Logitech partners with GN Netcom, looks to offer 'one-stop' UC solutions

Logitech International (NASDAQ:LOGI), looking to expand its role in the unified communications market, this week announced it is teaming up with GN Netcom, entering into a distribution agreement under which Logitech will offer select products from the line of Jabra headsets and speakerphones starting next month.

Initially rolling out through distribution channel partners only in North America, the two companies also have planned a global offering and say they'll collaborate on the development of future audio peripherals for UC.

Eric Kinz, VP and GM of Logitech for Business, told FierceVoIP the move would help expand Logitech's footprint in UC, videoconferencing and telepresence.

"One of the main, if not the main opportunities we are going after is unified communications on the desktop, complementing the LifeSize meeting room offering," he said. "The idea is to really be the first company to offer a one-stop shop for customers and channel partners, providing endpoints both in the meeting room and at the desktop."

The Jabra products will be co-branded "Logitech powered by Jabra," and already are certified to work with Avaya, Microsoft Corp., Cisco and Polycom under the Jabra brand.

"With the convergence of VoIP and video conferencing in unified communications solutions, we see a significant opportunity for Logitech to be a full solution provider," said Roopam Jain, principal analyst at Frost and Sullivan. "With LifeSize meeting rooms, Logitech webcams and ‘Logitech powered by Jabra' headsets, Logitech is leveraging its strong brand and simplifying deployment and support for customers."

For more:
- see this release

Related articles:
Logitech: Microsoft's Skype purchase will drive industry growth
Skype, Logitech, Panasonic partner for video calling on TVs
LifeSize Video Center adds mobile HD video streaming
Logitech calls Google TV a 'highlight' in its earnings report