Two announcements to cover in this edition: unified communications product launches from Siemens Enterprise Communications (SEC) and a recent $1.4 billion deal by Verizon to acquire Terremark, an infrastructure-as-a-service provider.
Siemens Enterprise Communications has announced a new range of IP-based, software-driven enterprise voice and unified communications (UC) products targeting mid- and large-size customers by providing UC features at the same licensing price point as voice-only solutions. The bundled features include multiparty audio conferencing, unified messaging and UC productivity tools integrated into one voice solution.
Two new OpenScape products are included in the SEC launch along with new deployment options for existing HiPath customers. The first new product option is the OpenScape UC Server Enterprise, aimed at larger enterprises supported both by single-server architectures or in multi-server configurations. The second configuration is OpenScape UC Server Xpress, a streamlined, solution optimized for mid-market customers from 350 to 1,000 users; it includes packaged voice, UC conferencing and entry-level contact center features. For existing HiPath 4000 customers, SEC offers new software and data center deployment options and an upcoming “IT-ready” hardware chassis (known as HiPath Access) that can be used for running gateways and modules.
In other news, Verizon announced it plans to acquire Terremark for $1.4 billion as it seeks to accelerate its “everything-as-a-service” strategy. Terremark is a global provider of managed IT infrastructure and cloud services. Verizon plans to operate Terremark as a wholly owned subsidiary, also maintaining the current management team.
Commenting in a statement, Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon, said, “Cloud computing continues to fundamentally alter the way enterprises procure, deploy and manage IT resources, and this combination helps create a tipping point for everything-as-a-service. Our collective vision will foster innovation, enhance business processes and dynamically deliver business intelligence and collaboration services to anyone, anywhere and on any device.”
