Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise has named Steve Saunders as director of Cloud Services for its Australian and New Zealand operations.
In this newly-created role, Saunders will be responsible for developing and driving the company’s cloud strategy and advancing Alcatel-Lucent as a major cloud player in enterprise communications solutions and services.
A key focus in this new role will be the development of business solutions and commercial models that tailor cloud services for specific industries, including hospitality, education, health and government.
“It’s important that our cloud services and solutions are aligned to our customers’ evolving business drivers and business outcomes,” Saunders says.
“The Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Cloud Solutions are giving our customers new opportunities to change the way we consume and use technology.
“Now is the time to re-invent the consumption model within the traditional enterprise communications sector, sharing the investment and the risk with our customers and our partners.”
As director of Alcatel–Lucent Enterprise Cloud Services, Saunders is working closely with customers and key channel partners to develop a range of innovative and industry specific consumption-based delivery models.
An example is in the hotel industry, where in Australia, ALE has created a model that only charges communications services when rooms are occupied.
According to Alcatel-Lucent, channel partners are crucial in the delivery of cloud-based enterprise communications services and solutions.
“Many cloud solutions are a one-size-fits-all kind and that means enterprises miss out on the real benefits that cloud-based services can offer,” he says.
“With our new strategy to develop vertically-aligned solutions and financial models, our company is well placed to drive growth and confidently take our customers to the cloud on commercial terms that can be very compelling.
“In addition, our partners will play a key role in both developing and growing our new cloud services, reducing risk and changing the way that customers currently purchase their technology solutions from us.”
Compared to other markets around the world, Australian and New Zealand enterprises are fast adopters of cloud solutions and services.
“As such, it's the company’s ambition to become a leading local player in cloud communication services, enabling our business partners and end customers with tailored solutions and new technology consumption models that fit their specific needs,” adds Maud Holvast, vice president of ALE, Australia and New Zealand.
“Locally, we have made strong progress with our cloud communication services in both large enterprise and SMB. For example, we delivered tailor made cloud services for the Accor hotel group and at the G20 with our partner UXC Connect.
“Now, with Steve on board as our cloud director, we have a highly experienced professional who will fast track our cloud journey, bringing more partners and end-customers on board.”
With over 20 years’ experience in the technology industry and a proven capability in developing new business opportunities, Saunders joins ALE from partner firm UXC Connect.
In his previous roles he played a key role in developing UXC Connect’s cloud communications practice from business plan to customer success.
