Cisco has manoeuvred its Spark platform and Business Edition 4000 cloud voice solution as springboards for a determined push into the SMB sector. The move broadens out Cisco's erstwhile focus on the enterprise space as it rallies SMB resellers around collaboration and team messaging tools designed for smaller firms.
Cisco Spark, a subscription-based collaboration platform offering fully integrated team messaging, meetings and calling, was launched two years ago following three years in development and a multi-million dollar investment.
Cisco lifted the lid on Business Edition 4000 in March 2017, a cloud managed voice solution for SMBs.
These developments signal a new era of channel engagement from Cisco based on innovation and simplicity, claimed Andy Brocklehurst (pictured), Head of Collaboration for EMEAR.
"Cisco Spark and BE4000 change the channel paradigm, offering resellers a collaborative solution that works seamlessly on all major devices and smartphones," he commented.
Brocklehurst cited a HBR Analytical Services global study that found current collaboration tools lacked fizz when it comes to optimising teamwork.
"Teams require a new way of working," he said. "Most employees use unconnected tools for team messaging, virtual meetings and phone calls. Spark mixes messaging, meeting and calling in such a simple way that it is hard to tell where one ends and the next begins. All three are parts of a complete user experience."
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