Unify Expands Channel Opportunities for Midmarket, SMB Resellers

Unify is looking to expand its channel-centric business with the launch of two new unified communications solutions for SMB and midmarket resellers as well as a host of new channel support services.

The communications software and services provider developed its OpenScape Business and OpenScape Enterprise Express solutions with direct input from channel partners, with the goal of helping resellers to capitalize on opportunities in the unified communications market, the company noted. It is also helping partners increase their revenue opportunities with the availability of new software and hardware support services including professional installation and managed service offerings, according to the announcement.

“Our focus is to put the channel at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to provide partners with opportunities to grow their business in the best ways possible for them and their customers,” said Jon Pritchard, executive vice president of Worldwide Channels at Unify, in a statement. “These enhancements to OpenScape Business and OpenScape Enterprise Express were driven by the needs of the channel to help expand their opportunities with SMB and midmarket customers.”

The OpenScape Business solution is being aimed at SMB customers, and supports up to 1,500 users, according to the press release. The offering includes voice, conferencing services and web-collaboration software. An additional “myPortal to go” app will provide integrated VoIP client capabilities for mobile access to the solution.

Similarly, OpenScape Enterprise Express is being marketed for up to 2,000 users and offers a unified communications package based on applications from the company’s OpenScape Enterprise offering for large organizations. All of the applications come pre-integrated, including voice, UC, messaging and an optional contact center, according to Unify. The solution can be deployed either on-premise or as a hosted solution, with plans to expand the scale the service up to 8,000 users in the near future.

“OpenScape Business and OpenScape Enterprise Express make it easy for organizations with limited resources and budgets to take advantage of the benefits of UC, providing all of the necessary applications in affordable and easy-to-implement solutions,” said Bill Hurley, chief marketing officer at Unify. “And for partners, these solutions provide an opportunity to extend their reach in the SMB and midmarket spaces.”

OpenScape Enterprise Express is available now through the channel, with OpenScape Business expected to launch in July. Unify’s software and hardware support resale program is also available in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, with additional regions to be announced soon, according to the company.

Both standard and premium service packages are available for Unify’s software and hardware support services for channel resale.