Merrill & Associates Ups Services to Avaya Partners

Merrill & Associates, a Platinum Avaya Partner and Solutions Provider, announced Tuesday it will increase the services and implementation support offered to other Avaya Business Partners. The company has appointed James Martinez, former operations manager, to lead the business development initiative.

The move comes after Avaya Inc. announced it would raise rates on installation and implementation services it offers to customers by 20 percent as of Dec. 8.

“We see this as a golden opportunity to work with other Avaya Business Partners,” said Andrew Sherman, director of sales and marketing for Merrill & Associates, specializing in consulting, design, implementation, maintenance and technical support services.

The VAR’s rates were lower than the manufacturer’s previously, and the company does not plan to raise its rates, Sherman said.

Presently, Merrill & Associates provides services to 37 Avaya Business Partners. Sherman hopes to double that number in 2009, not only for install/implementation but also ongoing help desk services, including includes remote support, technicians on site, MAC fulfillment, firmware updates and software configurations.

Sherman said unlike other Avaya Business Partners that contract with Avaya technicians for installation and implementation, Merrill & Associates employs its own technicians, engineers and project managers. The staff has more than 500-plus years of cumulative experience and is certified to design and implement Avaya’s full portfolio.

"It says something positive about your business when competitors trust you enough to introduce you to their own customers and feel confident that you will provide high-quality, professional services," said Mike Merrill, president and CEO, in a press statement. "In these situations, our work is just as much a reflection on them as it is on us. Knowing that we will always make sure the job is done right, increases their customer satisfaction and in essence, helps to grow their business."