Global networking leader 3Com Corporation and telecommunications leader Siemens AG have announced a renewed worldwide sales agreement that reinforces the companies` commitment to the large enterprise and solutions provider market as customers migrate to converged networks.
The announcement further strengthens 3Com and Siemens` existing strategic alliance, aimed at developing a rich set of LAN telephony and multimedia products. Also announced today is the first customer win delivered through the new agreement, explains 3Com SA`s regional director, Buddie Ceronie.
"Through Siemens and 3Com`s new strategic sales agreement, the two companies will provide customers with 3Com and Siemens products, supported by either companies` professional services offerings or a combination of the two, according to customer preference," he says.
He points out that both companies view their sales channels as complementary. Siemens` strengths lie in direct sales, service and system integration - particularly working with very large enterprises. "This supports 3Com`s indirect sales expertise, backed up with a growing portfolio of network design, implementation and post-sales customer services," Ceronie adds.
First Customer Signed Up
Airtel, Spain`s second largest mobile operator is one of the first Siemens` customers to sign a contract under the new agreement. Airtel is deploying 3Com`s Total Control platform to create the access infrastructure to offer Internet services to its 2 million customers. The deal is worth $35 million over the next 14 months.
"As the move to converged networking becomes a reality, our large enterprise customers require a strong partner to help them implement solutions that provide real business benefits," says Richard Joyce, senior vice president, global sales, 3Com. "Siemens` expertise working with very large-sized organisations, combined with 3Com`s strengths in building reliable networks with guaranteed quality of service, provides customers with exactly that. We are confident that this sales agreement creates the winning team that will lead the drive to bring efficient network infrastructures to large enterprises worldwide."
"Increasingly in today`s business environment, the success of large enterprises relies heavily on a strong network," says Wolfgang Essig, President, Information and Broadband Sales of Siemens` Information and Communication Networks Group. "We recognise that 3Com is at the forefront of new and emerging network technologies. Aligning with 3Com through this sales agreement will allow us to provide our enterprise customers with complete, integrated network solutions, customised to fit their needs."
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Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group
The Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group was established on October 1, 1998 as part of the restructuring of the Siemens information and communication activities. The Group has around 60,000 employees and sales of about $14 billion, making it one of the world`s leading suppliers of end-to-end solutions for voice, data and mobile networks. Information and Communication Networks provides products, systems, solutions, servicing and support for setting up, operating and maintaining complete corporate and carrier networks. It also offers ancillary services ranging from network planning and financial consultancy through start-up support to user training. Further information on this Siemens Group can be found on the Internet at http://www.siemens.com/ic/networks/
3Com Corporation
With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people in more ways to information than any other networking company. 3Com delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to large, medium and small enterprises; carriers and network service providers; PC OEMs; and consumers. 3Com `More connected`. For further information, visit 3Com`s World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox
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