Cisco doubles Technology Makeover prize

Cisco New Zealand has launched its third annual Communications Makeover competition, with a total prize fund of $100,000.

The promotion offers New Zealand businesses the chance to change the way they operate through the use of smart and targeted collaboration technologies. For 2010 Cisco has doubled the competition prize package to $100,000 worth of Cisco Smart Small Business Pro solutions. “New Zealand is a country of small-to-medium businesses,” says Geoff Lawrie, Managing Director, Cisco New Zealand.  “Many of those businesses already punch well above their weight with the commercial success they achieve from the size and resourcing of their business, but their growth can be hampered by inefficient, out-dated or overloaded communications infrastructure.  “The $100k Cisco Communications Makeover offers those businesses the chance to transform their operations through the use of smart collaboration technologies that make them more efficient and productive, and better able to support that next phase of growth.”  2009’s winner was Dynaflow NZ Ltd. “We have benefitted greatly since the installation of Cisco’s unified communications products,” said Director, Scott Clarke. “Video and web conferencing have improved our internal collaboration and customer interactions, as well as brought about reductions in our telephony and travel costs.  We have really gained productivity as a result of working from a more sophisticated communications platform. The 2010 $100k Cisco Communications Makeover is open to all New Zealand businesses with between 20 and 100 employees. 

Entries will be assessed by a Cisco-led panel of experts with external expertise being offered by Brett O’Riley, NZICT Group Chief Executive Officer. Applicants should submit 60 words describing how winning the Cisco IT Makeover would enhance their business and help it grow.

The closing date for entries is May 28 and the winner will be announced on June 2.