This year, UC Today was fortunate enough to attend 2017's Enterprise Connect, where we learned a great deal about the evolving unified communications industry, and listened to some of the conversations about the leading brands in the sector. It's fair to suggest that Avaya have been a brand that's on everyone's lips lately, but most experts are still baffled by the company, and where they're going on their path through chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Since the conception of the 'Avaya' branded business, Avaya haven't seen a huge amount of growth in their revenues. Yet despite the uncertain future and the chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, it seems unlikely that Avaya will be going out of business any time soon.
However, what does the future of Avaya UK look like? After all, international businesses weren't included in the chapter 11 filing.
Avaya's Unsteady Path to the Future
Though I personally believe that Avaya aren't at the end of their rope yet, that doesn't mean that they're necessarily out of the woods. Indeed, it seems like pensioners and debt-holders are going to experience some pain as the company struggles to find enough money for bonuses and pension schemes. However, for now, wages are being paid, and Avaya seems positive about the future, constantly claiming that they're well on their way to the re-formation they've been planning from the start. Yet, despite all of this, it seems that the best option for customers that are hoping for continued, and uninterrupted growth, is to come up with a plan for the future that may not involve Avaya.
If you don't want to take risks with your business, then now might be the time to review your contractual obligations and determine what you really want to get out of the future of your communications technology.
Saying that, there's always a chance that the UK version of Avaya could be un-touched by the various changes happening to the US business. After all, the "foreign affiliates" for the business are apparently just continuing with business as normal. However, it seems unlikely to be unaffected.
What's Happening with R&D?
So, why am I encouraging a back-up plan if I don't think that Avaya are going down the drain?
It's all about uncertainty. For instance, if you take a look at the R&D department for Avaya, right now, the company is claiming that everything is moving along like normal, but there are signs that budgets might have been put on hold when it comes to product improvement and innovation. In other words, if you stick with Avaya and they come out on top again, the brand may be left behind the curve when new and emerging solutions for UC&C emerge.
After all, while it's fine for Avaya to claim that they're doing well, and release statements that say they're going to emerge stronger and healthier than ever before. However, if businesses can't see the signs of that development themselves, then they'll quickly begin to lose faith in the brand.
