Tech Data has announced a distribution agreement with Fonality to sell its open source, Hybrid-Hosted solutions for small and medium businesses (SMBs).

 

As part of the agreement, Tech Data (News - Alert) will offer resellers Fonality’s open source, Hybrid-Hosted solutions through Tech Data’s Telephony Specialized Business Unit (SBU).

 

The trixbox Pro IP-PBX (News - Alert) system, one of the Hybrid Hosted solutions, provides easily deployed, cost-effective Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and unified communications for SMBs, the company said.

 

The trixbox Pro system provides basic voice, messaging and conferencing capabilities for main office, remote locations and telecommuters. Resellers deploy the trixbox Pro IP-PBX appliance at a customer’s location. Fonality (News - Alert) delivers its VoIP and unified communications services via the trixbox Pro, which it remotely manages and monitors on behalf of resellers via its Hybrid-Hosted technology, the company said.

 

The system enables users to take advantage of more advanced communications capabilities, including Microsoft (News - Alert) Outlook and customer relationship management (CRM) integration, voicemail to e-mail and call center support.

 

According to Fonality, the Hybrid-Hosted model offers a premise-based unified communications solution through a hosted system that requires little on-site maintenance or support. Other services offered include 24x7 systems monitoring, automatic software updates, business continuity support, and comprehensive reporting and tracking tools.

 

“Awareness about the cost savings and efficiencies gained by VoIP and unified communications continue to grow, especially in the SMB market,” said Chuck Bartlett, vice president, Networking Product Marketing, Tech Data, in a statement. “Fonality enables VARs to offer even their smallest customers the advantages of the latest communications solutions in a hosted and managed model that does not require significant investment in infrastructure or the need for on-site technical support.”

 

 “Fonality sees tremendous potential for VoIP and unified communication adoption to continue to grow among SMBs,” said John Bazzone, vice president, Fonality, in a statement.

 

According to Bazzone, Fonality’s open source, Hybrid-Hosted approach is the ideal solution for SMB resellers.

 

“Our partnership with Tech Data will enable us to engage the channel’s leading resellers and expand our presence among small businesses nationwide,” said Bazzone.