August 3, 1999
Flexion Systems and Getech formalise their relationship to unlock the SME market opportunity
Flexion Systems (UK), an innovative new company that has developed a communication solution that integrates voice and data communications with applications, specifically for US and European small businesses, has formally teamed up with Getech, the fastest growing UK distributor of BT, one of the world's largest communications companies. The partnership supports Flexion Systems' core aim to equip the channel with the necessary skills to allow it to deliver the benefits of converged voice and data applications and services to the burgeoning small to medium enterprise (SME) market, which already comprises 3.5 million businesses in the UK alone.
By supporting a SME market strategy, based on service delivery, the Flexion Systems/Getech combination will provide the channel with real scope to grow business in this potentially very profitable business sector. Flexion Systems resellers, working with Getech, will have access to a broad range of support services including professional services, a technical support centre and field-based engineers helping them to make the transition from being product-focused resellers to solutions based consultants.
Resellers are guaranteed to make good margins on sales of the Flexion Systems solution as well as on the value-add opportunities. In addition to the sale of services and support, Getech's close relationship with BT will provide ease of access to lines and the advantages of call revenues that are payable to the reseller.
"SMEs are the fastest growing and one of the most innovative sectors of British business", says BT Getech account manager, Simon Heath. "They are keen to take advantage of new ways to meet their business needs but are less worried about the nitty gritty of how the benefits are actually provided. This means that small businesses are both an opportunity and a challenge: the revenue stream is there to be tapped but to succeed the channel will have to think very seriously about this market's particular requirements."
"Getech's experience as a true value-added distributor shows that the channel can build its business and make solid profits by using services and support to add breadth and depth to its relationship with small businesses," says Andrew Bale, CEO of Flexion Systems. "Our partnership will give a wide range of resellers the entry point they need to gain a foothold in this market."
Guy Watts, Getech's sales director concludes: "Flexion Systems now has strategic relationships in place with Microsoft, Newbridge and ourselves. Together, we have the ability and the vision to help the channel bring the advantages of the changes to the public network and developments in communications technology to the SME market in a genuinely meaningful way."
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Getech
Getech is the UK arm of the $1.6 billion Dutch group, Getronics. Getronics is involved in a number of lines of business including, system integration, consulting, outsourcing, infrastructure and network services and software solutions. It has recently announced the high profile acquisition of Wang for $2 billion.
The combined company will have annual revenues of $5 billion, 33,000 employees, and operations in over 44 countries. It will become the largest provider of network technology services and business solutions in Europe and one of the five largest in the world.
Flexion Systems
Flexion Systems designs, manufactures and markets products and services to provide one-stop communications and IT solutions specifically for the rapidly growing small business segment - to help them best utilize and integrate voice and data communications capabilities to the fullest.
Flexion Systems is not just another technology company - it is an innovative, entrepreneurial organization made up of seasoned industry executives, talented technology experts, and a dynamic marketing/sales team. Flexion Systems is based in offices in San Francisco in the US and Chippenham in the UK and is backed by leading investors from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Flexion Systems solution is the world's first open PBX platform. Built on existing and emerging standards it enables a seamless migration from the technologies of today to the newer ones like DSL and VoIP.
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For further information please contact:
Kelly Pemble, Natasha Rice, Claire Gosnell or Fiona Cohen
Manning Selvage and Lee
Tel. 0171 878 3000
kelly.pemble@mslpr.co.uk
Lisa Copass, Graeme Slattery, or Eric Gonzales
Manning Selvage and Lee, San Fransisco
Tel. 415 676 3900
lcopass@mslpr.com
Lucy Brown
Flexion Systems Ltd
Tel. 01628 827260
lucy_brown@flexion.com |
