Strategic Products and Services

John R. McGovern Joins SPS as Chief Financial Officer

Theresa Goodreau — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:01:00 GMT

Parsippany, NJ – May 17, 2012 - Strategic Products and Services (SPS), a multi-vendor systems integrator, is proud to announce the addition of John R. McGovern as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). McGovern joins the SPS executive leadership team with over 25 years experience in corporate finance supporting product and market-driven business environments. Based at SPS headquarters in Parsippany, NJ, McGovern assumed his role on May 14, 2012.

SPS specializes in design, installation and support of integrated communications, contact center, advanced IP telephony, private cloud, unified communications, network infrastructure, video and mobility solutions. As CFO, McGovern leads the accounting, information technology, financial planning and analysis functions within SPS and is responsible for maintaining the company’s financial integrity, compliance, cash management, budgeting, forecasting, analysis and Board reporting. McGovern also insures the continued functionality of IT operations and executes the defined vision.

“SPS has a proven track record of growth and sustainability through their integrated services, partnerships and strategic focus,” said McGovern. “I am excited to leverage my experience and position SPS for future growth opportunities.”

In the newly created CFO position, McGovern reports to John Poole, SPS president and CEO. “We welcome John to the SPS executive leadership team,” said Poole. “His experience will help SPS execute our vision to grow the business in a way that best supports our customers, meets the demands of the market and is fiscally responsible.”

McGovern joins SPS from Glowpoint Inc., a publicly traded managed video services company (NYSE Amex: GLOW) where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with accounting, cash management, treasury, tax, insurance and investor relation responsibilities.

He began his career with Avaya, Lucent Technologies and AT&T. As Group Finance Vice President at Avaya, he was accountable for nearly half the revenue and profits for the company. McGovern played a key role in executing the $8 billion Avaya privatization with Silver Lake and Texas Pacific Group, two leading private investment firms. Previously, McGovern held senior level positions at Lucent and AT&T where he was part of the IPO team for the Lucent divestiture.

John holds a Master of Science degree in Management from the College of Saint Elizabeth and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kean University. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Affinity Federal Credit Union and serves as Chairman of their Supervisory Committee.

About SPS

As a multi-vendor systems integrator, Strategic Products and Services (SPS) has helped companies across the globe boost revenues, overcome business obstacles and gain an edge on the competition. With over 20 years of profitable growth and offices in nearly 30 North American cities, SPS has design, technical and implementation depth in all aspects of infrastructure technology roadmap planning, consulting and ongoing services for contact center, unified communications and private cloud solutions.

In addition to being an Avaya Connect Platinum channel partner, SPS has strategic partnerships with over 15 key manufacturers including Cisco, Microsoft, NICE, HP, Polycom and Extreme Networks. Through these partnerships and their in-house competencies, SPS provides a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of products, applications and services to support enterprises throughout North America.

To support multi-nationals, SPS is a founding partner of the Intelligent Communications Alliance (www.intelligentcommunicationsalliance.com). The Alliance provides a consistent global approach to pricing, design, delivery and support of Avaya and Avaya DevConnect Partner solutions. As a specialized systems integrator, the Alliance holds over 350 Avaya certifications with expertise in contact center, messaging and unified communications.

For the past six consecutive years, SPS has risen annually in the top 300 of CRN’s annual Solution Provider 500 (formerly VAR500), a listing of the largest information technology solution providers, integrators, and service companies in North America. Additionally, SPS has earned numerous awards and recognition from their strategic partners. Visit www.spscom.com.

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Trade names listed are property of their respective owners.

Plantronics Introduces New Affordable Unified Communications Headsets That Don ... - IT News Online

SuperUser Account — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:38:29 GMT

Plantronics Introduces New Affordable Unified Communications Headsets That Don ...
IT News Online
New Delhi, Delhi, India : As companies roll out unified communications (UC) solutions, they struggle to keep the cost per user low while trying to achieve widespread adoption. Great sounding, comfortable and easy to use headsets are a must-have in a UC ...

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Datapoint announces Matt Taylor as Group Services Director - Call Centre Clinic News (press release)

SuperUser Account — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:04:00 GMT

Datapoint announces Matt Taylor as Group Services Director
Call Centre Clinic News (press release)
2nd May 2012 - Datapoint, the contact centre optimisation and unified communications specialist, today announces the appointment of Matt Taylor as Group Services Director. Taylor will build on Datapoint's strong 2011 performance and broaden its market ...
Datapoint makes key managed services hireMicroScope (blog)

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New Ethernet Switches From Avaya Simplify Operations for Small and Midsize ... - SYS-CON Media (press release)

SuperUser Account — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:31:54 GMT

New Ethernet Switches From Avaya Simplify Operations for Small and Midsize ...
SYS-CON Media (press release)
Avaya has introduced the Avaya Ethernet Routing Switch (ERS) 3500, a new series of compact Ethernet switches designed exclusively for small and midsize enterprises (SME), remote branches, and open environments such as classrooms and hospitality suites.

Presence Technology and Strategic Products and Services (SPS) Announce Partnership - Virtual-Strategy Magazine

SuperUser Account — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:24:53 GMT

Presence Technology and Strategic Products and Services (SPS) Announce Partnership
Virtual-Strategy Magazine
Presence Technology, a worldwide leading provider of Multi-Channel Contact Center solutions, and Strategic Products and Services (SPS), a global system integrator that designs and implements technology solutions, announced they have signed a strategic ...

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Frost & Sullivan: Understanding Social Media Strategies Impacting Today's ... - MarketWatch (press release)

SuperUser Account — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:06:54 GMT

Frost & Sullivan: Understanding Social Media Strategies Impacting Today's ...
MarketWatch (press release)
In the search for a systems integrator, Strategic Products and Services (SPS) offers clients a full suite of solutions to improve operational efficiencies and lower cost; leveraging seasoned professionals and proven processes to uncover better ways to ...

and more »

Frost & Sullivan: Understanding Social Media Strategies Impacting Today's ... - PR Newswire (press release)

SuperUser Account — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:06:11 GMT

Frost & Sullivan: Understanding Social Media Strategies Impacting Today's ...
PR Newswire (press release)
In the search for a systems integrator, Strategic Products and Services (SPS) offers clients a full suite of solutions to improve operational efficiencies and lower cost; leveraging seasoned professionals and proven processes to uncover better ways to ...

and more »

SPS integrates products to deliver solutions

SuperUser Account — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:51:43 GMT

Jim Maynard, VP of Sales and Marketing and Michael Taylor CTO of Strategic Products and Services (SPS) present their views for delivering solutions not just …

SPS Integrates Products to Deliver Solutions (podcast)

SuperUser Account — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:51:00 GMT

SPS integrates products to deliver solutions
Telecom Reseller (press release)
Jim Maynard, VP of Sales and Marketing and Michael Taylor CTO of Strategic Products and Services (SPS) present their views for delivering solutions not just products as an integrator of Avaya and other vendor's solutions for the US market.

SPS Integrates Visuals For Mobile With Radish ChoiceView To Ease Contact ... - Daily Markets (press release)

SuperUser Account — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:15:38 GMT

SPS Integrates Visuals For Mobile With Radish ChoiceView To Ease Contact ...
Daily Markets (press release)
Radish Systems announces that Strategic Products and Services (SPS), a global telecommunications technologies integrator, is offering ChoiceView(TM) as a contact center solution for mobile and enterprise communications.

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Contact Centers in the Cloud

SuperUser Account — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:15:00 GMT

By Sheila McGee-Smith
An Enterprise Connect session confirms that contact centers of all sizes are moving to the cloud.

SPS Acquires Nortel Vendor, Jones Communications - MarketWatch (press release)

SuperUser Account — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:58:54 GMT

SPS Acquires Nortel Vendor, Jones Communications
MarketWatch (press release)
PARSIPPANY, NJ, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Strategic Products and Services (SPS) is proud to announce the acquisition of Texas-based Jones Communications. Jones Communications specializes in unified communications, data applications, ...

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SPSTechBeat: SPS welcomes a great team from Nortel Vendor, Jones Communications http://t.co/1cCjHQFl

SuperUser Account — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:50:02 GMT

SPSTechBeat: SPS welcomes a great team from Nortel Vendor, Jones Communications http://t.co/1cCjHQFl

Social Networking in the Contact Center

SuperUser Account — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:04:00 GMT

By Sheila McGee-Smith
Moving beyond how or why companies should do it, beyond trials and proof of concepts to actual deployments.

SPS Acquires Nortel Partner, Jones Communications

Theresa Goodreau — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:01:00 GMT

Parsippany, NJ – March 26, 2012 – Strategic Products and Services (SPS) is proud to announce the acquisition of Texas-based Jones Communications.

Jones Communications specializes in unified communications, data applications, wireless solutions, cabling and infrastructure. Jones’ experience, knowledge base, certifications and resources make them well positioned to support Nortel clients through strategic consulting and maintenance services. Known for their technical depth and commitment to customers, Jones Communications has been a strong presence in the Nortel ecosystem since 1985. Jones has maintained long-term relationships in healthcare, government markets and a number of commercial verticals.

SPS is a multi-vendor systems integrator specializing in the design, installation and support of converged communication solutions, contact center, advanced IP telephony, unified communications, network infrastructure, video, and mobility solutions. In addition to their Platinum certified Avaya Connect channel partner status, SPS holds prestigious certifications with Microsoft, Cisco, Extreme Networks and other key manufacturers that enable SPS to provide truly integrated solutions.

“Jones Communications is well known and respected by their customer base for possessing deep technical expertise and delivering excellent customer service,” said Jim Felicetti, SPS chief operating officer. “SPS has partnered with the Jones team on several strategic accounts requiring highly specialized Nortel skills and competencies. Our new relationship enables SPS to position Jones’ engineering capabilities and technical skill sets throughout our dedicated Nortel Practice and serve clients nationally.”

Avaya's purchase of Nortel Enterprise Solutions at the end of 2009 and the decision by certain providers to limit their maintenance offers has created uncertainty for Nortel PBX and Enterprise System users. SPS has a specialized Nortel Practice with sole focus on providing the latest news, support, technical updates and migration strategies to help Nortel users maximize their technology investments and leverage new applications based on their business needs. While SPS already has successfully utilized Jones’ resources to provide pre and post-sale services, this strategic investment demonstrates a continuing commitment to supporting Nortel clients.

About SPS

As a multi-vendor systems integrator, Strategic Products and Services (SPS) has helped companies across the globe boost revenues, overcome business obstacles and gain an edge on the competition. With over 20 years of profitable growth and offices in nearly 30 North American cities, SPS designs, implements and supports technology solutions to help customers be more efficient and competitive in their markets. For a full partner listing, please visit www.spscom.com.

To support multi-nationals, SPS is a founding partner of the Intelligent Communications Alliance. The Alliance provides a consistent global approach to pricing, design, installation and support of Avaya and Avaya DevConnect Partner solutions. Alliance founding members serve over 9000 customers across more than 60 countries. As a specialized systems integrator, the Alliance holds over 336 Avaya certifications with expertise in IP telephony, contact center, messaging and unified communications.

For the past five consecutive years, SPS ranked in the top 300 of the VAR500, a listing of the largest information technology (IT) solution providers, integrators, and service companies in North America. Additionally, SPS has earned numerous awards and recognition from their strategic partners.

About Jones Communications

Founded in 1985, Jones Communications merged a wealth of experience and skill into a company that would earn a remarkable reputation as a top notch communications company. Using the combined strengths of founder, Jeffrey Jones, and his handpicked team of technicians, Jones Communications is committed to operating with a quality foundation of unwavering ethics and quality results.

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Trade names listed are property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Theresa Goodreau, Director of Marketing
888.777.7280

SPSTechBeat: Collaboration has matured and server virtualization has become the norm. http://t.co/XV5cc3xu (page 12)

SuperUser Account — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:10:55 GMT

SPSTechBeat: Collaboration has matured and server virtualization has become the norm. http://t.co/XV5cc3xu (page 12)

Take Control of Call Center Voicemails

SuperUser Account — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:46:00 GMT

Join Mutare on Wednesday, March 28, at 1 PM Central for our webinar, "Integrating Voicemail Into the Call Center."

New Beginnings for UC and Social

SuperUser Account — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:47:00 GMT

By Fred Knight
What's needed is an approach to social that's grounded in how businesses actually operate rather than just transferring what we do during our private time.

SPSTechBeat: Heritage Nortel Contact Center options and evolution! Don't miss Monica Tarr's webinar tomorrow! http://t.co/4CJ0qGXi

SuperUser Account — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:25:24 GMT

SPSTechBeat: Heritage Nortel Contact Center options and evolution! Don't miss Monica Tarr's webinar tomorrow! http://t.co/4CJ0qGXi

SIP Trunking IS More Expensive. Until It’s Not.

SuperUser Account — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:35:42 GMT

They say you learn everything you need to know in kindergarten. I have a confession to make: I never attended. As a result, I never learned the secret handshake or whatever else it is you kindergarten grads pick-up at those hallowed halls. Word has it that amongst these valuable life-skills, kindergarteners learn that sharing is good. While this behavior is noble, altruistic and all that jive, it is also economical and in our own self-interest. Sharing your basketball at the playground is a sure way to get picked for one of the teams (not to mention it beats shooting hoops all by yourself). Sharing a cab from the airport to the hotel can greatly diminish the impact on your wallet (and make the conversation on the way there more pleasant).

Sharing even plays an important role in telecommunications. Enter SIP Trunking. All the hype (particularly from hardware manufacturers pitching their wares) says it’s supposed to save you a bundle. But do the math and something’s amiss.

SIP uses more bandwidth. Depending on the network provider’s setting, an uncompressed SIP call (using G.711 as the codec) uses 96 Kbps –assuming 64 Kbps of payload and roughly 32 Kbps of packet overhead. This means a DS-1, which in the stodgy TDM world could handle 24 voice channels (or 23 voice plus one signaling), is now limited to 16 voice channels (2/3 the capacity).
SIP has higher port charges. Furthermore, carrier SIP trunks (on a per-simultaneous-call basis) can be twice as expensive as TDM.

Paying more to get less does not sound like a recipe for savings. So, what’s all the hype about? True, you can significantly decrease the bandwidth by using a compressed codec, but even if you sacrifice on quality to triple the SIP calls you can put on that pipe, with the premium you’re paying on the ports, you’re barely breaking-even.

The true secret to savings is sharing.

Your SIP trunks share the same access facilities as your data network, which means you can eliminate duplicative infrastructure. And voice is not a bandwidth-intensive application, so while you should make sure your data network is tuned to play well with voice, in many cases, this will not translate to the need for bigger pipes.
Using a shared session model (which, by the way, not all carriers offer), multiple sites can share the same CCPs, which means not having to buy blocks of 23 calls which sit idle most of the day (some of this capacity may never get used). It also means when one location is idle (say, because it’s lunchtime in the east coast) another location can pick-up that calling capacity slack (say, the west-coast folks starting-off their days on the right foot).

Sharing is good. Check! There may be hope yet for a kindergarten reprobate like myself. Now if I could only get someone to teach me the secret handshake, I’d be set.

Audio Conference, Web Conference, or Video?

SuperUser Account — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:30:00 GMT

When is the best conferencing solution the most productive and cost effective?

It was recently brought to our attention that most video conferencing solutions have an average ROI of 24 months. This return on investment is solely measure in employee quality of life and travel costs; a not hard dollar value saved by eliminating current budgtary spends. Two years to realize a return on investment for any conferencing solution doesn't appear to be much of return considering our audio and web platform achieves an average of 8 months to see a complete return on the initial investment.

When looking at what solution provides the most product and cost effective collaboration solution for your organizations, you cannot ignore ROI.

What is the absolute requirement for my workforce to be productive? What costs will be eliminated by utilizing technology to achieve optimal performance? What technology is available today that can be implemented with minimal costs; both in infrastructure support and manpower?

Your employees require real-time access to collaboration in order to be productive and to communicate effectively. You need to implement a solution that is cost-effective, feature-rich, and can seamlessly integrate into your current network infrastructure. There is only one solution today that meets not only the technical needs of your organization but also the needs of your IT budget; that is ConferenceManager by Sonexis.

To learn more about ConferenceManager, please visit our product page, request technical white papers, or request a live demonstration today.

Unified Communications Gaining Ground - CRN.in

SuperUser Account — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:49 GMT

Unified Communications Gaining Ground
CRN.in
However, one aspect that CIOs are not ready to compromise on is security, and a lot of enterprises are reassessing their security posture and framework in relation to new devices,” notes Kshitij Mishra, Head, Unified Communications and Collaboration, ...

Avaya Recognized by Frost & Sullivan for Delivering Superior Communications Solutions to Healthcare Customers

SuperUser Account — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Avaya Recognized by Frost & Sullivan for Delivering Superior Communications ... - MarketWatch (press release)

SuperUser Account — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:36:40 GMT

Avaya Recognized by Frost & Sullivan for Delivering Superior Communications ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Avaya, a global provider of business communications and collaboration systems and services, today announced it has received Frost & Sullivan's 2011 Customer Value Enhancement Award for delivering superior customer communications to healthcare customers ...

Avaya at HIMSS 2012 Spotlights New Healthcare Technology Innovations to ... - MarketWatch (press release)

SuperUser Account — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:32:18 GMT

Avaya at HIMSS 2012 Spotlights New Healthcare Technology Innovations to ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Avaya, a global provider of business communications and collaboration systems and services, today showcased new innovations in healthcare communications at the 2012 HIMSS Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, NV. Demonstrated at the Avaya booth ...
Avaya Recognized by Frost & Sullivan for Delivering Superior Communications ...Marketwire (press release)

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