Network vendor, 3Com, has hired Grant Howe as its new country manager.

He was previously the national sales manager for GlobalConnect and spent seven years at Avaya as its channel director. In his new role, Howe will be responsible for all sales, customer and partner programs. He will report to 3Com vice-president and general manager, Peter Chai.

Howe said he will focus initially on identifying the people and strengths of the 3Com business. He replaces interim country manager, Jason Xie, who has since relocated back to the vendor's Beijing office.

"It's about identifying the resources that we have available and ensuring we have the right model to market," he said. "Those are the plans I have to turn this business around. We use a distributed model and we intend to leverage the capacity of our business partners."

The vendor also announced a new range of SIP-based IP telephony platforms specifically aimed at the SMB market. The VCX Connect 100 and 200 models come with a 25-user license, integrated messaging and IP conferencing and presence. These features enable users to remotely collaborate with a combination of voice, video and desktop sharing devices. VCX Connect also aims to provide partners with simple configuration.

The new models will be available through Ingram Micro and Westcon Group.