Dimension Data strengthens ties with Avaya

Dimension Data SA has strengthened its solution offering within the interactive communications and contact technology arena through forging closer ties with Avaya, global leader in business communication solutions.

The companies have concluded a direct value-added reseller (VAR) agreement and Dimension Data has recently been awarded Avaya Gold Partner status.

"These significant moves further strengthen our partnership," says Vicky Chippendale, business development manager: interactive communications at Dimension Data. "As we will now be dealing directly with Avaya, our customers will benefit streamlined communication with Avaya`s logistics division and close co-operation with its product development division."

Alain Schram, managing director of Avaya SA, says the direct relationship between the companies will shorten not only the distribution channel, but also the communication channel. "This will further improve our working relationship as there will be direct interaction between the businesses at all levels," he says.

Dimension Data has supplied SA companies with products from Avaya, formerly Lucent Technologies, for the past four years. One of the foremost PABX providers worldwide, Avaya also supplies the leading call centre switch in the US and Europe. Dimension Data`s Gold status is the result of its commitment to the Avaya Business Partner Programme. To qualify, the company fulfilled stringent requirements in terms of skills and revenues. Its new status gives the organisation preferential treatment such as advance product previews, discounts, training and technical centre visits.

"Globally, Avaya has an indirect go-to-market model," explains Schram. "Business partner accreditation extends our capabilities through capable, qualified partners, and enables customers to assess the right business partner for them.

"Our leadership position is simply not possible without key partners in our local markets," he says. "Business partners like Dimension Data play a crucial role in successfully providing service for companies engaged in all the key drivers of the new customer economy - e-business, customer relationship management strategies, unified communications as well as voice and data convergence. Dimension Data has clearly demonstrated its capabilities and skills to successfully sell and support Avaya solutions, significantly contributing to customer satisfaction and brand building."

Dimension Data is an undisputed leader in the provision and deployment of best-of-breed contact technology, from simple PBX switches to high-end sophisticated multi-channel contact centres. It uses leading contact technology to ensure that customers` problem-free interaction, underpinning these integrated solutions with CRM (customer relationship management) and knowledge management strategies and processes.

"While there may be several call centre suppliers that simply implement the technology equipment, Dimension Data combines best-of-breed technologies and best practices to deliver solutions that not only work but deliver return on investment. We`ve done this for some of the largest blue-chip companies in South Africa, Australia and the UK, including our own iMedia Centres," says Chippendale.