Nuvias ushers in XaaS division Konekt

Nuvias has cut the ribbon on an independent division concentrating on next-generation and anything-as-a-service (XaaS) technologies.

The distributor is launching its Konekt division, which will be operating separately from Nuvias Unified Communications (UC), and will offer cloud and XaaS technologies through a wholesale and master agency business model.

The firm outlined its master agent credentials in June after signing up cloud collaboration business Zoom in a pan-European relationship. Other vendors that are starting in the Konekt portfolio include Acronis, Dropbox Business and Hellosign.

Nuvias had grown its operations through acquisition, focusing on three areas – cyber security (based on the former Wick Hill); advanced networking (the former Zycko); and unified communications (the former SIPHON). Konekt indicates that it is also prepared to strike out organically.

A fair amount of the firm’s own IP has gone into establishing Konekt, with Nuvias UC having built the Hub e-commerce platform that will underpin the Konekt operation.

Hub gives resellers the opportunity to automate billing, handle master agent referrals and give a co-brandable interface. Resellers should be able to build a pitch for customers leaning on a number of vendors that are on the system.

“We have always strived to ensure our business is at the forefront of the industry and have constantly been early adopters of new and disruptive technologies. Konekt is a further commitment to our partners that we will continue to find new ways for them to access additional revenue streams,” said Steve Harris, CEO of Nuvias UC.

“By creating a dedicated, independent division and a new master agent business model, we can help our partners embrace digital transformation, supporting them in the cloud transition,” he added.

With the increased activity in the channel around cloud and communications, the master agent model is gaining ground in the UK. Alison Hastings, regional channel director UK and Ireland at Avaya, recently revealed that Avaya had charted a change in attitudes over the past few months.

“There was resistance originally from some of our partners and I have always been open about that, but they have transformed and they are onboard. They are recognising that times are changing and it’s all about speed,” she said.

“The master agency model enables you to sign up this cloud solution really quickly. In the old days, [you had to] build out infrastructure and train engineers, but things are changing.”