Posted: 04/2005

Channel News

Asante, 1NService Partner to Help SMBs

Asante Technologies Inc. and value-added reseller 1NService have teamed up to help SMBs upgrade their network infrastructures to support data, voice and video over IP networks.

1NService will use Asante’s Power over Ethernet switch, the 24- port IntraCore IC3624PWR. The new switch provides Ethernet connectivity for computer and IP phones, and also powers IP phones over all Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cables. For larger installations, the IntraCore IC35516 series of Layer 3 routing switches will be used for switch aggregation, guaranteed quality of service and wire-speed IP routing. 1NService will configure, install, test, document and support the networks.

The Asante IntraCore switches will be part of an offering that uses either a ShoreTel or an EADS telephone system.

“We see SMB customers looking to radically simplify their voice and data infrastructures by converging them into one network,” says Jeff Lin, Asante’s chairman and CEO. “1NService provides the integration expertise and national field support organization to deploy these over next-generation networks. They also offer complementary voice over IP and video over IP systems, plus VPN equipment.”

Rob Savette, 1NService president, says the products provide a platform that lets Asante and 1NService work together to address members’ networking needs. “Asante and 1NService have had a very successful working relationship for several years,” he says. “Asante has continued to provide … products that provide technology solutions for our customers. This in turn enables 1NService to continue to deliver superior technology solutions to our customers, while remaining sensitive to their business needs. The Asante product line enables 1NService to deliver value-based Layer 2/Layer 3 switches to our enterprise customers.”

ABP Becomes Master Distributor for Hitachi Wireless IP Phone

ABP Technology now is a master distributor for Hitachi Cable America’s new WirelessIP-5000 Phone. The phone is available through ABP’s resellers.

“We are very excited about Hitachi Cable’s wireless IP phone; mobility takes VoIP to a new level, and Hitachi’s product offers the exact combination of design and key features needed for businesses that will help our reseller channel become successful,” says Robert Messer, ABP’s president. “The phone complies with the SIP standard and has proven excellent interoperability with major products in ABP’s SIP-based VoIP product portfolio.”

Hitachi says ABP Technology, located in Dallas, is helping Hitachi reach new markets.

Eschelon Named Inter-Tel’s No. 1 Distributor Worldwide

Reseller Eschelon Telecom Inc. has been ranked as Inter-Tel Inc.’s top business distributor in the world for the third consecutive year. The standing is based on Eschelon’s 2004 purchase volume of Inter-Tel products and services.

Eschelon’s purchases totaled more than $4 million in 2004, making it the first Inter-Tel dealer to reach that benchmark, according to the companies.

Eschelon specializes in the sale, installation and service of the Inter-Tel Axxess communications platform, a system that provides voice processing technology, IP telephony functionality and networking throughout an organization.

Eschelon has ranked in the top 10 Inter-Tel business partners over the past nine years.

Tech Data to Sell Comdial Products

Equipment manufacturer Comdial Corp. has signed a product distribution agreement with Tech Data Corp., a VAR.

Tech Data is selling a number of Comdial’s products, including its CONVERSip MP1000 Media Platform for SMB VoIP deployments and the CONVERSip EP2000 Mulitmedia Endpoint, which supports video, voice and instant messaging through Microsoft Corp.’s Windows XP.

Tech Data is distributing Comdial products through its Telephony Specialized Business Unit to U.S. resellers.

Voda One Teams with Avaya to Support Resellers

Voda One, an arm of value-added distributor Westcon Group Inc., has teamed with Avaya Inc.’s Global Services Group to offer Avaya BusinessPartner reseller maintenance, network consulting and installation services.

Voda One supports the program with network assessments, design, installation, implementation and maintenance, so resellers don’t have to invest in additional support staff, training and infrastructure.

Resellers also can request and access quotes, submit online configurations, use design services and enlist project support through online tools designed by Voda One.

“We see this as a win-win for Voda One, our VARs and customers,” says Kevin Cook, vice president, North America, Avaya. “Now, Avaya BusinessPartners can buy both products and services through Voda One. By standardizing contract procedures and packaging services for sale through distribution, we open up a new market for Avaya Global Services, Voda One and Avaya BusinessPartners.”

Voda One also is offering the Avaya Partner Support Services, which let BusinessPartners craft customized support solutions for their customers. Partner Support Services packages support both IP telephony and TDM.