How important are mid-sized companies to the world’s economy? Given how assiduously enterprise business solutions providers are beginning to serve this sector, the answer is likely “very,” particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

Avaya (News - Alert) recently launched a suite of unified communications and networking solutions designed for mid-sized companies. The company said the introduction is very well timed, and was prompted by the recognition that more than 90 percent of the businesses in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey have fewer than 500 employees.

Companies often classified as mid-sized -- companies with between 100 to 500 employees -- want similar features and functionality as larger businesses, but at a lower cost of ownership because IT budgets and resources are more limited and managed in-house. Avaya has chosen to help fill this market gap.

The wide range of options now available in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey for communications and collaboration via voice, messaging, video conferencing, Web-based applications and more will increase employee accessibility and collaboration, whether they are in the office, working at home, or on the road, so companies and staff can deploy the most effective communication style for whatever their situation demands, said Avaya.

The midmarket has bright prospects, as well. Analyst group IDC (News - Alert) estimates that IT spending in the midmarket will reach more than $24 billion across the Middle East and Africa by 2015, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE contributing significantly to this investment.

"Seeing that 90 percent of the market in the UAE and Middle East are SME's making them a huge factor in a successful economy, it is detrimental that they are equipped with the best solutions at a reasonable cost,” said Nidal Abou-Ltaif, VP Middle East, Africa and Turkey for Avaya, in a statement.

“The products and technologies mid-size companies invest in these days must provide solid and significant value in helping them fulfill their business objectives while addressing specific challenges. With this in mind Avaya just completed our midmarket road show throughout the Middle East, Africa and Turkey to properly equip our channel partners with the resources and solutions needed to address the Midmarket community.”

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