Atinav Makes Multifeatured, Integrated Conferencing Easy To Use

Channel support in this market is minimal, and Atinav's channel program is no exception. Solution providers are divided into multiple levels based on relatively low revenue goals. The company said margins are high but declined to disclose those numbers. Solution providers also won't find customized sales tools or a dedicated support site to assist them with sales and support of the solution.

The product is quite easy to use, however, and initial setup consists of no more than defining a user account and downloading the associated Java plug-ins to make the interface function. AveComm will work with most browsers, including Internet Explorer. CRN Test Center engineers used Mozilla's Firefox browser and did not encounter any compatibility issues.

Once a user account is configured and the appropriate software downloaded, users are presented with an easy-to-use interface. The aveComm user interface allows users to start a session, schedule a meeting, review any previously scheduled meetings, view help-desk requests and log in to or out of the system. Starting a session offers users the ability to use VoIP, share applications, use instant messaging, use a digital whiteboard and perform file transfers. These features are a necessity for any desktop collaboration user, and each can be combined or used individually to meet the specific needs of a user or group.

AveComm offers solution providers a variety of options. The primary deployment model is service-based and leverages Atinav's servers to host sessions. Solution providers can also choose to install the product locally to support internal and branch-to-branch conferencing chores. Integrators also have the option to become a host for the product and use it to offer desktop conferencing services to their customers.

Solution providers have an excellent opportunity to increase their revenue by selling associated desktop conferencing. Add-on equipment sales cover a wide range of products, including IP telephones, large-screen monitors, video solutions and high-speed Internet connections.

CRN Test Center engineers tested aveComm using Atinav's hosted service and were pleasantly surprised by both the product's feature set and its ease of use. The hosted model requires no long-term commitments, no need for specialized equipment and several payment options. Flat rates for the service start at around $40 per month per user—much less expensive than competing solutions that charge by the minute.

The product offers more than just desktop collaboration functionality. AveComm proves ideal for remote training, remote support and product demonstrations, since the product excels at creating a virtual conference room for users.

Atinav also offers versions of aveComm that include a complete software development kit and can be rolled into existing applications. Solution providers can leverage this functionality to create customized collaboration tool for even the most specialized of vertical markets.

Selling aveComm should be a snap for solution providers. Demonstrating the lower costs associated with desktop collaboration and comparing those costs to the expenditures involved with mobile and traveling workers should make for an easy sell. In many cases, the product pays for itself if just one business trip is avoided. Eliminating the need to pay for lodging and travel fees associated with bringing a trainer on site is another example of aveComm's value.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>AveComm

COMPANY: Atinav
Somerset, N.J.
(732) 412-3000
www.avecomm.com
AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: None
DISTRIBUTORS: Direct from vendor
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Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10