CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - October 21, 2010) - The International Avaya Users Group (IAUG), a not-for-profit technology user group that represents Avaya and heritage Nortel product users, today announced it has completed the process of establishing IAUG, and has elected its first board of directors.
IAUG combines what were previously three separate user groups, including the International Nortel Networks Users Association (INNUA), International Alliance of Avaya Users (InAAU) and INSIGHT 100inc -- all into a single entity. IAUG, which will serve as the primary resource for education, networking and advocacy for Avaya's global customer community, currently has a membership of more than 6,000 Avaya and heritage Nortel customers across the world.
"Our overarching goal is not only to educate members across our communications technologies, but to create a peer-to-peer network that facilitates the sharing of common problems, practices and solutions," said Rod Sagarsee, IAUG President. "IAUG will also serve as an industry-leading advocate and champion of communications technologies on behalf of our members. We are dedicated to driving adoption and growth for our partners' product and service offerings."
"A direct, two-way dialogue with our customers is of critical importance to Avaya and the establishment of this strong, unified and independent organization ensures first-class support and representation across our diverse user base," said Joel Hackney, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, and president of field operations, Avaya. "The launch of IAUG represents a significant milestone for the future of Avaya."
Newly-elected IAUG board members include:
- Rod Sagarsee, CIO, Brinks Hofer Gilson and Lione
- Shana Savell, Voice Technologies Manager, J.R. Simplot Company
- Frank Castro, Director, Telecommunications, New York Presbyterian Hospital
- John Gana, Telecommunications Management, Continental Airlines
- Michael Vertefeuille, Executive Director of Operations and Technology, University of Connecticut
- Richard Sullivan, National Director of Business Services, Deloitte Canada
- Jayne Hogle, Senior Telecom Analyst, American Heart Association
- Brad Tompkins, Director of Technology Services, Seibels Bruce
- Maria McCallion, Network Infrastructure and Telecommunications Management, Nutter, McClennan & Fish, LLP
- Jay Riekenberg, Telecom Engineer, University of Texas at Austin
- Lonny Beck, Telecom Engineer, Cleveland Clinic
About IAUG
IAUG offer members a variety of services and benefits including, training; certification; products, services and industry vertical Councils, regional conferences and a major annual conference; webinars; a group website; industry information; peer-to-peer networking; access to and advocacy with Avaya; and many other services typical of a world-class user group. IAUG will also continue activities to support committees, forums and special interest group structures that members have enjoyed through their legacy user groups. For more information, visit www.iaug.org.
Contact Information:
Media Inquiries:
Amanda W. McLafferty
Phone: +1.312.673.5825
E-mail: amclafferty@iaug.org