Allied Telesyn to refocus channel in Wan adoption

Allied Telesyn is searching for additional distributors and resellers to boost the size of its channel as it moves into the Wan product market following its recent acquisition of Teltrend.

The networking vendor has already released a retail-based package, while internet and voice-over-IP (VOIP) systems will be launched at Networks '99 in Birmingham later this month.

Neil Jones, managing director of Allied Telesyn, northern Europe, told PC Dealer the vendor's strategy reflected an expanded product range and the opportunity to access different markets.

'Our Teltrend acquisition means we have a larger range of routers that are ideal for SMEs but can also scale for use in the Fortune 500 companies. Now that we have Wan and Lan capabilities, our products are suitable for many niche markets and we will be looking at those options with our channel.'

Jones said that in addition to internet and VOIP products, Allied Telesyn will soon release systems customised for the banking and finance sectors.

'We'll be adding resellers in those markets, but we also want to increase our penetration in the ISP, telco and government sectors.'

Jones claimed Allied Telesyn has employed more sales people and enhanced its channel training programmes to support its drive.

He added: 'The success of our relationship with the channel is based on the fact we don't sell direct to customers, but provide support on behalf of distributors or resellers.'

Jones expects to finalise Allied Telesyn's expanded channel network by August.