Avnet "disappointed" with Avaya

Avnet has expressed "disappointment" with Avaya's decision to cut it as a distributor in Australia and New Zealand.

Reports emerged today that Avaya was cutting its distribution partnership with Avnet and Ingram Micro. Distribution Central, Westcon Group and VExpress were unaffected.

"We are disappointed with the decision of the local Avaya team to pursue other forms of distribution, " said Gavin Lawless, general manager for Avnet.

"From time to time, vendors need to make decisions about their channel strategy, in particular in the current environment where we are seeing a lot of acquisitions and vendor alliances.

"We wish Avaya every success with their new go to market model," said Lawless.

Lawless said Avnet was "still very committed" to driving unified communications in Australia and has signed on two unfied communications vendors.

Avaya confirmed the move with CRN and thanked both Avnet and Ingram Micro for supporting Avaya.

"Distributors are a key part of the Avaya Connect channel program strategy in A/NZ and globally," said Rob Wells managing director of Avaya.

"After careful study and assessment, Avaya is moving forward with the optimum mix of distribution partners globally.

"This mix will provide our partners with streamlined access to the value-add capabilities and tools that these distribution partners can deliver with maximum efficiencies."

Details of distributors globally will be announced shortly.