Nimans’ resellers turned out in force to herald the arrival of a new communications platform from NEC – and hear how they should ‘take their heads out of the cloud and keep their feet on the ground’ as the hardware versus cloud debate heats up.
NEC’s new SL2100 system was hailed as ‘brilliance in a box’ thanks to its vast array of included applications and it formed the centrepiece of a series of nationwide roadshows that culminated at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. Over 70 resellers discovered more about NEC’s technology roadmap and also grasped the opportunity of a stadium tour.
Heralded as ‘smart communications for today’s on-demand workforce’ the SL2100 features ‘built-in applications brilliance’ to help resellers unlock more sales success for sites with 5-100 plus users.
NEC Sales Director Andrew Cooper said: “According to industry analysts MZA, an estimated 88% of the UK’s sub 100 extensions are premises-based, so there’s still plenty of life in traditional comms-based platforms. Its demise has been greatly exaggerated and it remains the dominant force.”
“The SL2100 gives resellers even more compelling reasons to sell hardware-based technology as part of NEC’s strategic evolution and business transformation – a three phase process to deliver better customer solutions and support to resellers. What we talk about today we can deliver today.”
He continued: “A digital transformation is underway but we should all take our head out of the cloud and keep our feet firmly on the ground. Profit is still the most important driver in business. Without it you don’t exist. It’s about what tangible business benefits can be delivered rather than the method of delivery. The way we consume technology is changing and NEC remains at the forefront.”
Visitors heard how the SL2100 is very cost effective because there’s more built-in. With VoIP capabilities, it puts Unified Communications within reach of small businesses or it can be used as resilient TDM solution with future-proof upgrade potential. It’s designed for home workers, office-based personnel and on-the-road professionals thanks to a multitude of built-in apps – and offers considerable savings and functionality over and above alternative hosted solutions.
“Businesses can’t afford downtime or communication lapses. The SL2100 provides a reliable and very secure, ‘always-on’ solution. There’s less hardware, less licences and less maintenance to worry about,” pointed out John McKindland, Nimans’ Head of Solutions.
The “Inside NEC” events kicked-off in London before heading to Birmingham, Glasgow, Dublin and finally Manchester. An SL2100 was won at each venue as part of a prize draw. The SL2100 resellers also learned about other new NEC innovations such as a smart healthcare solution, iCall and the latest IP DECT developments.
John concluded: “The roadshows proved a great way for resellers to see first hand how they can unlock more sales opportunities; learn about the latest product developments and stay one step ahead of their rivals, with experts on-hand from both NEC and Nimans – where we have the first engineers in the country to gain SL2100 technical accreditation.”
