SCOTTISH TELECOM COMPANY SETS

SIGHTS ON U.S. MARKET

Exchange Communications, one of the UK’s leading telecommunications companies, has secured a strategic partnership agreement with US-based Altura Communication Solutions that will enable it to target a series of large-scale contracts throughout the US and Europe

The deal sees Glasgow-based Exchange joining forces with one of North America’s largest telecommunication’s valued added reseller companies, Altura, which currently works with over 2,500 companies drawn primarily from the financial, education, healthcare and public sectors, and is headquartered in Fullerton, California.

It is a partnership which will significantly bolster Exchange’s client base in the coming months and years, as it can now tender contracts in the US with the knowledge it has the service support of Altura’s network of nationwide service offices and its 300 support staff.  Crucially, it will also have the opportunity to work with Altura’s clients who have a presence in Europe.

Established in 1990 by managing director Tom Sime, Exchange Communications is now one of the UK’s leading independent telecom companies. It specialises in the installation of Avaya’s telecommunication systems and currently works with companies such as Monster, Experian, Invitrogen and Allied International Credit.

Tom Sime said: “Prior to this deal, we already had a presence in the US and Canada where we currently have around 20 clients, and our partnership with Altura will strengthen our position in what is a very important market for the company

“Overseas contracts account for approximately 30 per cent of our turnover and our aim is to grow this significantly over the next three to four years. Aligning ourselves with one of the biggest names in the telecom industry will play a major role in helping us achieve this goal.

“As it stands, when our North American clients require maintenance support, our engineers dial in remotely from Scotland. Now, with this partnership in place, we can send an Altura engineer directly to the client site. Not only will this give our customers greater confidence in our ability to service their contract, it will also hopefully result in Exchange securing further business.

“We will provide a reciprocal service for Altura’s European-based customers and I’m extremely excited about the opportunities this will present Exchange and Altura.”

Bob Blazek, president and CEO of Altura Communication Solutions, said: “We view our strategic partnership with Exchange Communications as an opportunity to extend Altura’s number one rated nation wide services to their Avaya clients as well as introducing Exchange Communications to our clients with European based offices.

“It really represents a symbiotic relationship where we will provide each other services that help strengthen our go to market strategy.” 

Ron Enos, regional vice president for Altura Communication Solutions, added: “Altura is very excited about our new relationship with Exchange Communications. Our partnership will allow both Altura and Exchange to bring the highest level of solutions and service offerings to our global customers.”

Exchange and Altura are both platinum business partners with global communications company Avaya and this was a major factor in the two coming together, as they have the necessary skills and accreditation to install and support Avaya technology.

Exchange Communications

Established in 1990 by managing director Tom Sime, Exchange Communications employs 58 staff and is one of the most successful independent telecommunications companies in the UK.

Exchange Communications specialises in the market-leading Avaya product portfolio and has been awarded Platinum Enterprise accreditation status, enabling it to deliver solutions for small, medium and enterprise sized businesses alike.

It offers a wide range of telephone systems including traditional analogue phone systems, ISDN systems, VOIP phone systems and integrated voice and data phone systems from the likes of Avaya, Panasonic and LG. It also offers voicemail, auto attendant, call recording and call management solutions for business telephone systems.

About Altura Communication Solutions

Headquartered in Fullerton, California, Altura Communication Solutions sells and services a variety of products, including voice over IP switching systems, unified communication systems, contact centers, multi-media conferencing systems, network management systems, wireless, data switching and routing products. The company has nationwide service capabilities and an enterprise customer base of more than 2,500 companies in the financial, education, healthcare and government markets.