Inteliquent Makes Its Entrance

Neutral Tandem has re-invented itself and its Tinet subsidiary today under a brand new name and a new stock symbol: Inteliquent (NASDAQ:IQNT, news, filings). The driving force for the re-branding is obvious, as both the Neutral Tandem and Tinet brands were very focused on particular product types, and in the former’s case on a single voice technology. Meanwhile the company itself has been broadening its portfolio, and wishes to be seen as a full-scale solutions provider.

In November they announced their entry into the hosted unified communications via the Cisco VAR community, which is an entirely new type of product for them that leverages both Tinet’s network and those core voice capabilities. There are likely to be other cloud-powered products in the wings over time – some also powered by Cisco’s hosted offerings.  The name Inteliquent is one of those new non-words favored as company names these days, in this case being a synthesis of intelligent and eloquent.  The company is aiming at the dual issues of interconnectivity and interoperability – broad subjects with lots of running room in the days to come, whichever product lines they pursue.

It still seems likely to me that at some point this company will again find an inorganic way to expand further. From this re-branding it seems clear that we ought to look for such targets in the rapidly evolving cloud ecosphere. But thus far it is mainly from a wholesale perspective, as even their hosted services will be sold via the channel and not directly to the enterprise.  For now though, a new name to reflect a wider focus.  I’ll have to update my maps pages.

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Categories: Internet Backbones · VoIP