STRUGGLING network equipment maker 3Com has appointed its sixth manager in five years to run its Australia-New Zealand operations.
New Zealander Grant Howe joins 3Com after nearly a decade with Avaya and its business partner GlobalConnect.
As the US parent of 3Com faces the aftermath of private equity firm Bain Capital dropping its bid for the company, the local operation is working overtime to get back on its feet.
Mr Howe said his main priority was to re-establish 3Com as a leading brand in Australia. "It`s such an enduring brand, but that isn`t reflected in the marketplace here," he said.
The company`s branding woes were acknowledged in January by Mr Howe`s boss, Peter Chai, 3Com Asia-Pacific vice-president and general manager.
"We need to reposition our brand properly.
"Even though the resellers, distributors and end-users are aware of the 3Com brand, they don`t have a clear picture how 3Com is positioned for target market or product availability," Mr Chai said.
Australia`s premier calendar for IT managers, chief information officers and technologists featuring product launches, technology clinics and management sessions. Updated each Tuesday.
Dennis Shanahan and Peter AlfordKEVIN Rudd, under growing pressure for bypassing Tokyo during his world tour, is trying to arrange an early meeting with Japan`s PM.
