EDGEWOOD, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2025 -- Forerunner Technologies, a leading provider of communication solutions, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of NEC Corporation's on-premise Unified Communications (UC) business and related assets in the Americas. This acquisition ensures the continued availability, support, and long-term development of NEC's trusted communication platforms, providing customers and partners with stability and confidence in their UC investments.
With this transaction, Forerunner now fully owns and operates NEC's on-premise UC business across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. As part of this transition, NEC Japan has committed to continued software assurance (SWA) and licensing availability through 2030, as well as the introduction of new SV9000 hardware in 2025. This ensures ongoing reliability for customers and new opportunities for NEC's reseller and partner network.
A Long-Term Commitment to Stability, Innovation, and Choice
NEC's on-premise UC solutions have long powered businesses across North America, offering reliable, enterprise-grade communication technology. Recognizing the critical role these solutions play, Forerunner has made significant investments to ensure long-term support and growth for NEC customers and partners.
As part of the acquisition, Forerunner has taken over NEC's NTAC support operations, purchased all existing NEC UC inventory, and secured the continued development of key product lines. Additionally, Forerunner has welcomed NEC's technical support, development, and channel personnel, ensuring a seamless transition with the expertise needed to maintain and enhance NEC's UC offerings.
"Forerunner has been a trusted NEC partner for years, and we are proud to build on that legacy by fully supporting and extending the life of NEC's on-premise UC technology," said Paul Diesu, CEO of Forerunner Technologies. "This acquisition is about more than just continuity—it's about ensuring our customers and partners have a long-term, sustainable path forward with the solutions they trust, backed by an organization that is committed to their success."
Univerge 3C: A Cloud-Ready, On-Premise Solution for the Future
With this acquisition, Forerunner is removing end-of-life (EOL) concerns for the UNIVERGE 3C platform, ensuring it will continue to be sold, supported, and enhanced on a global scale. In addition, Forerunner is developing a pre-packaged SMB Linx version of 3C to offer expanded solutions for its partner ecosystem.
Forerunner's commitment to NEC's technology goes beyond support—it includes new development opportunities and greater flexibility for customers considering hybrid or cloud migration paths.
Bridging On-Premise and Cloud with Intermedia
As Forerunner strengthens its on-premise UC offerings, its long-standing partnership with Intermedia ensures businesses also have access to a full range of cloud-based services. Initially, NEC rebranded Intermedia's solutions as UNIVERGE BLUE in early 2020. Then, in October 2024, Intermedia assumed responsibility for NEC's cloud communications business in North America and partner relationships in Europe.
Now, through this partnership, businesses can modernize at their own pace while continuing to receive the trusted service and expertise they rely on.
"Intermedia is proud to work alongside Forerunner to provide NEC customers and partners with a clear, strategic path forward," said Michael Gold, CEO of Intermedia. "This partnership ensures businesses have access to both world-class on-premise UC solutions and industry-leading, AI-powered UCaaS and CCaaS solutions. Whether a business chooses to maintain its existing systems, integrate hybrid solutions, or move fully to the cloud, Forerunner and Intermedia have them covered."
What's Next?
Forerunner is committed to providing a seamless transition for NEC customers and partners. All ongoing support, licensing, and technical services will continue without disruption, and additional updates will be communicated in the coming weeks.
With this acquisition complete, Forerunner Technologies is fully dedicated to ensuring the future of NEC's on-premise UC solutions, while also offering a flexible, cloud-ready path forward for businesses across the Americas and beyond.
For additional information or immediate inquiries, please contact nec@frtinc.com
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