VocalCloud Acquisition Strengthens Cloud Services Play
VocalCloud Acquisition Strengthens Cloud Services Play by UCStrategies Staff
VoIP provider VocalCloud has been purchased by Digium in a recent move whereby the latter will be able to strengthen its portfolio of cloud-based Unified Communications (UC) products and services.
The deal closed on August 30, but the details have not been disclosed, according to Huntsville, Alabama-based Digium.
VocalCloud and Digium initially partnered together in order to create Switchvox Cloud, which is the hosted version of Digium’s flagship phone and UC system which was brought to the market in March, earlier this year. The platform was made in order to provide the full suite of UC features via the on-premise version of Switchvox; the difference being that instead of using a services-based model, users are able to pay on a month-to-month basis and make the most of those features via a variety of end devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
The CEO of Digium, Danny Windham, noted that the Switchvox Cloud platform was a success initially, and this instigated the VocalCloud deal.
Windham said: “The success of that product has been so encouraging.” He referred to 170 of around 1,400 North American channel partners which already distribute Switchvox Cloud, adding: “So it seemed very logical to bring them on board.”
Furthermore, Asterisk is also supported by VocalCloud, and this is the open source telephony platform made and sponsored by Digium. Windham said that this means that the two companies are a natural fit.
The UC space has been influenced a lot recently by Digium, and the solution provider has a larger portfolio for its customers as a result. It also means that there will be recurring revenue streams and a strong services play, according to Windham. Partners who “struggle” with the cash-flow challenges that come with the hosted model will be offered the on-premise version of Switchvox.
The new Cloud Services unit from Digium is set increase competition between Digium and other UC players who also provide hosted UC solutions, such as Cisco, ShoreTel and Avaya. (CY) Link