Why Join, the obvious question?
The user group has been established for a long time and its primary role has remained in principle the same - to look after the MD110/MX-ONE business user community's best interests by keeping you informed, sharing the knowledge and acting as a collective voice in raising related issues / problems with the vendor / partners as necessary.
The comms environment having moved toward a more converged solution portfolio can be a confusing place for many and today there is certainly a need to collaborate and work in cross-functional teams to deliver the types of UM and UC solutions being sought. And not to forget, to manage them going forward. Sharing those experiences and best practices proves extremely valuable and one of the key functions of the group.
We also have the direct reach into the vendor (Aastra) and therefore can get the message across quickly and effectively and establish direct dialogue when required.
Whichever way you turn advice is pouring out - sales people from the partners / consultants / vendors, analysts, the difference is we are all users and not selling anything - our advice is really independent and free (well £180 p.a.)
What do you get?
Quarterly meetings arranged that users can attend organised as one day seminars (one of which is the AGM which typically will include an overnight stay). They always include a closed user session to raise any issues. The group is supported by a web portal with a private members area with information resources and options to raise questions on-line as required. Main updates and user meeting content (presentations) are alerted via email to the members.
There are three classes of membership for the User Group in the UK:
Ordinary (Cost of Ordinary membership is £180.00 pa)
Ordinary members are those companies or individuals who use the MD110 / MX-ONE or derivative equipment as part of their communications infrastructure. Ordinary membership entitles a company to have up to two user logins to the members area resources on the portal and also to send two representatives to the quarterly meetings and AGM.
Affiliate (Cost of Affiliate membership is subject to agreement)
Affiliate members are all others that earn revenue from offering others services concerning MD110 / MX-ONE equipment; for example, maintenance support, new and add on installations and/or other peripheral support provision. Affiliate members do not have access to the members areas resources but do have the opportunity to provide content, subject to approval, for publication and to present at a number of the meetings arranged throughout the year.
Associate (Cost of Associate membership is subject to agreement)
Similar profile to the Affiliate class of membership but offered on a smaller scale proportionate to their business size. Access rights and content provision are similar to those of Affiliate members.
All membership is at the discretion of the User Group management committee.
Complete the on-line form for a new membership enquiry or download the application form if you wish to join. Please note all new members are required to complete the application form.
Invoice information for the Aastra User Group (details)
Email K.Bradshaw@mmu.ac.uk with completed form attached.