2008-05-30 23:52:35 - VoIP solutions also allow organizations to save on operating costs, so more money is available for programs.

Appia Communications, Inc., a leading provider of managed IT and telecom services, announces Voice over Internet Protocol telephone services designed specifically to lower the operating costs of non-profit organizations.

'Non-profits face a particularly difficult set of challenges today,' said Victor von Schlegell, Appia's president. 'One of these challenges is how to carry out their important missions with fewer resources. They therefore

want to cut costs, and IT and telecom are good targets for cost reduction since these costs can be reduced without affecting services.'

Most non-profits use different providers for local phone service, long distance, Internet access, and voice and data equipment. As a result, valuable human and financial resources are spent managing telecom vendors. Appia's low calling rates not only reduce monthly expenses, but make it more affordable to operate fund-raising campaigns. Finally, calls between agency offices are free.

Equip for Equality (EFE), a non-profit agency working to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with physical and mental disabilities in Illinois, utilizes an Appia VoIP solution.

'There have been significant cost savings to EFE since implementing the Appia system, even with the expansion of the system for additional staff over the last few years,' said Hugh Smith, the agency's IT director. 'Also, since EFE has been on the Appia system, we have found the service to be reliable and key Appia representatives responsive to our needs.'

About Appia Communications

Appia Communications is a leading provider of managed IT and telecommunications services, whose mission is to enable small and mid-sized companies and organizations to realize the benefits of Internet Protocol (IP) technology. Appia's managed solutions help customers reduce costs, enhance employee productivity, improve customer care, and compete more effectively against much larger enterprises.

Headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, Appia has operations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Boston, and other markets in North America and Europe. For more information, please visit www.appiaservices.com, or call 877-277-4297. Appia is a Cisco Powered Network and holds advanced Cisco communications certifications.