Significant Business Update Unfolds
NEC, one of the biggest names in the telecom industry, announced in May that they will begin phasing out on-premises business phone systems from production. This decision to halt its on-premises PBX services in the United States will be effective March 2026. This pivotal choice signifies a substantial change for users who have long depended on NEC’s robust and dependable systems. NEC has also announced that it will gradually withdraw from the entire on-premises Unified Communications industry toward a full exit.
Factors Influencing the Strategic Shift
The discontinuation of NEC’s on-premises PBX services stems from financial difficulties post-COVID, notably affecting its semiconductor sector. This strategic move aligns with the prevailing industry trend favoring cloud-based Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) over on-premises alternatives.
Implications for Small Businesses
- The transition may pose challenges for small to mid-sized businesses that rely on NEC’s on-premises infrastructure. Nonetheless, embracing change could lead to growth and innovation, despite the initial uncertainties.
Navigating the Journey to Unified Communications
- While transitioning to novel technologies may seem daunting, it presents opportunities for operational refinement and expansion. Unified Communications fosters enhanced collaboration and operational efficiency within organizations.
- The shift towards Unified Communications is imperative for contemporary businesses, offering improved communication channels, client service, cost-effectiveness, and support for remote work.
- With adequate support and technological resources, businesses can seamlessly migrate to while optimizing their workflows and elevating customer experiences.
Assistance from Morefield and Mitel
- Morefield provides tailored solutions and services to facilitate businesses in navigating the Unified Communications transition seamlessly.
- With a rich history of over 75 years, Morefield delivers comprehensive services including unified communications, cloud, managed services and cybersecurity.
What Does This Announcement Mean For Your Business?
As NEC undergoes transformations, businesses are encouraged to perceive this transition as a stepping stone towards future success and reach out on how to best position your organization. Embracing Unified Communications has the potential to propel businesses forward by refining operations and boosting competitiveness in the ever-evolving market landscape. Let Morefield field any concerns about your NEC transition, our experts are ready to help you make smart technology decisions.
Contact us or give us a call at 717-761-6170 today to talk about your best options going forward!
On-Site NEC phone systems specifically affected by this announcement:
- NEC SV9100
- NEC SL2100
- NEC 3C
Other NEC phone systems that have been end-of-life for several years, including:
- NEC XN120
- NEC Aspire
- NEC SV8100
- NEC SL1100
Key Dates Associated With NEC’s Phase-Out Announcement
There are many upcoming dates that business leaders need to keep in mind when it comes to NEC’s recent announcement, including:
- End of New Deliveries on 12/31/24: This will be the latest that businesses can order new products for on-site phone system sales.
- End of Shipment on 3/31/25: This is the latest date that NEC will ship hardware products ordered before 12/31/24.
- End of Service on 3/31/26: This is the date that NEC will end its technical assistance for the above-listed NEC phone systems.
- End of Software Assurance Support on 3/31/26: This is the date that NEC will end its software support for the above-listed phone systems.