We Present the Top Akkadian Labs Alternatives for Unified Communications Provisioning
David Perlis, COO
October 29, 2024
Having a seamless, unified communications solution for internal and external communication hinges on the right provisioning tool or platform. While Akkadian Labs is a solid option, there are plenty of other platforms out there worth considering for unified communications provisioning.
In this ZIRO guide, we’ve explored some great alternatives to Akkadian Labs that might better suit your needs.
Akkadian Provisioning Manager Explained
Akkadian Provisioning Manager (APM) streamlines user provisioning for unified communications (UC) environments. It automates moves, adds, changes, and deletes (MACDs) across UC applications like Cisco, Webex, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Here are some key features:
- Automated Provisioning: Streamlines adding, removing, and moving users in UC workflows.
- Self-Service Portal: Empowers employees to manage their communication settings independently.
- Real-time Directory Number Management: Eliminates spreadsheet-based number tracking.
APM also offers zero-touch provisioning, bulk provisioning, site-based provisioning, multi-cluster support, API triggers, dial plans, and license management… phew. While APM is definitely comprehensive, it isn’t the best choice for every business.
Let’s look at a few reasons why.
Why Look for Akkadian Labs Alternatives?
Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider an APM alternative:
- Ease of Use: APM’s initial setup can be complex, especially for smaller teams. Its advanced features may overwhelm non-technical users. Setup requires in depth configurations which may require Akkadian professional services.
- Customization and Flexibility: Despite good integration with Active Directory and ServiceNow, APM can be rigid. Customization often requires significant effort.
- Cost Efficiency for Mid-market Organizations: APM targets large enterprises with complex needs. Smaller companies without multi-cluster requirements may find it costly and resource-intensive.
Our Top Akkadian Labs Alternatives
- ZIRO
- Kurmi Software
- Unimax
- Nuwave’s iPilot
1. ZIRO
The first alternative to Akkadian Provisioning Manager (APM) that we recommend is ZIRO. It’s not just because it’s our tool but because it genuinely delivers results.
ZIRO’s UC Provisioning Software tackles three key challenges:
- Automating UC provisioning
- Managing communications technology
- Offloading tasks to help desks and lower cost resources.
We’ve designed it to excel even when you lack skills, resources, or time.
Our solution streamlines communication system management, focusing on Cisco and Microsoft environments. It automates and simplifies MACD tasks while efficiently managing Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers.
ZIRO empowers your help desk to handle daily tasks for Cisco phone systems, freeing up your time for other priorities. We simplify Microsoft Teams Phone provisioning for Microsoft environments, including Direct Routing and Dial Plan Management—all from one intuitive dashboard.
Key Features
- Automation: Minimizes manual work in UC provisioning, device management, and user onboarding/offboarding.
- Dial Plan Management: Eliminates “Excel Hell” through automated, streamlined phone number management across clusters.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Delivers actionable insights via robust analytics on user and device activities.
- API Integration: Enhances UC system flexibility through extensive third-party application integrations.
- Multi-cluster and Multi-site Support: Enables efficient UC management for large, geographically dispersed organizations.
Pricing
Our flexible UC provisioning solution can be tailored to your specific needs. We discuss your needs and provide a customized quote on request.
Pros
- Can be up and running within an hour – simple setup.
- Reduces time and costs associated with manual UC management
- Flexible and agile UC solutions
- Effective automation
- User-friendly interface ensuring easy navigation
- Expert support throughout the process
- Compliance with industry standards
- Great for smaller and larger organizations
Cons
- No free trial
2. Kurmi
Kurmi specializes in Unified Communications (UC) management and provisioning automation. Their solutions simplify and automate UC management for various platforms, including Cisco, Microsoft Teams, and Avaya.
Kurmi’s Provisioning Suite centralizes UC operations, providing a single pane of glass to manage enterprise collaboration ecosystems. It’s ideal for enterprises and service providers that require high scalability, security, and multi-vendor UC management.
Key Features
- Multi-Vendor Support: Manages multiple UC platforms (Cisco, Microsoft, Avaya, Zoom) from a single interface.
- Provisioning Automation: Streamlines user provisioning, MACDs, and routine administrative tasks.
- Single Pane of Glass: Manages UC systems from a unified interface.
- Integration: Supports integration with ServiceNow and other platforms.
- Cloud Migration: Facilitates smooth transitions to cloud-based solutions.
Pricing
Prices depend on the specific needs of the client. Contact Kurmi directly for a tailored quote.
Pros
- Multi-vendor support
- Seamless automation
- Customizable and scalable to suit specific needs
Cons
- Initial setup might be complex for smaller teams
- Documentation could be more comprehensive
- Data is not synced in real time, changes made direct in the target system will cause errors.
3. Unimax
As a Unified Communications (UC) management platform, Unimax handles the administration of complex UC environments. The platform offers tools for suites, such as automated MACDs, phone number management, help desk agent MACDs, employee self-service MACDs, and more.
It supports a variety of UC systems, including Cisco, Microsoft Teams, Avaya, and Zoom, making it a versatile choice for both enterprises and managed service providers (MSPs)
Key Features
- Provisioning Automation: Automates MACDs, provisioning, and deprovisioning.
- Self-Service Portal: Tools like LineOne enable employees to manage simple UC tasks such as resetting voicemail passwords or updating phone settings.
- Phone Number & DID Management: NumberPro simplifies the management of phone numbers and DIDs.
- Help Desk Support: HelpOne allows help desk agents to perform MACD tasks without requiring advanced technical expertise.
Pricing
Unimax offers pricing information for all their products and services on request.
Pros
- Supports migrations for single and multi-vendor environments
- Efficient number management tool
- Delivers excellent internal service levels
Cons
- Not ideal for heavily customized environments
- Might be too complex for smaller organizations
- Features can take a while to get used to
4. Nuwave’s iPilot
The last Akkadian Labs alternative on our list is Nuwave.
Nuwave’s iPilot program is a cloud-based communications management platform that offers unified visibility, scalable management, and control of Multi-UC solutions across platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
It simplifies the onboarding and tenant provisioning process, making it accessible even for non-technical personnel.
Key Features
- Unified Multi-UC Management: Provides a unified view and control of communication infrastructure.
- Provisioning Automation: Streamlines the provisioning process for cloud platforms.
- Multi-UC Support: Manages Microsoft Teams, Webex Calling, and Zoom Phone.
- Scalability: Supports the management of large, complex UC environments.
Pricing
Reach out to Nuwave’s sales team for a customized iPilot quote.
Pros
- Easy to use, thanks to an intuitive interface
- Simplifies complex UC management task
- Reduces time to market for new services
Cons
- Extensive customization options might require a learning curve
- Limited advanced telephony features
ZIRO Stands Out as Your Go-To Akkadian Labs Alternatives
We’ve reviewed top alternatives to Akkadian Labs for Microsoft Teams provisioning. While options like Nextiva, Kurmi Software, Unimax, and Nuwave iPilot each offer unique strengths, ZIRO stands out.
We’ve designed ZIRO to be your go-to platform to streamline UC management without complex configurations. Our tool delivers strong automation capabilities in an easy-to-use environment for both technical and non-technical users. Ready to transition? Schedule a free consultation today.
Ready to take your unified communications from headache to hassle-free?
No throwing darts at proposals or contracts. No battling through the back-end. No nonsense, no run-around.
