DiData snaps up Xigo

Integrator buys telecommunications expense management vendor for an undisclosed sum

Dimension Data (DiData) has acquired US-based telecommunications expense management (TEM) specialist Xigo, taking a big step towards becoming a fully-fledged managed commuincations service provider.

The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, gives DiData the option of offering an integrated cost optimisation solution for spend analysis, sourcing, provisioning and invoice processing.

At present, DiData will focus on increasing Xigo's US market share and meeting the TEM needs of multi-national organisations. However, it said it will roll out the services to other countries in the group "over time".

Steve Joubert, group executive global solution at DiData, said: "Companies turn to Dimension Data because we are able to support their entire IT infrastructure and ensure the best utilisation of their investments. The acquisition of Xigo is a perfect complement, as it extends this capability beyond integration and management of technology.

"Telecom expense management has grown to encompass the entire lifecycle of telecommunication services, including inventory and asset management, ordering and provisioning.

"As clients evolve their networks to address globalisation, mobile device proliferation, virtualisation and cloud, Xigo will be instrumental to helping them implement the most cost-effective roadmaps and architectures for internal and external communication."

Dave Spofford, chief executive of Xigo, said: "Today, the centre of business sits at the edge of the network, and companies need a firm grasp on their mobile and fixed network costs to operate in an increasingly global economy.

"The combination of Dimension Data’s global footprint and Xigo’s unique cloud-delivered services creates a tremendous opportunity for organisations to manage their voice and data networks more cost-efficiently with a complete lifecycle of services. In addition, Xigo clients with operations outside of North America will benefit from Dimension Data’s global footprint in 51 countries along with its deep experience in planning, building and operating IT infrastructures for multinational corporations.“

Spofford will continue to lead the Xigo team. He will report to DiData's Americas chief executive, Jere Brown, on the company’s operations, and to Joubert on strategy.