Plantronics and Netformx Deliver Complete Solution for Designing Communications Infrastructures
Customers Get True Cost Calculations of Network Deployment with End-User Focus
Cisco LIVE — June 28, 2010 - Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) and Netformx, today announced the inclusion of Plantronics audio devices in the Netformx KnowledgeBaseTM framework. The partnership between Plantronics and Netformx marks the first time system integrators and sales engineers are able to automatically generate complex network plans which include audio endpoints such as headsets and USB phones.
The planning of complex network services involves labor-intensive and error-prone data collection and management processes. Automating the process with Netformx DesignXpert® and leveraging their KnowledgeBase of over two million rules and 200,000+ devices ensures that devices and systems are interoperable, available and updated in accord with company releases. The Plantronics audio devices in the KnowledgeBase will complement the full Cisco UC solution design within Netformx DesignXpert.
“Netformx prides itself on providing the most robust, systematic way to predict the implications of deploying services on a new and existing network. Plantronics’ reputation for ease of use helps us meet the high standards of interoperability and integration with other products in our KnowledgeBase. We can offer customers peace of mind when planning and quoting network configurations, now including audio devices,” said Netformx CEO Ittai Bareket.
The ability to demonstrate the ROI of selling, deploying and fulfilling complex network solutions, like unified communications, is a key component to deployment. The Netformx value is in automating the telecom-to-enterprise sales function, enhancing the accuracy of network designs and quotes as they flow from telecom sales to operations.
Plantronics audio devices complete the last leg of the network when planning for end-user adoption and satisfaction in network deployments. It also extends the Netformx equipment offering, making it even easier for a system integrator to incorporate end point devices into deployment planning.
“As unified communications accelerates in the enterprise, systems integrators are tasked with accurately mapping a cohesive, workable deployment, no matter the vendor or deployment size,” said Michael Gjerstad, vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Plantronics. “Interoperable audio devices are critical to the success and adoption of deployments. With the addition of our endpoint devices to Netformx, a realistic and complete network proposal that keeps the end-user in mind can now be created.”
The Netformx KnowledgeBase includes a Plantronics product library and a Plantronics Headset Advisor. The advisor tool guides Netformx users during their search, offering additional detail for interoperability and availability. This Plantronics Library can now be accessed by companies such as: Adtran, APC, AT&T, Belden, Belgacom, Bell Canada, Century Link, Cisco, Dimension Data, HP Network Solution Group, Juniper, Mountain West Telecom, Orange Business, Shoretel, Sprint, TrippLite, Verizon and more. The Plantronics library will also be embedded in DesignXpert’s Cisco Unified Communications Advisor (UCA).
About Netformx
Netformx automates the end-to-end process of designing networks and enables collaborative workflows within and across organizations. Service providers, systems integrators and manufacturers worldwide use the company’s award-winning solutions to transform enterprise customer requirements into deployable network solutions.
Today, at least 25,000 networking design and sales professionals at AT&T, Bell Canada, Sprint, Verizon, Mountain West Telecom, CenturyLink, HP Network Solution Group, Orange Business, Swisscom, Dimension Data, Belgacom and many others use Netformx’s products. The company’s equipment vendor partners include Cisco, Juniper, Avaya, TrippLite, Adtran, APC, Belden, TerraWave Solutions and now Plantronics, among others.
More information can be found at www.netformx.com
