FAIRFIELD, N.J., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Critical Links, a global provider of converged ICT solutions, today announced immediate availability of HCL net edgeBOX through its partnership with HCL Infosystems Ltd., India's leading information enabling and ICT System Integration Company. The two companies are bringing a unique multi-function gateway to the Indian market that enables SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) and corporate branch offices to reduce Total Cost of Ownership by consolidating data, voice and IT services in a single device. The net edgeBOX is now available in India through HCL's 200 channel partners across the country.

Through the partnership, HCL is leveraging Critical Links' net edgeBOX appliance to dramatically simplify the deployment and management of communications and IT systems of SMBs. By replacing up to 8 devices, HCL net edgeBOX delivers unprecedented savings in costs, space and management time for SMBs in terms of deploying, managing and maintaining their networking and connectivity. This translates into new sources of recurring revenue for HCL partners, allowing companies such as large telecoms and ISPs to deliver value-added managed services to their broadband customers.

Regarding the launch of the HCL net edgeBOX, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, Executive Vice- President, HCL Infosystems said, "HCL is pleased to bring a revolutionary product in HCL net edgeBOX to its customers in India through our partnership with Critical Links. The net edgeBOX is a welcome addition to HCL's end-to-end product portfolio catering to the small and large enterprises. As a multifunction device combining voice, data and IT services, the HCL net edgeBOX is an ideal solution for SMB's and branch offices, which helps them minimize their Total Cost of Ownership."

HCL net edgeBOX allows service providers to remotely provision, support and maintain voice and data services such as a fully featured IP-PBX and VoIP, gateway, security, QoS, collaboration, WiFi, router, and file storage. HCL net edgeBOX is available in a wide range of scalable hardware platforms. To emerging businesses looking to maximize their IT investments, HCL net edgeBOX offers basic IT applications including web server, e-mail server and data storage, without the need for keeping specialist in-house IT staff.

"The SMB base is growing at a massive pace worldwide and Critical Links is continuously working with partners to provide this important sector with cutting-edge network solutions that offer competitive advantages, without the challenges of cost and manageability that are of typical concern in this segment," said Joao Carreira, CEO of Critical Links. "We are very excited to be teaming with HCL to bring net edgeBOX to the Indian market and revolutionize the way in which networking services are delivered to SMBs in India and around the world."

Since its spin-off from Critical Software in 2006, Critical Links has successfully become a global player with edgeBOX, "office in a box" devices. The company has recently secured key partnerships with manufacturers and service providers in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa and is exploring new business options in the US.