Zenitel has announced the global launch of Zenitel Connect Essential, a communication platform for smaller deployments that provides secure and reliable communication without platform license fees.

The launch advances the company’s Unified Critical Communication vision, introduced with Zenitel Connect Pro in 2024. The vision addresses the challenge of critical communication technologies operating in separate systems, which can make integration, management and expansion more difficult.

Zenitel Connect brings these technologies together on a common platform. While Zenitel Connect Pro supports advanced requirements across intercoms, IP speakers, public address, voice alarm and mobile radios, Connect Essential extends the platform to smaller applications.

The new platform combines intercoms and IP speakers in systems of up to 16 devices. It shares the same technology foundation as Zenitel Connect Pro, including its approach to cybersecurity, integration and user experience.

“Smaller deployments have the same fundamental need for clear, reliable and secure communication as larger installations. With Zenitel Connect Essential, we are making our platform accessible to more customers and applications,” said Erik Hoffmann, vice president of product management at Zenitel. “Customers can start with the capabilities they need today and upgrade to Zenitel Connect Pro as their needs evolve.”

Zenitel Connect Essential and Zenitel Connect Pro share a common technology foundation, allowing customers to upgrade from Essential to Pro by adding the required licenses. The shared platform also provides system integrators with a consistent technology environment across projects of different sizes.

Zenitel Connect Essential can run on the company’s ICX-510 hardware or a virtual machine, providing flexibility to accommodate different IT infrastructures and installation requirements.

Optional Zenitel Cloud RMM services offer remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities, helping system owners and service partners maintain visibility into their installations. These services require a separate license.