Mayor Duffy and commissioner Carballada celebrate opening of new M5 Networks office in downtown Rochester

Manhattan-headquartered M5 Networks, Inc. celebrated the opening of its area office as mayor Robert Duffy and Carlos Carballada, the city 's commissioner of economic development, officiated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company's new space at 4 Commercial St., Suite 103. M5 Networks is a leading VoIP provider and is the pioneer in developing a "Voice as a Service" platform and infrastructure, which delivers breakthrough solutions for mid-size business phone communications.  M5 serves a rapidly growing base of mid-sized businesses that recognize that unlocking the power of their phone system is essential for building their business, enhancing client relationships, and increasing customer satisfaction. These companies benefit from phone system capabilities delivered as an on-demand, managed service over an IP network optimized for voice - something M5 calls, "Voice as a Service."  M5's other offices are in New York City (corporate headquarters), Philadelphia and Chicago. Recently M5 began looking at other cities to host its technology support staff function.  One of M5's top salespeople, Phelim White, recommended the city because his extended family was there and he was considering relocating. Another top supporter of this move was M5's manager of client services, Jason Klinger, a R.I.T. alum who began his career in the city, then moved to New York City but frequently spent his weekends with friends in the area. M5's director of client services, Brent Barbara, also has a local tie - he is a graduate of the University of Rochester, and was very eager to tap the area's strong technological community for partners, clients and staff. "We have a growing commitment to Rochester," says M5 president and CEO Dan Hoffman.  "The area offers a technologically savvy labor market and experienced business professionals, who are attracted to the region's quality of life, plus greater cost efficiencies.  Having a presence in Rochester also gives us the ability to personally connect with the growing numbers of mid-size businesses from Albany to Ohio." Hoffman, White, Klinger, and Barbara were joined at the grand opening today by M5's executive VP and co-founder Phillip Kim, VP of sales Brian Klansky, and VP of service delivery Kerrin Parker.  The M5 team was welcomed to the city by their partner Paetec, represented by CEO Arunas Chesonis, as well as commissioner Carballada, and Duffy.