Our History
Doing the Right Thing for our Clients, Every Time
“For over 40 years, we have been unwaveringly dedicated to communications technology, it’s our sole focus and passion. Our success hinges on our commitment to excellence in this field. Clients choose to partner with us not just for our services, but for the enduring relationships we cultivate, grounded in the quality and reliability of what we offer.”
-Alan Burdine, President and COO
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Phil Burkett purchases the Chattanooga branch office of Northern Telecom and establishes Communications Resources Inc. (CRI). It was a groundbreaking move in the telecommunications industry because it created the first authorized independent distributor of Northern Telecom Products. -
CRI opens a branch office in Knoxville, TN and becomes an authorized vendor for DIAL-VMX voice processing systems, gaining predominant market share in the “call processing-auto attendant-voice mail” industry. -
TN Aquarium becomes a CRI customer and purchases the first Nortel Option 11 system sold in the US. CRI moves into our current HQ building in Chattanooga, TN and then expands our market reach into the Metro Atlanta area creating a strategic partnership with our trusted friends at Telecom Service of Atlanta (TSA) -
CRI expands into Alabama with another strategic partnership consisting of two additional partner companies – Communications Reliability & Integrity and Complete Communication Services. -
Two years after becoming an authored partner of ShoreTel, CRI is named to the ShoreTel Circle of Excellence, indicating our top standing as a ShoreTel partner, which would remain for many years to come. -
Avaya purchases Nortel, changing the game for CRI’s traditional clients while bringing a whole new opportunity to our market. -
Alan Burdine is promoted to President and COO of CRI, taking the reins to guide the company through the technology changes ahead. -
ShoreTel acquires M5 Networks, creating a new industry-leading UCaaS solution, ShoreTel SKY, which CRI sells and implements soon after. -
Mitel acquires ShoreTel, creating disruption in the marketplace along with an opportunity for the channel, as seen when CRI sells our first Mitel MiVoice Business Communications solution. -
One year after partnering with Zoom and RingCentral to create a suite of UCaaS products and specialized services designed for customers of all sizes and locations, CRI rises to the Top 20 ranking of both RingCentral and Zoom partners.
A Proven Track Record of Prioritizing Clients, Not Vendors
Since 1991, businesses throughout Tennessee have trusted us as a partner who helps them develop their strategic communications plan, invest in the best systems for their business, and sustainably evolve in step with the latest technologies.
When a business partners with us, they know we will not push them to a particular UCaaS vendor. Through discovery calls, we uncover the client’s requirements and goals. During demos, our clients experience first-hand the business communication systems they could use. Then together, we decide which solution best suits their needs, because at CRI you always have a choice.
A Commitment to Client Excellence
At CRI, our success stems from an unwavering commitment to excellence. We partner with top suppliers, recruit exceptional talent and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Through strong vendor ties, like being a Mitel Platinum Partner, we pass on the latest innovations and information to our clients.
These exclusive insights empower our partners. Sharing them is one example of how serving your needs is at the heart of what we do. Every client relationship at CRI is built with a long-term vision in mind, and each interaction is handled with the utmost care.
Who We Work With
Derail Business Disruptions
For every year we’ve been in business, we’ve seen new innovations and enhancements by vendors to existing systems.
The goal is to give businesses new tools, but the result is an overwhelming tide of technology. When you work with CRI, you gain a steady partner who will help you navigate these changes while keeping your operations running smoothly.
Our team excels in this fast-paced environment, always adapting and supporting each other to tackle new challenges. Every day, we’re focused on being there when you need us — whether it’s answering your call or arriving on-site to keep things moving forward.
3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Communications Solution:
Discover
Working with your team, we assess your current communications environment and identify any gaps.
Develop
We create a unified communications roadmap tailored to your business goals and budget.
Deliver
Our team of specialists will get everything running smoothly alongside you so you can enjoy the benefits immediately!