Wheelings & Dealings: Integra Acquires ProTel Networks

Integra, a provider of fiber-based network and communications services, has announced that it has acquired ProTel Networks, a unified communications provider.

The acquisition of the Salt Lake City-based company continues Integra’s strategy of building up its managed services portfolio.

"Our customers face the very real challenge of keeping pace with rapidly changing technology and we're seeing that translate into an increased demand for fully managed and hosted communications services," said Integra CMO Joseph Harding. "Acquiring ProTel NetWorks is consistent with our continued strengthening and expansion of our portfolio in this area. Enterprise and small business customers alike benefit from cloud-based managed services because they're more scalable, flexible, feature-rich and cost effective. Unlike some other providers, Integra manages all the physical equipment in a secure, fiber-connected, carrier-class environment."

"In the dynamic communications landscape, we've continually pushed the envelope, working directly with manufacturers and our own software engineers to bring customers leading-edge customized voice and digital solutions," said David Glissmeyer, CEO of ProTel NetWorks. "I've spent the last 30 years building this company on innovative and reliable solutions, quality engineering, and outstanding customer support. That meshes perfectly with Integra's values and business model and we're excited to join forces."

Even with its rapid expansion, Integra still gets high marks from its customers. A survey by Riley Research Associations said that the company scored 8.9 for reliability and 9.1. for accuracy on a ten-point scale.

“Having expanded our customer base nearly fourfold in the past few years, I am pleased to see that we’ve successfully been able to uphold our promise of providing industry-leading customer service,” Integra CEO Dudley Slater said in a statement.

As more businesses see the advantage of unified communications, it allows providers like Integra to snap up companies who really know how to deliver service to customers in a still-emerging market.