Unified Communications

Partnerships

Avaya expands ReadyNow’s global footprint, AI capabilities with IBM partnership

September 23, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya expands ReadyNow’s global footprint, AI capabilities with IBM partnership
Avaya sees the synergy between the two companies and IBM’s consultancy capabilities as important assets in meeting the unexpectedly high demand for ReadyNow as-a-service from larger customers.

Unified Communications

Teamline lets Microsoft Teams users join other platforms with one click through MultiJoin

September 4, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Teamline lets Microsoft Teams users join other platforms with one click through MultiJoin
Teamline is focused on the Microsoft platform, and MultiJoin won’t change that, but it does give users added flexibility with calls involving different platforms.

Cloud

Pexip reaches out to Microsoft customers with new free CVI promotion

July 15, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Pexip reaches out to Microsoft customers with new free CVI promotion
The offer to new customers for both Microsoft Teams and Surface Hub 2 is also intended to get some Pexip channel partners from the AV side of the house to work more closely with Microsoft.

Cloud

Calabrio CEO Goodmanson says Teleopti acquisition makes company channel powerhouse

July 8, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Calabrio CEO Goodmanson says Teleopti acquisition makes company channel powerhouse
Calabrio’s CEO talks with ChannelBuzz about what partners can expect to see from the newly enlarged company, which he says now has the largest channel business in the space.

Hardware

Steelcase launches Microsoft channel-focused initiative around Surface Hub 2

July 3, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Steelcase launches Microsoft channel-focused initiative around Surface Hub 2
Steelcase makes Steelcase Roam, a mobile cart and wall mounting system designed specifically for the Microsoft Surface Hub 2, and has launched a new program and new IT distribution relationships to help Microsoft partners sell it.

Unified Communications

Sennheiser restructures North American operations to improve channel efficiency

June 14, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sennheiser restructures North American operations to improve channel efficiency
With the restructuring of Sennheiser into two separate business for the start of 2020 on schedule, the part of the company focused on unified communications has already implemented internal and channel sales changes.

Hardware

Lenovo continues to build out Smart Office strategy with ThinkSmart Hub 500 for Zoom Rooms

June 13, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Lenovo continues to build out Smart Office strategy with ThinkSmart Hub 500 for Zoom Rooms
The follow-up to last year’s original ThinkSmart Hub 500, which was for Skype for Business, continues Lenovo’s strategy of building out their Smart Office portfolio, and in the teams space in particular.

Cloud

Avaya leverages Google, containers to take cloud UC downmarket with Powered by Avaya IX

May 31, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya leverages Google, containers to take cloud UC downmarket with Powered by Avaya IX
The SMB space was a hard sell for partners with virtualized Powered by IP Office, but the company thinks this next-gen rebranded play that runs on the Google cloud will be a popular partner offering.

Small Business

netTALK seeks reseller partners for newly launched cloud-based telephone system for small business

April 24, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on netTALK seeks reseller partners for newly launched cloud-based telephone system for small business
netTALK, which has been in the consumer phone market for years, enters the commercial market, and is looking for both Master Agents and VARs to sell it.

Unified Communications

Jabra launches Evolve 65e wireless neckband earbuds for mobile professionals

April 8, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Jabra launches Evolve 65e wireless neckband earbuds for mobile professionals
The new Evolve 65e adds features like a Hear-Through feature and a Jabra Sound+ management capability.