Communications vendor Avaya is pushing the mobility message to the channel this year following the recent launch of its SME-tailored IP Office 500 software.
The firm is extending its zero per cent finance scheme to encourage SME take up of its latest software, which features a new telecommuter mode - giving users access to their office system anywhere in the world by using a basic internet connection.
Avaya’s latest finance offer is targeted at firms leasing the Avaya SME solution, including the IP Office500 with VoiceMail Pro messaging.
Payments will be spread over a two-year period with zero per cent interest. At the end of the term, the customer can continue to use the equipment - for a nominal amount - return it or refresh it.
Graham Bunting, UK SME channel sales director at Avaya, said: “We know the challenges that our SME customers face when it comes to investing in technology. They want to buy equipment now, but cannot because of obstacles, such as budgets and funding. Avaya is letting customers pay for the equipment as it is used, instead of in advance.”
The UK market is looking positive in 2008. “Mobility is high on an SME’s list of requirements - they like to think of work not as a place where people go, but where people are,” he added.
Avaya is helping its partners drive demand for the technology and has a team of dedicated people to provide support and lead generation, according to Bunting.
“We can help identify firms interested in the technology as well as those that have done nothing to address the issue of mobility and remote working.”
“The feeling we are getting from our partners is that the market is pretty buoyant. Eight years on from the
millennium both we and our competitors have aging products, which means there is a market out there and people are beginning to poke the IP story a lot more,” he said.
Edward Hobson, director at Avaya partner Informe was also feeling confident. “The mobility functions in Avaya’s IP 500 product have come along in leaps and bounds, which has had a huge impact on the functionality we can offer our SME customers.
“Avaya will listen to reseller feedback. The four-tiered system of support that it offers partners gives us confidence if anything does happen, and we know any issues or faults will be dealt with quickly.
“We think IP 500 is taking things to a new level and has made the beginning of 2008 a positive event for us,” he said.
Avaya zereos in on finance