Archive Press Release
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Linksys
Release date: March 5, 2007
Linksys and Sotto Wireless Team to Streamline Telecommunications and Networking for Small Businesses
Sotto Wireless Service Bundled with Linksys Networking and IP Phones Enable VARs to Deliver Fixed-Mobile Communications Solutions to Small Businesses
IRVINE, Calif. and BELLEVUE, Wash., March 5 /- LinksysŪ, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., and Sotto Wireless today announced they have joined forces to roll out a new small business communication service that bundles Linksys wired and wireless networking hardware and desktop IP phones with Sotto's hosted communication service. The Linksys and Sotto Wireless bundle provides Value Added Resellers (VARs) with a simple all-in-one wireless and office communications solution for the small business market.
With Sotto's Service, every employee has a single number and voicemail for office and mobile calling -- as well as wireless email and messaging. The Sotto Service Manager is a web-based application that makes it simple to control and manage all communication activity for office and mobile users. Linksys' networking and VoIP hardware helps to deliver the quality and reliability Sotto's Service requires for the rigorous demands of voice over wireless networks.
The Sotto Service also uses the latest devices from Nokia, featuring both office Wi-Fi and cellular network connectivity options. Sotto's Hybrid Wireless solution uses the Nokia devices to send calls over the Internet using a customer's Wi-Fi network in the office and uses the cellular network when employees are away from the office. The Sotto Wi-Fi Office Coverage helps customers save money and minutes compared to cellular only phones that are often used in the office. Sotto also offers an Office Phone solution that features Linksys Voice System (LVS) IP desk phones. This option offers VoIP service and wired networking for connecting notebooks, printers and other wired devices.
The teaming of Linksys and Sotto Wireless provides bundled hardware and services together to help simplify buying decisions for the customer. The products and services are tested and certified to work together, making it easier for VARs to offer a complete solution of hardware and service.
"This bundle presents companies with major new opportunities in business communications," said Patrick Kelley, VP of Netex Group, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. "This technology is the first solution I have seen that finally makes converged voice solutions a reality for small and medium-sized business customers. The busy professional is really going to appreciate this level of convenience once they see Sotto's solution."
"Our value proposition to the small business customer is compelling," said Scott Hansen, Vice President of Sales and Distribution for Sotto. "This service simplifies communications with the first fixed-mobile convergence solution in the marketplace for small business. It is complementary to what VARs are selling today, and we expect the Linksys bundle to be a major catalyst for adoption of converged solutions."
Richard Platt, VP/GM of the Linksys Small Business Organization, said, "We share the same vision as Sotto in offering VARs and small businesses a complete data and voice solution specifically catered to their needs. This bundle provides small businesses with big business features that help to increase productivity, enable more responsive communications, and can save money. At Linksys we are committed to helping small businesses build the infrastructures they need to conduct and grow their businesses."
The Linksys products bundled with the Sotto Service include:
o VPN Router (RV082) o Wireless Access Point (WAP200) o Linksys Voice System (LVS) Desktop IP Phones (SPA901, SPA942) o PoE Adapter (WAPPOE12) o 8-port 10/100 and Gigabit Switches (SRW208P, SRW208MP, SRW2008MP)
Sotto and Linksys will both be demonstrating this bundle and other solutions at the Channel Partner VAR show in Las Vegas, March 4-6, 2007. For more information on this event go to: http://www.phoneplusmag.com/channelpartners/vegas2007/ .
Pricing and Availability
The Sotto/Linksys bundles are available through VARs in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Seattle, WA. More cities will roll out across the United States in the coming months. Pricing for Sotto Service and Linksys hardware varies by product. Contact Sotto and Linksys for more pricing information.
VARs are paid both an upfront and a recurring revenue commission based on the total monthly sales to their customers. Contact Sotto Wireless for more information: www.sottowireless.com.
About Sotto Wireless:
Based in Bellevue, Wash., Sotto Wireless provides small and medium-sized businesses with a hosted communications service that combines the mobility of cellular phones with the functionality of office phone systems into one simple service. Sotto's service platform includes the latest phones and integrated Web-based management tools -- transforming customers' communications into a competitive asset. The company was founded in 2005 by an experienced group of senior leaders and veterans from the wireless and telecommunications industries and is funded by Ignition Partners and VantagePoint Venture Partners. For more information on Sotto Wireless, visit www.sottowireless.com .
About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc., (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the recognized global leader in voice, wireless and Ethernet networking for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award- winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit www.linksys.com and for VARs, www.linksys.com/var .
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