3Com rings Bell for IP telephony

Vendor appoints Bell to carry its voice gear after parting company with Northamber

Bell claims it can help Northamber partners make a quick and easy transition

After parting ways with Northamber, 3Com has extended its distribution relationship with Bell Micro to include its IP telephony products.

Northamber had exclusive rights to 3Com's VCX and NBX IP telephony gear before the duo parted company at the beginning of this month.

Ed Callacher, divisional manager for networking and security at Bell, stressed that the distributor would make every effort to accommodate partners who bought from Northamber.

He told CRN: "Bell will help anyone who traded with Northamber transition their business quickly, easily and efficiently and I am sure we can replicate the things they liked about Northamber."

3Com also works with Computer 2000 for its routers and switches and Callacher admitted that it is still unclear whether or not they too will be granted access to the voice products.

Callacher added that Bell would also target its existing base of 100-120 3Com networking resellers with the new voice products.

Rob White, distribution and DMR sales manager at 3Com, indicated in a statement that Bell had performed well since the duo first forged a relationship in 2006.

“The decision to extend our agreement with Bell was not only due to the significant revenues that the company generated for the existing 3Com products in its portfolio, but also as a result of the dedication that the company has shown to the 3Com relationship,” he said.

Bell will offer resellers associated training and support on the products, as well as resources to help close deals.