Since it first entered the comms market with the launch of Live Communications Server 2005, Microsoft UC solutions have grown rapidly in popularity amongst enterprise customers. The launch of Skype for Business in 2015 confirmed this trend, with adoption of Microsoft’s first comprehensive all-in-one comms solution soaring ever since.
This has created a wealth of opportunities for the channel. For existing Microsoft partners, the availability of a complete end-to-end UC platform adds another string to their bow. For telecoms resellers and tech specialists, it offers the chance to work with one of the world’s true technology giants, leveraging the strength of the Microsoft brand for their own business.
But how easy is it to plan, build and optimise Skype for Business deployments that meet the demands of the modern enterprise? What support is there for Microsoft business solutions partners to make the leap into unified communications, and how can established channel operators be sure of adding value using the Microsoft UC architecture?
Nuvias UC sets out to provide the channel with all the professional consultancy, engineering and product support needed to deliver world-class Skype for Business deployments to enterprise clients. Formerly SIPHON Networks, the company was founded in 2009, specialising in helping cloud telephony service providers build integrated systems from multiple products and services.
After buying out UK distributor VCOMM in 2012, SIPHON extended its portfolio to include a range of professional services and products specifically for Microsoft Lync / Skype for Business. It earned Gold Communications accreditation as a Microsoft Partner, before being taken over by global tech distribution conglomerate Nuvias and rebranded Nuvias UC.
Operating across Europe, Nuvias UC states its goal is to provide high-value consultancy and technical services alongside product and software delivery to UC service providers and tech resellers. Through a combination of sourcing world-class products from the biggest vendors, and its own range of bespoke consultancy and service packages, it aims to help channel partners increase revenues, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs.
Skype for Business is a key strategic market for Nuvias UC. In this review, will give a top level overview of exactly what those products and services entail.
What can it do?
Nuvias UC solutions for Skype for Business fall into four categories - pre-deployment consultancy, deployment engineering, support services and product sourcing. The central aim across all is to assist channel partners in achieving rapid, sustained adoption of Microsoft UC products in large-scale deployments.
All services are offered as white label, allowing resellers and service providers to benefit from Nuvias UC’s accredited expertise under their own brand.
Pre-deployment consultancy services for Skype for Business
Nuvias UC consultancy services focus on organizational readiness, change management and planning to optimise user experience ahead of a Skype for Business roll out. Nuvias UC specialists deliver assessment, planning, scoping, feasibility and network auditing on behalf of resellers and service providers.
Nuvias UC Discovery is a specialised assessment and planning service designed for Microsoft UC, and covers envisioning how Skype for Business fits in with wider business objectives, scoping the deployment, and drawing up different deployment options which fit the wider goals.
Nuvias UC POC On Demand is a dedicated proof of concept service aimed at channel partners. It provides a cloud-hosted Skype for Business platform which can be accessed by resellers to offer trials to clients.
Deployment engineering for Skype for Business
Nuvias UC specialises in service and network design, installation, commissioning and project management for Skype for Business deployments at enterprise scale. This covers on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployments, as well as installation of telephone, video and enterprise devices.
