ShoreTel buys into FMC space with Agito acquisition

Voice over IP player splashes the cash on fixed mobile convergence specialist

Smart move: ShoreTel claims FMC will flourish as dependence on smartphones continues to rocket

IP telephony vendor ShoreTel has bought its way into the fixed mobile convergence (FMC) market by laying out $11.4m (£7.2m) to acquire Agito Networks.

Agito's routers are interoperable with communications technology from various other IP PBX vendors, including Cisco, Avaya and Microsoft, as well as legacy telephony systems. ShoreTel hopes the deal will allow it to cash in on the exponential increase in enterprises' use of smartphones.

Using Agito's technology can allow businesses to save up to 80 per cent on mobile and international calls, claimed ShoreTel. The IP telephony vendor also stressed that the Agito portfolio has strong security credentials, adding that the buyout will give it access to some lucrative Fortune 1000 accounts.

Don Girskis, interim chief executive at ShoreTel, said: “This is a key strategic investment that creates a significant differentiator for ShoreTel in enterprise mobility. Dependence on smartphones continues to skyrocket, but many workers still struggle with poor coverage areas, inferior call quality, expensive international roaming fees and limited feature sets."

Avnet Technology Solutions works with both vendors and the distributor's head of business strategy Bruce Hockin welcomed news of the buyout.

“Avnet is already working with both vendors and with partners to build advanced mobility solutions," he said. "Avnet views this acquisition by ShoreTel as a natural extension to an already strong portfolio of innovative technology. "