'Our aim,' Ceronie says, 'is to double our workforce. We will also invest more into working more closely with our channel, but we also intend to develop a direct touch model.'

Avaya traditionally does most of its business through a channel of tier 1 integrators, but it has also developed a direct sales model in overseas markets, such as Europe and America.

Many IT vendors have come under fire for adopting similar direct/indirect channel models -- being blamed for cannibalizing their own channels.

Ceronie says that the company does not intend to do this in SA. 'Our direct touch strategy is to create demand at user level only,' he says.

The local office also employed a new country manager, Bridgette Kelly, who was previously with Business Connexion.