Minneapolis, MN — October 16, 2007 — Spanlink Communications today announced it intends to spin off its Calabrio Software division. Calabrio, Inc. will operate as a separate, independent company and focus directly on the development and distribution of customer interaction and workforce optimization software for IP-based contact centers. The new company will start out with approximately 500,000 installed desktops and will maintain the OEM relationship with Cisco. Spanlink Communications will maintain its focus on selling, delivering and supporting unified communications solutions.
The separation, which was approved by Spanlink’s board of directors, is expected to be completed by November 1, 2007. Spanlink founder Brett Shockley will continue as chief executive officer and president of Spanlink Communications. Paul Lidsky, Spanlink’s current chief operating officer, will assume the role of chief executive officer and president for Calabrio, Inc.
“Since we announced the Calabrio Software division in February, both organizations have been executing on a plan to thrive as separate entities,” said Brett Shockley, CEO and president of Spanlink. “As intended, forming the two entities has allowed each to respond more effectively to the needs of customers, channels and partners. We see this spin off as the next logical step in allowing both organizations to realize their full potential.”
“The IP contact center market is growing rapidly, and Calabrio is focused on building strong relationships with leading channel partners to serve this dynamic marketplace,” said Paul Lidsky, CEO and president of Calabrio, Inc. “Since the creation of the Calabrio division in February, our team has been encouraged by the enthusiastic response we have received from new potential channel partners who recognize the compelling value proposition of our IP-centric products. Operating as a stand-alone company will enable us to step up our efforts and concentrate our resources on training and supporting additional partners.”
“Moving forward, Spanlink will leverage our thought leadership position in IP-based contact centers to provide a solution-based approach for a broader unified communications portfolio, including enterprise voice, messaging, mobility, presence and collaboration,” said Shockley. “We have already seen a significant uptake in our enterprise telecommunications system business since functioning as a separate division. By operating as an independent company, we anticipate greater expansion and market growth as we add technologies and third-party products to our portfolio.”
“Customer demands on software and integration services businesses vary greatly and the opportunities are diverse. This is particularly true given the recent enterprise shift to IP communications and the push to establish more customer-centric networks,” said Ken Landoline, program manager in Yankee Group’s Enterprise Research group specializing in customer-centric strategies. “Operating as two companies is the right move for Spanlink and Calabrio. It will enable each company to focus on its respective strengths and maintain momentum in a fast-moving marketplace.”
Existing investors Blue Stream Ventures and Split Rock Partners will maintain investment interests in both organizations, and will serve on the boards of directors of both companies.
The operational leadership of both organizations, which was established when the company announced the two divisions in February, will not change with the exception of some administrative functions. Additional information about Spanlink and Calabrio management can be found at https://www.spanlink.com/about/about_team.asp, respectively.
About Spanlink Communications, Inc.
Spanlink Communications is a leading provider of unified communications and customer interaction solutions leveraging Cisco’s technology. With nearly 20 years experience and nearly 1,500 sites deployed, Spanlink helps companies exploit the benefits of virtual unified communications networks for business transformation. Spanlink applies expert consulting, deployment, integration and managed services to tailor each customer’s solution and support plan to its business needs for transformational business improvements in productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction. Spanlink is a Master certified Cisco partner serving mid-size businesses and large enterprises. Find news and information at www.spanlink.com.
About Calabrio, Inc.
Calabrio, Inc. develops and markets a comprehensive suite of customer interaction and workforce optimization software that’s easy to implement, use and maintain in new IP-based customer interaction networks. By integrating workforce optimization within the agent and supervisor workflow, Calabrio helps customers align their contact center business processes and performance with their business objectives. Calabrio distributes their software through OEM and channel partnerships, and has installed software on more than 500,000 desktops. Find news and information at www.calabrio.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Dave Boxum, Weber Shandwick
952-346-6147
[email protected]
