Neutral Tandem to launch cloud-based UC services in US

Global interconnection services provider Neutral Tandem plans to introduce a cloud-based collaboration service in the US specifically developed to be resold by Cisco's VAR community and system integrators. The cloud-based service is based on Cisco's enhanced UC infrastructure and will use Neutral Tandem's expertise in operating and managing IP networks. Neutral Tandem has entered into HCS Trial agreements with select Cisco authorised VARs and is trialing the service with them. The service, based on Cisco's Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS), will enable VARs/SIs to deliver a suite of UC and collaboration applications, including single number reach, integrated messaging and presence, video calling and WebEx integration. HCS provides support for single site, multi-site and hybrid premise-based implementations. This system will enable VARs/SIs to sell a monthly subscription based service under their own brand. In addition, VARs/SIs can provide customised services to their client base by overlaying HCS with their own managed services. The Neutral Tandem service will provide a set of tools for Cisco VARs/SIs to sell and manage the full suite of HCS services. This service is designed to integrate with a VAR's/SI's existing UC and collaboration services provisioning and management processes. Nexus IS, a Cisco Gold Certified Partner focused on offering collaboration, data centre, borderless networks, business video and managed services, is the first Cisco channel partner to trial Neutral Tandem's HCS offer.