Mitel Networks, a leading provider of business communications solutions, and Citel Technologies, a global provider of IP telephony and communications solutions, have announced an agreement that delivers an easy, cost-effective migration path to Mitel Networks IP solutions for Nortel enterprise customers.
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement forms a strategic relationship in the IP telephony market aimed at delivering customer-focused, converged communications solutions. As a result, the companies will jointly develop a fully customised CITELlink IP Handset Gateway for Mitel Networks 3300 Integrated Communications Platform (ICP). The co-branded gateway will be sold and supported by Mitel Networks extensive global network of solutions providers.
The CITELlink IP Handset Gateway enables enterprise customers to cost-effectively convert their existing digital PBX telephones into next-generation IP telephones. Using CITELlink, telephones can be migrated to IP telephony in just a few minutes by removing a single telecom connector from the legacy system`s line card and plugging it into the CITELlink gateway. The CITELlink gateway converts the legacy telephone`s signals into IP, enabling the phones to communicate with a new IP PBX from another vendor. This offers customers a dramatically lower cost of ownership and an easier implementation when migrating to a new IP PBX.
"Enterprise customers favour an approach to migration that allows for a smooth transition, leveraging their existing investments to the fullest, while enabling users to continue to enjoy the same level of features and functionality they`re accustomed to," says Andy Bull, director for Mitel Networks, South Africa.
"Through working with Citel Technologies, we significantly increase the options available to Nortel Networks` legacy enterprise customers when adopting a Mitel Networks IP solution," continues Bull.
Until the introduction of CITELlink, enterprise customers were locked into the migration products from their incumbent PBX vendor. CITELlink gateways are fundamentally changing the PBX industry by letting customers choose the best IP PBX solution that meets their evolving needs. Bull says legacy Nortel PBX telephone customers now have a choice when moving, renovating or upgrading their existing PBX systems.
"With CITELlink, these customers can choose to implement a new, market-proven IP-based business telephone system from another leading vendor while retaining the largest part of their existing communications investment, the telephones and associated wiring," says Bull.
"Mitel Networks has a broad range of award-winning solutions combined with significant share in the PBX and IP telephony markets," says Michael Robinson, CEO of Citel Technologies.
"Our agreement with Mitel is another key step in our strategy of helping users migrate to IP telephony by simplifying the migration process and reducing the cost of deployment. Mitel`s selection of Citel is a strong endorsement of our strategic vision, as well as our product value and quality.
"Enterprise users want powerful communications products that will enhance customer service, improve user efficiency, and will be easy to administer and maintain. By combining our innovative gateways with Mitel`s reliable and scalable IP communications systems, we`ve made it easy for Nortel`s legacy business telephone users to enjoy the benefits of a converged solution," concludes Robinson.
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Mitel Networks is a market-leader for voice, video and data convergence over broadband networks. With a focus on the user experience, the company delivers advanced communications solutions that are easily customised for individual business needs. Through intuitive desktop appliances and applications, businesses are provided with innovative ways to manage information and resources. Vertical markets benefit from integrated solutions that protect existing investments, while enabling new ways to be more cost-effective and productive. Mitel Networks is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices, partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.mitel.co.uk.
Citel Technologies
Citel Technologies is a global provider of unique IP telephony and converged communications solutions, which bridge the two worlds of legacy PBX telephones and next generation IP PBX systems. Citel works in partnership with world leading telecom equipment manufacturers and suppliers with the goal of simplifying and accelerating the transition to next generation communications solutions. Since 1995, Citel has pioneered telephony products. Its new product category of CITELlink IP Handset Gateways has received numerous industry awards, including the exclusive Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Award for the Enterprise Communications Product of the Year. Citel is a private company with offices in Nottingham, England (UK), Providence, Rhode Island (USA), and Seattle, Washington (USA). Citel`s products are sold through a global network of independent dealers and computer resellers, as well as through strategic relationships with industry leaders such as 3Com, BroadSoft, Mitel Networks and Sylantro Systems. For more information, please visit www.citel.com.
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