Cross Achieves “Small and Medium Business Expert” Distinction from Avaya

August 4, 2006

Bloomington, MN. — Cross announced today that it has been designated as a “Small and Medium Business (SMB) Expert” by Avaya Inc. (NYSE:AV), a leading global provider of business communications software, systems and services.

To achieve ranking as “SMB Expert,” Avaya BusinessPartners’ account executives and systems engineers must demonstrate proficiency in core areas that include customer support, technology knowledge and expertise, sales revenues and marketing support. The program is the first such specialized ranking established by Avaya for its BusinessParters in North America who serve the SMB market.  It includes training that focuses on IP telephony and Avaya solutions, sales and technical training on Avaya IP Office, one of Avaya’s leading IP telephony solutions for small and medium businesses. IP Office is a secure, intelligent, and easy-to-use converged voice and data system designed especially for small and medium businesses. Avaya has sold more than 70,000 IP Office solutions to companies around the world.

Cross sells Avaya communications systems, design and implementation services to businesses across the nation.

“Our SMB Expert distinction recognizes the high level of proficiency we provide to our SMBS customers. As a strategic Avaya BusinessPartner and Avaya’s number one BusinessPartner in IP Office sales, we are able to deliver sophisticated converged solutions with industry recognized expertise,”  said Bob Coughlin, president and chief executive officer of Cross.

Cross has consistently received top honors from Avaya, including Avaya’s BusinessPartner of the Year award, the Avaya SMBS Growth Award, the Avaya award for Customer Excellence and is recognized as Avaya’s number one National BusinessPartner in IP Office sales.

“Smaller companies need crystal clear information on the capabilities of IP telephony and the difference it can make to the way they operate their businesses, because whatever change they make can have a huge effect on their bottom line,” said Patricia Hume, global group vice president, Small and Medium Business Solutions Group, Avaya. “Avaya BusinessPartners who achieve ‘SMB Expert’ status are sending a message to their customers that they have the professional and technical expertise that’s honed for the smaller firm. Because Cross is now qualified as an ‘SMB Expert’, they have increased credibility with their smaller customers, and it reaffirms Cross’ commitment to excellence in serving small and medium firms with the highest standards and with the communications solutions from Avaya specifically designed to meet smaller companies’ needs.”

 

About Avaya

Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than 1 million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®. Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet protocol (IP) telephony systems and communications software applications and services. Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications - and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services -Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya website: www.avaya.com.

About Cross

Headquartered out of Bloomington, MN, Cross is an Avaya National Platinum BusinessPartner and Cisco Silver Partner. By providing a complete portfolio of Voice, Data, IP Telephony, Wireless, Security and Professional Services solutions, Cross is a complete end-to-end integrator of converged technologies. As an Avaya Business Partner of the Year award winner, Cross has defined itself as one of the premier providers of integrated communications solutions nationwide. With one of the largest and most experienced Technical Teams within the industry, Cross has proven to be a key differentiator in assisting businesses from all industries become leaders in their field.