WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – When the Winston-Salem Symphony moved from the Coliseum Drive offices it had inhabited for nearly 50 years to a new headquarters in downtown Winston-Salem, the organization wanted to make major improvements in its phone system.

“Our objective was to deliver better service to patrons, season ticket holders, volunteers and other music lovers who attend performances throughout the year,“ said Merritt Vale, executive director of the Winston-Salem Symphony.

“Our phone system was outdated, unreliable and inconvenient. Voice mail didn’t function, there was no way for callers to access information when the staff was unavailable, and we couldn’t do something as simple as transfer a call to another location.”

For a solution, the Symphony turned to Convergent Technologies, a technology company specializing in Internet telephony. Convergent installed an Avaya IP Office solution in the Symphony’s new headquarters. A high-performance voice and data server, Avaya IP Office is specifically designed for small- to mid-sized organizations.

With the new system in place, an automated attendant now allows callers to reach a staff member quickly without having to know a specific extension number. They can access recorded information on performances and pre- and post-concert activities, RSVP for special events and even reserve seats 24-hours a day, seven days a week. On the Friday before a performance when the remaining tickets are turned over to the Stevens Center for sale, callers who want tickets are automatically routed there for service so they don’t have to hang up and redial.

Volunteers now have guest mailboxes on the system that allow them to check for messages and stay up-to-date on special projects, and an “advertising on hold” feature is used to promote upcoming Symphony events.

“Non-profit organizations have the same needs that today’s businesses do,” said Sam Solomon, president of Convergent Technologies. “They want solutions that can help them operate more efficiently and serve their customers more effectively. The Symphony now has the tools it needs to do both.”

The Symphony’s new communications system will be demonstrated from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 5 during an open house at the organization’s new headquarters at Fourth and Spring.

About Convergent Technologies Inc. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., Convergent Technologies Inc. is a Diamond-level Avaya BusinessPartner focused on helping companies of all sizes get the most out of their investment in telecommunications and converged data networking. Convergent consultants have more than 100 years of experience in engineering voice, data and network solutions. For more information on Convergent Technologies Inc., visit www.convtec.com.