Technology Reseller - v30

01732 759725 16 NEWS : VENDORS Vincent Disneur John DeLozier Mitel is launching its flagship enterprise communications and collaboration solution, MiCloud Flex, as a wholesale offering on Google Cloud, giving mid- market and enterprises organisations in the UK, France and US a choice of cloud models for their communications needs – public, private or hybrid cloud. Mitel channel partners benefit from new revenue streams and, without the cost and complexity of managing a data centre, can focus their efforts on the delivery of services and support. The release of MiCloud Flex on Google Cloud builds on Mitel’s experience in leveraging a wholesale cloud model with UK partners and follows the launch of the MiCloud Connect on Google Cloud in 2019, since when the Unified-Communications- as-a-Service (UCaaS) offering has seen a significant rise in demand. Through Mitel’s strategic relationship with Google Cloud, partners will be able to deliver customised private cloud deployments and related communications applications, including MiTeam Meetings, a real-time, virtual meeting workspace with voice, video and chat, and the omnichannel MiCloud Flex Contact Center with Google Contact Center AI capabilities. APIs for integration with popular back- office applications such as CRM and ERP systems enable mid-market and enterprise businesses to streamline operations by linking advanced communications capabilities into key business processes and custom workflows. Nick Beardsley, Enterprise Director for Mitel reseller Olive Communications, said: “MiCloud Flex built on Google Cloud allows us to offer a platform to seamlessly bridge cloud, data and mobility services, allowing users to consume the technology and business applications needed to operate efficiently regardless of location or device, while providing an agile and scalable model designed to drive operational efficiency.” www.mitel.com Mitel launches MiCloud Flex on Google Cloud aBILLity app gives on-demand access to billing data Billing and provisioning specialist Union Street Technologies has brought out an app for its aBILLity billing platform that enables communication providers (CPs) to view billing activities and access customer information on an iOS or Android device. Used by more than 600 CPs, the aBILLity platform calculates network usage, applies tariffs and generates and dispatches invoices to customers, as well as helping CPs to manage network services and comply with industry regulation. Head of Sales and Marketing Vincent Disneur said: “We’ve developed our app to provide easy access to contact information, customer data and management reporting that can give a snapshot of how billing operations are performing. This enables staff who may not be directly involved with billing to access the information they require from anywhere at any time without the need to access a PC or contact billing personnel. It also offers business continuity advantages that are particularly relevant in light of current events.” The aBILLity app is available from the App Store and Play Store. unionstreet.uk.com Red Sift launches partner programme Red Sift, a provider of cloud-based email security solutions, has launched its inaugural partner program and purpose- built portal to make it easier for new and existing partners to supply customers with its 360° email protection suite. Designed to reward focus, transparency and engagement, rather than size, the program has been welcomed by Joseph Hedegaard-Ganly, Information Security Specialist at Saepio. He said: “The clear and generous structure of the program reinforces our faith in Red Sift as a key partner for Saepio. It was clear from the off that Red Sift’s partner portal had been built from scratch, with the efficacy and simplicity for partners to easily manage collaboration. Simple and effective tracking of combined efforts, with seamless communication and collaboration tools make this the best portal we’ve seen.” www.redsift.com Six months’ free broadband Vodafone is offering small businesses, including those already on a Vodafone contract, six months’ free broadband with unlimited usage and free access to Microsoft 365 Business Standard’s full suite of tools when they sign up to a new 24-month Vodafone broadband contract. After six months, they pay the standard monthly charges of £19.17 (ex VAT) for Unlimited Vodafone Business Broadband and £9.40 (ex VAT) for Microsoft 365 Business Standard for the remaining 18 months. Paul McGann, Managing Director of Leeds-based creative promotional marketing agency Cat Among the Pigeons, said: “With one less bill to think about for six months, this offer will be incredibly helpful to small businesses like us.” The offer is open to businesses with up to 50 employees and can be taken up any time before the end of August. www.vodafone.co.uk/business/ business-connectivity/broadband-a nd- phone Virgin partners with 8x8 Cloud communications provider 8x8 has entered into a strategic partnership with Virgin Media Business (VMB) as part of a channel-first strategy that has also seen it partner with Softcat and Computacenter. As a business data network and communications provider, VMB will offer 8x8’s integrated cloud communications platform to more than 50,000 business, public sector and education customers. This includes voice, video, chat and call centre solutions, plus support for enterprise-class API solutions so that customers can add new functionality. John DeLozier, Senior Vice President & Global Channel Chief at 8x8, said: “This strategic partnership will enable us to help thousands of private and public sector businesses communicate more effectively with cloud-based technology. We’re looking forward to helping Virgin Media Business expand further into the cloud space in the coming months.” Atera Acronis integration Atera, developer of an IT automation platform combining Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Services Automation (PSA) and remote access, has announced an integration with backup and cyber protection specialist Acronis. The integration will enable Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT professionals to deploy Acronis Cyber Backup to keep their clients’ infrastructure and data safe from ransomware. www.atera.com Paul McGann