SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ConnectSolutions, an industry-leading provider of hosted enterprise-class unified communications (UC) technologies, today announced the acquisition of NextUC, a provider of Microsoft Lync–based UC solutions focusing on streamlining communications for small and midsize businesses.
The NextUC acquisition will significantly extend the functional capabilities and market reach of ConnectSolutions, enabling the company to deliver cloud-based UC technology to the full spectrum of small to large businesses, government, and educational institutions.
The addition of NextUC’s technological capabilities and product development personnel will enhance ConnectSolutions’ ability to deliver highly accessible, completely scalable UC capabilities to workgroups of all sizes, including small and midsize businesses. The NextUC solution delivers an innovative team collaboration experience by seamlessly integrating telephone service, unified messaging, video conferencing, online meetings, chat and mobile devices. Its “instant on” capability means companies can be up and running in a matter of minutes.
ConnectSolutions has been offering managed UC services — using Adobe® Connect and Microsoft Lync — via its private-cloud-based hosted UC3 platform since 2007. These services support communications, real-time collaboration and eLearning activities, connecting remote teams, audiences, customers and partners with functionality including:
- Phone (VoIP landline and mobile)
- Email, instant messaging and chat
- Videoconferencing and online collaboration
- Virtual Classrooms
- Real-time presence information
NextUC’s cloud-based self-service engine makes Lync deployment simple and fast even for businesses with limited IT resources — which is typically the case for small and midsize businesses — and sharply reduces implementation and administration costs. End users can begin a free 60-day trial in less than five minutes, and Lync can then be easily expanded across entire departments and companies. And Lync’s familiar interface and complete interoperability with the market-leading Microsoft Office suite of productivity applications means that little or no end-user training is necessary.
Michael Fitzpatrick, ConnectSolutions CEO and co-founder, said, "The addition of NextUC will enable ConnectSolutions to capitalize on the growth we anticipate in the Lync market and extend the company’s leadership position within the Unified Communication as a Service market. NextUC’s strong Lync technology capabilities and deep understanding of the small-and-midsize-business market, combined with ConnectSolutions’ success in managed cloud deployments for large enterprise and government agencies, positions ConnectSolutions as the trusted unified communications partner for any organization, whatever its size or complexity."
Small and midsize businesses represent an important and growing market for UC. Industry analysts have identified UC as a top five networking investment initiative for small and midsize businesses today. Microsoft Lync offers a number of capabilities that are particularly attractive to small and midsize businesses, including mobile and web apps, and complete integration with the cloud-based Office 365 suite.
About ConnectSolutions
ConnectSolutions is the leading managed-cloud provider of unified communications (UC) solutions for small business, enterprise and government. ConnectSolutions MeetingCloud™ platform delivers an innovative, scalable cloud service that lowers total cost of UC ownership. We are the trusted provider of eLearning, collaboration and communication solutions that are reliable and secure. At ConnectSolutions, we ensure your success through essential architecture, adoption, and support services. For more information, visit www.connectsolutions.com.