Vodafone recently announced that it will integrate a new app into its SMB-focused software suite in Europe. In partnership with SMB SaaS leader vcita, the deal will bring the latter’s features and functionality to Vodaphone’s SMB customers, letting them optimize their operations and run faster.
Known as Vodaphone Business Management tool with vcita, it offers SMBs the ability to focus on higher-value work by automating time-consuming tasks that otherwise consume them. This includes CRM, invoicing, and other functions from the expanding suite of capabilities that vcita continues to build.
SMBs can access this tool in Vodafone’s Business Marketplace, – a portal that offers its customers a range of software tools that they can pull together to meet their unique operational needs. Consisting of software from Google, Microsoft, and others, vcita’s software now adds value and dimension to the mix.
“It has become increasingly clear that SMB service providers, as well as agencies and solution providers, are looking to differentiate themselves by augmenting their value-add and offering services beyond their core offering,” vcita CEO Itzik Levy told Localogy Insider. “By leveraging vcita, they can bring a unique solution to market that not only benefits their customers but boosts their competitive advantage.”
Going Strong
Altogether, this deal is a classic pairing of a strong software player with a highly-scaled SMB sales channel. When done right, such collaborations bring volume to the software partner, while elevating the capabilities and value propositions of the channel partner. All those ingredients seem to be present here.
The other concept that this collaboration represents is the range of opportune sales channels that bring software and marketing services to SMBs. That list has evolved over time, including everything from newspapers to directory publishers to other SMB service providers like their cable companies.
Ironically, telco players were once tied to incumbent directory publishers such as AT&T, Bell South, and other ma-bell descendants in the U.S.. Their publishing arms endured many branding iterations and consolidations over the years while some telcos, like Vodafone, are still going strong as SMB channels.
Back to vcita’s integration in Vodafone’s SMB software marketplace, its app has been launched first in Italy for €45-€75 per month, then will follow in other European markets. We’ll be watching its progress closely, and congratulate both vcita and Vodafone on a what appears to be a synergistic union.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vodafone to help them expand their SMB proposition,” said Levy. “vcita’s platform provides Vodafone with a holistic solution that will differentiate them in the telco market, where core services are often viewed as seemingly homogenous by consumers.”
Come see Levy speak at L24 in April in Dallas, where he’ll provide more color on the Vodafone deal, and other updates & insights…
