The NEC reseller roadshows - entitled "Inside NEC" - jumped into action on Wednesday the 6th of September, from the NEC HQ on Wednesday the 6th of September. UC Today's very own Rob Scott was on hand to check out what NEC would be launching for their channel partners. The day was an experience packed full of exciting updates and information, with lots of new technology to explore.
Welcome Inside NEC
The event began with an introduction from NEC sales director, Andrew Cooper, who talked about the transformational experience that NEC has been going through recently. There's been a significant amount of change in the business landscape, particularly as companies grow more connected from a digital perspective. Andrew encouraged us all to keep our "heads out of the clouds" and focus on deploying the features our businesses really need.
He commented that "99% of businesses in the UK are SMB", asking whether all UK companies really want the one-size-fits-all solution that cloud offers. In a smooth segue, the distribution channel manager for NEC Enterprise Solutions, Nick Thompson, took to the stage to introduce the upcoming "SL2100" device.
In a world where 88% of businesses are still on premise, the SL2100 offers a solution relevant for this environment, with a 2 year ROI on NEC phone systems compared to other popular cloud-based platforms. Simply put - the service is much cheaper than a cloud-based model.
More about the SL2100
Nick went on to explain some of the biggest differentiators for the SL2100. The system includes all of the special features of its big brother, the NEC SV9100, for a smaller price. NEC has also included a host of new starter packs, including free mobile extension licenses, web video licenses, and InApp licenses to help companies jump into better communications. The whole thing also comes in 26 languages - perfect for around-the-world accessibility.
The Distribution Channel Manager for NEC UK, Simon Hughes stepped up to comment on the latest applications for the phone, called "InApps". These solutions operate from the controller, meaning that no additional hardware is necessary. This ensures less time to install and easier integration for the customer and partner. In fact, the NEC PBX solution can be installed in 21 minutes. Right now, InApps supports InUC, MyCalls, InReports, InGuard, and InHotel.
Each option offers considerable customer value, helping to differentiate resellers in a highly competitive consumer landscape. Simon explained that more InApps are coming up soon, and then went onto highlight the various vertical markets that partners could seamlessly introduce NEC into, such as education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality. It's no wonder the tagline for the SL2100 is "Built-in Brilliance."
The NEC Smart Healthcare Solution
After plenty of exciting information about the SL2100, it was Mark Decat's (IndigoCare Managing Partner) turn to take the stage and talk partners through the NEC and Indigo value offering "iCall" Nurse Call. Mark noted that IndigoCare has many years of experience with the NEC portfolio and iCall. Numerous installations have already been successfully accomplished throughout Belgium, and the company is thrilled to expand the experience to UK partners.
"We are convinced that this strong proposition will strengthen the market position of NEC in the global healthcare market."
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Powerful IP Phones & Handsets[/caption]
NEC and iCall can offer a huge increase in staff efficiency. In standard nurse call systems, nurses can only discover the reason of a room call when they enter a room. However, with iCall, the calls are sent through to a group of IP-DECT users, enabling immediate voice responses from patient to nurse through the speakerphone of any NEC endpoint.
