Comms Dealer

Data blending and advanced analytics firm Alteryx has secured a European foothold having established a UK and key partners.

With the analytics power shift, the company expects a growing demand for its analytics software products.

"This is an exciting time in the analytics space and companies need to move quickly to realise the full benefits of this massive analytics power shift. 

"The shifting market dynamics and new requirements have created a spike in European demand, so with our analytics power shift event, Alteryx is officially launching our UK and European presence to address these needs," said Stuart Wilson, regional vice president, Alteryx UK.

Alteryx already has a strong presence in the UK via its key partners, with over 100 current customers that include clients across retail and grocery, property, banking, consumer goods, energy, media and marketing services, it says.

Telenor Group has reported Q1 revenues of NOK 26.5bn (€3.2bn), representing an organic revenue growth of 1.5%. EBITDA before other items was NOK 9.3bn (€1.12bn), the EBITDA margin was 35% and operating cash flow was NOK 5.6 bn (€670m).

"I am pleased to present a solid start to the year. We added 6 million new mobile subscribers in the first quarter of 2014, the company's best customer surge in two years. This growth was mainly driven by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The underlying mobile service revenue growth improved to 5% in the quarter,'' said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO of Telenor Group.

"In Norway, our growth and efficiency initiatives continue to be a top priority. We see rising demand for larger data packages, which resulted in improved mobile revenue growth of more than 3 percent in the quarter. Competitive pressure and declining revenues from traditional fixed telephony require us to focus on streamlining our operations and investments. At the same time, Telenor is implementing a major technology shift with an annual investment of more than NOK 4 billion," said Baksaas.

"The migration of customers to our new 3G network in Thailand is on track, with some 60% transferred. The move from a concession to a licence regime is already contributing to significant regulatory cost savings. The slow-down in revenue growth is explained by reduced interconnect rates, lower voice prices and the recent weakness in the Thai economy," said Baksaas.

"Mobile data represents the next growth curve for Telenor. We are persistently working to increase the number of active internet subscribers across all our markets. Out of our total customer base of 172 million subscribers, some 20% are currently active internet users, representing a large growth potential. While Telenor recently secured new spectrum in India and Pakistan, our business in Bangladesh, significantly improved its 3G coverage during the first three months of the year. Our Indian operation reported an organic revenue growth of 44 percent in the quarter, gaining significant market share. We also launched a new internet strategy in India, focusing on affordable and service-based internet offers," said Baksaas.

"In conclusion, we had an encouraging start to the year. Our efficiency agenda is progressing, while we continue to work on bringing affordable internet to all and connecting the unconnected. However, we need to see continued improvement in all our markets, in particular a pick-up in revenues in Thailand and improved returns on the significant investments in Norway," said Baksaas.

A GP surgery in Dumfries is the third in Scotland to install an automated telephone appointment booking system developed by Voice Connect to help patient communication and reduce missed appointments which cost the health service millions of pounds each year.

The service, known as Patient Partner, enables patients to call the practice at any time, night or day, even when the surgery is closed, to check, book or cancel their appointments.

The system has been designed to be simple to use. Patients call the surgery's usual number and enter data such as their date of birth and/or telephone number for security purposes. The system is able to detect spaces in the doctors' and clinic diaries and the patient can then choose the appointment time which suits them best by pressing a button on their touch tone telephone. They can also use the system to cancel or re-arrange appointments 24/7.

"Patients may continue to book appointments via a receptionist," said Michele Postans, Practice Manager at Greyfriars. "However, by providing a round the clock service, we can offer greater flexibility for all our patients, including those who work unsociable hours. We also believe that it will free up valuable time for our receptionists to attend to patient care."

A study by psychologists at the University of Glasgow estimated that missed appointments (DNAs) at UK GP practices and hospitals cost the health service around £600 million a year.

They concluded that the most common day for missed appointments was Monday while other surveys have found that younger patients were most likely to fail to attend.

One of the ways that Patient Partner helps reduce DNAs is by sending automated text message appointment reminders.

Voice Connect MD Stefan Olsberg believes that the system is an important step towards improving access, and ultimately, patient care.

He said: "Getting through to their surgery is a priority for patients across the UK, and while online booking has helped to ease call congestion, many people still prefer to use an automated telephone system, which doesn't require passwords or usernames - all patients need is their date of birth."

Peach Telecom has been chosen by the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry to be the primary telecommunications provider of all Chamber members.

As of 2nd June 2014, Peach will be the official partner of the Chamber, working with the business organisation to provide telecommunications equipment and services for all members.

Using the buying power of the membership network, Peach will be able to provide Chamber members with telephone systems, landline and call packages, mobile solutions, as well as broadband and fibre connectivity.

Peach CEO Darren Scott-Healey said: "We will be helping local businesses to grow by improving the efficiency of their telecommunications equipment.

"Peach will essentially regard all Chamber members as one company, allowing even the smallest of businesses to benefit from lower rates which would normally only be available to larger companies with high numbers of telecom users."

The service will be provided under the name Chamber Communications. Chamber Business Development Manager, Julie Harrison, commented: "We are pleased to partner with Peach because we will be able to offer our members yet another benefit.

"They will have their telecommunications needs sorted which will give them time to concentrate on what they do best - running their own business."

Custom Connect, a global managed service provider of carrier neutral and microwave connectivity services, has announced the appointment of Anthony Kingsnorth as Group Chief Operating Officer.

Kingsnorth will lead Custom Connect's global operations across its entire service portfolio, which includes fibre and microwave access solutions, ultra-low latency networking for trading and financial services, connectivity for media and e-commerce organisations, cloud and data centre services, and any emerging opportunities in new markets.

He will also be involved in the definition of the Group's overall business strategy as well as the development of its existing product and managed services offering. Anthony will sit on the Group Executive Committee and will be based in the company's London office.

"We are delighted to have Anthony join Custom Connect," said Jan Willem Meijer, CEO and Co-Owner of Custom Connect. "Anthony has a phenomenal pedigree combined with industry-wide respect and we have no doubt that his expertise in technology and managed services within financial services will be of tremendous value to Custom Connect, our customers and our partners globally."

Kingsnorth worked for a number of investment banks before moving to Fixnetix, a global provider of front office outsourcing solutions, where he served as Chief Operating Officer for Fixnetix and built the company's managed services proposition. Prior to that he worked at ING Barings, JPMorgan Chase and Lehman Brothers, where he led the EMEA Production Services team.

Kingsnorth added: "Joining Custom Connect is tremendously exciting, especially at a time of such phenomenal growth. Having worked with Custom Connect directly, I have experienced first hand the professionalism, level of focus and clear strategy centred around its market leading solutions and customer service. I intend to take this core belief to help develop the company and to implement this mentality across new service offerings as we continue to expand globally."

Hats off to Manchester-based ICT provider Calyx which raised over £2,200 in aid of Francis House.

As well as supporting Key103's Cash for Kids Day in aid of the children's hospice, it also held a charity auction and made a world record attempt.

Francis House is Calyx's chosen charity and the company has raised and donated over £4,000 to date. "Our staff voted on which charity to support and Francis House was a firm favourite - and since then we've all become passionate supporters," said Steve Clark, Calyx CEO (pictured wearing the pink pants).

In a world record attempt Calyx employees joined with customers, suppliers and co-workers to create what they hope was the largest ever 'Oops upside your head' dance. Details are currently with Guinness for verification.

Content Guru's sister company Bracknell-based Redwood Technologies welcomed His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex to its UK headquarters.

The Earl, youngest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and best known as Prince Edward, visited Radius Court as part of his 50th birthday tour of the historical Saxon Kingdom of Wessex.

Organisations from business, academia and the voluntary sector, representing the finest attributes of the Wessex region, were put forward by Local Government, with Redwood being nominated by Bracknell Forest Borough, in which the company has been based since its foundation in 1993. Radius Court, purchased in 2013, is Redwood's fifth home in the Borough.

The Royal Visit witnessed a double coming-of-age, with Redwood celebrating its 21st anniversary within days of The Earl marking his own half-century. The occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of Content Guru, as a fast-growing pioneer of cloud communications.

The Earl was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant for Berkshire, the Honourable Mrs Bayliss JP, and civic dignitaries including the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bracknell.

The Earl was welcomed by Redwood founders Sean Taylor and Martin Taylor. After meeting with the company's senior team, The Earl was escorted to Radius Court's Customer Experience Centre for an insight into Redwood's Big Communications technology. From there the party moved to the Network Operations Centre, where live services were inspected on the centre's newly-installed wall screen.

The Earl then toured Redwood's offices, meeting with departments ranging from project management and applications engineering, through research & development and technical writing, to sales & marketing, finance and administration.

The Royal Visit concluded with the ceremonial cutting of two specially-commissioned commemorative cakes to mark the double milestone.

Redwood Director, Martin Taylor, commented: "We are thrilled to have been selected to welcome His Royal Highness to the heart of Europe's tech industry in the Thames Valley. The Earl showed his keen interest in high technology and communications, and the whole team were delighted to give him an understanding of their work."

Redwood Managing Director, Sean Taylor, added: "I am delighted His Royal Highness made an important milestone for Redwood even more memorable. It was lovely to link historical Wessex with the modern heart of Tech Valley and a real honour for our business."

Unify is to provide the Royal Free London NHS Hospital Trust with a unified communications platform that will serve over 6,000 clinical and support personnel.

As part of a five-year deal worth £2 million, the project will offer hospital employees mobile and flexible work options and wider inter-departmental collaboration. The pilot will be fully deployed by the end of 2014.

Unify will provide a complete OpenScape suite of Voice, UC and Wireless Mobility products as well as 6,300 extensions for IP-based SIP telephones for clinical and administrative staff across the site.

Unify won the project after a competitive tender process through the Public Services Network (PSN) Framework and was awarded Lot 1 Voice. The PSN defines common standards for equipment, software and service operation for public and third sector communications infrastructure programmes.

Will Smart, Director of Information Management and Technology at the Royal Free London NHS Hospital Trust, said: "We're committed to maintaining the best possible patient outcomes and Unify's OpenScape portfolio will help us to ensure that we can deliver responsive, location-independent care for our patients.

"The OpenScape platform, used in a virtualised environment, will enable our doctors and support teams to better respond to patients' needs and make decisions faster."

Trevor Connell Managing Director West Region EMEA at Unify added: "The OpenScape UC platform will provide simpler and more convenient access to key Trust staff across different sites. The system will be fully scalable to the Trust's changing needs, whether heavily-used services like A&E or new hospital facilities. It will greatly reduce the Trust's fixed and variable costs as well as system maintenance needs.

"This contract further demonstrates Unify's ability to win and manage campus-wide UC programmes in healthcare that demand very high system performance and complete scalability across different virtual, managed or on-premise ICT environments."

Mitel has posted its Q1 2014 financial results, highlighting recurring cloud seat growth of 73% and synergy targets expanded to $75m. Meanwhile, a strong cash position enables a $25m repayment against its credit facility.

Mitel completed the acquisition of Aastra Technologies on January 31, 2014. The results include three months of Mitel and two months of the Aastra business.

Total revenue increased 69% to $241.5 million from first quarter 2013, primarily as a result of the Aastra acquisition which contributed $89.3 million of revenue.

Gross margins were 53.6%, down from 56.5% in the prior year, reflecting the acquisition of Aastra which was a lower gross margin business.

Net loss was $13.6 million compared to a net loss of $1.7 million in the prior year, driven principally by debt retirement costs.

Adjusted EBITDA was $35.6 million compared to $23.0 million in the year ago period, due to a combination of EBITDA growth from the legacy Mitel business and EBITDA resulting from the acquisition of Aastra.

Operating cash flow for the March 2014 quarter was $26.8 million compared to $9.7 million in the March 2013 quarter.

Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2014 were $136.0 million.

Richard McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Mitel, said: "I am extremely pleased with the progress Mitel made in the first quarter, particularly the solid overall revenue performance.

"Our first quarter results reflect the traction we are gaining in our cloud business, with over 21,000 recurring cloud revenue seats being added in the quarter, representing 73% growth year-over-year, bringing our cloud recurring seats total to 142,600. These are both strong indicators that our employees, customers and channel partners see value and strength from the combination with Aastra.

"Since acquiring Aastra at the end of January, we have moved decisively to integrate the two organisations and to quickly identify and capitalise on synergy opportunities. As a result, we have identified significant additional supply chain efficiencies allowing us to revise our synergy target to $75 million, up from $50 million, for the integration period spanning the next two and half years."

Alcatel-Lucent grew revenues marginally to €2.963bn, growing 0.3% year-on-year at constant exchange rates and comparable business areas (Enterprise was a discontinued operation in Q1 2014). Revenues for the Group excluding Managed Services were up 3.9% year-on-year.

Core Networking revenues grew by 6.9% in Q1 2014 compared to Q1 2013, largely driven by 16% growth in IP Routing and, to a lesser extent, by IP Transport. This is excluding Managed Services, which decreased by half reflecting a strategy to terminate or restructure loss-making contracts, the Access segment grew 2.1% year-over-year.

Gross margin reached 32.3% of revenues in the quarter, improving by 410 basis points year-on-year. This improvement was driven essentially by favourable product mix and improved profitability in most business divisions.

Fixed costs savings reached €143m in Q1, bringing the total to date to €478m, when combined with €335m in 2013 (which exclude €28m attributable to Enterprise). In particular, SG&A expenses decreased by 20.8% compared to Q1 2013 and by 9.9% compared to Q4 2013.

As reported, the Group showed a net loss of €73m in Q1 2014, an improvement of €280m compared to Q1 2013, driven by the higher level of operating income, lower restructuring charges and a significant reduction in net financial losses.

As previously announced, it received in February 2014 a binding offer from China Huaxin for the acquisition of 85% of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise. The proposed transaction has been submitted to the workers council of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise for the required information and consultation procedure which is now completed. Closing of this transaction is subject to certain other conditions, including the approval of certain regulatory authorities, and is targeted to take place in the third quarter of 2014.

Commenting on the first quarter results, Michel Combes, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, said: "We began 2014 as we ended 2013 - totally focused on driving implementation of The Shift Plan. Having put the Group in the right financial direction last year we are encouraged by the continued progress shown in the first quarter of 2014. This confirms the industrial logic of the strategic choices we have made and provides a good start on which to build during the rest of 2014 as we work towards our objective of bringing the Group as a whole back to positive free cash flow by 2015."