Nortel Enterprise Customers Optimistic About Nortel Acquisition

CHICAGO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Nortel Networks Users Association (INNUA) today expressed its support for the acquisition of Nortel’s Enterprise Solutions group by Avaya. Avaya was officially named the successful bidder in an auction process that ended today. The deal will make Avaya the worldwide market leader in unified communications services, topping Cisco Systems.

“This acquisition marks a positive new chapter for INNUA and for Avaya.” said INNUA’s Executive Director Victor Bohnert. “We are excited to begin working with Avaya, and are ready to turn the focus back on providing our members the great education, user-driven perspectives, and other services they have come to depend on. Both Nortel and Avaya have been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, innovative products to the market. With their strengths now combined, we believe the customers of both companies will be the true winners of this deal.”

One of the most valuable assets that Avaya will gain in the deal is the loyal relationship between Nortel and its customers. Most INNUA members have been Nortel customers for more than ten years, largely thanks to the high level of customer service and interaction they received from the company. Nortel’s position in the Unified Communications market reflects this quality of service to customers. Even as the bidding process for Nortel was conducted, the company has extended its global market leadership in services such as Carrier VoIP and Applications Solutions, according to a recent report from Infonetics Research.

“As INNUA members, we view the relationship with our vendor as a strong partnership,” said INNUA President Steve Ford. “By regularly sending input and receiving feedback from Nortel, we have been provided with the solutions that our businesses require. In return, we have maintained and grown our systems with Nortel products over the years. We are approaching Avaya with the same expectations, and I am optimistic that the results will be positive for both Avaya and for INNUA members.”

With the news of Avaya’s acquisition, INNUA is moving forward to meet its members’ needs during the transition, as well as working with Avaya to provide benefits to its customers. INNUA will continue offering the valuable education, information, and other resources that its members rely on. This includes plans to host its annual Global Connect conference in 2010. Details on this conference will be announced soon.

“Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to offer value and pertinent insights to current Nortel customers, as well as to Avaya,” said Bohnert. “Members know they can count on INNUA to provide the information and resources they need during this transition and beyond.”

About INNUA

The International Nortel Networks Users Association (INNUA) is an independent, international association serving Nortel users for more than 25 years. INNUA’s mission is to educate and inform telecommunications and IT professionals while providing a professional network for those with common interests to share proven successful business strategies. With a community of more than 4,000 members in 75 chapters around the globe, INNUA is one of the industry’s largest and most progressive user groups. For more information on INNUA, visit www.innua.org.