Communication Solutions

One of the difficulties small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face when deliberating over how to upgrade their communications platforms is how much internal resources will be required for the initial deployment and for ongoing routine maintenance. The fact is that most SMBs have very few, if any, resources to dedicate to their communications system. Most often, the system administrator performs that duty in addition to his other functions.

 

The successful technology partner, then, will come to the SMB with a solution that is easy to deploy and maintain, comes with a price tag SMBs can afford, and includes the latest features and technology.

 

Pandora Networks’ (News - Alert) WorkSmart solution is just that — it is an all-in-one IP communications package designed with the SMB in mind. The solution eliminates the need for various separate components often required to deliver the latest features, while still bringing the latest technology to its customers, including voice, Web, and video messaging, call distribution, and collaboration functions, to name a few.

 

Pandora has been busy developing its solution, and that has paid off in spades, as it has now secured the capital to continue developing its business. That investment comes in the form of $6 million in financing from global investment and technology development firm D.E. Shaw Group. Since 1988, the investment group has gain global recognition for innovation and leadership in financing technology initiatives, which only underscores Pandora’s success in the space.

 

“This round of financing is strategically timed with the next level of growth for Pandora Networks,” says Pandora executive chairman Hal Turner. “Having developed a steady and solid sales pipeline, we’re ready to put the pieces in place to support our growing customer base.”

 

In its efforts to do that, Pandora’s first order of business will be to build out its own infrastructure to be able to better support existing customers and attract new ones. The project will include network enhancements and data center expansion, as well as some new hires for the operations side of the business. Pandora will also seek to increase its channel partner focus as well as its own marketing efforts, both of which should help build its customer base.

 

Turner added: “D.E. Shaw’s financial backing puts Pandora in an excellent position to capitalize on existing and potential partnerships to further extend our reach in the marketplace.”

 

As part of the financing deal, D.E. Shaw’s D.E. Shaw’s senior vice president Andre Turenne will join Pandora’s Board of Directors.

 

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