HCL net edgeBOX consolidates data, voice and IT services in a single multi-function device

FAIRFIELD, NJ, December 10, 2007 – 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. Under this engagement, 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.


About Critical Links

Critical Links is a global leader providing converged ICT solutions for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) that dramatically simplify and cost-reduce by consolidating a host of advanced voice, data and IT applications over a single platform. Critical Links’ flagship product, the edgeBOX™ is an award winning multi-function gateway device that provides VOIP, IP-PBX, VPNs, security, NAC and QoS as well as web server, e-mail server and data storage; it is available on a range of scalable and fault-tolerant platforms that support up to 300 users. Critical Links typically serves SMBs through a global network of VARs, System Integrators, OEMs and Service Providers. Critical Links has offices worldwide including in New Delhi.
For more information, www.critical-links.com or info@critical-links.com.


About HCL Infosystems

HCL Infosystems Ltd, with revenue (TTM) of US $ 2.9 Bn (Rs. 12162 crores) is India’s premier information enabling and ICT System Integration company offering a wide spectrum of ICT products that includes Computing, Storage, Networking, Security, Telecom, Imaging and Retail. HCL is a one-stop-shop for all the ICT requirements of an organization. India’s leading System Integration and Infrastructure Management Services Organization, HCL has specialized expertise across verticals including Telecom, BFSI, E-Governance & Power. HCL has India’s largest distribution and retail network, taking to market a range of Digital Lifestyle products in partnership with leading global ICT brands, including Nokia, Apple, Casio, Kodak, Toshiba, Bull, Ericsson, Cisco, Microsoft, Konica Minolta and many more. HCL today has India’s largest vertically integrated computer manufacturing facility with over three decades of electronic manufacturing experience HCL desktops is the largest selling brand into the enterprise space. With India’s largest ICT services network that reaches to every corner of India, HCL’s award winning Support Services makes it the preferred choice of enterprise and consumers alike. For more information please visit us at www.hclinfosystems.in


About HCL Enterprise

HCL Enterprise is a leading global technology and IT enterprise with revenues (TTM) of US $ 4.4 Bn (Rs. 18525 crores). The HCL Enterprise comprises two companies listed in India - HCL Technologies & HCL Infosystems. The 3-decade-old enterprise, founded in 1976, is India’s original IT garage start-up. Its range of offerings span Product Engineering, Technology and Application Services, BPO, Infrastructure Services, IT Hardware, Systems Integration, and distribution of ICT products. The HCL team comprises over 51,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, who operate from 18 countries including 360 points of presence in India. HCL has global partnerships with several leading Fortune 1000 firms, including leading IT and Technology firms.