VoIP and UC: ShoreTel Acquires Agito Networks For $11.4M

ShoreTel, provider of “brilliantly simple” VoIP and unified communications solutions, has acquired enterprise mobility solution developer Agito Networks for $11.4 million. The deal gives ShoreTel the ability to extend UC systems to cell phones — a potential boon for any business. Here are some details.

The basic idea, according to ShoreTel’s press release, is to free workers from the confines of the Wifi network and give them the full range of UC capabilities, including presence, location, call-control, and voice features – even over WLAN. They plan on offering native support for smartphones and tablets including BlackBerry, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Nokia, and Microsoft Windows Mobile devices.

Moreover, ShoreTel says it enhances their value to companies with IP PBX systems provided by companies like Avaya and Intermedia – their UC system already supports laying on top of those products, and by adding Agito to that mix, it’s a major bonus. And since calls are routed through the IP PBX, they’re considered local and can save tremendously on long distance and international fees, the company says.

And best of all — at least for ShoreTel — is that Agito already had a notable foothold in the Fortune 1000 world. By leveraging their existing distribution channels. ShoreTel stands to grow more than just their offering.

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