American Waterways

American Waterways Operators (AWO) is the national trade association representing the owners and operators of tugboats, towboats, and barges serving the waterborne commerce of the United States. Its core objectives are the promotion of the economic viability of the industry, and to enhance the industry’s ability to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation. AWO actively collaborates with members of the trade association and its staff to support its advocacy efforts. These activities make it important for the main office in Arlington, Virginia and regional operations located in New Orleans, St. Louis and Seattle to communicate often and effortlessly. Previously AWO operated its voice communications from an antiquated phone system. It had few features and performing even routine tasks took considerable time and resources. After exploring their options, AWO realized it could dramatically improve its communications platform through a centralized telephony platform across its enterprise.   

AWO selected Cavalier ’s IPeer Advanced IP Telephony, a simple but powerful turnkey phone service. The phones, voice and Internet are all inclusive. IPeer dynamically allocates AWO bandwidth across its locations. The service was an ideal fit for AWO as it would not have to invest funds into buying a phone system as well as the resources to maintain version levels and perform manual office move and change activities.

"We are really happy with the choice that we made in selecting IPeer. The service provides the flexibility that we need, while eliminating the risk and technology obsolescence that we previously struggled with each day", said Jayson Larner, Coordinator Information Technology and Training.

AWO has seen staff productivity grow. Employees found the Aastra phones straightforward to learn and easy-to-use, and the CommPortal is a great productivity tool. Previously, employees out of the office would have to wait for a colleague to manually forward their phone to an alternate number.

Now, employees simply login through any Internet location to instantly update their preferences. Additionally, staff members are able to receive their voice mails through their email and apply the simultaneous ring so whether they are located at their desk or roaming the premises they are accessible.

For their network, AWO is using Cavalier’s bonded T-1s connections. The multiple circuit design guarantees its network performance and with greater band-width. Larner added, "Cavalier is a unique partner for us; they are very knowledgeable, easy to work with and responsive. These are qualities critical to me and to AWO."

AWO has additional initiatives to advance its network for more converged services and electronic data backup. Together, we look forward to partnering on these priorities.

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