Unify Accelerates Transformation to Software and Services Company

MUNICH and BOCA RATON, Fla., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Unify today disclosed the next steps in its continued transformation to adapt to the changing unified communications marketplace and the demands of today's customers for a more software-oriented portfolio. This transformation is designed to enable Unify to measurably improve the productivity of customers through software solutions and services, an enhanced partner approach, and a significantly streamlined organization.

Unify announced a number of planned strategic initiatives to streamline the organization to focus on innovation in software development, integration and managed services. These plans will entail a restructuring of the company worldwide, a shift to a multi-tier go-to-market approach, and the consolidation of sites around the globe. This also includes a review of the future location of the global headquarters.  

The restructuring plan, which is the subject of discussions with multiple stakeholders, will streamline the company's operations. It is expected to result in an overall reduction in headcount of approximately 3,800 people out of a workforce of nearly 7,700 worldwide, with Central Europe accounting for 50% of the reduction. 

The company has previously taken steps to modernize operations and processes, expand the product portfolio under the OpenScape umbrella, unveil market-leading innovation with Project Ansible and re-brand as Unify. However, there are dramatic shifts in the use of communications and collaboration tools in the workplace, increased adoption of cloud-based solutions, and a growing number of software-oriented competitors which have captured market share and increased pricing pressure.  This requires Unify to take steps immediately to accelerate its transition from a traditional hardware manufacturer to a true communications and collaboration software and services company.  

"Today's marketplace is changing rapidly, and the demands that the next generation of users are placing on our customers are changing quickly as well," said Dean Douglas, Unify CEO. "Unify must transform in order to remain competitive, so we are taking these necessary and very difficult steps in order to position Unify to fully respond to the needs of our customers and the marketplace. This includes greater focus on technology deployment options with access to our OpenScape products and services from a broader choice of partners."

Best-in-Class Software and Services Company 
Unify plans to simplify its OpenScape portfolio and deliver high-value packaged services, both directly and through partners, making it easier for customers to get the tools and services they require. The company continues to build a global channel management team and program to attract and motivate best-in-class partners in a drive to increase emphasis on SMB customers as well as its large enterprise customers.

Leadership in User Experience
With Ansible as the catalyst, Unify reiterated its commitment to deliver a new and compelling user experience. With pre-Beta trials currently underway, including an internal roll-out of approximately 400 users, Ansible continues to deliver world-class usability test results. As previously announced, Ansible general availability will be in October, 2014 and the first version will be delivered to customers in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.  

About Unify
Unify is one of the world's leading communications software and services firms, providing integrated communications solutions for approximately 75 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Our solutions unify multiple networks, devices and applications into one easy-to-use platform that allows teams to engage in rich and meaningful conversations. The result is a transformation of how the enterprise communicates and collaborates that amplifies collective effort, energizes the business, and enhances business performance. Unify has a strong heritage of product reliability, innovation, open standards and security.

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SOURCE Unify