Tieto will use Cisco's technology and solutions as the platform for its own UC service offering. Cisco has certified these services according to Cisco's Managed Services Channel Program (MSCP) with the highest standards.

In the area of corporate communication and collaboration solutions, there is now a major market revolution underway, in which Tieto and Cisco will provide services together. The partnership now established will enable Tieto to provide integrated Unified Communications services as part of its comprehensive range of services. With the help of communications and collaboration solutions, customers can rationalise their most important business processes, such as customer service, ordering and delivery processes, invoicing, and internal communication.

"We have invested a lot in our communication and collaboration services, in which Tieto operates as an integrator and service provider. Cisco will complete our service range by introducing phone systems and mobile services too. Cisco is the market leader in this area and an important partner for us," says Ari Karppinen, Business Area President of Processing & Network at Tieto.

"With the help of our Unified Communication and Collaboration services, organisations can develop their daily customer service and customer relationship management and at the same time save time and money where travel, meetings and data retrieval are concerned. With regards to travel in particular, communication and collaboration services enhance companies' eco-friendliness and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions," says the Head of Service Development, Ari Kaukelin, from Tieto's Processing & Network business area.

"Cisco's and Tieto's aim is to clarify to their customers that UC solutions make business operations more effective and that they improve productivity and customer service. More effective communication also improves business processes in which impediments to the speed and flexibility of information flow often cause bottlenecks. UC solutions that have been correctly integrated with other business operation applications make life easier for every employee and help us focus on improving customer service and partner activities," notes Cisco Finland's Managing Director, Esa Korvenmaa.

"We expect a lot from this partnership and extended collaboration with Tieto, because together we have a lot to offer businesses and organisations. Tieto is the largest supplier of IT services in the Nordic countries, and they have strong experience in developing clients' business operations with the help of various IT solutions. Cisco's Unified Communications solutions bring an enhancement to Tieto's offering that customers need right now to rationalise their business operations," states Cisco's Head of Partner Business Operations, Jaakko Hyttinen.

Certification to Cisco Powered Service level entitles Tieto to refer to "Cisco Powered Services" in the context of its services. This brings significant benefits to the service provider technically, commercially and via common sales and marketing. Granting MSCP-certification always requires very extensive auditing of the partner company by an external, independent auditor.