Extreme Networks becomes the second data networking vendor partner for Proximity and is very much complimentary to the close relationship the reseller has with Avaya.
Darren Boyce, CEO Proximity Communications explains: “There are strong commercial and technical reasons for choosing to work with Extreme Networks, not least because like us they have a focused portfolio, which is all about fast data switching, and they know what they’re good at. They also offer a powerful single OS across all of their switches and yet are also extremely adept at offering bespoke network solutions, something which has been well-received in sectors such as higher education, for example. Extreme Networks is a highly focused company allowing us to play a significant role in their partner programme. We are confident that their nimbleness and ability to respond quickly to channel needs as well as end user requirements will enable us to succeed in partnership with them.
Gary Newbold, Extreme Networks says: “We are pleased to announce our relationship with Proximity and have positive expectations about our future together as partners. I believe that Proximity brings with them a highly motivated sales force that will focus on markets we do not already feature strongly in yet, in addition to bolstering stronger vertical business for Extreme.
We have already begun working closely together in order to train the sales force and technical support teams. Proximity’s skills set and willingness to learn demonstrated so far has been impressive.”
New recruits Matt Cross and Jon Rickard are already in place at Proximity, focusing on sales and engineering roles respectively. Matt Cross joins the Proximity team from Alternative Networks, and brings with him a wealth of experience of working with Extreme Networks solutions.
Jon Rickard takes on the role of overall Engineering Manager for Proximity, following a number of years spent in engineering leadership roles at Nortel/Avaya. Jon will be focused on ensuring the skillsets across the team continue to match the entire portfolio and business being sold to customers, at a high level. He will also be managing the support provided through the new Networks Operations Centre (NOC), Alarm Monitoring Services and the new support offers (SLAs) to be launched.
Stuart Legg, Sales and Marketing Director, Proximity Communications says: “This is a great new opportunity for Proximity as we retain our commitment to our core technologies and expertise, but expand the options we can now offer our customers. Extreme Networks is a clever vendor with the ability to be responsive to both partner and end user needs, and to offer a degree of flexibility when it comes to solutions and commercial gains. I am delighted we’re kicking off 2013 with Extreme Networks in our portfolio and look forward to a successful year ahead with them. ”