Forerunner Technologies finalizes acquisition of NEC’s on-premise Unified Communications business in the Americas

Forerunner Technologies has completed its acquisition of NEC Corporation’s on-premise Unified Communications (UC) business and associated assets across the Americas. This acquisition secures the future of NEC’s widely deployed UC solutions, ensuring continuity, long-term support, and ongoing development for businesses that rely on NEC’s communication platforms.

With this transaction, Forerunner Technologies now assumes full ownership and operational control of NEC’s on-premise UC business in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. As part of the agreement, NEC Japan has committed to maintaining software assurance and licensing availability until 2030, while also introducing the new SV9000 hardware in 2025. This guarantees stability for enterprises that depend on NEC’s on-premise UC solutions while providing growth opportunities for NEC’s reseller and partner ecosystem.

A Long-Term Vision for Stability and Innovation in Unified Communications

NEC’s on-premise UC solutions have been a cornerstone of enterprise communications in North America, delivering reliable, scalable technology to businesses of all sizes. Recognizing the critical role these solutions play, Forerunner Technologies has made significant investments to ensure their continued availability.

By acquiring all existing NEC UC inventory, assuming control of NEC’s NTAC support operations, and integrating NEC’s technical support, development, and channel personnel, Forerunner Technologies has created a framework for long-term stability. These strategic steps ensure that businesses and service providers using NEC’s on-premise UC systems will continue to receive uninterrupted support and access to critical resources.

Forerunner Technologies has emphasized that this acquisition is not merely about preserving NEC’s UC legacy but also about strengthening it through sustained investment, product development, and expanded service offerings. The move reinforces Forerunner’s position as a leader in the enterprise communications market and provides its customers and partners with confidence in the longevity of NEC’s on-premise UC technology.

Ensuring the Future of NEC’s UNIVERGE 3C Platform

A key aspect of this acquisition is Forerunner Technologies’ commitment to maintaining and enhancing the UNIVERGE 3C platform. As organizations continue to evaluate their long-term communication strategies, concerns over product lifecycles and end-of-life announcements can create uncertainty. Forerunner Technologies has proactively addressed these concerns by ensuring that UNIVERGE 3C will continue to be supported, developed, and sold on a global scale.

To further strengthen NEC’s UC portfolio, Forerunner Technologies is developing a pre-packaged SMB Linx version of UNIVERGE 3C. This initiative is designed to expand access to NEC’s UC solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, providing a flexible and cost-effective option tailored to their unique communication needs. By prioritizing development efforts that cater to businesses of varying sizes, Forerunner Technologies is ensuring that NEC’s on-premise UC ecosystem remains adaptable to changing market demands.

Beyond preserving existing NEC solutions, Forerunner Technologies is committed to evolving its UC portfolio to meet modern enterprise requirements. This includes integrating advanced communication features, enhancing security protocols, and refining system performance to deliver greater operational efficiency.

Seamless Integration with Cloud and Hybrid Communication Strategies

The acquisition of NEC’s on-premise UC business aligns with Forerunner Technologies’ broader vision of supporting diverse enterprise communication strategies. While many businesses continue to rely on on-premise solutions for security, compliance, and reliability, others are exploring hybrid and cloud-based communication models.

Forerunner Technologies’ long-standing partnership with Intermedia plays a crucial role in facilitating this transition. Since NEC initially partnered with Intermedia in 2020 to rebrand its cloud-based solutions as UNIVERGE BLUE, the collaboration has provided businesses with a seamless migration path to the cloud. In 2024, Intermedia assumed responsibility for NEC’s cloud communications business in North America and its partner relationships in Europe, further solidifying its role in NEC’s cloud strategy.

With this partnership, businesses using NEC’s on-premise UC solutions now have access to an integrated ecosystem that supports both traditional and cloud-based communication models. Whether an organization chooses to maintain its existing on-premise systems, transition to a hybrid environment, or fully migrate to the cloud, Forerunner Technologies ensures a smooth and strategic evolution that meets its communication needs.

Commitment to Customers and Partners: What Comes Next?

Forerunner Technologies has assured NEC customers and channel partners that the transition will be seamless, with no disruption to ongoing support, licensing, or technical services. Businesses that rely on NEC’s on-premise UC technology can continue to operate with confidence, knowing that their communication infrastructure remains secure and fully supported.

The company has also committed to providing ongoing updates regarding product roadmaps, feature enhancements, and new development initiatives. These updates will ensure that NEC customers and partners remain informed about the latest advancements in on-premise UC technology and have access to the necessary tools and resources to maximize the value of their investment.

As enterprise communication needs evolve, Forerunner Technologies is well-positioned to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions that combines the stability of on-premise UC with the flexibility of cloud-based services. By preserving NEC’s legacy while driving innovation, Forerunner Technologies is setting a new standard for reliability, adaptability, and long-term customer support in the UC industry.

The Broader Industry Impact of the Acquisition

Forerunner Technologies’ acquisition of NEC’s on-premise UC business reflects broader trends in the enterprise communication market. While cloud-based UC solutions have gained traction, many organizations—particularly those in industries with stringent compliance requirements—continue to prioritize on-premise deployments.

The acquisition highlights a growing demand for hybrid communication strategies that offer the security and control of on-premise solutions while providing the scalability and remote accessibility of cloud-based platforms. By securing NEC’s UC technology and ensuring its ongoing development, Forerunner Technologies is responding to this demand and positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of enterprise communications.

This deal also strengthens Forerunner Technologies’ market position, expanding its reach across North America and Latin America while enhancing its ability to serve businesses of all sizes. The company’s investment in NEC’s UC solutions underscores its commitment to providing reliable, enterprise-grade communication technology that evolves with changing business needs.

A Strategic Step Toward the Future of Unified Communications

Forerunner Technologies’ acquisition of NEC’s on-premise UC business marks a significant milestone in the enterprise communication industry. By securing the future of NEC’s widely adopted UC solutions, Forerunner Technologies is ensuring that businesses have a stable and flexible path forward in their communication strategies.

With a strong commitment to product innovation, technical support, and seamless integration with cloud-based services, Forerunner Technologies is reinforcing its leadership in the UC market. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of enterprise communications, this acquisition provides them with the confidence and assurance they need to make strategic, future-proof investments in their communication infrastructure.