Avaya Helps SMBs Transform with Hybrid Cloud Solutions

Avaya, a global leader in business communications software, systems and services, today announced its first complete, multichannel unified communications and contact center cloud offers targeted for the midmarket. Avaya Midmarket Cloud solutions are two flexible deployment options, enabling Avaya channel partners to seamlessly evolve midsize companies to the advanced capabilities needed for digital business.  Both options, Powered by Avaya IP Office™ and OnAvaya™ - Google™ Cloud Platform, can enable true, hybrid clouds that allow customers to maximize their investments in more than 1 million Avaya systems worldwide. 

Based on the world-class, Avaya IP Office™ Platform, Avaya Midmarket Cloud Solutions are the only unified communications and contact center cloud offers for midsize businesses in the market that utilize the same code base as those installed on-premises.  The benefits of a single code base for deploying hybrid clouds cannot be understated: 

• For channel partners -- this is the easiest, most flexible and profitable means of moving customers to cloud, offering a full stack solution anyway customers want it, simplifying integration, leveraging product knowledge and experience and reducing the need for investment in new skill sets. 
• For customers – a hybrid cloud option based on Avaya IP Office enables the deployment of new capabilities based on business needs, while leveraging existing investments in call control, phones and more. Companies have more control over expenses and the rate at which full migration to cloud occurs, in addition to quickly bringing on new locations. 

Avaya Midmarket Cloud Solutions now support full, multichannel unified communications and contact center capabilities, more operating systems and devices than any competitive cloud offer (PC and MAC web clients and Chrome OS), as well as the unique capabilities of Avaya Communicator for Web that enables communications from any browser-based application. 

• Partner Powered by Avaya IP Office – This cloud option is now globally available to qualified channel partners who wish to install the solution in the data center of their choice. Tested and proven during controlled introductions with 10 Avaya channel partners, Partner Powered by Avaya IP Office is already serving several thousand end-users in North America and Europe. 
• OnAvaya – Google Cloud Platform – Currently available in the US-only, the initial solution announced last Spring has been broadened to make it easier for selected partners that do not have the infrastructure to host and manage their own cloud. The solution also has expanded now include full unified communications as well as multichannel contact center capabilities. End customers such as Diligent Benefits are already serving their customers via OnAvaya – Google Cloud Platform. 

Avaya Midmarket Cloud Solutions is the latest in a series of Avaya programs focusing on enabling channel partners and midsize companies evolve communications to meet today’s requirements for mobile, digital business. Avaya channel partners interested in delivering Avaya Midmarket Cloud Solutions can complete the cloud partner application found at the following link: http://bit.ly/1o2oTvr  

Currently, partners outside the US are only eligible for the Partner Powered by Avaya IP Office option and therefore must be able to provide the infrastructure or host in the data center of choice. 

QUOTES

“Avaya channel partners have a significant role to play in cloud deployments for midsize companies with their established knowledge of the customer and expertise with Avaya products.  Now, they have even more flexibility with which to approach the customer by offering hybrid cloud solutions in a market that has considerable growth potential and is looking for a cost-effective path to advanced communications.”

Fadi Moubarak, Channel Director – Middle East, Africa, and APAC, Avaya

"The past two years has seen a resurgent focus on SMEs by MEA (Middle East & Africa) telcos, especially driven by the growth challenges around their traditional connectivity business. Leveraging off-the-shelf, hybrid platforms will allow them to not only launch adjacent market solutions quickly, but also offer a choice of options to a fairly diverse composition of SMEs within emerging markets." 

Paul Black, Director, Telecoms & Media, IDC Middle East, Turkey and Africa

“Our mid-market customers face the same challenges as larger enterprises and often with fewer resources. They need cost-effective, scalable solutions that can evolve with them on their digital transformation journeys and deliver the customer experience that tech-savvy consumers in this region expect. The hybrid cloud solutions that Avaya is bringing to this sector are tailored to their specific needs, allowing them to stay in control of their migration to cloud and the transition to the smart digital enterprise.”