Jenne Deepens LifeSize Videoconferencing Relationship
Jenne Inc., the UC-focused VAD, is deepening its relationship with LifeSize, as both companies seek to capitalize on the growing videoconferencing market, which is predicted to hit $14 billion in 2017. That sounds like big money. So what should VARs know about this dynamic duo? Here’s a demo …
Yes, a demo. That’s exactly what Jenne and LifeSize are looking to provide their resellers. The two companies want to help video-centric VARs “quickly establish themselves in this growth market,” through the traditional sales-related tools that now includes shiny new demo equipment. Jenne sees this demo program as a perfect onramp for VARs who have been looking to break into the UC and videoconferencing world but need a little boost. In fact, Jenne is so committed to helping VARs hit the ground running it plans to offer all the demo equipment for free, as long as it’s a “temporary end-user deployment.” As a bonus, every element of LifeSize’s business portfolio will be available to Jenne resellers for demonstration purposes.
Why so bullish on the videoconferencing market? Jenne cites a Global Industry Analyst report that predicts not only will videoconferencing represent a $14 billion market in 2017, but the proliferation of mobile workers and mobile video-enabled devices will accelerate that growth and demand. And wouldn’t you know it, the SMB is the market driving most of that demand.
Not sure about the videoconferencing uptick? I’m a bit hesitant on the video hype, too. But companies including Polycom and Avaya have been ramping up their video offerings as fast as they can, with many focused on mobility and SMB sectors. That seems to match the same trend Jenne and LifeSize are following. Could there be a hidden trend for videoconferencing in 2012? If that’s the case, it looks like The VAR Guy might want to add video-focused communication to his 2017 prediction list.
