CRI Technologies

About CRI Technologies

Communications Resources, Inc. (CRI), which also operates as CRI Technologies, is a telecommunications firm established in 1980 by Phil Burkett. The company was founded when Burkett acquired the Chattanooga branch office of Northern Telecom, creating the first authorized independent distributor for their products. This foundation positioned CRI to capitalize on the evolving communications landscape.

Throughout its history, CRI has marked its growth with strategic expansions and partnerships. During the 1980s, it opened a Knoxville, TN office and became a key vendor for DIAL-VMX voice processing systems. The 1990s saw the company move into its current headquarters in Chattanooga, TN, and extend its reach to the Metro Atlanta area. Further expansion into Alabama occurred in 2003 through partnerships. A significant leadership transition happened in 2010 when Alan Burdine, who had been with the company, was promoted to President and COO, tasked with navigating future technological shifts.

CRI operates as a service provider and reseller in the unified communications sector, serving businesses primarily in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The firm's business model revolves around developing strategic communication plans for its clients, helping them invest in suitable systems, and ensuring they evolve with technological advancements. Rather than promoting a single vendor, CRI engages clients through discovery calls and product demonstrations to identify and implement the most appropriate Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution for their specific goals. The company has held authorized partner status with major industry names like ShoreTel (later acquired by Mitel) and adapted its offerings following significant market changes, such as Avaya's acquisition of Nortel.