SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY), the world's largest technology provider dedicated to small businesses, today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase FreedomVoice for $42 million in cash plus up to $5 million in potential future milestones payments. The addition of FreedomVoice's team and its cloud-based communications products furthers GoDaddy's commitment to helping small businesses succeed.

There are over 210 million small businesses globally and the vast majority rely on mobile or desktop phones to communicate with their customers. With this acquisition, GoDaddy now provides another essential service for small businesses and organizations to create and maintain their digital identity – adding voice services to naming, presence and productivity.

FreedomVoice offers a product suite that delivers intuitive and affordable communications specifically for small businesses. Products include a custom cloud number (local, toll-free, vanity) that automatically routes business-related calls to a user's mobile phone, and a cloud-based phone system that delivers enterprise-quality voice over IP for small offices. Like GoDaddy, FreedomVoice further differentiates itself by providing customized customer care from knowledgeable experts who take pride in solving problems.

"GoDaddy has 14 million customers and many of them have struggled to find affordable and simple telephony solutions," said Steven Aldrich, Chief Product Officer, GoDaddy. "FreedomVoice is a natural fit with GoDaddy as we both share a common goal: to harness the power of the cloud to deliver products that fit the specific needs of small businesses, coupled with customized, empathetic customer care."

"At FreedomVoice our mission has always been to help companies start, run and grow, and we're ecstatic to join GoDaddy who is just as passionate about helping small businesses succeed," said FreedomVoice CEO Eric Thomas. "There is great synergy between our companies and our team can't wait to get started on delivering the next generation of voice to small businesses around the world."

Mr. Thomas will become Telephony Revenue and Integration Officer at GoDaddy.

GoDaddy recently created a new Telephony business unit to oversee the Company's communication products strategy and execution, including products related to FreedomVoice. The business unit will be led by Intuit and small business veteran Barry Saik, who recently joined GoDaddy as General Manager and Senior Vice President, Telephony.

FreedomVoice products will continue to be available online and through partners. GoDaddy and FreedomVoice plan to deliver new cloud-based voice products in the near future.

FreedomVoice will continue to maintain offices in Encinitas, California.

FreedomVoice Earns Recognition from Polycom for Technical Expertise, Sales, and Superior Customer Satisfaction.

FreedomVoice, an industry-leading provider of cloud-based communications systems for small to mid-sized businesses nationwide, today announced it has been named a Platinum Level Polycom Choice Partner by Polycom, Inc., for the third year in a row. Polycom Choice Partners are recognized within the industry for their proven sales and technical expertise and ability to provide superior customer satisfaction.

Polycom's award-winning Choice Partner Program emphasizes skill development and competency in installation and ongoing support of Polycom solutions. The Platinum Level designation is reserved for partners that demonstrate the highest level of expertise and commitment to the entire Polycom portfolio. FreedomVoice first achieved Polycom Choice program status in 2008, and has been a Platinum partner since 2013. In accordance with the program's exacting standards, FreedomVoice has a well-established Polycom practice and works closely with Polycom on sales, implementation and service engagements.

FreedomVoice provides their nationwide network of MSP partners exclusively with Polycom phones, both for their internal use, and for their customers. "FreedomVoice is committed to providing top-tier, cloud-based phone services to small and medium-sized businesses," said Eric Thomas, FreedomVoice CEO and founder. "We are honored to once again be named a Platinum Level Polycom Choice Partner, as both FreedomVoice and Polycom share a commitment to quality, customer service, and best-of-breed solutions."

"As a Platinum Level Polycom Choice Partner, FreedomVoice has demonstrated their deep commitment to and expertise in delivering Polycom solutions. Customers that choose FreedomVoice and Polycom, can be confident that they are getting a world-class communication solution that will help their business achieve a competitive edge," said Shawn Puddester, Polycom vice president, North America Sales, Global Cloud & Service Provider Solutions.

Polycom Choice Partners are part of the Polycom Partner Network, a diverse group of organizations that embrace and extend Polycom's open, standards-based video collaboration solutions and together deliver the most complete collaboration solutions available to more than 400,000 Polycom customers. Through the Polycom Partner Network, technology providers, ISVs, solution advisors, integrators, service providers and other valued partners can easily address the multi-faceted needs of today's organizations that are using voice, video and content collaboration solutions to improve productivity, engagement, time-to-market and business continuity, as well as for unique applications across various vertical industries.

FreedomVoice today announced it has been awarded a 5-Star rating in The Channel Company’s CRN 2015 Partner Program Guide. This annual directory is the definitive listing of technology vendors that service solution providers or provide products through the IT channel. The 5-Star Partner Program rating recognizes an elite subset of companies that offer solution providers the best partnering elements in their channel programs.

FreedomVoice’s innovative partner program combines comprehensive sales, marketing and training tools all designed to ensure partners’ ongoing success. Channel partners initially participate in an onboarding process that incorporates both technical and sales training. Then, FreedomVoice provides a number of co-marketing programs to help acquire customers. When a partner signs its first client, FreedomVoice engineers guide the partner through a “white glove” installation process to ensure the process goes smoothly. In addition, each FreedomVoice partner is assigned an account manager who provides weekly guidance as well as quarterly sales and marketing planning assistance.

To determine the 2015 5-Star recipients, The Channel Company’s Research team assessed each vendor’s application based on investments in program offerings, partner profitability, partner training, education and support, marketing programs and resources, sales support and communication.

“Solution providers have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting vendor partners. Identifying the right vendor, with the right technologies, and the right approach can make all the difference,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “Our annual Partner Program Guide and 5-Star rating recognizes the best channel programs available in the market today to help solution providers determine which vendors deliver the best partner elements for their individual business goals.”

Chris Sterbenc, Vice President of Sales, FreedomVoice, said, “We are deeply committed to the success of our partners and have invested significant resources to ensure they have the training and tools to achieve their business goals. From our Onboarding program through our quarterly sales and marketing planning support, we work hand-in-hand with our partners to ensure their success. CRN’s 5-Star Partner Program rating is quite an honor, as it validates our efforts and ongoing commitment to our partners.”

The 2015 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April issue of CRN, and online at http://www.CRN.com.

FreedomVoice announced today that Chris Sterbenc, Vice President of Sales, has been named to the prestigious list of the 2015 CRN Channel Chiefs. The influential executives on this annual list represent the most powerful leaders in the IT channel who hold direct responsibility for driving growth and revenue for their organizations through their indirect channel partners. Individuals are selected for inclusion based on their track record of channel accomplishments, standing in the industry, dedication to the partner community, and plans for driving future business innovation and channel growth. The 2015 CRN Channel Chiefs have demonstrated their enduring support for the channel by consistently defending, promoting and executing effective channel partner programs and strategies. Sterbenc was chosen for his success in driving top-line revenue growth, high-performing sales teams, and innovative, channel-focused programs. He joined FreedomVoice in 2013, where his efforts have played a significant role in the growth of the company’s channel program, as well as growth for its channel partners. His channel initiatives include a comprehensive suite of sales, marketing, and training programs that are designed to ensure partners’ success. Prior to his tenure at FreedomVoice, Sterbenc successfully built and managed channels for 25+ years with privately held Internet and communications technology companies, including Axcient, Untangle, Edify and AppNeta. Sterbenc is also a highly respected channel chief in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) and reseller community at large, and a sought-after speaker at MSP and reseller-focused events around the country. Sterbenc was twice previously honored by CRN with their 5-Star Award for World-class Partner Programs—in 2013 and 2012. Other recognitions include being named to the SMB 150 list in 2013 and 2012, and the MSPmentor 250 list in 2011. “Each year, our editors carefully vet an extensive group of highly accomplished channel executives to highlight those exemplary individuals who earn the mantle of CRN Channel Chief. These executives strive to advance the success and standing of the channel community within their organizations. The 2015 CRN Channel Chiefs lead by example and serve as valuable advocates to help ensure the health and longevity of the IT channel. We applaud their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. Sterbenc said, “FreedomVoice is a 100-percent, channel-focused provider of cloud-based phone services, so our success is only possible through the success of our channel partners. It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award from CRN, as it recognizes our commitment to the success of our partners in delivering top-tier, cloud-based voice services to small to mid-sized businesses who might otherwise be unable to access this level of quality and functionality.” The 2015 CRN Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February 2015 issue of CRN, and online at http://www.CRN.com.

FreedomVoice today announced that as a result of an innovative Customer Giving Program, their philanthropic contributions to Rady Children’s Hospital - San Diego have surpassed $75,000. Through the community-focused program, customers are provided the option to add $1 to their monthly bill in support of Rady Children’s. FreedomVoice then pools those dollars and directly passes them along to the hospital. Since the program’s inception in April 2012, monthly contributions have grown from $400 to over $3,000 per month today.

FreedomVoice is committed to serving both its customers and the local community—the company is already a proud member of Rady Children’s Miracle Maker Council. “As a technology company, we’re passionate about solving problems, both for our customers and in the communities we serve,” said Eric Thomas, CEO of FreedomVoice. “We’re exceptionally proud to have developed our Customer Giving Program on behalf of Rady Children’s and incredibly grateful to our generous customers for making it a success. We encourage other companies to explore this model as a way giving back to their communities.”

Rady Children’s treats more than 196,000 patients each year, and many essential programs are funded exclusively through philanthropic contributions. “With their Customer Giving Program, FreedomVoice is pioneering a new way of providing philanthropic support,” said Steve Jennings, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. “As their contributions grow, so does the positive impact on Rady Children’s and the lives of children we treat here. We’re looking forward to working with other companies as this innovative model gains ground.”

FreedomVoice today announced it has been named a Platinum Level Polycom Choice Partner by Polycom, Inc. Now organizations that want world-class telephony services can turn to FreedomVoice's nationwide network of managed service provider (MSP) partners for customized, hosted solutions that address their unique needs.

Polycom's award-winning Choice Partner Program emphasizes skills development, specialization and other value-added activities. The Platinum Level designation indicates that FreedomVoice has invested and enhanced its technical expertise and go-to-market offerings. In accordance with the program's exacting standards, FreedomVoice has acquired the expertise to assess, develop, install and offer ongoing support to a variety of customer environments across industries.

FreedomVoice became an authorized Polycom Choice Partner Program member in 2008. FreedomVoice also provides its MSP partners exclusively with Polycom phones, both for their customers and for their internal use so they can master what they sell.

"Available exclusively from our nationwide network of MSP partners, the FreedomVoice portfolio gives businesses extensive voice communication tools they need to work efficiently, effectively and profitably," said Eric Thomas, FreedomVoice CEO and founder. "Becoming a Platinum Level Polycom Choice Partner is the latest example of both the strength of our relationship with Polycom and our commitment to providing businesses with best-of-breed solutions."   

"The right partner often is the key to success," said Shawn Puddester, Polycom vice president, North America Sales, Global Cloud & Service Provider Solutions. "The Polycom Choice Partner Program gives customers the confidence that by choosing FreedomVoice and Polycom they're selecting a world-class team who can address their total communication and collaboration needs, which is crucial in today's competitive marketplace. This teamwork is a major reason why FreedomVoice has become an important voice provider for MSPs that target the enterprise market."

Polycom Choice Partners are part of the Polycom Partner Network, a diverse group of organizations that embrace and extend Polycom's open, standards-based video collaboration solutions and together deliver the most complete collaboration solutions available to more than 400,000 Polycom customers. Through the Polycom Partner Network, technology providers, ISVs, solution advisors, integrators, service providers and other valued partners can easily address the multi-faceted needs of today's organizations that are using voice, video and content collaboration solutions to improve productivity, engagement, time-to-market and business continuity, as well as for unique applications across various vertical industries.

FreedomVoice today announced the addition of three key executives to lead critical operations functions for the fast-growing provider of cloud-based communications systems for small to mid-sized businesses nationwide.

Cedar Coleman joins FreedomVoice as the Director of Customer Care, Nitin Tomar as the Product Director, and Kim Kleber takes the responsibilities of the Director of Marketing. The new hires are the next logical step in the growth strategy of FreedomVoice that has been posting record revenues year after year, with the forecast of doubling revenues for the next fiscal year.

“Strengthening our senior management team by adding three shining lights like Cedar, Nitin and Kim is a real coup for us,” said FreedomVoice founder, President and CEO Eric Thomas.  “Each brings strong business and technology experience as well as outstanding people skills.  We look forward to each one of them making significant contributions toward our growth.”

Coleman spent 9½ years with GoDaddy.com, most recently as a director of web hosting customer care with responsibility for supporting over 5 million customers.  While at GoDaddy.com, he earlier held a series of customer care and IT operations positions of increasing spans of responsibility.  Coleman also had customer care experience in financial services before joining GoDaddy.com. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University.

Tomar brings Freedom Voice 18 years of telecom and IT industry experience. Prior to joining FreedomVoice, he drove product management and product marketing for LTE and 3G wireless software and solutions product lines at Radisys.  Prior to Radisys, Tomar held various product management and engineering roles at Continuous Computing, Intel and C-DOT. He received an executive MBA from the University of Southern California and his bachelor of engineering in computer science from Barkatullah University in Bhopal, India.

Kleber spent nearly 20 years at Qualcomm in senior-level marketing, operations, program management and business development positions, most recently as senior director of technical marketing.  Earlier in her career, she held engineering roles at Alcoa Electronic Packaging and National Steel & Shipbuilding.  Kleber holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and an executive program certificate in business strategy and organization from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

FreedomVoice today announced their silver table sponsorship and participation at the 2014 Miracle Makers Gala in San Diego.

Eric Thomas, CEO will be featured on the Miracle Makers Telethon on May 31st sharing the importance of this program, why Freedom Voice supports this cause, and how others can get involved.

FreedomVoice is committed to combining philanthropy with best business practices.  These values are integral to the company culture as they look after both their employees and the community.  FreedomVoice, established in 1996 has a strong history of growth in virtual office phone systems for businesses; in the last eight years recognized for providing the best quality VoIP business phone service.  FreedomVoice currently serves over 50,000 businesses nationwide.

“Supporting Rady Children’s hospital and giving back is an important aspect of FreedomVoice business,” said Eric Thomas CEO and Founder of FreedomVoice Systems.  “We support Rady Children’s Hospital because they provide the best care available to local children in San Diego and turn no one away.  We see these children as our future and we want to be part of the solution to give them the best, healthy start in life.”

FreedomVoice today announced exciting new changes to the FreedomVoice Partner Program, focused on increasing the success of MSP and Reseller partners.

This new program is designed to meet the unique business challenges and needs facing both the MSP and Reseller models today.

Historically, it has been difficult for partners to offer VoIP Telephony solutions at a decent profit margin, due to the complexities of dealing with carriers, tax and regulatory issues, and low hardware margins. FreedomVoice is changing the game by making voice easy to sell, frictionless to install, and offers a unique high margin pricing model.

By building separate programs for MSPs and Resellers, FreedomVoice is creating a business model designed for partner and customer success. Each program has three tiers:  Partner, Premier and Elite levels. The tiers have increasing requirements for eligibility, but offer commensurate sales, marketing and technical benefits to the partner. Key benefits include:

• Effective training and quick path to revenue
• Priority case handling
• Co-branded marketing materials
• Dedicated Account Manager
• Dedicated Marketing Manager
• MDF support

“We are firmly committed to the partnership model,” said Chris Sterbenc, Vice President of Sales for FreedomVoice. “FreedomIQ is 100% channel-based, and we know that partnership is always a two-way street. We do everything we can to provide our partners, whether they’re MSPs or Resellers, with all the tools and support they need for success. Our pricing model is unique in the industry, and allows our partners to take control of their margins.”

All new partners are guided through a comprehensive onboarding program designed to increase knowledge about the FreedomIQ platform, available marketing resources, and sales and technical training. Supported by a regional Channel Manager and dedicated Account Manager, FreedomVoice is there whenever a Partner needs a hand.

“Our partnership with FreedomVoice has always been a strategic part of our cloud computing portfolio,” said Imre Szenttornyay, Managing Member of Beast PC. “The FreedomIQ range of VoIP services fills the gap for the small to medium business that is seeking an enterprise class business voice solution at an affordable monthly price point. Doing more with less cost is every small business owner’s challenge, and FreedomIQ surpasses all expectations.”