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Siemens Enterprise Communications names Denzil Samuels new head of worldwide channels and overhauls its sales and channel structure to optimize the company to take on Cisco and Avaya in North America.
Cisco Increases Tandberg Video Conferencing Acquisition Offer
Cisco Systems' new offer to acquire video conferencing vendor Tandberg is about $3.4 billion. Against the backdrop of a fast-growing video conferencing market, Tandberg shareholders spurned Cisco's original offer of about $3 billion. Cisco says the new amount will be its final offer for Tandberg.
Apple iPhone Infiltrates BlackBerry's Enterprise Stronghold
Once a realm ruled by the mighty BlackBerry, the enterprise has been infiltrated by the Apple iPhone in recent months. Now enterprise mobility management vendor Trust Digital is giving IT organizations some control over these upstart devices. And Trust Digital is also introducing a channel program for solution providers, service providers and systems integrators.
Video Conferencing Is the Killer App for Next Decade
As technology stalwarts such as Cisco and Logitech place their bets on video technology with announced acquisitions of HD video conferencing vendors Tandberg and LifeSize, the opportunities are rife for solution provider channel partners as well. That's because video conferencing will be considered a component of unified communications systems, explains one Polycom executive. Integrating it all represents a rich field for solution providers.
Video Conferencing's Big Year: Acquisitions, Standards and Affordability
The HD video conferencing space has heated up in the last year as smaller companies, such as Tandberg and Lifesize, have become acquisition targets of Cisco and Logitech; vendors have sought to court midmarket and small-business customers; and everyone pushed for greater interoperability and adoption of standards. Here are some of the big trends and news events of 2009 for HD video conferencing.
HD Video Conferencing Heats Up as Logitech Buys LifeSize
Logitech plans to buy HD video conferencing vendor LifeSize for $405 million in cash. The announcement follows news that HD video conferencing vendor Tandberg's shareholders were less than excited about networking giant Cisco's offer to acquire their company. Meanwhile, Polycom's CEO says the deal frenzy points to a faster move for video conferencing going mainstream.
Tandberg Targets Midsize Business, Sees Stronger Quarter
Cisco's acquisition target, video conferencing vendor Tandberg, will this week release a new set of HD video conferencing solutions designed to meet the form factor and price needs of midsize business. Separately, Tandberg announced higher revenue and operating profit for its third quarter, and higher endpoint sales.
On the Go: Workers More Mobile Than Ever
Heads-up sales by mobile-savvy channel partners may yield better benefits now than even just two years ago, given the way that telecommuting is trending. According to a recent survey completed by Harris Interactive on behalf of Riverbed Technology, American workers are working off-site more often these days and are accessing business files from off-site locations in droves. That spells opportunity with a big & O& for resellers and channel providers seeking to sell solutions that enable remote access and user mobility. Channel Insider takes a look at the survey results compiled by Harris after questioning 900 U.S. workers. By Ericka Chickowski
LifeSize Passport Brings Video Conferencing to Masses
Upstart video conferencing vendor LifeSize is offering a sub-$2,500 HD system called LifeSize Passport, designed to bring the telepresence experience to the masses. LifeSize's announcement comes one day after Cisco announced plans to create a video conferencing juggernaut through its acquisition of Tandberg.
Avaya Touts New SME Flagship IP Office Release
Version simplifies unified communications and customer service for SMEs, while delivering a range of new capabilities improving the scalability, resiliency and productivity of organizations.
Motorola's New Handheld Puts Mobility in Users' Hands
The MC9500, the first handheld platform released by Motorola in nearly six years, includes improved interfaces, management tools and adaptable components that extend the utility of the device for mobile workers and, potentially, increases opportunities for partners.
Nokia Unveils First Linux Phone
Nokia's made its move to embrace Linux, offering the company's first phone running on the open source operating system and aiming it at the top of the market. Nokia has also unveiled a new solutions unit, looking to tie its phone operations into its mobile Internet services offerings.
Sharp Plans Device Between Netbook and Smart Phone
Sharp says it plans to launch a paperback-sized mini mobile PC that is smaller than a netbook, offers quick start up times and a touch screen display as well as a full keyboard. The larger display is expected to appeal to users who may have grown tired of squinting at smart phone screens.
Acer Releases Nettop for Business, Lenovo Offers Home Nettop
Acer's Veriton N260G is aimed squarely at the business market and is being sold through the company's reseller channel for $399. Lenovo's IdeaCentre Q100 and Q110 are aimed at the home market and feature Nvidia ION graphics to support HD video. All these nettops are powered by Intel Atom processors.
Smartphone Sales Skyrocket
Smartphones proved the only recession-proof bright spot in the mobile phone market with big growth, according to Gartner. Apple and Nokia are winning more market share in the smartphone space.
Redefining the Restaurant Experience
Mobility solutions have the potential of transforming the restaurant and hospitality industry with more efficient customer service and higher customer satisfaction. Mobility in hospitality is a tremendous opportunity, once costs are contained.
Motorola Channel Chief Calls on VARs to Get More Competitive
Speaking at the CompTIA Breakaway conference, Janet Schijns tells solution provider that better focus on what makes them unique and focusing on breakthroughs sought by customers will make them successful.
Microsoft's Bing Search Steals Share from Google
Bing took 8.23 percent of U.S. Web searches in June, up from 7.81 percent for Microsoft search just prior to its rollout and 7.21 percent in April.
Sprint Touts Clutch Mobile Messaging Device
Sprint announced that when the Motorola Clutch i465 hits Sprint’s sales channels this summer, it will become the first Nextel Direct Connect device to sport a full QWERTY keyboard.
Pre Smart Phone Helps Palm Beat Expectations, Shares Rise
Palm said demand for the Pre was exceeding its expectations. The device is expected to enhance margins at the company, which in past years has steadily relinquished market share to rivals.