SAN JOSE, Calif., January 30, 2004 - Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) and The Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP) announced today that they are collaborating to provide a comprehensive Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solution, designed for automotive dealerships, that provides quick, efficient access to business-critical information.
Cisco® and ADP have joined to deliver ADP's Network Phone, which combines Cisco's IP phone system with ADP's highly secure business computer system. Using a single network for both telephone and data communications, this integrated business tool simplifies customer and dealership communications, resulting in enhanced customer service and improved operating efficiency.
"Automobile dealership employees can now listen to their e-mail on a Cisco IP phone, check voice mail via the Internet, forward faxes to any local fax machine, and view faxes on their computer," said Rod Scott, director of Marketing, Cisco Systems®. "We are pleased to offer Cisco networking expertise and equipment, along with proven network solutions and dealer system integration from ADP, to help improve automobile dealership businesses and offer added value to their customers."
IP telephony integration with ADP's dealership management system (DMS) and customer relationship management (CRM) system gives dealership employees instant access to customer sales and service records so they have the information needed to deliver superior customer service and increase sales and service revenue. "Clients tell us that dealership success depends on their ability to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction with a highly professional, highly productive workforce. ADP Network Phone is designed to do exactly that," said Kevin Henahan, senior vice president of Marketing, ADP.
Cisco and ADP have combined sales and marketing efforts to communicate robust IP telephony features and integration capabilities to help ensure that automotive dealerships receive the maximum benefit from IP phone technology and their dealership computer systems. ADP's Network Phone is the latest in a comprehensive line of networking solutions available for the automotive retail industry. ADP is the only DMS provider with Cisco Systems Gold Certified Partner status and the largest Cisco reseller dedicated to the auto retail market. ADP has designed and installed thousands of dealership networks.
"ADP is a recognized leader in deploying and servicing networks in the automotive retail industry. We manage everything from needs assessment to implementation, to training and support," said Joe Bihner, vice president of Network Solutions, ADP. "We are pleased to team with Cisco to provide this integrated IP telephony solution that will not only benefit automotive dealerships, but customers as well."
