Verizon Extends NEC VoIP Distribution Agreement

February 22, 2002 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- NEC America, Inc, (necamerica.com), an affiliate of NEC Corporation, and a manufacturer of networking and communications equipment, announced on Thursday its plans to significantly expand its distribution agreement with national telecommunications service provider Verizon (verizon.com).

Through the expanded alliance, says NEC, Verizon will market an increased range of NEC communications solutions, including its latest Voice over IP (VoIP) products, to enterprise and small business customers nationwide. NEC says the move could result in a drastic increase in market presence for the company’s voice communications solutions.

Verizon, along with its predecessors, Bell Atlantic and GTE, have marketed NEC voice communications systems for almost 20 years. In expanding its distribution efforts, Verizon will market the full line of NEAX 2400 and NEAX 2000 private branch exchanges (PBXs) that feature peer-to-peer IP and traditional TDM switching capabilities.

"NEC has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Verizon for a considerable period of time," said Doug Wonson, general manager of NEC America's Business Systems Sales Division. "We feel strongly that our latest product offerings, including our IP solutions, will be readily embraced by Verizon's customer base."

According to NEC, the release of the NEAX 2000 IPS and NEAX 2400 IPX platforms were driving factors behind Verizon’s decision to expand the partnership. The products, says NEC, will enable customers to deploy IP telephony throughout their enterprises, without having to abandon the reliablility and functionality of TDM switching.

As part of the deal, Verizon also plans to make NEC’s key telephone system solutions and management applications to its customer base, which extends from Maine to Hawaii and includes key vertical markets, such as healthcare, hospitality, finance, government and education.