with all Avante modules, remote access is included, permitting administrators to access the security cameras from their homes.
Avante Electronic Student Identification
Avante Electronic Student Identification (AESI) is being developed to provide administrators with a clear understanding of the time when each student enters and leaves the school. AESI uses advanced RFID technology which is embedded into student ID cards and then integrated into the Avante Unified Communications System. AESI provides clear documentation on student arrival and departure times. Additionally, the system is especially valuable as a means to confirm that all students have left the school during an emergency. AESI is currently under development and is expected to be released in July of 2010.
