8×8, Inc., the world’s first Communications Cloud provider, announced a new agreement with Ingram Micro Inc. to bring 8×8’s integrated, enterprise-grade cloud communications, contact center and team-collaboration solutions to channel partners supporting mid-market and enterprise companies in the U.S. and Canada. Through this new relationship, Ingram Micro is adding 8×8 Virtual OfficeÆ and 8×8 Virtual Contact CenterÆ to its cloud and unified communications and collaboration portfolios, and is now enabling channel partners to sell these market-leading solutions.
According to market research firm IDC, the hosted/cloud portion of the worldwide unified communications and collaboration market is expected to grow to $32.5 billion in 2021, which is a five-year CAGR of 14.8 percent for the 2016-2021 period versus 4.5 percent for premises-based solutions1. “Midmarket and enterprise companies are embracing UCC as a means to bolster productivity and deliver a connected customer experience,” said Jeff Yelton, executive director and general manager, Ingram Micro. “UCC is a fast-growing market segment for Ingram Micro. The business benefits of UCC are undeniable and 8×8’s portfolio of enterprise communications, collaboration and contact center solutions are well suited for the needs of our channel partners and the customers they serve.”
With the new alliance, 8×8 will become one of the largest service providers and born-in-the-cloud vendors within Ingram Micro’s Specialty Division for Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC). 8×8’s cloud solutions for the midmarket and enterprise segment expands Ingram Micro’s portfolio to better meet the needs of globally distributed organizations requiring integrated, enterprise-grade business communications and collaboration solutions. As part of the agreement, 8×8 joins Ingram Micro’s portfolio of cloud vendors, offering channel partners bundled solutions by market segment or vertical, such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.
“Migrating businesses to the cloud is a growing opportunity for channel partners and an area where Ingram Micro Cloud continues to accelerate the sales cycle and simplify success for MSPs and IT service providers,” said Jason Bystrak, executive director, Cloud, Ingram Micro. “Managed UCC solutions generate a solid recurring revenue stream for our channel partners and we’re pleased to welcome 8×8 to our industry-leading cloud services portfolio.”
The new agreement also aligns with Ingram Micro’s global presence where the distributor has the flexibility to expand the relationship in the regions 8×8 sells, markets and supports its solutions, including North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
“Ingram Micro is known throughout the industry for being fully dedicated to providing solutions, services and support offerings that exceed the expectations of its channel partners,” said Christopher Peters, global channel chief at 8×8. “Whether or not Ingram Micro channel partners have sold cloud communications, collaboration and contact center solutions in the past, our combined channel resources and go-to-market methodology will enable them to easily gain access into a hyper-growth market and to accelerate profitability with 8×8 solutions at minimal risk.”
