-- Avaya said it acquired Sipera, which provides unified communications technology including Session Border Control (SBC) functionality and a range of UC security applications. Sipera will become a fully integrated part of Avaya. Sipera will help Avaya offer provide secure VoIP, videoconferencing, cloud-based communications, instant messaging and collaboration tools for workers in any location, the company said. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

-- Level 3 Communications closed its $3 billion deal for Global Crossing, expecting that the move will allow it to operate a telecom and networking services platform for medium and large enterprises, anchored by fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries.

-- On the security front, IBM said it bought privately held security technology provider Q1 Labs, fueling its effort to compete in the security arena against the likes of Hewlett-Packard and EMC. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

As companies report third quarter earnings, most analysts are looking to see more business-as-usual in sales figures that are -- excluding companies in certain tough markets like hardware -- for the most part solid. Whether that boosts overall investor confidence in tech is another matter.