[March 27, 2001]

Mitel Networks, Hewlett Packard To Provide Converged Voice And Data Systems

Mitel Networks announced a technology and marketing Memorandum of Understanding with the Hewlett Packard Company, providing customers with advanced converged voice and data solutions. The Memorandum of Understanding forms a strategic partnership in the emerging IP telephony market aimed at delivering customer-focused, converged communications solutions.

"An alliance between Mitel Networks and HP is a natural choice. Both organizations are well-respected in their industries for excellence in networked solutions - Mitel with voice and HP with data infrastructure," said Paul Butcher, Chief Operating Officer, Mitel Networks. "Together, we can ensure clients have reliable, cost-effective solutions from market leaders." The agreement addresses joint product development, -sales and marketing engagements, and -solution delivery planning. In addition, the two companies will examine opportunities for the further integration of product lines in network infrastructures, desktop peripherals, and mobile connectivity.

HP's Network Infrastructure Solutions, General Manager, John McHugh stated, "Mitel, a well-established telephony solution provider, brings the price, performance, reliability, and functionality HP customers demand to deploy IP telephony in conjunction with HP switching products. Mitel was a natural choice."

The combination of best-in-class enterprise switching products from HP with leading edge IP telephony products from Mitel, will provide end-to-end data and telephony solutions over a single, simple infrastructure. HP is a worldwide leader in LAN connectivity with HP's ProCurve switched LAN solutions. Mitel Networks is an industry leader in providing broadband IP telephony solutions utilizing their Data Integrated Voice Architecture.

Tere Bracco, industry analyst from Current Analysis states, "Especially as markets are converging more rapidly, companies really can't afford to get into a voice vs. data shouting match. Providing one solution to the enterprise is what the IT professional are looking for."

The agreement marks the latest step in Mitel's intent to partner with the best-in-class leaders in data networking technology and solutions. Mitel expects to establish additional partnerships in selected markets in North America in the near future and has recently announced similar working relationships with Ericsson and Symbol Technologies.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]