Tech Data to Distribute Avaya Enterprise Communications Solutions Portfolio

Tech Data, a distributor of IT products, announced it finalized an expanded distribution agreement with Avaya, a provider of enterprise communications. In addition to supporting products and services added to the Avaya portfolio following the acquisition of Nortel Enterprise Solutions, Tech Data offers IT resellers nationwide access to the full range of Avaya's unified communications, contact center and data networking solutions for SMBs (small to medium-size businesses).

Tech Data said it would help Avaya Connect channel partners to capitalize on the demand for a wide range of networking and communications solutions in the public and private sectors, including small businesses, large enterprises, government agencies, educational institutions and health care facilities. Tech Data has expanded its team of Avaya sales professionals and systems engineers to provide resellers with pre- and post-sales support. Through its six U.S. logistics centers, Tech Data will provide Avaya partners with two-day ground shipping anywhere nationwide.

John O'Shea, Tech Data's vice president of networking product marketing, said the expanded relationship with Avaya strengthens its unified communications and networking solutions offering, enabling them to bring their products and services to a new base of reseller partners, as well as to continue supporting the needs of former Nortel resellers.

"Avaya will be a key component of Tech Data's networking strategy, which encompasses an unmatched line card of networking infrastructure hardware and emerging networking solutions supported by our four specialized business units," he said. "Moreover, we give Avaya Connect channel partners access to a broad array of value-added services and exclusive resources to help them grow their businesses and strengthen their networking practices."

Avaya Unified Communications will be the foundation for Tech Data's new unified communications lab in the company's technology solutions center. Here resellers will familiarize themselves with these emerging technologies, helping them to connect customer needs with the right Avaya solution.

"Avaya is a critical component of Tech Data's unified communications strategy," O'Shea said. "Through our Unified Communications SBU, we now provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions from the world leader in unified communications."

Mike Reid, vice president of North American Distribution for Avaya, said distribution represents a key part of the Avaya Connect program strategy, and Tech Data has a long and strong history of supporting heritage Nortel channel partners and as a leading distributor of networking solutions. "Through its established base of networking VARs, Tech Data will serve as a strategic route to market for many of Avaya's communications and networking solutions, thus helping us to build our partner base," he said.