Cisco has released a new set of communications tools designed to integrate office networks with mobile handsets. Users would be able to use the same voice mailbox for multiple phones, for example, as well as transfer calls from a cell phone to an office desk phone.

Cisco Systems is now offering customers an upgraded version of its software and network equipment that links desktop computers to cell phones and other mobile devices.

The new wireless client software extends desk phone functions to a variety of smartphones and handheld  devices, and supports BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Symbian operating systems, according to Cisco.

The Silicon Valley heavyweight announced the new product, Unified Communications 6.0, at VoiceCon Spring 2007 in Orlando, Fla.

Growing Demand for Single Communications
The upgrade is part of Cisco's ongoing effort to meet growing demand for single communication systems that are capable of offering mobile workers more connectivity options.

"The business case for unified communications centers is on improving employee productivity and collaboration options, while driving down some of the cost of maintaining multiple communication applications  and infrastructures," said Abner Germanow, director of enterprise networking research at IDC.

The upgraded system  now integrates wired, wireless and mobile devices to create secure solutions for businesses, Cisco said. The client allows users to make calls and send instant messages from cell phones just as they would using their office phones or computers.

Expanding Range
The expansion into this broader range of products is likely a signal that Cisco is ready to compete head-to-head with the likes of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) .

"As the integration between unified communications components improves, said Germanow, the need for IT to request additional funds to pay for incremental integration and servers will decline."