Panasonic announced today that they will be shutting down its Business Communications division. Hence no more phone systems
I am unable to find any information on this.
I don't think this is a worldwide decision. I know that this link is to a UK-based publication and I have heard that they are pulling out of Canada, but I'm not so sure this applies to sales in the US.
I just received a major e-mail blowout and literature package from their partner portal announcing the release of their new KX-DT630 and 680 large-screen digital phones, along with the new general sales version of their popular KX-NS700 hybrid digital/IP platform. It was quite an impressive announcement and roll out that just came to me on 11/2. Something isn't right here.
Ed, I saw that to. I think they are ending there Hardware based PBX's. I think they will go forward with there IP based systems.
What's your thoughts?
Ken
Something's not right. I just received a major package consisting of an entirely new series of digital phones, even ones with large multi-color displays. One new digital KSU, plus several existing ones AND voice mail systems. Either someone's playing a cruel joke on Panasonic or they really need to get their act together!
Panasonic Business Communications were “losing ground” to competitors in Asia and the US but said that EMEA was doing “relatively well”. Manufacturing is set to continue until 2022 and there will be a spares and support programme set up until 2029 with the message to partners that it’s “business as usual for now.”
This was sent to me by a colleague who is a Panasonic dealer here in Canada.
"Dear Valued Business Partner,
Our Business Communication Group has faced challenges within the global economy, which were elevated due to the pandemic. After thoroughly analyzing this mature market, Panasonic Corporation in Japan has concluded that it is no longer sustainable to continue the Unified Communications and Document Scanner business. We did not arrive at this decision lightly, and our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for you.
Panasonic Canada, Inc., will effectively end sales on March 31st, 2021 but will endeavour to supply hardware products through January 2023 on a limited basis and provide service parts as per our standard end of life policy. We will continue to provide the technical support you have come to expect from Panasonic; however, further development of Unified Communication and Document Scanner products will be suspended. We are evaluating the future of our HOSTED PBX & SIP Trunk Service business as well as, our Nurse Call solutions and will provide further direction on these initiatives at a later date.
We expect that you may have many questions and we will be providing updates throughout this transition. Your Regional Account Manager (RAM) will be reaching out to you, but please feel free to contact your RAM or myself.
Thank you very much for your continued support during this transition. We wish you the very best and continued success.
Sincerely,
Kaji Masilamany
Director, Business Solutions"
After thoroughly analyzing this mature market...
. I read that as:
"we have milked the ol' cow dry, so we are selling her to McDonalds."