Telecom Lead America: Polycom is set to acquire UC integrator Sentri for less than $10 million.
Polycom said Sentri’s expertise integrating Microsoft Lync with Polycom solutions is a key element of the acquisition.
Polycom has a portfolio of more than 40 video and voice products that interoperate with Lync.
By adding Sentri’s capabilities, Polycom can empower its channel partners, and support joint Microsoft and Polycom installations.
In addition, the acquisition of Sentri is expected to complement current partner capabilities and create new revenue, expertise and joint go-to-market opportunities, through an expanded UC&C expertise practice.
“Sentri provides Polycom and our partners with needed advanced services capabilities to consult, design and implement UC&C solutions, and Sentri’s expertise in providing specific Microsoft Lync services is a key skill-set as Lync adoption continues to increase,” said Sudhakar Ramakrishna, president of Products and Services, Polycom.
The market for video collaboration advanced services is $1.6 billion in 2013, growing to $1.94 billion in 2016, according to Gartner.
Ira Weinstein, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research, said: “As enterprises seek to expand their video and UC footprint, they will need support from qualified partners with real-world experience installing and managing Microsoft Lync deployments.”
Polycom plans to set up a Services Center of Excellence in North America to develop training and certification programs.
Sentri leadership will report into Navin Mehta, SVP, Polycom Global Services, as well as to North America sales leadership, and will work with the North America partner teams.
Sentri will continue to offer services to their existing customer-base, and expand to Polycom customers after the acquisition closes.
