Pio de Roda claims it would be more cost-effective for existing users to upgrade to an IP-based infrastructure using Nortel rather than adopt products from competing vendors. 'This is driven mainly by cost-reduction (on telephony systems),' he told reporters in an interview.

Nortel launched last year a product called Business Communications Manager 50, a converged voice and data communications platform designed for 20 to 40 stations. The company is set to launch more IP telephony products locally this May.

In targeting the enterprise VOIP market, Nortel is working on expanding its channel network in the Philippines. Aside from three local partners that carry its voice-based products, Pio de Roda said the company is looking to add at least eight resellers to push its data solutions. Nortel recently announced a partnership with regional distributor Anixter Corp.