Aastra Technologies Limited was a former Canadian company that made products and systems to access communication networks. Its products include screen telephones, residential and business telephone terminals, Enterprise private branches exchanges, network access terminals, and high-quality digital video decoders, encoders, and gateways. The United States was sold as Bell equipment under the Sonecor brand. This was Southern New England Telecommunications.
Mitel Networks Corporation declared on November 11, 2013 that it would acquire Aastra Technologies Ltd. through a stock-and-cash deal worth approximately $400 million
Aastra Technologies Introduction
Aastra Technologies Limited, widely known as Aastra Telecom, was a distinguished player in the global telecommunications sector before its merger with Mitel Networks Corporation in 2014. Founded in 1983 in Concord, Ontario, Canada, Aastra specialized in a wide array of communication solutions, ranging from VoIP systems to unified communications for businesses of all sizes. This article provides a detailed look at Aastra’s product offerings, financial metrics, global operations, competitive landscape, and contact information.
Aastra’s Product Portfolio
Aastra was known for its robust and versatile range of telecommunication products, which catered to both small businesses and large enterprises. Key products included:
1. Business Phones
- VoIP Phones: These devices supported advanced IP telephony features and were designed for ease of use and high functionality.
- Analog Phones: Catering to more traditional setups, these phones were known for their reliability and simplicity.
2. Conference Phones
- Designed to enhance audio quality for multi-participant meetings, Aastra’s conference phones were integral in facilitating corporate communications.
3. Video Conferencing Systems
- Aastra’s solutions in this category helped businesses conduct high-quality video meetings, crucial for maintaining connectivity in a global business environment.
4. Unified Communications Solutions
- Integrating voice, video, and data communication, Aastra’s unified communications systems were tailored to streamline and optimize enterprise communication infrastructures.
Financial Overview
Before the merger, Aastra was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “AAH”. Although specific annual revenue details leading up to the merger are not publicly available, the company was recognized for its stable financial performance, marked by steady growth in sales and an expanding global footprint.
Global Presence
Aastra had a comprehensive global network, with key regional offices located across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific:
North America
- Canada: The corporate headquarters were located in Concord, Ontario, which housed the primary administrative and development activities.
- United States: Aastra maintained several offices across the country, with significant locations including Dallas and Chicago.
Europe
- Germany: Offices in Berlin and Frankfurt focused on sales and support for the European market.
- Sweden: Stockholm’s facilities were crucial for R&D and regional operations.
- United Kingdom: The London office served as a hub for sales and customer service across the UK and Ireland.
Asia-Pacific
- Australia: Sydney was the center of operations for Oceania, dealing with sales, support, and distribution.
- India: With offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, Aastra supported its software development and customer service operations in the region.
Competitive Landscape
Aastra competed with several major firms in the telecommunications industry, including:
- Cisco Systems, Inc.: A leading provider of networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment.
- Avaya Inc.: Specialized in digital communications products, solutions, and services for businesses.
- Polycom, Inc.: Known for its video, voice, and content management and communication technology.
- Mitel Networks Corporation: Before the merger, Mitel was a direct competitor, particularly strong in VoIP products and unified communications solutions.
Website and Contact Information
Following the merger, Aastra’s operations and product lineup were integrated into Mitel’s portfolio. For information on former Aastra products or services, interested parties should refer to Mitel’s resources.
- Website: www.mitel.com
- Contact Information: Mitel provides global customer support, which can be accessed via their website. Specific contact numbers and email addresses for support are listed in the “Contact Us” section of the site.
Conclusion
Though Aastra Telecom has now merged into Mitel Networks, its legacy in advancing telecommunication solutions continues to influence the industry significantly. The integration of Aastra’s product line into Mitel’s offerings has created a stronger entity poised to lead the market in providing comprehensive communication solutions. This merger has not only expanded the technological capabilities but also reinforced the commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to a global clientele.
Source : Wikipedia
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