Friday 24 May 2013

MS Lync from independent distributors perspective


Can Lync realistically be sold to SME users? 

“SME’s do buy MS Lync.” says Mark Shane, Sales Director at ICON.  Mark explained,
Solutions are MS Lync approved

“ICON is the only UK distributor of MS Lync approved wireless mobility solutions.  These solutions scale from SME to enterprise level and we are seeing as many of these being sold for integration with Lync solutions deployed in SME’s as in enterprises”

Are there any ‘Lync Busters’ out there?

In terms of delivering UC capability Lync is one of many solutions available.  However, in its target niche it is a strong contender with an almost unassailable position.  Mark Shane, Sales Director at ICON , explains

“ICON distributes a range of UC solutions as well as MS Lync approved mobility solutions and it is the Microsoft tag, pedigree and connections that hold sway in its target niche.  This means that in those business and enterprises which are committed users of Microsoft solutions Lync is the natural solution and a contender has to be able to exceed the performance of the Microsoft brand for delivering reliably. There are very few UC solutions which have the brand credentials to do this.”

Wave from Vertical is a contender
That is not to say that MS Lync will dominate the entire UC market.  Outside of its target niche where the emphasis shifts from brand credentials to features, functionality, and price, MS Lync competes on a more level playing field with other UC solutions.   Mark explained

“In niches which are brand agnostic and the focus is more on features, functionality and price than on brand there are other UC solutions that can stand up tall against Lync.  Solutions, such as Wave from Vertical Communications, which are continually stretching the envelop by offering novel business apps in a very advantages commercial package can often be a strong contender against Lync especially in vertical sectors needing specialist solutions.”

Mark added
Lync is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with in the market and it has to be a strong and confident brand to take it head on in its target niche.  ICON and our partner vendors who provide MS Lync approved solutions are betting that there are very few who can do this successfully in its target niche.