Telecom Reseller

“If you're going to do something, do it right. Don't cut corners. Use the right partners.” — Jake Jacoby, TELCLOUD In the latest episode of the POTS and Shots podcast series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, reconnects with Jake Jacoby, Founder and CEO of TELCLOUD, to unpack one of the most overlooked—but absolutely critical—elements of delivering POTS replacement: billing and compliance. For many MSPs and resellers, the conversation around telecom billing evokes little more than eye rolls. But Jacoby makes the case that billing isn't just admin—it's the core of doing business right. And for those new to telecom, the complexity of telco billing can quickly become a costly trap if not handled properly. Taxes, regulatory compliance, and FCC filings aren't optional—they're mandatory and can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the industry. That's where TELCLOUD's Telco Bill Center comes in. A Turnkey Solution to a Complex Problem Jacoby explains that TELCLOUD acts as the telco of record through its TBC Communications division, handling everything from tax calculation and billing to collections and regulatory filings. For resellers, this translates into a fully managed, co-branded billing platform that requires no upfront investment and ensures complete compliance. “We've created the easy button for resellers,” said Jacoby. “They can remain white-labeled in service delivery, but TELCLOUD takes care of the billing complexity behind the scenes.” Key features of the Telco Bill Center include: FCC and state tax compliance USF contribution management Customer invoicing and payment collection White-label service delivery with co-branded billing Built-in revenue sharing with resellers Protecting the Channel—and the Customer Doug and Jake explore how failing to address compliance can jeopardize the entire reseller-customer relationship. TELCLOUD's billing platform not only ensures tax and regulatory compliance, but also safeguards both the reseller and the end customer from legal and financial risk. Jacoby emphasizes that TELCLOUD's approach aligns with its broader philosophy: enable resellers to sell and scale, without being bogged down in the infrastructure of compliance. And Now for the Shot… As always, the “Shots” portion of the podcast adds a flavorful twist. This time, Jake brings out Arete Añejo, a sipping tequila from El Llano Distillery—one of the oldest family-run distilleries in Tequila, Mexico. With notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and butterscotch, it's a smooth reminder that, like great telecom billing, craftsmanship matters. Learn More Visit www.telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270 to explore TELCLOUD's solutions.

“Sitting in a meeting and not contributing is more impersonal than letting a bot attend in your place.” — Andy Abramson, Founder & CEO, Comunicano In a wide-ranging and fast-moving conversation with Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green, veteran communications strategist Andy Abramson delivers a provocative take on the state—and future—of meetings in the AI era. Abramson, Founder and CEO of Comunicano and a decades-long force in telecom PR and strategic communications, begins by challenging the conventional wisdom that in-person meeting attendance is always better. Responding to a Washington Post article about AI bots attending meetings on behalf of humans, Abramson argues that automation isn't the enemy of productivity—in fact, it might finally deliver on it. “Most meetings are dominated by three or four people,” says Abramson. “The rest are scrolling Instagram, shopping online—or worse. Bots can attend in their place, and with the right tools, those people can get more value from the meeting in 10 minutes than they would in 60.” Doug Green probes the implications: Is this the end of collaboration? Or its rebirth? Abramson believes AI will actually foster better group dynamics. With meeting notes, summaries, searchable transcripts, and VCons (virtual conversation containers), information is more accessible than ever, and participation can be asynchronous but no less impactful. He points out that voice dominance and politics often muffle valuable ideas in large group settings. Streamlining who attends—based on contribution, not hierarchy—can amplify creativity and productivity. Drawing on his background in sports and media, Abramson outlines a playbook for smarter meetings: track engagement like player stats, rotate voices for freshness, and cut people loose when their time is better spent elsewhere. He even likens the future of meetings to modern coaching—leaders must evolve into facilitators who optimize team contribution rather than merely host a room. The conversation also touches on the origins of online collaboration in the 1980s, with Abramson offering a vivid tour of early digital bulletin boards and a pre-Internet proto-social network culture. This historical perspective leads to a discussion of VCon, a now-emerging open-source standard that encapsulates conversations—recordings, transcripts, summaries, and context—into portable, interoperable, and privacy-aware containers. “VCon is the PDF of conversations,” says Abramson. “It's portable, secure, and creates an immutable record of everything that was said, decided, and assigned.” Green and Abramson close by offering practical advice for leaders: use the data from your meetings—who spoke, who didn't—to refine participation, increase engagement, and free up your team's most valuable resource: time. Learn More Subscribe to Andy Abramson's daily newsletter at comunicano.substack.com Visit Comunicano: https://comunicano.com

“We're not just solving a power problem—we're enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure.” — Jim Summers, CEO, Gas Power Compute Infrastructure In an era where AI and cloud computing are driving data center demand through the roof, the question of how to power that future has become just as critical as the technology itself. In a wide-ranging and insightful conversation with Jim Summers, CEO of Gas Power Compute Infrastructure (GPC), Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green explores the very real energy bottlenecks now threatening digital transformation. Founded to address the widening gap between data center demand and utility grid capacity, GPC delivers onsite, natural gas-powered energy infrastructure—turning traditional thinking about power delivery on its head. The Grid Can't Keep Up—But Data Centers Can't Wait For decades, power in the U.S. was abundant, and few thought twice about availability. But now, as Summers explains, we are entering the fourth industrial revolution—an era defined by hyper-connected devices, mobility, and generative AI—all powered by data centers. These new centers are no longer requesting 10 megawatts—they're asking for 100 or even a gigawatt of capacity. The utilities simply can't keep up. Aging infrastructure, permitting delays, and the realities of a slow-moving grid have pushed many operators to face years-long timelines just to connect to adequate power. Enter On-Site Generation: Behind-the-Meter, Ahead of the Curve GPC's solution: on-site, behind-the-meter generation using clean-burning, flexible natural gas. This approach offers three key benefits: Speed to Power – On-site generation bypasses grid delays, enabling faster deployment. Reliability – Natural gas turbines, especially in redundant (N+1) configurations, can offer five nines reliability. Sustainability – On-site gas can outperform the grid's coal-heavy mix in emissions, while achieving efficiencies of up to 85% through waste heat recapture. Summers emphasizes the often-overlooked efficiency and environmental advantage of natural gas. Unlike grid power—which loses up to 15% in transmission—GPC's approach delivers power where it's used, minimizing waste and opening the door to future hydrogen and biogas adoption with the same infrastructure. From Heavy Industry to High Tech: Lessons Reapplied Drawing on decades of experience in energy infrastructure for chemical plants, paper mills, and refineries, Summers and his team are now applying proven self-generation strategies to a new challenge: digital infrastructure. The parallels are clear—both need reliable, high-volume, and resilient power. “We're really taking what heavy industry figured out years ago and putting it to work for data centers,” said Summers. Dispelling Myths, Delivering Certainty A few persistent myths linger around onsite generation, Summers noted. Is it legal? Yes—in all 50 states. Is it reliable? Even more so than many utility grids today. Is it sustainable? Absolutely—especially compared to coal-fired baseline generation still running across the U.S. What GPC brings is not just technology, but turnkey solutions and long-term partnerships. “We don't lead with equipment. We lead with relationships,” says Summers, underscoring the company's deep bench of energy veterans, capital backing, and holistic project management—from permitting to fuel sourcing to system operation. Complexity, Simplified In the end, Summers argues, the goal is to help customers turn a highly complex energy challenge into an opportunity. As data center developers and operators face mounting urgency, GPC stands ready to provide not only power, but peace of mind. “Every time you use your phone, you're tapping into a data center. But the reality is, that data center might be competing with homes and hospitals for grid power on a 117-degree day. That's why we built GPC—to give our clients control, speed,

“Voice isn't dead. It's forming a great alliance with AI.” — Julia Fraser, Executive Vice President, Americas, Sinch In a compelling conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, Julia Fraser of Sinch shares a front-line view into the dual revolutions transforming business communications today: RCS (Rich Communication Services) and AI. Representing the Americas for the Sweden-headquartered cloud communications company, Fraser highlights how these technologies are reshaping customer engagement—while keeping human connection at the center. Branded Trust and Richer Messaging Sinch's new research—spanning nearly 3,000 consumers and over 1,600 business leaders—shows that 54% of consumers prefer RCS over SMS/MMS, with 59% calling it a “game changer.” Fraser explains how branded and verified RCS messages not only improve trust and open rates, but also drive tangible results like abandoned cart recoveries. “When a consumer knows the message is really from their bank or retailer, they're more likely to act,” Fraser notes. AI-Powered Personalization, Real-Time Care The discussion dives deep into how AI enhances everything from marketing to customer care. Whether it's a personalized retail offer or a voicebot that helps resolve flight delays or financial fraud, AI is helping organizations anticipate needs and respond quickly. “AI isn't something to fear,” Fraser stresses. “It drives productivity and deeper personalization—across all generations.” Voice + AI = The Future Despite predictions that voice is on its way out, Fraser says the opposite is true—especially in financial services and healthcare. Sinch's data shows that 63% of businesses plan to adopt voice AI bots this year, with that figure rising to 86% in financial services. Whether it's a late flight, a blocked card, or a bereavement call, voice remains critical—and AI makes it faster, smarter, and more empathetic. Human-Centered Design From seamless triage in healthcare to respectful handling of debt collection, Fraser emphasizes the need to know when to hand a conversation off from a bot to a human. “It's not just about resolution. It's about doing so with trust, security, and empathy.” Four Pillars of Communication Success Sinch organizes its customer communication strategy around four pillars: Keep customers informed Keep customers safe Keep customers happy Drive engagement and loyalty through personalization And RCS and AI—working together—power all four. For more insights and to access Sinch's full research report, visit sinch.com.

"We don't alter how people sound—but we do help them become better communicators.” — Andreas Orebo Wenzel, Vice President of Engage AI, Jabra In a revealing conversation with Technology Reseller News, Jabra's Vice President of Engage AI, Andreas Orebo Wenzel, joined publisher Doug Green to unveil the company's latest breakthrough in contact center technology: Engage AI Complete—a new, human-centered AI software platform designed to improve the agent and customer experience in real time. Known globally for its professional-grade headsets and audio devices, Jabra is now turning up the volume on software innovation. With decades of institutional knowledge from serving contact centers, Jabra is expanding its footprint with tools that do more than capture audio—they understand it. Beyond Speech-to-Text: The Missing 38% “Only 7% of human communication comes from the words we say,” noted Orebo Wenzel. “Another 38% comes from how we say them—our tone of voice.” While most AI tools focus on transcription and summarization, Jabra's platform is tackling this underexplored territory. Engage AI Complete leverages a proprietary tone-of-voice model to give agents real-time, non-intrusive feedback during live calls. If an agent starts to sound disengaged or fatigued, the software acts like a virtual mirror—quietly alerting them and enabling instant course correction. It's not surveillance; it's coaching. Gamification Meets Empathy Designed to feel supportive rather than supervisory, Engage AI Complete gamifies agent performance. By earning badges, improving scores, and staying in the “green zone,” agents are encouraged to continually refine their communication style—empowered by feedback, not punished by it. “Contact center work is hard,” said Orebo Wenzel. “Our job is to make it easier, more engaging, and more fulfilling by giving agents tools that help them grow in real time.” A Platform for the Future Engage AI Complete builds on Jabra's existing Engage AI platform and introduces advanced capabilities like speech-to-text and dual-channel analysis. Together, these tools offer a complete picture of both what was said and how it was said—unlocking new potential for agent coaching, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction. Jabra's software is headset-agnostic but delivers enhanced performance when paired with its professional-grade devices. The result? A seamlessly integrated audio-AI solution that enhances both technical quality and human connection. Looking Ahead As Jabra enters the second half of 2025, the company plans to focus on extracting even deeper insights from its dual-layer analysis engine, giving agents the power to proactively manage tone, content, and customer satisfaction—all from their desktop in real time. For more information on Jabra's Engage AI Complete, visit www.jabra.com.

“A 30% duty can turn a profitable product into a loss-maker if it's not accounted for.” — Noa Sussman, TecEx In the latest installment of the TecEx podcast series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, is joined once again by Noa Sussman of TecEx to unpack the real-world financial impact of tariffs, duties, and VAT on global technology deployments—and why it's no longer just a logistics issue, but a boardroom concern. The Hidden Cost of Global Trade Decisions Sussman warns that companies still underestimate how duties and tariffs directly affect sourcing and profitability. With geopolitical tensions and shifting regulations, a 10% or 30% tariff isn't theoretical—it's immediate and impactful. “It can take a product from black to red if you don't factor it into your pricing,” Sussman explains. Sourcing from countries like China or exporting to regulated markets like Europe means companies must think beyond cost and lead times—they must assess tax exposure and long-term compliance risks. VAT: Not Just a Cost of Doing Business The discussion also dives into VAT—how it varies across jurisdictions, and how misunderstandings about reclaim rules can cause serious cash flow issues. Sussman shares how a poorly timed or misunderstood VAT payment can delay deployments and disrupt go-to-market timelines. Case Study: When Classification Goes Wrong In a striking real-world example, Sussman recounts how one client misclassified a component's country of origin, triggering a massive tariff on an entire $1 million shipment rather than a single $5,000 part. The error, based on incomplete paperwork and poor compliance oversight, led to unexpected duties, delays, and financial loss—something a strategic partner like TecEx could have prevented. Strategic Solutions: Planning and Partners From leveraging free trade agreements to properly classifying products and understanding country-specific tax rules, Sussman outlines how planning can lower costs and reduce risk. He also introduces the concept of “duty drawback programs”—a lesser-known tool that allows qualified companies to recoup paid duties under certain conditions. “Too many companies make the sale before they think about VAT or duties,” Sussman notes. “By then, it's too late.” Final Word: Don't Go It Alone For organizations deploying globally—whether into data centers or manufacturing facilities—the message is clear: bringing in a seasoned trade and compliance partner isn't optional. It's essential. To learn more about navigating global deployment and compliance with confidence, visit tecex.com.

Podcast with Chris McHenry, VP at Aviatrix, and Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News “Wiz detects. We react and enforce.” — Chris McHenry, Aviatrix In this timely conversation, Doug Green of Technology Reseller News sits down with Chris McHenry, Vice President at Aviatrix, to explore the company's groundbreaking partnership with Wiz—and how the two are working together to solve one of the most urgent problems in enterprise IT: cloud security. Aviatrix is focused on reinventing network security for the cloud era, helping enterprises regain the controls they've lost in the transition from traditional data centers to cloud-native architectures. “CISOs consistently tell us their cloud environments feel less secure than their data centers,” McHenry notes. That's where Aviatrix steps in—by delivering Zero Trust security at the network layer, with cloud-native tools that provide perimeter protection, lateral movement control, and runtime enforcement. The conversation zeroes in on the company's recent integration with Wiz, the cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) that recently made headlines with its massive $30 billion acquisition by Google. According to McHenry, the partnership is more than strategic—it's foundational. “They detect attacks, we stop them,” he says, describing a “closed-loop” response system where Wiz identifies high-risk incidents and Aviatrix's Cloud Native Security Fabric automatically reacts in real time, quarantining threats and blocking malicious activity. As AI rapidly redefines the modern enterprise, McHenry explains how Aviatrix is evolving to meet the dual challenge: using AI to both secure cloud environments and enhance the performance of security operations. From custom AI-powered risk analysis to integrations with Microsoft Copilot for Security, the company is pushing innovation at both ends of the spectrum. And for the reseller community, there's even more upside. Aviatrix is proudly channel-first. “We sell almost entirely through the channel,” says McHenry, inviting partners—especially those already working with Wiz—to expand their practices with Aviatrix's complementary offerings. “This is a big opportunity to help your customers modernize cloud security without lifting and shifting legacy firewalls.” The stakes are rising, and this partnership is gaining attention for good reason. “Google's acquisition of Wiz validates just how critical cloud security is,” says McHenry. “And our integration gives organizations an immediate path to both detect and respond to threats—at scale.” This podcast is the first of a two-part series. Stay tuned for part two, where Aviatrix CEO Doug Merritt will dive deeper into the strategic vision shaping the next decade of secure cloud infrastructure. Learn more at: www.aviatrix.com  

Podcast with Chris Drake, SVP at iconectiv, hosted by Doug Green, Publisher, Technology Reseller News “Anything that's powerful and transformative, you have to follow the directions.” — Chris Drake, iconectiv In an era where mobile numbers have become not just identifiers but wallets, communication channels, and business platforms, ensuring trust and authenticity in messaging has never been more important. In a timely and in-depth discussion, Chris Drake, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at iconectiv, joined Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green to explore the emerging role of Rich Business Messaging (RBM) in a world increasingly threatened by AI-driven fraud. From Mobile Vulnerability to Trusted Conversations Chris Drake highlights how the ubiquitous mobile phone number—once just a contact point—has become a rich target for impersonation scams, deepfake fraud, and phishing attacks. RBM, built on the global RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard, offers businesses a secure, multimedia-rich way to communicate with customers while solving for the twin challenges of CX (Customer Experience) and security. Drake explains that RBM delivers interactive, tap-based messaging (like carousels and smart reply buttons), enabling users to easily engage with brands. But the real differentiator lies in the secure onboarding and authentication behind every message. With iconectiv as a trusted vetting authority, senders are cryptographically verified and continuously monitored—ensuring only legitimate entities are allowed to reach consumers via RBM. A New Messaging Paradigm RBM transforms mobile messaging into what Drake calls “conversational commerce.” But with that transformation comes responsibility. Businesses must “use as directed,” meaning onboarding, identity proof, encrypted connections, and authenticated communication paths must be properly implemented. Otherwise, the very tools meant to protect users could be exploited by bad actors. As Drake notes, “RBM brings that sense of legitimacy which is so lacking lately.” It provides a path forward where consumers feel safe engaging, buying, and responding via mobile—and brands can confidently deliver interactive experiences without compromising security. iconectiv's Role iconectiv supports this evolution by offering identity vetting, cryptographic proofs, and continuous monitoring of sender behavior. The company ensures that brands not only enter the RBM ecosystem with integrity—but maintain that integrity over time. Drake emphasizes the importance of ongoing oversight to detect anomalies, malicious links, or reputational issues that may arise after initial onboarding. Conclusion RBM is more than just a messaging upgrade—it's a foundational shift in how businesses communicate in a mobile-first, AI-challenged landscape. With proper implementation, it offers a rare balance: a better customer experience and stronger protection against fraud. To learn more about RBM and secure digital messaging, visit iconectiv.com.

“We need to stop building and waiting for revenue to follow. That era is over.” — Michele Campriani, CRO, Optiva In this insightful episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green sits down with Michele Campriani, Chief Revenue Officer at Optiva, for a wide-ranging conversation recorded from a Tuscan villa—but focused squarely on the future of telecom. Campriani brings three decades of telecom experience and a sharp diagnosis: while infrastructure investments like 5G have improved customer experience, they haven't translated into new revenue for operators. Campriani introduces the concept of the “Segment of One”—a strategy enabled by AI and real-time data analytics that allows telcos to hyper-personalize services, pricing, and customer engagement at scale. Optiva, a long-standing billing and charging solutions provider, has re-architected its cloud-native platform to support this vision, helping both established operators and agile MVNOs capitalize on new go-to-market models. He emphasizes how MVNOs, once seen as disruptors, are now strategic allies in a hyper-competitive market. Optiva supports operators in rapidly onboarding MVNOs while also enabling MVNOs themselves with dynamic pricing and tailored services. This new agility is proving essential in markets where customer acquisition is increasingly driven by niche offerings and brand differentiation. The conversation also explores how AI can help reduce costs through emerging autonomous network models, and why operators must shift focus from pure technology investment to revenue-focused transformation. With players like Mint Mobile rewriting the playbook, Campriani says it's time for telcos to get aggressive—or risk being left behind. Learn more: https://www.optiva.com

"Internet connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have—it's a have-to-have. Without it, your business stops." — Jake Jacoby, TELCLOUD In the latest episode of the POTS and Shots podcast series from TELCLOUD, Technology Reseller News Publisher Doug Green is joined by Jake Jacoby of TELCLOUD and Christian Hernandez, Customer Success Manager at ATEL, for a conversation that goes beyond POTS replacement—it's about next-generation connectivity and opportunity for resellers. As legacy copper lines continue to disappear, the pressure is on for MSPs, MSSPs, and telecom resellers to find reliable, scalable, and forward-looking solutions. According to Hernandez, that's exactly what ATEL is delivering. A U.S.-based OEM with a global backbone, ATEL has developed rugged 5G routers like the PW550, designed to meet the growing demands of modern connectivity—including the ability to move antennas up to 250 feet away from the telco room to achieve higher signal quality. Jacoby underscored why TELCLOUD partnered with ATEL: “We're done with LTE. 5G is the future. And it's not just about replacing a phone line—it's about building in redundancy and giving businesses the internet resilience they need to operate.” This podcast highlights why 2025 is shaping up to be the year of POTS replacement. TELCLOUD and ATEL are helping resellers modernize customer environments while keeping costs down and reliability up. And with TELCLOUD's full commitment to 5G and flexible outdoor/indoor router deployments, resellers have a real shot at transforming POTS into a growth engine. To celebrate, the crew closed out the episode with a taste of ATEL's own 20-year anniversary aged tequila—a smooth extra añejo with hints of bourbon, coffee, and chocolate. As Jacoby joked, “You can't buy this one on the street… you've got to come visit.” Learn more: ATEL TELCLOUD | 844-900-2270

“Synthetic voice isn't here to replace humans—it's here to help us talk to each other, in more languages, more clearly, and more naturally.” — Christian Stredicke, Vodia In a forward-looking episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green sits down with Christian Stredicke, founder of Vodia, to discuss one of the most transformational trends in voice technology: synthetic voice and its role in enhancing—not replacing—human communication. Vodia, a provider of secure, cloud and on-premise phone systems, is now embracing AI capabilities to extend its value across global industries. As Stredicke explains, synthetic voice—particularly when combined with real-time translation—can bridge the language gap that has long hindered customer service, especially in call centers. Imagine a caller in the U.S. reaching a support agent who speaks only English. With synthetic voice, that same caller could receive assistance in their native language, such as German, Spanish, or French, via a realistic AI voice—delivering not just words, but tone, accent, and emotion. This model opens the door to broader agent pools and greatly improved customer experiences. Beyond language, the podcast explores the economic and legal implications of synthetic voice, including questions of reliability and responsibility in AI-generated conversations. In high-stakes sectors like banking or healthcare, accuracy and transparency will be essential. But for everyday interactions, the ability to speak to someone in your own language—even if they're a synthetic assistant—can be transformative. Vodia's vision is to integrate synthetic voice through open APIs, enabling businesses to scale multilingual support rapidly and cost-effectively, while preserving privacy and regulatory compliance. “The more we can make communication feel natural—whether human or synthetic—the better the outcome for everyone,” says Stredicke. Learn more: https://web.vodia.com

Paul Wright “We're covering 28 square miles with the same cost it takes to dig one mile of fiber—and we're doing it with gigabit speeds.” — Paul Wright, Chief Revenue Officer, CBNG In a timely conversation on Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green interviews Paul Wright, Chief Revenue Officer of Cambridge Broadband Networks Group (CBNG), to examine a growing concern: fiber broadband rollouts in the U.S. are failing to meet demand, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Wright proposes a viable, scalable alternative—Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)—driven by 5G and CBNG's next-generation point-to-multipoint microwave radios. CBNG, with a legacy of delivering carrier-grade radio equipment since 2000 and over 350,000 radios shipped globally, is launching a new 5G NR platform that delivers up to 5 Gbps. Wright illustrates how the economics of FWA are revolutionizing broadband planning: for the same cost of trenching one mile of fiber (about $40,000), CBNG's solution can cover 28 square miles with high-speed wireless internet. Wright explains how FWA uses licensed spectrum and advanced 5G technologies—like beamforming and standalone operation—making it ideal for quick deployments. With BEAD funding recently liberalized to allow alternatives to fiber, CBNG's timing is critical. “Now it's about cost and speed of delivery,” Wright notes, “and FWA is winning on both counts.” The setup is simple: a small antenna on a home or business connects to a hub station, and installation takes under an hour. Wright envisions municipalities, entrepreneurs, and WISPs driving connectivity forward without waiting on major carriers. While fiber has its place—especially in greenfield builds—Wright emphasizes that FWA is no longer just a stopgap. “It's a practical long-term solution,” he says, “especially when fiber may never come.” CBNG's 5G NR solution operates in the 39 GHz band, with upcoming support for 24–30 GHz. It's designed for ease of use and fast ROI, especially for those holding licensed spectrum. Learn more: https://www.cbng.co.uk

“You can't cut your way to growth. But you can grow revenue—with very little effort—by letting voice go to work for you.” — Ray Pasquale, CEO, Unified Office In this in-depth conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, Unified Office CEO Ray Pasquale returns to share a powerful message: voice communications is not a relic—it's the future of business. And Unified Office is making sure that future includes the tools and intelligence small and midsize businesses (SMBs) need to thrive. At the heart of the discussion is EngageIQ, Unified Office's AI-driven analytics and coaching solution originally designed for the fast-paced world of Domino's franchises and now deployed across car dealerships, dental practices, and hospitality. With EngageIQ, businesses can surface real-time insights from voice conversations, train large and distributed teams, and even assess customer sentiment—at scale. Unified Office is now pushing this innovation further with a no-code, drag-and-drop AI services platform, allowing customers to build intelligent call flows, IVRs, and analytics processes without software engineers. “If you can use an iPad, you can deploy enterprise-grade AI with us,” says Pasquale. Importantly, Ray highlights a turning tide: customers and companies alike are rediscovering the power of connected, real-time voice in moments that matter—from resolving a canceled flight to servicing an HVAC emergency. Unified Office's patented voice platform offers PSTN-quality reliability delivered over an over-the-top (OTT) transmission network, designed to restore the quality and value that voice lost during decades of commoditization. Pasquale sees the voice layer as a business's most underutilized asset—and AI as the key to unlocking its potential. By enabling rich, human-centric communications and proactive analytics, Unified Office is helping SMBs reclaim their brand, community connection, and customer loyalty in a digital-first world. Learn more at: https://unifiedoffice.com

"We don't want to wait for customers to tell us there's a problem—we want to fix it while they're sleeping." — Barbara Dondiego, CEO, AVOXI In a major step forward for global enterprise communications, AVOXI CEO Barbara Dondiego joined Doug Green of Technology Reseller News to announce the launch of three powerful AI-powered services embedded into the company's cloud voice platform: Proactive Services, AVOXI Digest, and Intelligent Caller ID. The news marks a significant evolution in how enterprise contact centers can use artificial intelligence not only to automate but to anticipate, personalize, and optimize their global voice infrastructure. Solving Voice Challenges with Precision AI At the heart of the announcement is Proactive Services, an AI-powered capability that uses machine learning models trained at the individual phone number level to detect anomalies and resolve voice issues—before customers even know there's a problem. “Our industry has long been reactive,” said Dondiego. “But when we reviewed a year's worth of customer service tickets, we found that in 30% of cases we could have solved the issue before the customer called us. Now, we're doing just that.” The service, a Best of Show finalist at Enterprise Connect, is now live and already in use with pilot customers. AVOXI reports that the platform can detect and resolve 100% of issues in advance for current users. Personalization at Scale with AVOXI Digest The second innovation, AVOXI Digest, brings intelligent personalization to customer communications. Using behavioral insights and account activity, the platform curates weekly content that is specifically relevant to each customer's unique environment. “It's a smarter way to engage customers without overwhelming them,” explained Dondiego. “We let the machine do the heavy lifting.” Boosting Call Performance with Intelligent Caller ID For global contact centers, caller ID is more than just a number—it can be the difference between a call answered or ignored. Intelligent Caller ID uses real-time data and AI to recommend the best originating number based on call destination, historical answer rates, and available inventory. “If you're calling the UK and you don't have a UK number, the system may suggest a French or German number if those get better results,” said Dondiego. Engineering Global Voice for the Cloud Era AVOXI's announcement is grounded in its mission: orchestrating global voice through a software-first, API-rich platform that spans 150+ countries. The company specializes in helping enterprises consolidate legacy voice infrastructure and migrate global calling into the cloud—complete with diagnostics, automation, and now, AI. “Our customers are moving servers, PBXs, and even workforces into the cloud. But those legacy numbers still exist everywhere,” noted Dondiego. “We help them bring it all together—and now we're layering in intelligence to make it smarter and more resilient.” Built for Enterprise, Ready Today The new services are designed for enterprise contact center technologists, though service providers can also integrate AVOXI's capabilities to enhance offerings to their own enterprise customers. All three solutions—Proactive Services, AVOXI Digest, and Intelligent Caller ID—are available now, with Proactive Services currently offered as a pilot-to-paid experience to ensure tailored model training. To learn more, schedule a demo, or connect with the AVOXI team, visit www.avoxi.com.

"We're here to help providers simplify, comply, and stay ahead — all in one interface." — Schuyler Voss, Sansay Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Schuyler Voss and Dumitru Borsan of Sansay to discuss the rapidly approaching June 20 Stir/Shaken compliance deadline, and how Sansay's Stir/Shaken Express is helping service providers adapt quickly and confidently. With new FCC requirements taking effect, providers relying on downstream carriers for call signing or lacking their own Do-Not-Originate (DNO) lists may soon find themselves non-compliant — and at risk for enforcement actions. Sansay's Stir/Shaken Express was designed to solve this challenge with simplicity, speed, and scalability. What is Stir/Shaken Express? A hosted solution that enables: Certificate-based call signing for providers lacking infrastructure support DNO list management Compliance in a single, easy-to-use interface Rapid deployment for time-sensitive needs “Some providers just don't have SIP infrastructure that supports standard signing. Stir/Shaken Express includes a signaling proxy that takes over call signing — with minimal customer-side configuration,” explained Borsan. Why It Matters: FCC's 8th Report and Order mandates tighter compliance, effective June 20, 2025 Hosted compliance from Sansay ensures real-time regulatory tracking and updates Future-facing features like branded calling (BCID) are built in, supporting long-term mitigation strategies Sansay, a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) member and CTIA-authorized BCID partner, also stressed the opportunity for MSPs and voice resellers to differentiate by being first to market with a fully compliant, branded calling-ready solution. “June 20 isn't the end — it's just another chapter,” said Voss. “Compliance will keep evolving, and we're committed to helping our partners stay ahead.” To learn more or request a demo, visit sansay.com.

Cisco's AI Channel Playbook: Cassie Roach on Partner Enablement and Infrastructure Innovation, Podcast, With major announcements around AI infrastructure, including AI Pods, Nexus HyperFabric, and GPU-intensive servers, Cisco is positioning itself not just as a networking leader — but as the channel's go-to platform for AI-ready data centers "AI is a once-in-a-generation opportunity — and Cisco is making it real for partners." — Cassie Roach, Global VP, Cloud and AI Infrastructure Partner Sales, Cisco At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green spoke with Cassie Roach, Cisco's Global Vice President of Cloud and AI Infrastructure Partner Sales, about the company's bold steps to transform AI hype into tangible partner opportunity. With major announcements around AI infrastructure, including AI Pods, Nexus HyperFabric, and GPU-intensive servers, Cisco is positioning itself not just as a networking leader — but as the channel's go-to platform for AI-ready data centers. Key Cisco AI Updates for Partners: AI-Ready Infrastructure Specialization: A new certification that helps partners align with customer POCs, scale faster, and prove ROI. Black Belt Training & Partner Tools: Designed to educate, equip, and incentivize partner sellers with co-selling platforms, growth planning, and layered rewards. Marketing Velocity Central: Cisco-branded campaign kits and industry-specific go-to-market resources for partners. AI Pods: Modular infrastructure for training, fine-tuning, and inferencing workloads — with “small, medium, and large” sizing for pilot-to-production journeys. “We're creating an easy button for partners — even in a complex AI environment,” Roach explained. Cisco's approach focuses on frictionless engagement — empowering partners with everything from vertical use-case blueprints to hands-on support for opportunity identification through PXP Growth Finder. Roach emphasized that success depends on enabling partners at every level — not just executives or system integrators — but also frontline sellers, who now have access to tools that simplify the AI value proposition and drive sales. She also highlighted how AI is being securely embedded across Cisco's portfolio — from infrastructure to Webex Collaboration and end-to-end security, allowing customers to move from pilots to production with confidence. “This isn't just about AI,” Roach said. “It's about unlocking the entire Cisco portfolio — in a way that creates real stickiness, real customer outcomes, and real partner growth.” To explore Cisco's partner programs and AI infrastructure resources, visit cisco.com, or log into the partner portal via Sales Connect.

"We're not just enabling secure outcomes — we're simplifying how partners deliver them." — Brian Feeney, VP of Global Partner Security Sales, Cisco At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Brian Feeney, Vice President of Global Partner Security Sales at Cisco, to explore how the company is aligning security innovation with real-world partner needs in an era dominated by AI and complexity. Feeney, whose two-year-old role was created to consolidate and scale Cisco's global partner strategy for security, leads a team of over 260 professionals dedicated to helping Cisco's VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, cloud providers, and global partners navigate a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Cisco's Three-Pillar Security Strategy: Hybrid Mesh Firewall Universal ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) The SOC of the Future (with Splunk Integration) All three areas are now AI-infused by design, not bolted on — a shift exemplified by Cisco's autonomous firewall assistant, which reduces human effort while improving policy execution. Key Cisco Live Announcements: Free Splunk ingestion for Cisco firewall customers, addressing cost concerns and earning applause during the keynote. Streamlined portfolio: Cisco has consolidated 30+ point products into 3 strategic solution sets — user, breach, and cloud — dramatically simplifying the sales and adoption process for partners. Enhanced partner support tools like a “concierge deal registration desk” — offering one-click access to technical, sales, and promotional resources. “This isn't about selling more SKUs,” Feeney said. “It's about helping partners win with less complexity, more margin, and stronger customer outcomes.” Feeney emphasized Cisco's commitment to AI enablement, noting that while only 4% of enterprises are “AI-ready,” partner demand for both securing AI infrastructure and leveraging AI for defense is surging. Cisco is delivering: Expert-led deep dives for top AI-focused partners Scalable enablement through Talos threat intel, learning platforms, and continuous updates AI integrated throughout the security stack — from SOC automation to endpoint visibility The interview concluded with Feeney highlighting Cisco's investment in making security more accessible, operationally efficient, and partner-friendly, even for small or emerging partners. “We want to be the voice and the resource our security partners trust — not just with technology, but with outcomes.” To learn more, visit cisco.com/security.

"AI isn't just about opportunity — it's about addressing real-world challenges. And that gives Africa an edge." — Arthur Goldstuck, Founder, World Wide Worx At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Arthur Goldstuck, the South African journalist, researcher, speaker, and founder of World Wide Worx, for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, technology inequality, and why Africa's challenges may actually be its superpower in the age of AI. Goldstuck, a 40-year veteran of tech journalism and author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI, brings a unique perspective — blending consumer insight, enterprise analysis, and a deep focus on developing economies. His firm, World Wide Worx, was the first African market research company to examine both enterprise and consumer technology adoption, creating a distinctive lens for understanding digital transformation. At the heart of the discussion was Sentinel, Goldstuck's upcoming African edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI. The book reframes AI not as a threat, but as a tool for inclusion, capable of reaching underserved populations with education, healthcare, and financial access — delivered through everyday mobile devices. “If you bring AI to the edge — to the phone — and make it invisible to the user, that's when you unlock opportunity,” Goldstuck explained. He pointed to contrasts within South Africa — a nation with world-class banks and digital infrastructure, yet also vast gaps in education and opportunity. AI, if localized and embedded with intent, can help bridge these divides. Yet Goldstuck also warned of job disruption, especially in industries like contact centers, which play a major role in both South Africa and India. Drawing parallels to the decline of the horse whip industry in the early 20th century, he emphasized that while AI will displace jobs, new roles and sectors will emerge — provided we invest in people now. The conversation came full circle with a reflection on agentic AI — the next evolution of intelligent assistants — as seen in Cisco's unveiling of agentic ops. Goldstuck called it “a bridge to new possibilities,” aligning with Cisco's own branding as a technology connector. “It's not about replacing people,” he said. “It's about enabling them to participate more fully in the global economy.” For more insights and research, visit worldwideworx.com.

“You don't have to have a previous relationship with Verizon. We're looking for new partners—especially those who've never sold connectivity before.” — Jen Skinner, Verizon Business In a fast-changing telecom landscape, Verizon and TELCLOUD are teaming up to offer something powerful: a fresh opportunity for resellers and solution providers to break into POTS line replacement and wireless enablement. In this episode of the POTS and Shots series from TELCLOUD, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sits down with Jake Jacoby of TELCLOUD and special guest Jen Skinner, Associate Director of the Wireless Connectivity Program at Verizon Business. Verizon is expanding its Connectivity Partner Program, offering 4G and 5G fixed wireless access to new and existing partners—no prior Verizon relationship required. This initiative empowers partners, including those with limited telecom backgrounds, to tap into a growing demand for code-compliant and cost-effective POTS line replacements—without the headaches of digging up concrete or rewiring legacy infrastructure. Jake Jacoby underscores how TELCLOUD enables partners to pair Verizon's fixed wireless access with TELCLOUD's hardware to deliver high-reliability, on-premise connectivity. “These are life safety lines,” Jacoby emphasizes. “We need unbreakable connectivity.” Together, TELCLOUD and Verizon provide not just backup internet, but complete primary wireless solutions—even meeting emerging code requirements like elevator video transmission. The conversation also highlights new frontiers for resellers, such as faxing in healthcare and legal sectors where cloud isn't an option, and how TELCLOUD's enablement support fills critical gaps in Verizon's capabilities—making the partnership essential for addressing niche customer needs. And true to the POTS and Shots theme, the episode closes with a shared toast of Código Rosa tequila—aged in Napa Cabernet barrels and selected by Jake for Jen, a fan of bold reds. It's a smooth finish to a bold conversation about growth, opportunity, and innovation in telecom. Learn more: Verizon Connectivity Partner Program: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/enterprise/ TELCLOUD: https://www.telcloud.com | 844-900-2270

"Customers don't want three different dashboards — they want one pane of glass." — Adam Derkey, Product Architect, Unimax At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Adam Derkey of Unimax to explore Sentinel, the company's cloud-native, multi-vendor CDR (Call Detail Record) and analytics tool. Sentinel, now live for nearly a year, provides a single interface for monitoring call data across Cisco, Microsoft Teams, Avaya, and other platforms — eliminating the need for disparate reporting tools. Designed from the ground up as a cloud-first solution in Microsoft Azure, Sentinel simplifies the overwhelming volume of CDR data generated by modern UC systems, offering standardized dashboards, visualizations, and actionable insights. “You don't have to understand how a Teams call record works versus a Cisco record. We normalize all of it so you can focus on what matters,” said Derkey, who led the product's design. Unlike Unimax's flagship Second Nature, which streamlines MACD (Moves, Adds, Changes, and Deletes) management, Sentinel provides deep analytics on system performance and usage. Together, the two solutions create a powerful lifecycle platform: one for UC system control, the other for operational intelligence. Key Features of Sentinel: Multi-vendor CDR normalization (Cisco, Avaya, Teams, etc.) Unified dashboards and visual analytics Rapid cloud deployment (in as little as a week) Open availability to both existing and new Unimax customers Unimax is already seeing strong demand — from both long-time customers and net-new prospects — especially among enterprises seeking simplified UC reporting and resellers who want to offer bundled visibility solutions. Sentinel is also helping channel partners open new conversations with Cisco users and decision-makers. “It's a door-opener,” said Derkey, “especially for those who want to consolidate UC analytics without adding another vendor.” To learn more, visit unimax.com.

"We're here to take the complexity out of unified communications — and turn it into simplicity." — Todd Remely, Unimax At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green caught up with Todd Remely of Unimax to explore how the company is streamlining unified communications (UC) management for enterprises and partners alike. With over 30 years in business, Unimax is a veteran in the telecom software space. Their tools help organizations manage Cisco, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Avaya UC systems more efficiently — and that value was on full display across two booths at Cisco Live: one in the Collaboration Village (highlighting Webex integration) and another on the main show floor. Three Ways Unimax Delivers Simplicity in Complex UC Environments: Second Nature A power-user interface that layers over Cisco and other major UC platforms, enabling administrators to perform complex MACDs (moves, adds, changes, deletes) and configuration tasks like provisioning, routing, and device pool management — all from one streamlined dashboard. Automation Platform Unimax enables full automation of provisioning and deprovisioning processes. Their platform integrates with Active Directory, ServiceNow, Remedy, HRIS systems, and any REST API-enabled tool, drastically reducing time and human error in user onboarding and offboarding. HelpOne A lightweight interface that empowers Tier 1 help desk agents to complete routine MACDs — such as password resets — without telecom expertise, freeing up UC teams to focus on higher-priority work. Remely noted strong engagement from MSPs and resellers, many of whom use Unimax's multi-tenant solutions to manage customer UC systems at scale. "We're solution-focused," he said. "And we love working with end users — because that's where the real problems are, and that's where we can help most." For more information or to request a demo, visit unimax.com or contact the team at tellmemore@unimax.com.

"We've built a smarter AI — not just to summarize performance, but to help you win more business." — Ted Lee, SmarTrak At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Ted Lee, founder of SmarTrak, joined Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green to announce the launch of SmarTrak.AI v3 — a major upgrade designed to reshape how Cisco partners and end customers manage lifecycle, subscriptions, and enterprise agreements. The big news? SmarTrak is now serving two audiences: Cisco partners: SmarTrak v3 offers a prescriptive, AI-powered platform that enables sellers, CX teams, and renewals specialists to drive more efficient lifecycle management, retention, and expansion. End customers: For the first time, SmarTrak's solution is being made available directly to enterprise users, helping them monitor their internal Cisco assets, optimize spend, and better manage long-term agreements. “Partners use it to grow business,” said Lee. “Now, end customers can use it to control spend and manage their Cisco investment proactively.” Backed by enhanced AI capabilities, SmarTrak.AI v3 delivers high-level business summaries, proactive alerts, and actionable insights tailored to real-world Cisco implementations. According to Lee, beta testers have already reported “tremendous adoption and growth within weeks.” Built from the ground up in just the past two years, SmarTrak's platform was purpose-built to take advantage of the latest in AI innovation — and now v3 replaces even its own earlier AI stack with a more robust, intelligent engine. With growing demand from both partners and enterprise buyers, SmarTrak is poised to become a key intelligence layer in Cisco lifecycle strategy. “We're seeing interest from customers who never had this kind of visibility before,” Lee shared. To learn more or request a demo, visit smartrak.ai.

"Organizations are eager to adopt AI — but 71% of leaders say their workforce isn't ready." — Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader, Network and Edge, Kyndryl At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge at Kyndryl, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to spotlight a critical — and often overlooked — component of AI transformation: people readiness. While 95% of enterprise leaders say they're using AI, Kyndryl's latest People Readiness Report reveals a stark disconnect: 71% of those same leaders believe their workforce is not prepared to make full use of the technology. As the world's largest IT managed services provider, Kyndryl supports global enterprises with full-stack IT solutions — and people remain at the heart of that mission. “Our 80,000 engineers and technicians are on the front lines of IT transformation,” said Savill. “Understanding how ready they are — and helping them become more ready — is essential.” The report, based on a global survey of CIOs, CTOs, and CEOs, also uncovered tension at the executive level: 43% of CEOs said external hiring is the top strategy for bridging AI skills gaps. But only 16% of CIOs/CTOs agree, instead prioritizing internal reskilling. According to Savill, this internal approach includes developing cross-functional expertise, especially as networking, security, and cloud operations rapidly converge. “We're merging roles, job descriptions, and even operational centers,” he noted. “Networking professionals need to understand security. Security teams need to understand cloud.” Savill also emphasized the importance of breaking down silos to prevent cloud misconfigurations — a leading cause of security breaches. “Misconfigurations often stem from a lack of collaboration across teams. Training people to work across domains is critical.” Kyndryl's work with Cisco, particularly in data center networking and edge services, now extends into AI and even quantum computing readiness. These next-gen technologies, Savill warned, require not just platform adoption but deep workforce transformation to be deployed securely and effectively. As AI adoption accelerates, data quality becomes the cornerstone of success. “You can't train an effective AI with bad data,” said Savill. “Foundational work around data integrity, structure, and governance is as important as the AI tools themselves.” The podcast concluded with a reflection on AI anxiety in the workplace — and a message of optimism. “There are legitimate concerns about job displacement,” Savill acknowledged. “But our research shows that most technical leaders want to reskill their existing teams. And when companies invest in their people, the results will be extraordinary.” For more information, visit kyndryl.com.

Technology Reseller News Podcast with SmarTrak's Ted Lee, Live from Cisco Live 2025 “We truly are a revenue machine... Our partners are calling us saying, ‘I need more licenses.'” — Ted Lee, SmarTrak As competition in the channel ecosystem intensifies, Cisco partners are under pressure to retain and grow customer relationships. In this edition of the Technology Reseller News podcast, publisher Doug Green catches up with Ted Lee of SmarTrak at Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, where Lee unveils how SmarTrak's AI-powered application is helping partners do exactly that—with measurable, dramatic results. Solving the Install Base Challenge At its core, SmarTrak is a platform designed to help Cisco partners manage the entire lifecycle of a customer's install base—from subscriptions to Enterprise Agreements (EAs) to lifecycle and incentive programs. What sets it apart, says Lee, is its ability to consolidate Cisco's data feeds—often spread across dozens of systems—into a unified global view that's not even available natively within Cisco. AI-Powered Opportunity Creation With the launch of SmarTrak v3, the company has enhanced its AI layer to deliver real-time insights into end-of-life, true forward, overconsumption, sustainability swaps, and budget forecasting. “We're helping people predict and budget five years of Cisco spend instantly,” said Lee. “Our partners are winning seven, even eight-figure deals just from a demo.” Award-Winning Innovation and ROI SmarTrak's impact hasn't gone unnoticed. The company was recently named the DSI Innovation Partner of the Year for the Americas East region, in recognition of how its platform fuels partner-led growth. One SmarTrak partner recently secured a $17 million win from a rival partner based on the insight provided by a demo alone. Lee emphasizes that SmarTrak is more than just software—it's a partner success engine. “We know that channel partners are margin-conscious,” said Lee. “So we focus not only on the application but on adoption—with video training, onboarding, one-on-one support, and forward-looking revenue mapping.” Built for Channel Adoption In an industry often plagued by underused tools, SmarTrak is built to be adopted and embraced. Its ease of use, combined with high-touch support, makes it a standout. “People don't just buy SmartTrack,” Lee says. “They use it—and they grow with it.” Learn More To discover how SmarTrak is helping Cisco partners increase retention, revenue, and renewal success, visit https://smartrak.ai/. Mention the podcast, and you might even hear back directly from Ted Lee himself. Podcast Sponsor: SmarTrak proudly sponsored Technology Reseller's Cisco Live 2025 podcast series, marking over a year of mutual success and growth. #CiscoLive #ChannelPartners #AIinTech #LifecycleManagement #SmarTrakAI #TechReseller #PartnerSuccess #CiscoEA #RevenueGrowth #DigitalTransformation

“The AI-powered enterprise is here—and it demands a network that can keep up.” — Aruna Ravichandran, SVP, Cisco In a conversation recorded live at Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Aruna Ravichandran, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cisco's Enterprise Connectivity and Collaboration division. The discussion centered on Cisco's major announcements aimed at future-proofing enterprise networks to meet the growing demands of AI, automation, and increasing security threats. Ravichandran explained that Cisco is preparing for a massive transformation in the global workforce—one where AI agents will soon outnumber human workers. With billions of devices and agents expected to be actively communicating, Cisco predicts massive increases in both east-west and north-south traffic, pushing legacy networks to their limits. To meet this challenge, Cisco launched a suite of new solutions including: AI Canvas: A collaborative dashboard powered by a Cisco-trained large language model (LLM), offering cross-domain data visibility, telemetry integration, and AI-driven diagnostics. Integrated with a conversational AI assistant, it enables NetOps teams to resolve complex network issues in seconds instead of days. Agentic Ops: A new paradigm using AI to simplify network operations, empowering NetOps professionals to do more with shrinking budgets. Smart Switches and Secure Routers: Featuring dual CPU architecture (one for networking and one for security), these devices are post-quantum ready and built to support Cisco's Hypershield initiative. Wi-Fi 7 Access Points: A first in the industry, offering high-performance wireless connectivity for AI-heavy environments. Live Protect: A breakthrough feature enabling live patching of switches without downtime, reinforcing Cisco's three-layer security model across infrastructure, connectivity, and applications. Unified Management: Merging the Meraki and Catalyst dashboards into a single control plane to streamline administration. Ravichandran emphasized that all new technologies are backward compatible, ensuring customers can modernize without disrupting ongoing operations. However, she strongly encouraged enterprises still relying on aging infrastructure—like CAT 9200 and 6K series—to begin refreshing now to leverage these capabilities. Finally, Ravichandran reinforced Cisco's strong commitment to its partner ecosystem, noting that the company has built extensive enablement plans for channel partners to capitalize on this refresh wave. For more, visit: https://www.cisco.com #AIinNetworking #CiscoLive2025 #NetworkRefresh #AgenticOps #SecureNetworking #WiFi7 #TechReseller #CiscoAI #SmartInfrastructure #TechnologyResellerNews

"First day, worst day, every day — that's what we're built for." — Patrick Quirk, President & GM, Opengear At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Patrick Quirk, President and General Manager of Opengear, joined Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green to unveil a major innovation in network resilience: Opengear's new Foundational Support platform. Designed to meet the growing demands of increasingly complex, high-density network environments, the SLA-backed solution debuts as part of Opengear's commitment to full-lifecycle customer support. “It's not just about selling equipment,” said Quirk. “It's about walking with the customer through every stage of the network's lifecycle — from deployment to daily operations to disaster recovery.” A long-standing Cisco partner, Opengear has evolved from traditional console servers to a critical infrastructure provider, helping companies maintain uptime in an era where milliseconds matter — especially amid today's AI-driven network traffic spikes. “Outages aren't just inconvenient,” Quirk noted. “They're expensive. We're seeing potential losses of $21,000 per minute during downtime.” Opengear's edge? Out-of-band management. Unlike in-band VLAN control planes, which can be compromised during incidents or overloaded by data traffic, out-of-band infrastructure operates on a completely separate path. This architecture allows for immediate network visibility and control during even the worst disruptions, such as fiber cuts or cyberattacks. Supporting both operational and compliance objectives, Opengear enables organizations to maintain certifications like ISO, SOC 2, and NIST. “We're the wrapper around your network,” said Quirk, emphasizing the company's ability to enforce security and governance alongside performance. The conversation also spotlighted Opengear's recent AI-focused global research, which found a “lens gap” between network engineers and the C-suite. While both groups recognize AI's potential, engineers view it as a productivity tool, whereas executives prioritize compliance and customer value. “There's alignment,” Quirk said. “It just needs more conversation.” At Cisco Live, Opengear is exhibiting at booth 4324 and hosting sessions on topics like agentic AI and network strategy. More details are available at opengear.com.

“We need to make things easier and secure from the foundation—by design.” — Stephen Marshall, CEO, Moon Equity Holdings Corp. In a compelling new episode of Technology Reseller News, publisher Doug Green sits down with Stephen Marshall, CEO of Moon Equity Holdings Corp., to discuss a transformative initiative aimed at rebuilding the Internet from the ground up. At the heart of the conversation is Indexr.ai, a new distributed platform designed to restore privacy, curb AI-generated disinformation, and reassert user control in the digital age. Moon Equity Holdings, a public company on the pink sheets, was repurposed by Marshall as the funding vehicle for Indexr, bypassing traditional Silicon Valley capital to allow everyday people to participate in the Internet's reinvention. As Marshall explains, the current structure of the web—laden with bloated code, vulnerable data pipelines, and AI hallucinations—has reached a breaking point. “AI is already citing AI,” warns Marshall, describing a dangerous feedback loop where hallucinated content becomes canon. He even recounts a personal experience where a major AI platform mistakenly declared him deceased, combining his bio with an obituary of another individual bearing his name. Marshall's solution is not merely a browser—though the term is used for accessibility. Instead, Indexr is a distributed, privacy-centric platform built with hypercloud architecture, modular stacks, and VPN-like node networking. It promises secure, scalable, and customizable experiences for consumers, businesses, and government use alike. With Indexr, Marshall and his team aim to dismantle the data-leaking, cookie-laden infrastructure of today's Internet and replace it with something secure by default. This vision extends into the defense sector, with Marshall also co-founding Shieldcom, a private communications company supporting secure military-grade communications. Green and Marshall conclude by emphasizing the importance of building digital ecosystems that are both usable and trustworthy. The Indexr platform, slated for rollout by year-end, may be just the start of a new chapter in how we connect, search, and share online. Learn more at: https://indexr.ai

“People think of tariffs and duties as just shipping line items—but they're reshaping boardroom strategy.” — Noa Sussman, TecEx In this installment of the TecEx podcast series, Noa Sussman returns to help listeners navigate the rapidly evolving—and often misunderstood—world of tariffs, duties, and VAT. Hosted by Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, this session pulls back the curtain on the taxes and trade terms that are quietly impacting IT budgets, deployment timelines, and global expansion strategies. “We've reached a point where the C-suite needs to understand the difference between a tariff and a duty,” says Sussman. “These aren't just accounting line items anymore. They're strategic levers that can affect profitability, market timing, and compliance risk.” TecEx provides not just shipping services, but end-to-end strategic support for global IT deployments, acting as the “importer of record” in over 200 jurisdictions. In this episode, Sussman breaks down: What VAT really is and how it's recoverable along the supply chain—but a major cash flow issue at customs if unplanned. How duties differ from VAT and why they are used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Why tariffs are political tools, not just trade policies—and how they're weaponized in global disputes. Why compliance isn't optional and how recent export control failures have landed executives in legal trouble. Using real-world examples, Sussman shows how companies can lose margin—or worse, face legal issues—simply by failing to plan early. “We're not just problem solvers after things go wrong,” he emphasizes. “We're strategic partners who can help you avoid the problem in the first place.” Key takeaway: Don't wait until a shipment is stuck at customs. Engage with experts like TecEx before contracts are signed and pricing is set. Taxes, duties, tariffs, and compliance must now be factored into the earliest stages of international planning. Learn more at https://www.tecex.com

“We're part of the governance mechanism telcos need for AI to be safe, secure, and performant,” said Stephen Douglas, Head of Market Strategy at Spirent. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Publisher Doug Green interviews Stephen Douglas of Spirent, one of the world's leading test, measurement, and assurance providers for the ICT sector. The conversation takes a deep dive into how telecom service providers are uniquely positioned to lead in the era of sovereign AI — and why rigorous testing and assurance will be critical to their success. As AI moves from training clusters into live consumer and enterprise applications, the demands on network infrastructure are shifting dramatically. From unpredictable traffic bursts to strict data sovereignty regulations, Douglas explains how these changes represent both a threat and an opportunity for telcos. Central to the discussion is the concept of Sovereign AI — the idea that governments and mission-critical industries will require localized, compliant, and secure AI infrastructures. Far from being a constraint, Douglas argues this trend offers telcos a new chance to move beyond the “fat dumb pipe” role and become national AI enablers. By leveraging their deep, distributed infrastructure, trusted relationships, and regulatory experience, service providers can offer GPU-as-a-service, AI model orchestration, and privacy-compliant platforms. But as Douglas warns, with opportunity comes accountability. Telcos will need to validate AI model behavior, prevent hallucinations, ensure security doesn't degrade performance, and continuously test compliance. Spirent, Douglas notes, plays a crucial role in enabling this transformation: “From performance validation to continuous compliance audits, we're helping service providers become the trusted AI platforms of the future.” To learn more about Spirent: https://www.spirent.com

In a special episode leading up to the CCA European Summit, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Mattias Ohde, Investor and Advisor at Meetric, a conversational intelligence platform purpose-built for service providers. At the Brussels event, Ohde will join a panel on “The Power of an Open Best-of-Breed Ecosystem Approach,” where he'll explore how providers can stay competitive in an AI-driven world without being locked into monolithic tech stacks. “There is no longer time to build everything yourself,” says Ohde. “The pace of innovation is too fast. To keep up, you need an open infrastructure where best-of-breed technologies can be added, replaced, and evolved.” Meetric's white-label platform goes beyond basic call transcription by ingesting data across telephony, meetings, chat, and contact centers to deliver actionable insights, AI coaching, and workflow automation — all integrated into the service provider's backend. Built for telecom operators and UCaaS providers, Meetric's offering includes full portals for onboarding, billing, and provisioning — allowing service providers to package cutting-edge conversational AI as their own branded solution. Ohde argues this modular, flexible approach is essential in today's market: “You don't win by trying to do everything in-house. You win by assembling the best and letting your platform evolve with the needs of your customers.” Ohde also praises the CCA event itself: “What's unique about this summit is that it isn't just a showcase — it's a gathering of forward-looking thinkers focused on real innovation. Even competitors are collaborating to raise the industry standard.” With an expanding toolkit and a partner-first mindset, Meetric represents the type of ecosystem thinking that's redefining the future of cloud communications. Learn more: https://www.meetric.com Event details: CCA European Summit – Brussels, June 16–17, 2025

In this special preview of the CCA European Summit, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Jeff Korn, CEO and Chairman of Crexendo, a leading telecom platform provider and active member of the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA). Set to speak on a key panel at the Brussels event, Korn outlines Crexendo's bold vision for open, best-of-breed ecosystems in telecom. “We recently surpassed 6 million users, making us the third largest platform in the U.S. serving third parties,” Korn reports. “That growth is driven by our open APIs, flexible deployment options, and a commitment to giving customers full control of their platforms.” Crexendo's NetSapiens platform enables providers to shape telecom solutions to fit their own business needs — not someone else's template. “We don't believe in one-size-fits-all,” says Korn. “With our open APIs and customizable interfaces, our licensees can create exactly what they need — or integrate tools from any vendor they choose.” One of the platform's most disruptive features is its pricing model: Crexendo charges by sessions, not seats. “Why should schools or hotels pay for phones that aren't in use? You only pay for the sessions you need,” says Korn. This usage-based pricing creates massive cost-efficiency for verticals with seasonality or compliance-based phone requirements. Looking beyond North America, Korn discussed Crexendo's expansion across EMEA, highlighting a strategic partnership with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) that allows the company to rapidly deploy localized services in countries with strict data sovereignty laws. “We can now spin up a compliant, country-specific instance in days,” notes Korn. “That's a game-changer for growth across Europe, Africa, and Asia.” As Crexendo continues its global ascent, Korn will join other industry leaders in Brussels, sharing how openness, flexibility, and customer-first design can power innovation across borders. Learn more about Crexendo: https://www.crexendo.com Event details: CCA European Summit – Brussels, June 16–17, 2025

“The impact is now,” says Damon Finaldi, President of TeleCloud. “In under a year, this will become more commonplace in the telecom business.” In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green welcomes back Damon Finaldi of TeleCloud, a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) member, for a live demonstration and deep dive into one of telecom's most talked-about innovations: vCons (Virtual Conversations). TeleCloud, a New Jersey-based cloud service provider, has deep roots in direct client interaction across industries like healthcare, auto, legal, and service trades. That close engagement has led to a key insight: data, not just service, is the most valuable business asset—and vCons are the vehicle to unlock it. Powered by conversational AI, vCons capture and enrich business communications (calls, emails, texts), then deliver actionable insights through TeleCloud's dashboard interface. Finaldi explains how this real-time analysis reveals call trends, sentiment, tone, and key phrases, offering triggers and alerts to preempt issues before they escalate. “We're not just recording calls—we're making the data useful,” Finaldi says. Through integration with vertical-specific applications, such as appointment systems for urgent care clinics, TeleCloud is enabling real-time business intelligence across customer interactions. Key takeaways from the podcast: vCons turn voice and text data into actionable insight with AI TeleCloud's platform now delivers real-time sentiment and trend analysis Insights dashboards trigger alerts and stitch together multi-channel data Service providers must adopt this or risk losing relevance—and valuation The vCon format is being approved by the IETF as a global standard As AI adoption accelerates, TeleCloud is positioning itself not just as a cloud provider—but as a business intelligence partner. The future of telecom, Finaldi argues, lies in offering clients more than connectivity—it's about delivering clarity. Learn more at: https://telecloud.net

Julia Evans “We want people to ask these questions,” says Julia Evans, Group Operations Director at TXO. “This gives our customers and partners a real indication of what they're actually doing in real time.” In a new episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green speaks with Julia Evans of TXO about a groundbreaking sustainability initiative: the TXO Carbon Calculator. Developed in partnership with the Carbon Trust, the calculator gives telecom operators and enterprises a powerful tool to measure the carbon savings of reusing, refurbishing, and recycling network equipment instead of buying new. TXO, a global technology lifecycle partner, helps service providers extend the life of their assets by decommissioning, repairing, reselling, and responsibly recycling telecom infrastructure. As Evans explains, with the continued move to the cloud and digital transformation accelerating, there's a surge in decommissioned equipment—and a massive opportunity to manage it sustainably. The Carbon Calculator is now available through TXO's iTrack portal and provides customers with validated, downloadable data on carbon savings. In some cases, using refurbished components rather than new ones can reduce emissions by up to 93%. Evans emphasized that the methodology is rigorous and backed by the Carbon Trust, ensuring customers can confidently use this data in sustainability reports and procurement planning. In a telecom environment where sustainability is becoming a key procurement driver, TXO's offering stands out—not just for reducing emissions, but for making those savings measurable, reportable, and impactful. TXO is also expanding in North America following the acquisition of Airway Group, further growing its reach and ability to support circular economy practices globally. Learn more at: https://www.txo.com

“Got vCon? You will.” — Jeff Pulver In this special edition of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Publisher Doug Green sits down with Jeff Pulver, creator of the Pulver vCon Report and longtime voice of innovation in telecom, to explore what Pulver calls the "sleeper technology of 2025": the vCon. A vCon, or virtualized conversation, is more than just a recording—it's a standardized, structured file format that captures the full depth of business conversations across any channel, whether voice, video, email, or chat. Pulver describes it as “robot food for AI,” the foundational data businesses need to fuel next-generation automation, analytics, and compliance tools. “The moment the call ends is when the real magic starts,” says Pulver. With vCon, conversations become searchable, analyzable, and actionable. From real-time sales dashboards to AI-driven support insights, Pulver argues that vCon files are unlocking "organizational memory" in ways businesses have never seen. Pulver draws parallels between vCon today and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) in its early days—both were initially niche innovations that became foundational. He also highlights the growing vCon ecosystem, noting that over 30 companies are already building with the standard, and invites others to get ahead by building their “vCon strategy.” Upcoming Events: Fall ‘25 VON: Evolution, September 15 in Washington, D.C. Fall ‘25 vCon Conference, October 21-23 in Dallas, TX Throughout the episode, Pulver emphasizes that vCon technology isn't about hypothetical futures—it's happening now, with real tools like conservers (e.g., conserver.io) and protocols like SCITT (Supply Chain Integrity, Transparency, and Trust) shaping a trustworthy foundation for AI-powered enterprises. Whether you're in telecom, compliance, support, or just managing a messy digital life, Pulver's message is clear: “What's your vCon strategy?” Subscribe to Jeff's thoughts at thejeffpulver.substack.com Stay tuned to Technology Reseller News for more on the vCon revolution.  

"The problem is way bigger than people think… scams are now so good, even cybersecurity professionals fall for them." — Dmitri Vellikok, VP of Embedded Security, F-Secure In this compelling Technology Reseller News podcast, publisher Doug Green speaks with Dmitri Vellikok, Vice President of Embedded Security at F-Secure, about the urgent need for cybersecurity resilience in an AI-driven threat landscape. With nearly four decades of experience in digital protection and a long-standing, behind-the-scenes role powering cybersecurity for major telcos, F-Secure is stepping up efforts to help service providers build networks that are not only secure—but resilient. Dmitri Vellikok The conversation dives deep into how AI is a double-edged sword: enabling advanced threat detection, but also fueling a new generation of sophisticated scams that are increasingly difficult to identify. Vellikok discusses findings from F-Secure's recent global consumer security survey, which revealed that while 70% of users believe they can spot a scam, 43% have actually fallen victim—highlighting the growing disconnect between confidence and reality in the digital age. Vellikok emphasizes the critical role telecom operators can play in defending users. With access to rich behavioral and traffic data, service providers are uniquely positioned to identify and prevent threats in real time—especially as AI enables more targeted and scalable attacks. He outlines how F-Secure is working to empower these providers with predictive cybersecurity tools, including the concept of a “threat score” that can alert users when they're most at risk. Importantly, the podcast also addresses the balance between robust security and seamless user experience. Consumers, Vellikok notes, don't want tutorials or pop-ups—they just want problems to quietly go away. This insight is guiding F-Secure's approach to embedded protection that works silently and effectively behind the scenes. As 5G continues to roll out globally, the conversation ends on an optimistic note: this new architecture not only enhances connectivity but offers new opportunities for layered, real-time security solutions tailored to tomorrow's threats. Learn more about F-Secure: https://www.f-secure.com/us-en

“The opportunity is real, the margin is built-in, and the customer already trusts you.” — Jake Jacoby, TELCLOUD In the latest episode of POTS and SHOTS, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sits down once again with Jake Jacoby, co-founder of TELCLOUD, for a fresh look at one of the hottest—and simplest—ways for resellers to grow revenue in 2025: POTS replacement. This installment of the TELCLOUD series focuses on keeping it simple. Jake walks us through how TELCLOUD 's white label program empowers resellers to launch fully branded POTS replacement services without the headaches—no heavy lifting, no upfront hardware costs, and no telecom experience needed. “Telecom might be complicated,” says Jacoby, “but we make it easy. Resellers can use our platform to deliver complete solutions—connectivity, equipment, install, support, even billing—under their brand.” And for those not ready to fully commit, TELCLOUD offers a tiered entry path. Whether you're ready to become a full reseller or just want to earn commissions through agent partnerships, TELCLOUD has a model to fit your readiness—and your customers' needs. Jacoby explains how TELCLOUD's OPEX model and turnkey setup allow partners to begin earning revenue from day one, enabling anyone from seasoned MSPs to telecom newbies to enter the POTS replacement space with confidence. “Some MSPs don't even do telecom—but they're already in front of elevators, alarm systems, fire panels. They're standing right in front of the POTS opportunity.” And of course, it wouldn't be POTS and SHOTS without tequila. This week's pour: Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco—unaged, uncut, and packed with flavor. “It's strong, spicy, and pure—just like our message today,” says Jacoby. Next episode: Fixed Wireless Access with Verizon Business' Jennifer Skinner Tune in as we explore what's brewing in broadband, and how resellers can tap into new connectivity models. Learn more about TELCLOUD: https://telcloud.com 844-900-2270

"You're not building for today—you're building the next, and the next after that." — Daan De Wever, CEO & Co-founder, Dstny, “AI assistants are the biggest invention since the internet.” Dstny, is the official host of the 2025 CCA European Summit in Brussels, Belgium (June 16–17) In this podcast, Technology Reseller News Publisher Doug Green interviews Daan De Wever, the CEO and co-founder of Dstny, who is also serving as the official host of the 2025 CCA European Summit in Brussels, Belgium (June 16–17). The conversation offers a preview of the summit's content, speakers, and a candid discussion of the evolution—and future—of cloud communications in Europe. De Wever describes Dstny as a leading European cloud communications provider serving over 5 million users, with deep expertise in SMBs and global growth through Microsoft Teams integration. He shares why Brussels was chosen as the summit venue, calling it the true center of Europe—and an ideal location for a landmark gathering of cloud leaders. This year's keynote speaker, Herman Van Rompuy, the first president of the European Council, will join a lineup of prominent voices including Times of London, Cavell, and Dave Michels. De Wever himself will deliver a keynote titled "The Entrepreneur's Journey," offering a transparent look at how Dstny built long-term value through disciplined strategy, authentic leadership, and true integration—not just financial "pileups." “AI assistants are the biggest invention since the internet.” On AI, De Wever doesn't mince words: “AI assistants are the biggest invention since the internet.” He argues that cloud providers must stop thinking of UCaaS as the final product—“It's legacy”—and instead prepare for dramatic change. Dstny, he reveals, is already moving to integrate AI into their core platforms with patented technology aimed at faster innovation delivery. De Wever also offers a sober view on M&A in the sector: "Many companies are just stacking assets. But real builders think about story, integration, innovation, and the long-term customer value." The conversation ends on a high note with a nod to hospitality: De Wever personally curated a private pre-summit dinner and will serve as the evening's sommelier. “There will be no bad wines at the CCA Summit,” he jokes. To learn more about Dstny, visit: https://www.dstny.com To register for the summit: https://www.cloudcommunications.com/events/eu-summit-2025

"VoIP is table stakes. Now we're in Cloud 3.0, where value comes from how you integrate and differentiate." — Dave Dadds, CEO, VanillaIP & Uboss In this special Technology Reseller News podcast for the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA), TR Publisher Doug Green speaks with David R. Dadds, CEO of VanillaIP and Uboss, about the evolving state of cloud communications—and why European SMBs must rethink digital transformation as they enter the AI-driven era of "Cloud 3.0." Dadds, who will speak on the panel "European SMBs Digital Transformation Maturity Level and AI Adoption" at the CCA European Summit in Brussels (June 16–17, 2025), shares insight into VanillaIP's journey and Uboss' evolution from a service tool for BroadSoft providers into a full-fledged cloud enablement platform. “We're not just supporting VoIP anymore,” says Dadds. “We're enabling service providers to package Microsoft 365, Webex, Stripe billing, and more—instantly, at scale, with self-service models.” The conversation turns toward AI, where Dadds emphasizes that “the opportunity is real, it's here, and it's accessible.” He highlights sentiment analysis and transcription as early AI use cases gaining traction with customers, but says the real frontier lies in customizable, integrated services for verticals like legal or healthcare. “If everyone sells the same VoIP package, price becomes the differentiator,” Dadds warns. “That's not sustainable.” Dadds coins the term “Cloud 3.0” to describe today's communications landscape—one where voice is just one of many components. “The real ROI,” he says, “comes from combining collaboration, CRM, contact center, AI, and more, into a smart, responsive platform tailored to how people work today.” He encourages resellers to explore VanillaIP's and Uboss' tools for enabling self-service sales, real-time provisioning, and vertical-specific differentiation—accessible via: vanillaip.com uboss.com To attend the CCA European Summit and see Dave Dadds live, visit: https://www.cloudcommunications.com/events/eu-summit-2025

“Mobility isn't over. It's just getting started—and service providers are in the best position to lead.” — Dave Michels, Principal Analyst, TalkingPointz In this thought-provoking Technology Reseller News podcast, Publisher Doug Green spoke with Dave Michels of TalkingPointz about his upcoming presentation at the CCA European Summit 2025, taking place June 16–17 near Brussels. Known for his witty insights and hard-hitting analysis, Dave shared a powerful message for service providers: UCaaS Mobility 3 is coming—and it's your moment to lead. Michels describes UCaaS Mobility 3 as the next evolution in business communications, where UCaaS is no longer just an app on a smartphone (Mobility 2), but directly embedded via SIM, offering users a seamless second business number. Though early initiatives like Cisco Webex Go and Microsoft Teams Phone Mobile have gained traction, adoption has been slower than expected. “But maybe I wasn't wrong,” Michels reflected. “Maybe I was just early.” Drawing on his extensive travels across Europe, Michels sees a continent where mobile-first commerce, WhatsApp integration, and SIM-based UCaaS are gaining serious ground—and predicts the U.S. will follow. At the Summit, Dave will explore how geopolitical headwinds and regulatory shifts are converging with advances in AI and mobile communications. He makes the case that service providers—not OTT players—are now best positioned to drive this change. As UCaaS begins to converge with mobile identity, data ownership, and user expectations, SIM-based integration offers a clear path forward. “We've been living in a broken world of apps, dual phones, and confusing ownership models,” Michels said. “This shift will simplify communications and empower providers to deliver end-user value like never before.” You can catch Michels live at the CCA European Summit, where his session will offer a fresh lens on opportunity in a time of challenge. Learn more and register: cloudcommunications.com Subscribe to Dave's analysis: talkingpointz.com

“The Cloud Communications Alliance is sending a clear signal: Europe matters.” — Bertrand Pourcelot, CEO, Enreach for Service Providers As Europe navigates a shifting geopolitical and technological landscape, the 2025 CCA European Summit is stepping up to meet the moment. In this special podcast, Doug Green, Publisher, Technology Reseller News spoke with Bertrand Pourcelot, CEO of Enreach for Service Providers and CCA board member, about the upcoming event to be held June 16–17 just outside Brussels. Pourcelot emphasized the Summit's growing role as a strategic bridge between U.S. and European communications providers. “CCA's goal isn't just expansion—it's mutual understanding,” he noted. Enreach, a pan-European provider of Smart Contact platforms, serves over 120 service providers across more than 20 countries and has been central to broadening CCA's European engagement. This year's Summit will feature a tightly focused one-and-a-half-day program, balancing telecom and UCaaS innovations with high-level insights into Europe's regulatory dynamics, AI adoption, and the global economic environment. Key speakers include Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and first President of the European Council, and the Economics Editor of The Times of London—offering dual lenses on EU and global market drivers. Pourcelot will host a panel on “The Power of an Open, Best-of-Breed Ecosystem,” spotlighting how platforms and vertical integrations can unlock end-user value. Panelists will include leaders from CloudCTI, Akixi, Mitric, and other innovators in analytics, CRM, and AI-powered services. “Innovation thrives when there's openness, orchestration, and true partnership,” Pourcelot said. To learn more about the CCA European Summit, visit the Cloud Communications Alliance website. For more on Enreach's service provider offerings, explore https://www.enreach.com/sp.

In this forward-looking episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green interviews Srikrishnan (Sri) Ganesan, CEO and co-founder of Rocketlane, following the company's Propel 2025 conference. Ganesan outlines a new model for the future of project-based services delivery—what Rocketlane calls the Intelligent Delivery Organization. Rocketlane is a professional services automation (PSA) platform designed to help service delivery teams unify project execution, customer engagement, staffing, and margin control—all on one AI-powered platform. Ganesan emphasizes that the era of traditional professional services is evolving rapidly into a hybrid model of human + AI collaboration, where efficiency, proactive delivery, and superior customer experience are no longer trade-offs—they're intertwined goals. One major theme of Propel 2025 was rethinking legacy systems and adopting an “AI-first” mindset. Ganesan shares how Rocketlane clients, including leaders from Zoom and Palantir, are already leveraging AI agents to automate documentation, configuration, and even elements of decision-making—allowing human experts to focus on solution design and customer relationships. “We're not replacing humans—we're enhancing them,” Ganesan explains. “Think of AI as an intelligent intern that never sleeps and gets better every day.” From enabling real-time project health tracking to capturing customer sentiment throughout the project lifecycle, Rocketlane is helping organizations move from reactive firefighting to proactive delivery, making delays and inefficiencies a thing of the past. Ganesan also cautions that companies stuck in disjointed systems may struggle to compete. “If one company delivers a project in two months, and the other takes eight—customers will pick the faster team every time. It's less risky, more valuable, and it's where the industry is heading.” To learn more, visit https://www.rocketlane.com. Explore thought leadership and full conference sessions via RocketlaneTV under the Resources section.

In this inaugural episode of a special ASCDI and Technology Reseller News podcast series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Noa Sussman of TecEx—a global IT compliance and logistics specialist and ASCDI member—on a deceptively complex topic: cross-border IT shipments. Shipping tech equipment globally isn't as simple as handing it over to FedEx or DHL. As Sussman explains, once equipment crosses a border, it enters a maze of tariffs, taxes, permits, and regulations—many of which can lead to multimillion-dollar fines or even trade bans if mishandled. “People think they can just stick something in a box and ship it overseas. But that's just the beginning of what needs to happen,” said Sussman. TecEx, a part of VAT IT Group, has become a trusted partner for global IT deployments by offering a critical service: acting as the Importer and Exporter of Record in over 200 jurisdictions. This enables clients—including hyperscalers, OEMs, and resellers—to enter new markets without establishing a legal entity in every country. Sussman shares harrowing stories of companies that ignored compliance—one fined $1 million and nearly shut out of China; another whose shipments to Mexico were destroyed outright. These cautionary tales highlight why logistics is no longer just an administrative issue, but a boardroom-level concern tied directly to go-to-market success. “When you're trying to break into a new region—especially in fast-moving sectors like AI—you can't afford delays at the border,” Sussman said. “The right logistics partner isn't just about shipping—it's about growth, speed, and risk mitigation.” This episode kicks off a fortnightly series exploring how to “drain the complexity” from global shipping. Upcoming episodes will delve into selecting the right logistics partner, managing shifting tariffs, and understanding evolving international trade rules. Learn more about TecEx at https://tecex.com/solutions/global-capabilities//?bc=TX0019. Noa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noasussman/

“Verification is no longer a nice-to-have—it's a must-have,” says Gegham Azatyan, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Dexatel, in a conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News. In this episode, Azatyan introduces Dexatel Verify, a new CPaaS solution designed to intelligently authenticate users across multiple channels in real time. Founded in 2015, Dexatel helps global brands build secure and reliable customer communication through SMS, voice, email, and chat apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber. Now, with the launch of Dexatel Verify, the company is addressing the rising challenges of online fraud, fake accounts, and high messaging costs—particularly in markets where SMS pricing is prohibitive or unreliable. Gegham Azatyan Unlike traditional one-time password (OTP) solutions, Dexatel Verify uses smart fallback logic, a system that dynamically selects the best communication channel for each user and region. If a text message fails, the system might try a voice call or switch to WhatsApp or RCS—all automatically and in real time. This innovation isn't just about efficiency—it's also about cost savings. “Customers using fallback logic can save up to 30%,” Azatyan notes, especially those in high-volume industries like fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and education. The solution is also fully compliant with GDPR and ISO 27001, making it suitable for businesses operating in regulated sectors. As Dexatel expands into the U.S. and Canadian markets, Azatyan sees Verify as a critical enabler for companies onboarding new users securely and affordably—turning customer verification into a seamless, cost-effective, and fraud-resistant process. Learn more at https://dexatel.com

“Disposing of IT equipment is no longer just about recycling—it's about responsibility, integrity, and biodiversity,” says Wale Arewa, Founder and CEO of Xperien, in this wide-ranging conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News. The discussion, part of a special podcast series for ASCDI and TR Publications, dives deep into how Xperien is redefining the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) landscape across Africa. Arewa explains that while traditional recyclers often handle equipment at its end-of-life stage, ITAD companies like Xperien engage earlier—during technology transitions—to manage secure data erasure, equipment redeployment, and logistical coordination. What truly sets Xperien apart, however, is its pioneering integration of biodiversity and sustainability goals into the ITAD process. Marking International Biodiversity Day, Arewa highlighted how Xperien offers clients the opportunity to redirect residual asset value into biodiversity projects—going beyond ESG reporting to real-world impact. From establishing gardens to sponsoring environmental initiatives, Xperien helps enterprises align their ITAD practices with global sustainability and circular economy goals. Serving blue-chip clients, particularly in the financial services and insurance sectors, Xperien supports operations across ten African territories. The company partners with ITADs and OEMs in the U.S. and Europe, offering secure, accredited services in Africa backed by R2v3 certification. With a robust ERP-backed chain of custody, onsite data destruction, and global resale through over 6,000 dealers, Xperien ensures both data security and maximum value recovery. Arewa urges North American and European enterprises with African operations to collaborate with local ITAD experts like Xperien to meet compliance, reduce environmental risk, and gain peace of mind. He also invites strategic partnerships to help meet rising demand for refurbished technology across the continent. “The biggest risk isn't what you pay—it's what you ignore. A data leak can cost millions and reputations,” Arewa warns, referencing high-profile compliance failures. To learn more about Xperien's services and partnership opportunities, visit https://www.xperien.co.za.

"There's no other place on the planet where you can get together with owners of these communications companies and talk turkey." — Joe Marion, President, Cloud Communications Alliance As global tensions reshape the telecom landscape, the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) is assembling top leaders for its 2025 CCA European Summit in Zaventem, near Brussels, on June 16–17. In a conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, CCA President Joe Marion offered a detailed preview of the timely and high-level agenda that will bring together executives, analysts, and policy experts for frank dialogue and strategic planning. With the theme "Navigating the Geopolitical and Economic Crossfire," this intimate 75-person summit is designed for C-level executives and decision-makers. Marion emphasized the event's relevance to both European and North American providers: "There are no walls in communications," he said, noting how cross-border policy changes, tariffs, and credit issues are affecting providers globally. Key Highlights of the Agenda: Opening Remarks by Maheen Khan, Economics Editor at The Times (London), on global polarization. Market Impact Session by Matt Townend of Cavell on the shockwaves facing European communication providers. Special Presentation from Zoom, the event's Gold Sponsor, featuring a yet-to-be-announced product update. Keynote by His Excellency Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and first President of the European Council. Industry Insights from Dave Michels, Principal Analyst at TalkingPointz. Presentation by Destiny CEO Daan De Wever, on growing a pan-European telecom powerhouse. Panel Discussions on AI Adoption, Industry Disruption, and Strategic Partnerships. Marion noted that the conference has been designed by European members, for European members, ensuring relevance on topics such as tariffs, trade barriers, and innovation gaps between the U.S. and Europe—particularly in mobile and AI. “This isn't a trade show,” Marion stressed. “It's where real conversations happen—where partnerships are formed, deals are made, and innovation is shared.” Attendees can expect meaningful networking in a close-knit environment that fosters transparent exchange, away from the sales pitches and crowds of conventional events. Event Details: Dinner Kickoff: Evening of June 16 Main Event: June 17 at Destiny headquarters in Zaventem, near Brussels Airport Registration: cloudcommunications.com/EC25 Limited Seating: Only 90 seats available; over half are already sold. Doug Green concluded the podcast by urging attendees from across the globe to take part: “If you're in the business of communications, this is where you want to be.” For more information and to register, visit: https://www.cloudcommunications.com/events/eu-summit-2025

“Where's the gold? It's in your data.” That was the premise behind a wide-ranging conversation between Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, and Lorenzo Romano, CEO of GCX, a global managed services provider with a 30-year legacy of delivering secure networking solutions to multinational enterprises. Romano describes how today's enterprises face an evolving paradox: data is more valuable than ever—and more vulnerable. With the explosion of cloud-based applications, AI-driven operations, and globally distributed workforces, organizations must rethink how they manage, protect, and gain insight from massive volumes of data generated across disparate systems. Romano introduced GNSX—Global Network Secure Experience—GCX's breakthrough platform that merges secure underlay and overlay architecture to enable a true zero trust network. Built in partnership with Palo Alto Networks and integrated with their Prisma backbone, GNSX embeds SASE at the network layer rather than layering it over existing infrastructure. The result: high-performance, secure access across public and private networks, with real-time visibility into how devices interact with applications. In a real-world deployment, a customer migrated from MPLS and legacy SD-WAN to GNSX, achieving a 40% cost reduction, better performance, and granular control over user experiences—down to analyzing the quality of individual Wi-Fi connections. “Security, visibility, simplicity—and significant cost savings,” summarized Green. “GCX didn't just build a secure network. They redefined what secure, distributed connectivity looks like in the AI and post-COVID era.” Romano emphasized that GCX's solutions are globally available, scalable, and supported by a team ready to tailor services to individual client needs. “Our value as a managed service provider is to stay ahead of the curve—and bring our customers with us,” he said. Learn more: https://gcxworld.com

In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green speaks with Evan Tomlin, CTO of Hyperion Partners, about how the company is enabling channel partners to step into the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless monetization space through its powerful, white-label-ready VAST platform. Originally founded as a dominant Sprint partner focused on hardware and activation commissions, Hyperion has evolved into a multi-dimensional technology solutions company. Today, Hyperion supports large distributors, VARs, MSPs, and integrators through three business identities: partner enablement for wireless monetization, direct managed mobility and lifecycle services, and most notably, full-stack IoT solutions under the VAST brand. Tomlin explains that VAST is more than a product—it's a fully staffed, standalone business unit offering: Multi-carrier connectivity, including terrestrial wireless and Starlink, to provide seamless, location-adaptive service. Asset tracking with “slap-and-track” simplicity—no bells and whistles, just reliable dots on the map. Cellular networking, offering turnkey solutions that replace traditional ISP delays with instant, high-performance 5G WAN setups. “We're not asking partners to become engineers,” Tomlin notes. “We just need them to understand the basics and bring the relationship—they scratch the surface, and we do the rest.” VAST offers flexible partnership models including full white-label support and technical delivery. The platform plays particularly well in adjacent markets like retail, transportation, and SMBs where existing channel relationships can evolve into high-margin, sticky services. Hyperion's VAST platform isn't about upending a partner's current identity—it's about building on it. For those seeking new revenue streams and increased wallet share with existing customers, this is a ready-made opportunity that begins with a conversation. Learn more: https://hyperionpartners.net and https://vast.global

In this compelling Technology Reseller News podcast, publisher Doug Green speaks with Kristy Thomas, Senior Vice President of Global Channel and Alliances at Vonage, about the evolving intersection of AI and customer service. As a leading Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) member and a pioneer in VoIP, Vonage is now placing ethical AI at the heart of its strategy for enterprise communications. Kristy dives deep into one of the most important — and often overlooked — issues in AI adoption: bias. She explains that AI bias in contact centers is less about human prejudice and more about the quality and governance of the data used to train and inform systems. “The bias is only as good as the data you're giving the AI,” she says, emphasizing the importance of data integrity, routine audits, and transparent data sourcing. Vonage is investing in building what Thomas calls "governed innovation." That includes ethical design, user consent, and AI systems that operate within clearly defined parameters. With tools like Vonage AI Studio, companies can now easily build voice-driven interfaces — what used to be complex IVR systems — in a low-code environment, dramatically reducing friction and increasing adaptability. Thomas highlights that Vonage's AI strategy is multi-threaded. The company is: Powering its own solutions with AI for real-time enhancements, Partnering with industry-specific providers for best-of-breed integrations, and Enabling customers to bring their own AI into the platform. Importantly, she notes a shift in how buyers approach AI: rather than being informed, many are overwhelmed. That's where Vonage's partners play a key role — helping customers identify high-ROI use cases and building practical business cases for AI adoption. Doug and Kristy also discuss how customer service is becoming the new marketing — a front line where loyalty is won or lost. “Even smaller companies can outpace Goliaths,” Kristy notes, when AI empowers a personalized and secure customer experience. Vonage's commitment to trust is backed by its alignment with Ericsson and a strong internal structure focused on compliance and security. Kristy previews Vonage's participation in Contact Center Week in Las Vegas, where the company will showcase real-world AI use cases that demonstrate measurable business outcomes. To learn more about how Vonage is redefining contact center engagement through responsible AI, visit Vonage.com.

“The earlier you involve finance in the sales process, the more successful you're going to be.” — Aaron Case, Travelers Financial Solutions In an age where AI infrastructure and high-performance computing are reshaping industries, financing has become more than just a back-office consideration—it's a frontline sales tool. In this insightful Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Aaron Case of Travelers Financial Solutions (TFS) about how credit, lending, and financing are enabling technology resellers and MSPs to close bigger deals, faster—and more often. TFS, part of the Travelers Group with over 40 years of cross-border financial experience, specializes in white-label captive finance programs for OEMs, resellers, and dealers across verticals like transportation, heavy equipment, technology, and medical. As Case explains, these tailored programs let resellers act as their own finance companies, maintaining brand control while TFS manages everything behind the scenes. Unlike banks, which often lack domain knowledge in AI or cloud infrastructure, TFS offers asset-agnostic financing—covering everything from NVIDIA chips to server racks and cooling systems. Just as crucially, TFS uses data-driven processes and a full-service call center to stay connected with customers post-sale, surfacing new sales opportunities and even alerting resellers to potential problems before they escalate. Case emphasized that by integrating financing at the start of the sales cycle—similar to how car dealerships operate—resellers can not only expand deal size but also enhance the customer experience. Whether it's joint ventures, rev share models, or small-dealer servicing, TFS adapts to each partner's go-to-market strategy. In the era of AI and big-ticket hardware purchases, Case argues, relying on conventional financing paths can lead to mismatches between the risk and the reality. “You're putting your livelihood at risk,” he warns, when customers tie loans to personal assets for business technology purchases. TFS aims to structure smarter deals that align value, risk, and opportunity. To learn more about how TFS helps resellers sell more and sell smarter, visit: www.tfsfinancial.com. #AI #TechFinance #ChannelSales #MSP #ITResellers #SmartCapital #NVIDIA #CaptiveFinance #TechnologyResellerNews #TFS #TravelersFinancialSolutions

FoIP: The Overlooked MSP Opportunity, Many businesses still rely on fax to send and receive legally binding orders, insurance documents, and compliance paperwork "If our fax or email system fails, that's a catastrophe—we lose connection to our customers and orders stop coming in." — Martin Hager, Founder & CEO, Retarus Spring 2025 has been dominated by AI, cybersecurity, branded calling, and POTS replacement. But in this special Technology Reseller News podcast, we return to a foundational—and often forgotten—technology that continues to power mission-critical communications: fax. Martin Hager, CEO of Retarus, joined Doug Green to discuss how the Munich-based cloud communications company was recently named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Digital Fax Solutions—the only European provider to earn that distinction. “Fax” may still conjure images of curling thermal paper and screeching machines, but Hager wants the channel to see it for what it is today: FoIP—Fax over IP—highly secure, server-to-server communication trusted by the world's largest enterprises. With over 700 million fax pages sent annually through Retarus' privately run global data centers, the company plays a critical role in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to manufacturing. Hidden Costs, Missed Messages Why should MSPs and service providers care about fax in 2024? As Hager explained, a 1% improvement in fax reliability can save large enterprises hundreds of thousands of dollars in administrative costs, regulatory penalties, and customer churn. One client lost $860,000 from a single failed fax tied to a regulatory deadline. Many businesses still rely on fax to send and receive legally binding orders, insurance documents, and compliance paperwork. With analog lines disappearing and traditional fax servers aging out, there's a massive opportunity to consolidate and modernize fax infrastructure using FoIP. A Channel-Ready Market More than 80% of Retarus' business flows through the channel, and Hager says it's an easy upsell for MSPs and agents already providing voice or UCaaS services. Whether it's a dentist office, a healthcare network, or a manufacturer, fax remains a critical link in business operations. Retarus' solutions offer full delivery traceability, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and direct integrations with enterprise apps and multifunction devices. With a simple conversation—"How do you send orders?"—partners can uncover opportunities that deliver both operational improvements and recurring revenue. To learn more, visit: www.retarus.com #FoIP #FaxOverIP #ChannelOpportunity #DigitalFax #Compliance #MSP #FaxSecurity #Retarus #IDCLeader #EnterpriseCommunication

"We can have a reseller up and running in like three days. It's that easy." — Jake Jacoby, Founder, TELCLOUD In this latest installment of the POTS and Shots series, Doug Green, publisher of Technology Reseller News, sits down once again with Jake Jacoby of TELCLOUD to explore why becoming a POTS replacement reseller has never been easier — or more profitable. No headaches. No barriers. All opportunity. Jake breaks down how TELCLOUD's white-label, channel-first model empowers resellers to deliver turnkey POTS line replacement solutions without having to build out the backend. Whether you're bringing your own connectivity or PBX, or need the full stack, TELCLOUD fills in the gaps — and fast. Resellers can be live, branded, and billing customers within three days. Built for channel success: TELCLOUD is purpose-built to support channel partners with: White-label branding and sales collateral Full 3PL, sourcing, compliance, installation, and support Hybrid deployment models: crawl, walk, run Partnerships with Crexendo, Alianza, and others Support for legacy infrastructure (BroadSoft, Metaswitch, Asterisk, Ericsson, and more) And the need is real. With over a billion lines globally to replace, Jake urges resellers not to leave critical use cases—like elevator or fire alarm lines—on the table. “Your customers already trust you. They want you to bring the full solution.” Think beyond POTS — think bulletproof connectivity. Doug and Jake also dive into the adjacent opportunity in unbreakable Internet. With TELCLOUD's integrated fixed wireless access and broadband bundles, partners can offer redundant, wireless-first connectivity that blends LTE, broadband, and even satellite to ensure uptime for their clients. And for the shot? Jake introduces “El Mejor,” an extra añejo tequila aged over five years in Napa oak barrels. Smooth, deep, and rich — much like the TELCLOUD opportunity itself. “You'll want to keep this one on your shelf,” says Jake. Next up: Beyond the Sale — how POTS replacement builds long-term loyalty. Learn more about becoming a TELCLOUD reseller: Visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270. Email Jake directly at jake@telcloud.com. #POTSReplacement #FixedWirelessAccess #ChannelPartners #UCaaS #ConnectivitySolutions #VoIP #ResellerOpportunities #WhiteLabelSolutions #ElMejorTequila #TELCLOUD