Nortel Customers Urged Not to Panic

Sit back and chill out, Nortel customers. But don’t make any rash decisions about your communications infrastructure. That’s the message from VoiceCon panelist Stephen Leaden of Leaden Associates.

Leaden told attendees that he expects Avaya, which purchased the bankrupt equipment giant’s enterprise unit this fall, to eliminate some gear. But he expects the company to roll out plans for a smooth migration for those who see their equipment phased out. Therefore, his advice: Avoid making long-term decisions until Avaya details its future plans. Avaya has promised to lay out its plans within 30 days after the deal closes.

The panel recommended that Nortel customers upgrade their software in order to make sure that gear will be supported after the sale goes through. A discontinued product still works, said Brad Tompkins of the North American Nortel users’ group. Another panelist added that third-party vendors sell maintenance contracts for gear that’s been discontinued. That path would be cheaper for companies looking to save money.