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Communications solutions integrator Amillan and Grey Convergence have today announced a strategic partnership to bring Microsoft Lync voice and unified communications applications to market in the UK.

This partnership blends together the exceptional business and technical expertise that Grey Convergence has with Microsoft UC and Amillan’s many years’ experience of integrating voice and unified communications applications to build one of the UK's strongest Microsoft Lync practices.

Grey Convergence has partnered closely with Microsoft throughout the development of Lync, and its forerunners LCS and OCS, during which time it has implemented a number of large OCS/Lync deployments, including a 43,000 seat implementation for Kings College London. Russ Kirk, founder of Grey Convergence, which holds Silver partner accreditation in Lync, was the first individual to be awarded Microsoft Lync MVP status (Most Valuable Professional) in the UK, and is still now one of only four.

Amillan has over 20 years’ experience in large voice and unified communications applications and has provided these for some of the UK's largest enterprises, educational and public sector organisations including The University of Westminster, Currys/PC World, The NEC and Swinton Insurance.

Russ Kirk, managing director at Grey Convergence, said: “As a Microsoft specialist we have built up a great deal of expertise in providing Microsoft OCS and Lync solutions enabling organisations to gain maximum benefit from these deployments, be this technical assistance or helping organisations adopt new ways of working.

“This strategic partnership allows these skills to be applied to deploy Lync into a wider base of environments due to Amillan's integration expertise in applying new voice technology into the legacy PABX market, and the larger scale of its operation. It really is an ideal blend of skills and experience.”

Richard Reid, strategic development director for Amillan, said: “Over the past 6 months, Amillan has been working towards our own Microsoft Gold accreditation on Lync voice applications and our Lync specialists have worked closely with the team from Grey Convergence throughout this time. It has become apparent to both parties that a strategic agreement would allow us to align Amillan's extensive experience in integrating voice solutions with Grey Convergence’s unrivalled expertise in Lync deployment to create a compelling offering into the market, just as Lync is being widely adopted in several vertical markets.”

Grey Convergence is already working as part of the Amillan team on a number of significant Microsoft Lync opportunities.

Initiating the launch of its Enterprise business in the UK, Huawei has appointed communications solutions integrator Amillan as its first Authorised Reseller in the UK.

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, with a workforce of over 120,000; around 50% of its staff engaged in R&D activities. Huawei annual revenues exceed $28 billion USD, delivering competitive solutions and services for more than one third of the world’s population.

Communications systems integrator Amillan has recently completed the £100,000 ICT infrastructure installation project at James Hall Distribution Centre – the SPAR company for the North of England.

James Hall, which was founded in 1863 and serves over 450 SPAR stores, identified a need for an efficient and reliable ICT infrastructure to ensure deliveries and orders are completed on time, and high customer satisfaction maintained.

Communications systems integrator Amillan has recently completed the £100,000 ICT infrastructure installation project at James Hall Distribution Centre – the SPAR company for the North of England.

James Hall, which was founded in 1863 and serves over 450 SPAR stores, identified a need for an efficient and reliable ICT infrastructure to ensure deliveries and orders are completed on time, and high customer satisfaction maintained.

Solihull-based Amillan has been appointed to install IPTV and data networking systems at the new Edgbaston Stadium following Amillan’s first successful project at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, installing the communications infrastructure facilities at the venue.

Communications systems integrator Amillan will begin the installation of the IPTV systems in July to have the stadium up-and-running for the test match against India in August.

This second phase is part of a venue-wide refurbishment programme. Accessed via a new main entrance, the venue will seat 8250 spectators and include media and press rooms, a members’ area, catering services and a museum.

Following the successful office launch - hosted by Solihull MP Lorely Burt, Amillan's new premises were selected as the location for the MP's interview with the BBC's Politics Show. Political editor Patrick Burns was shown around Amillan's impressive new demonstration suite and then settled down to interview Mrs Burt about the cross-party group of Midlands MPs campaigning to bring new industries and jobs to the region.

The clip below shows the broadcast on the Politics Show in Sunday 6th March 2011. Footage was also featured on regional news programme Midlands Today on Friday 4th March 2011.

Amillan was approached by BBC Radio WM to comment on the announcement of the cross-party group of Midlands MPs who are campaigning to bring new industries and jobs to the region. MD Phil Jordan spoke to the BBC's Richie Anderson about what businesses in the region can do to boost industry and the economy, and showed him round the new premises including the Amillan Service Centre.

Please click on the link below to hear the interview.

Integrated communications solutions provider Amillan has invested in Solihull with its purchase of a £1.5m development at Highlands Court in Cranmore. The new premises was officially opened last month by Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull.

Shepherd Engineering Services (SES) has selected communications solutions integrator Amillan to provide the ICT infrastructure for the new build Bournville College project in Longbridge, Birmingham. Being such a landmark location, the contract was hotly-contested and is a significant win for Solihull-based Amillan.

Communications solutions provider Amillan selected to install flexible infrastructure connecting university's new facilities with existing schools.

Solihull-based communications solutions provider Amillan has appointed Richard Reid as strategic development director.