Messaging provider looks to recruit more resellers as it targets corporate market expansion

Telecoms and messaging provider aql is seeking new VARs to push its voice over IP (VoIP)-compatible Short Messaging Service (SMS).

Aql uses a VoIP infrastructure to allow end-users to send and receive text messages using a VoIP handset.

The firm is now looking to swell its channel ranks with partners keen to push aql’s offering into the corporate market.

Adam Beaumont, managing director of aql, said: “We have a mixed route to market. Our direct sales are more a demonstration of our capabilities. There is still plenty of scope for our resellers to compete with us.”

Beaumont added that the vendor’s reseller base has already passed 100.

“There is no roof on how many resellers we want to get,” he said. “We are signing a dozen VARs a month and dealing with 20-30 new direct accounts a month too.”

Beaumont said aql plans to work with a mix of resellers, but it will mainly partner with focused VoIP providers.

“Our corporate messaging service provides firms with reliable and secure communications,” he said. “We work with a number of UK banks and insurance companies, which need a highly responsive text messaging set-up.”

Michael Kowalzik, chief executive of SMS provider and aql partner TynTec, said: “We have been working closely with aql for the past few months to provide its messaging infrastructure.

“Every month we are seeing growth in the business messaging market. Messaging is something that is here to stay and millions of people already know how it works.”

Kowalzik said using aql to combine messaging with voice is an attractive alternative for businesses currently using other mobile operators.

“VoIP is already being used and taking off,” he added. “The next level is providing messaging on VoIP. This is a logical consequence.”