IPC Systems, Inc. announced that Minsheng Life Insurance has successfully implemented Unigy, IPC's revolutionary unified trading communications platform. Using the Unigy backbone, Minsheng will deploy IPC's IQ/MAX Edge 100 turrets across its enterprise. This implementation underscores IPC's expanded growth into the Asia-Pacific market with the first Unigy customer signing in mainland China. Minsheng Life Insurance was seeking to upgrade from a traditional communications system to a new infrastructure that would help speed communication between counterparties as well as increase collaboration across offices. After evaluating several PBX vendors, the company chose IPC's IQ/MAX Edge powered by the Unigy platform. The IQ/MAX Edge is designed specifically to provide individuals in small to medium-sized trading firms, as well as junior traders, sales traders and other individuals on the edge of the trading floor in larger firms, the key capabilities they need to optimize their collaboration with trade support individuals across the entire trading lifecycle and workflow. IQ/MAX Edge 100 has 100 buttons for contacts within and outside a firm, hoot and intercom connectivity and dual handsets. Every IQ/MAX Edge also comes equipped with IQ/MAX Sync -- a powerful PC-based productivity tool that allows users to manage calls, speakers, contacts and directories directly from a PC. IQ/MAX Sync integrates with users' Microsoft Outlook local directory to help them simplify workflow processes. Among Edge's other features are broad, full-color, high-definition screens that make data easy to read; high-definition audio for more accurate exchange of information; and an application launch pad for Unigy(TM) apps that improve trade processing and productivity. IQ/MAX Edge is powered by Unigy -- IPC's revolutionary unified trading communications and applications platform, introduced earlier in the month. The Unigy platform's open standards and service oriented architecture (SOA) helps streamline trading workflow, create custom apps for a competitive edge, reduce operational risks and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for firms of all sizes.

IPC Systems, Inc. announced the introduction of a Global Business Unit dedicated to designing and delivering Managed Services to help customers navigate through the increased complexity and regulatory requirements associated with trading communications. This strategic initiative is a result of growing customer interest in specialized services to help improve performance, reduce costs and provide the flexibility to quickly meet changing business demands. Marianne Leitch has been appointed as the senior executive to develop the Managed Services business. IPC Managed Services will leverage the company's core service expertise and global processes to deliver proactive service management, innovative technology solutions and strategic planning focused on the core trading communications technologies: trading systems; communications networks; voice recording; PBX and Unified Communications Systems; applications. IPC Managed Services will provide customers with a cost-effective and comprehensive approach to simplify the growing complexities associated with management of today's mission-critical communications infrastructure and day-to-day service management and support. Managed Services has a growing team of dedicated experienced service delivery professionals, engineering resources, trading communication expertise and marketing and sales support to deliver ITIL-aligned management, support, improved business processes and reporting. A consultative approach assures each customer gets the services best suited to their organization and needs. Services offered include: system and network monitoring and management, inventory management, vendor management, order management, data protection, application support, transformation services and regulatory conformance. The company announced that Stephen Crowe, Vice President, Business Development, will be leading IPC Managed Services sales.

IPC Systems, Inc. announced that Jefferies & Company, Inc. has selected two of IPC's Financial Markets Network offerings, Connexus Financial Extranet service and Direct Connect data service, to increase its competitiveness and boost its international business growth. Connexus and Direct Connect provide Jefferies with access to key global financial market participants including buy-side firms, liquidity venues, market data providers, independent software vendors and data centers, as well as inter-office connectivity. In addition, the IPC Financial Markets Network offers Jefferies enhanced communications capabilities, improved customer service, increased productivity and reduced administrative expenses.