Unified Communications

Sennheiser SD Office, a single-sided DECT wireless headset
Distribution

Sennheiser expands Canadian distribution with Tech Data, Run Distribution deals

June 8, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sennheiser expands Canadian distribution with Tech Data, Run Distribution deals
Sennheiser, best known for its premium consumer products, already has a strong distribution network in Canada, but adds two more distributors to generate more opportunities and stimulate even greater awareness of its presence in the commercial space.

Unified Communications

Plantronics rounds out noise cancelling office portfolio with first wireless stereo UC headset

June 8, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Plantronics rounds out noise cancelling office portfolio with first wireless stereo UC headset
The Voyager Focus UC becomes the top of the line model in Plantronics’ noise cancelling office products line. It also features Dynamic Mute Alert feature, which senses and alerts users when they are trying to talk when muted.

Cloud

Avaya buys Richmond Hill’s Esna to easily integrate multi-vendor communications into cloud apps

May 29, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya buys Richmond Hill’s Esna to easily integrate multi-vendor communications into cloud apps
Esna will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avaya, with Avaya ‘planning to adopt’ Esna’s over 200 active channel partners. Avaya also said the deal will provide existing Avaya partners with significant new opportunities.

Cloud

New Avaya Cloud IP Office to sell entirely through partners, including MSPs

May 21, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on New Avaya Cloud IP Office to sell entirely through partners, including MSPs
The new cloud offering comes from a Canadian-based datacentre, and is designed to appeal to SMBs as well as midmarket customers considering cloud.

Channel Programs

Polycom enhances flexibility with first phase of new partner program

April 2, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Polycom enhances flexibility with first phase of new partner program
Polycom introduces new and more flexible criteria to reach higher partner levels, while at the same time requiring minimum sales thresholds at all levels and getting more rigorous about joint business plans for upper tier partners.

Distribution

ScanSource, Mitel launch new North American distribution agreement

April 1, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on ScanSource, Mitel launch new North American distribution agreement
In the U.S., ScanSource will carry Mitel’s entire product line, but in Canada, where the core Mitel products do not go through distribution at all, ScanSource will be limited to the Aastra product line.

Unified Communications

Enhanced Scopia video conferencing room systems highlight Avaya Engagement Solution refresh

March 16, 2015 Mark Cox 1
The mid-sized XT4300 room system will be a stronger channel play than most of the Scopia lineup.

Distribution

Snom expands distribution partnership with ABP Tech to grow western Canadian presence

March 6, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Snom expands distribution partnership with ABP Tech to grow western Canadian presence
The German IP phone maker enlists its long-time U.S., distribution partner, which also has a strong presence in western Canada, to expand their presence there.

Cloud

Mitel’s MiCloud 2.0 cloud communications solution strengthens partner capabilities

February 12, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Mitel’s MiCloud 2.0 cloud communications solution strengthens partner capabilities
The new version of Mitel’s cloud communication enhances partner capabilities to offer customers new functionality, while helping the partners deploy and provision their resources more effectively.

Distribution

Ingram Micro to distribute Calgary’s unique SMART Technologies’ digital capture board

February 6, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Ingram Micro to distribute Calgary’s unique SMART Technologies’ digital capture board
SMART kapp is a unique electronic replacement for dry erase boards and flipcharts which will appeal to A/V resellers, but could be sold by anyone who sells into an office environment.