Avnet Enterprise Solutions Achieves IP Telephony Services Specialization from Cisco Systems

Business Wire, Dec 7, 2004

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Avnet Enterprise Solutions announced today it has achieved the IP Telephony Services Specialization from Cisco Systems(R). This specialization recognizes Avnet Enterprise Solutions for its expertise, experience and high customer satisfaction in the delivery of planning, design and implementation services around Cisco(R) IP Telephony solutions. This recognition is based on demonstrated success in delivering services around Cisco IP Telephony hardware and software, Cisco Unity(TM) Unified Messaging solutions, private branch exchange (PBX) integration, and migration.

"Today, IP telephony is being deployed in much larger and more complex environments that require more in-depth expertise as well as professional services capabilities," said Surinder Brar, senior director of Worldwide Channels Marketing for Cisco. "Our IP Telephony Services Specialization recognizes companies like Avnet Enterprise Solutions that have developed advanced services practices to deliver high-value services to enterprise customers with demanding IP telephony requirements."

To achieve the IP Telephony Services Specialization, Avnet Enterprise Solutions had to meet or exceed the following requirements, as outlined by Cisco:

Resource Requirements

The IP Telephony Services Specialization required Avnet Enterprise Solutions to fulfill the following job roles with qualified individuals who have met specific testing requirements: an engagement manager, responsible for sizing and scoping the IP telephony network delivery strategy; a project manager, responsible for project plan development and execution; two design engineers (one for data, one for voice), responsible for translating both the customer's immediate and future needs into a specific IP telephony network design; a field engineer, responsible for the implementation and execution of the Cisco IP Telephony solution; and an operations specialist, responsible for troubleshooting network problems related to IP Telephony solutions.

Customer Satisfaction Requirement

In addition to the personnel requirements, Avnet Enterprise Solutions was also required to provide a minimum of six IP telephony reference accounts. Two of the referenced accounts had to include either a PBX migration or integration deployment, and two had to include Cisco Unity(TM) Unified Messaging implementation. Avnet Enterprise Solutions had to obtain a 4.5 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating from each of these six reference accounts.

Lab Requirement

The IP Telephony Services Specialization also required Avnet Enterprise Solutions to build an IP telephony operational lab to be used for demonstration and training.

About Avnet Enterprise Solutions

Avnet Enterprise Solutions specializes in Network Lifecycle Management solutions for IP Communications, Security, Wireless and LAN/WAN. The company leverages its unique suite of technical and financial professional services to optimize a company's network performance and security posture. Avnet Enterprise Solutions integrates hardware, software and services from industry leaders including Cisco, Tandberg and Websense, utilizing its assess, design, implement and manage methodology for full lifecycle solutions. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Avnet Enterprise Solutions (www.es.avnet.com) is a division of Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT). Avnet generated more than $10 billion in revenue in fiscal 2004 (year ended July 3, 2004) through sales in 68 countries.

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