Mitel takes Uptime as second distributor

IP communications provider Mitel has appointed its second distributor, Uptime Distribution, and updated its channel program in Australia.

Gwilym Funnell, managing director at Mitel Australia, said the service provider was growing rapidly via its totally channel-focused strategy. Reseller and customer numbers were growing, he said.

"Uptime will offer new technical support and value added services to make it easier for Mitel resellers to deliver convergence solutions," Funnell said.

Canada-based Mitel's first Australian distributor was Telstra Business Systems. That relationship would continue, he said.

Funnell said Mitel had updated its Solution Provider Program to offer technical and commercial skill accreditation at each level – with a particular focus on voice-and-data convergence. Accredited partners would get access to "extensive" marketing, training and support.

Authorised Resellers, Silver Solution Providers, Gold Solution Providers and Platinum Solution Providers would get online access to marketing materials, classroom tutorials and appropriate web seminars, he said.

Mitel would provide sales leads to accredited partners, depending on the partner's skills and location, he said.

Paul Kawtal, general manager at Uptime Distribution, said Mitel IP telephony offerings had good margins.

Uptime would offer around the clock IP telephony support to resellers, Kawtal added.

Uptime specialised in sales, logistics and support for technology resellers and system integrators.

"Services available to assist reseller partners include remote monitoring, maintenance, training, on-site installation and pre-sales consulting services," the distributor said in a statement.