Centerprise takes first steps into VoIP space
Distributor finalises BlueBite deal to boost future IP telephony development and establish reseller network
Centerprise International has bran-ched out into the voice over IP (VoIP) space with the signing of a distribution agreement with vendor BlueBite last week.
Centerprise Distribution, the distribution arm of Centerprise Inter-national, will sell and promote BlueBite’s range of VoIP products, as well as establishing a reseller network for BlueTalk, BlueBite’s VoIP platform, provided by Telappliant.
PJ Fletcher, managing director of BlueBite, said: “Centerprise is a strong ally; it has long existing relationships in key partnerships. We chose Centerprise because it is focused, flexible, proactive and above all very keen. As a determined distributor, Centerprise has strong links with retailers and etailers, which in turn will help us to expand our customer base. Centerprise will sell our range of IP phones and USB phones, ATA adapters and wireless routers.
“Previously, the reseller would have to find a separate service provider for VoIP. We provide the hardware and service together. We try to sustain the widest range of VoIP devices to support our VoIP services. We offer products from vendors such as Grandstream, Corinex, Snom and Thomson.”
BlueBite has been developing its offerings since it was founded in 2004 and has appointed Centerprise as its launch distributor. Fletcher told CRN that BlueBite is also in talks with another distributor, which it hopes to appoint before Christmas.
“We’ve also signed a deal with the Brigantia buying group and are in talks with two other large buying groups,” Fletcher added.
David Pye, distribution manager at Centerprise Distribution, said: “This is our first venture into VoIP, and we are delighted to be working with BlueBite’s range of VoIP products. We intend to launch this mostly into retailers and etailers.”
However, Andrew Saunders, divisional managing director of voice and data distributor Crane, said Centerprise may find things hard.
“The VoIP space is a tough market. A lot of new entrants to the market will find themselves severely challenged by customers’ demands for quality,” he said.