Unified Communications

Channel Programs

Mitel rolls out new program for agents, and new partner-led track

July 19, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Mitel rolls out new program for agents, and new partner-led track
Amplify is a new program for the master-agent channel, while Velocity  encompasses partner-led cloud go-to-market models, including MiCloud Connect Partner Managed.

Cloud

Avaya introduces new Avaya Cloud Office capabilities for hybrid cloud workplace

June 10, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya introduces new Avaya Cloud Office capabilities for hybrid cloud workplace
One additional change is that to satisfy data residency requirements in certain markets, Avaya Cloud Office customer data is now stored in-country by default, in select markets, which include Canada and the U.S.

Channel Programs

Mitel makes changes to points system, certifications, in rejig of partner program

April 30, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Mitel makes changes to points system, certifications, in rejig of partner program
Mitel also plans to make some major changes to their marketing enablement policies for partners in the second half of the year.

Unified Communications

Poly targets hands-free use cases with Alexa for Business for Zoom Rooms with Poly

April 27, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Poly targets hands-free use cases with Alexa for Business for Zoom Rooms with Poly
Alexa for Business for Zoom Rooms with Poly is initially targeted at the COVID sensitive market as companies return some of their workforce to the office, but they see the longer term use cases as extending well beyond that.

Unified Communications

Contact centre startup Observe.AI brings in Jon Heaps to build out channels

March 26, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Contact centre startup Observe.AI brings in Jon Heaps to build out channels
Observe.AI has always had a key channel component through alliances with strategic vendor partners, but the company is now building out its trusted advisor channels, starting with a Master Agent channel, and with a VAR channel to come.

Channel Programs

Zoom enhances benefits in Master Agent Referral Partner Program

March 22, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Zoom enhances benefits in Master Agent Referral Partner Program
Zoom also increases the number of Master Agents in the program, and will also be evolving the Zoom Phone program so that partners in geos with different regulatory systems will be able to sell Zoom Phones on their own paper.

Channel Programs

Sennheiser reboot EPOS launches formal, globally consistent partner program

March 8, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sennheiser reboot EPOS launches formal, globally consistent partner program
EPOS, which took the US and gaming products in the 2020 split of Sennheiser, had never had a structured overall program in the Sennheiser days, but has reworked the program, believing that was necessary to scale their growth.

Unified Communications

Jabra expands Evolve 2 family with entry level Evolve2 30

March 2, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Jabra expands Evolve 2 family with entry level Evolve2 30
The Evolve2 30 is a superior version to the existing Evolve 30, with better collaboration features, passive noise cancellation, durability and flexibility, although the older model will also remain in production.

Unified Communications

Poly introduces wireless DECT Poly Rove systems with baked-in Microban anti-microbial tech

March 1, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Poly introduces wireless DECT Poly Rove systems with baked-in Microban anti-microbial tech
In addition to the Rove, which is a brand new line, Poly has also announced the refresh of another DECT series, the Savi 7300.

Unified Communications

Poly moves into personal video space with Poly Studio P series

February 2, 2021 Mark Cox Comments Off on Poly moves into personal video space with Poly Studio P series
The Studio P is not exclusively a Work From Home product, although that trend accelerated its development, but it is Poly’s first commercial entry for this part of the market.