Caltell ends connection with Avaya

Distributor ends agreement to focus on enterprise sector

SME distributor Caltell Communication is ending its distribution agreement with Avaya as its parent company Xpert Communications focuses on the enterprise sector.

Xpert Communications, a reseller formed by the merger of Xpert Systems and Genesis Telecommunications, will continue its relationship with Avaya, but from October will focus only on the higher end of the market.

"Caltell Communications will no longer be distributing Avaya equipment, and Xpert Communications, the specialist data and voice communications reseller, will continue to build its Avaya business," said a statement from Xpert.

Xpert Communications declined to comment.

Avaya is left with a UK distribution channel made up of Crane Telecommunications, Westcon, and MTV.

Daniel Bausor, head of corporate affairs at Avaya UK, told CRN there were no immediate plans to replace Caltell.

"However, as we enter the new financial year in October we are not ruling this out," he added. "Caltell has been an SME-focused distributor for 18 months but it has decided to focus on other markets."

Will Morey, channel and business development manager at Avaya distributor Crane Telecommunications, said the SME market is a growth area for Avaya. "We are seeing a lot of interest from data VARs wanting to sell Avaya," he said.

He added that Avaya's remaining distributors give the vendor the "necessary coverage in all market areas".

Separately, Avaya has awarded Platinum Business Partner status to reseller Sabio, which focuses on the contact-centre market. Avaya said Sabio had exceeded accreditation targets relating to turnover, technical capability and customer service.

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