Avaya reinforces distribution model in business wireless market

Since October 2001, Avaya has actively worked towards enlarging its sales channel in the EMEA market, in direct response to the growing demand for WLAN solutions. As a result, Avaya has already increased its WLAN distribution network in EMEA by close to 40 per cent. According to industry analyst firm, IDC*, WLAN shipments worldwide are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41 per cent.

"Around the world, Avaya is expanding into markets and working with distributors to help them meet their small, medium and large business customers' needs for reliable, secure, cost-effective wireless data networks," said Graham Celine, vice president, solutions management, MultiService Networking Infrastructure group, Avaya. "Our Avaya Wireless LAN portfolio is an excellent solution - a strong production upon which we plan to build a diverse and broader offering."

These additional BusinessPartners in EMEA -- located in countries including the Czech Republic, Finland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the UK -- possess valuable experience in the WLAN arena and will play a crucial role in further expanding Avaya's market share in wireless networking. Martin Meerman, solutions manager Avaya Wireless, EMEA, commented, "The concept of being able to integrate wireless networks and applications into a company's total infrastructure, including data, voice, video, eBusiness and network management is gaining significant momentum in Europe where wireless telephony is already very mature.

Avaya Wireless data solutions offer true mobility that enable company employees to stay connected and remain productive, whether they are in the office, working from home, moving around a campus or travelling."

Through these changes, Avaya has become a major channel in EMEA for delivering Avaya Wireless branded WLAN solutions to the enterprise market. Currently, Avaya offers wireless solutions ranging from client (user) products including personal computer cards and USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices which link the desktop to a wireless LAN, to a series of access points for use by an enterprise, and a complete range of outdoor routers that connect buildings using external wireless antennae. The new Avaya Wireless AP-3 access point offers customers a smooth transition path from using today's wireless networks to future high-speed technologies (54-Mbps IEEE802.11a and 802.11g), while at the same time enhancing security by supporting new features in Microsoft's Windows XP™ operating system. Avaya is continuing to build on its portfolio of wireless solutions to ensure full integration with its data, voice and IP solutions.

IDC also highlights that the small and medium- sized enterprise (SME) and small office-home office (SOHO) sectors in Europe are expected to broadly adopt wireless LAN technology in order to benefit from the business advantages it offers to them.
*IDC Report "Unwiring the Network: Worldwide Wireless LAN Market Forecast Update 2000-2005