Siemens Enterprise Communications has teamed up with PineApp, an Israel-based supplier of e-mail and Web security applications, to provide converged voice and data services for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Locally, the converged services will be delivered in partnership with SeKure-IT, the South African representative of PineApp, says Siemens Enterprise Communications head of technology management and marketing, Fred Maurus.
Maurus adds that PineApp is fully conversant with Siemens' open communication strategy, which is set to allow the company to enter the converged communications market.
There is a growing trend worldwide towards Internet Protocol telephony, which requires that Siemens Enterprise Communications adapt to protect its market share.
Maurus says there is big demand for converged voice and data services, which also meet security needs in the SME and small office/home office market.
"Many small companies do not have an IT manager who can manage their network and have to rely on managed networks. Unfortunately, the security aspect of converged services for SMEs is neglected," he says.
The PineApp/SeKure-IT offering complements Siemens's new HiPath 2000 IP platform with its purpose-built appliance that allows organisations of up to 50 users to be protected in aspects such as e-mail and Internet browsing, he says.
The offering provides real-time detection, enabling the platform to block spam and virus attacks.
PineApp VP Michael Kasan says the partnership with Siemens puts his company on an unprecedented growth path, allowing it access to "the enormous market share that Siemens has in SA".
Maurus explains that this is a vendor relationship, with Siemens as reseller of the PineApp offering. Siemens Enterprise Communications is still looking for a global communications partner, he says.
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