Telecom Reseller

“We're not here to compete with MSPs—we're here to help them grow, take on more business, and deliver more value to their clients.” — Amy Kincaid, Vice President, Robert Half In this live podcast recorded from Podcast Row at ChannelCon 2025, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Amy Kincaid, Vice President at Robert Half, to explore how the global talent solutions firm is empowering managed service providers (MSPs) to scale confidently into new markets. With over 300 offices globally and a deep technology talent network enhanced by AI tools, Robert Half is not just another staffing firm. “We've evolved well beyond finance and accounting,” says Kincaid. “In technology, we're enabling MSPs to take on complex, high-demand projects—cloud migrations, AI implementations, ERP rollouts—by delivering vetted, on-demand expertise that aligns precisely with their clients' needs.” Kincaid describes a powerful example: An MSP landed an AI implementation opportunity but lacked internal staff to execute. Instead of passing or overcommitting, the MSP partnered with Robert Half to bring in AI engineers on contract, allowing them to deliver the solution and retain the client. “It's not about hiring full-time. It's about being agile and accessing the right skills, fast,” Kincaid notes. Robert Half's searchable talent database matches highly specific criteria—from certifications and past performance to geography and client industry. Whether the need is for a Dallas-based data engineer with Azure Data Factory experience or a remote cybersecurity architect, the system delivers fast, reliable matches. And in today's remote-friendly world, that speed and precision often makes the difference between winning and losing deals. “We've worked with over 170 MSPs this year alone,” says Kincaid. “Our model supports everything from Tier 1 helpdesk to high-level security and AI roles. We're not replacing MSPs; we're augmenting them so they can say yes to more.” To learn more about Robert Half's specialized technology staffing services, visit https://www.roberthalf.com. MSPs and IT leaders can also connect directly with Amy Kincaid on LinkedIn to discuss opportunities and workforce needs. — Listen to the full podcast at Technology Reseller News ️Featuring: Amy Kincaid, Vice President, Robert Half Hosted by: Doug Green, Publisher, Technology Reseller News Recorded live at ChannelCon 2025, Podcast Row  

“It's not about solving for DMARC. Yeah, you do that as a byproduct, but we really enable the MSP to go grow their business.” — Mike Anderson, EasyDMARC Technology Reseller News sat down with Mike Anderson of EasyDMARC for a live podcast recording at the opening day of ChannelCon, GTIA's signature event. In a candid and engaging conversation with publisher Doug Green, Anderson revealed how EasyDMARC is turning email authentication into a growth engine for managed service providers (MSPs). While DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) may sound like a technical checkbox, Anderson says it's actually a gateway to new revenue and customer acquisition when paired with EasyDMARC's purpose-built analytics and sales enablement platform. “We're not just a tool,” Anderson explained. “We're a full go-to-market engine for MSPs.” The company offers a platform that not only simplifies DMARC configuration with built-in DNS templates and documentation for 1,500+ top providers, but also delivers white-labeled reports, risk assessments, and automated marketing assets—like drip campaigns, call scripts, and email templates—designed to help MSPs win new business. With over 2,500 MSPs onboard and growing by 70–100 per month, Anderson attributes the rapid adoption to a combination of ease-of-use and tangible results. He recounted a typical success story: an MSP identifies a law firm with broken email delivery and marketing systems, costing them $30,000 in missed revenue. “The MSP comes in, fixes it for a fraction of that, and signs them to a monitoring plan—immediate ROI, happy client, and recurring revenue.” EasyDMARC's platform is not only about fixing email authentication but enabling MSPs to create their own economic momentum. “We give MSPs the tools to go prospect, sell, and close,” Anderson said, pointing to the company's growing international reach and dedicated MSP portal. Learn more at EasyDMARC.com, where MSPs can start a free trial. ChannelCon attendees can mention the event for a free first month. About EasyDMARC EasyDMARC is a leading DMARC and email security platform designed to help businesses and MSPs protect their domains, prevent phishing, and ensure compliant email delivery. With built-in sales tools, automation, and analytics, EasyDMARC transforms security into a growth opportunity.

“We're not here with a silver bullet. We're here to help teams start with visibility—because you can't manage what you can't see.” — Steve Petracek, Auvik In this special Technology Reseller News podcast recorded live from the inaugural Podcast Row at ChannelCon 2025 in Nashville, Doug Green sits down with Steve Petracek of Auvik to discuss the mounting challenges facing IT teams in an increasingly hybrid and remote working environment. Petracek, a leader at Auvik—an IT operations management platform—delivers fresh insight from the company's latest IT Trends Report. According to Petracek, 87% of MSPs today are managing at least some portion of a remote workforce, but most lack the tools to adequately address the growing risks around visibility, Shadow IT, Shadow AI, and workforce productivity. This mismatch is leading to inefficiencies and, increasingly, burnout among IT professionals. “The traditional tools built for the office don't cut it anymore,” Petracek explains. “IT teams are stitching together a dozen tools just to support a single user working remotely. That's where the stress comes in.” Petracek emphasizes that the first step in solving these challenges is visibility—not just into the network and infrastructure, but into the user's entire digital ecosystem, from sanctioned SaaS apps to unsanctioned AI tools. Auvik's platform aims to bring all of that into focus, giving IT teams one place to manage, secure, and optimize performance across environments. Key trends discussed in the podcast include: The rise of Shadow AI and its unmanaged introduction into IT ecosystems The compounding effect of tool sprawl on stress and burnout The need for automation and tool consolidation to restore efficiency Auvik's visibility-first approach to tackling modern IT operations Petracek's message to MSPs at ChannelCon was clear: hybrid work isn't a passing trend, and managing it effectively means embracing a new toolset, reducing complexity, and automating wherever possible. To dive deeper into Auvik's findings and learn how your team can better manage hybrid infrastructure, download the free IT Trends Report at https://www.auvik.com. This podcast was recorded live at ChannelCon 2025 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, as part of Technology Reseller News' coverage of emerging technologies and trends shaping the MSP and IT services landscape.  

“It's not the SLA—it's the XLA. We measure success by how well we deliver the customer's experience.” — Tom Boggs, BCN Telecom In an era where enterprise customers expect seamless delivery, rock-solid security, and AI-enhanced services, BCN Telecom is rising to the occasion with a bold, customer-centric approach. In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green speaks with Tom Boggs, Vice President of Service Delivery at BCN Telecom, about how the company is redefining managed services through experience-level agreements (XLAs), vertical customization, and rapid adaptability. BCN Telecom isn't just connecting networks—it's co-owning business outcomes. With a managed services ecosystem spanning connectivity, SD-WAN, SASE, and cloud applications, BCN integrates diverse technologies into a single, curated solution tailored to each customer's industry and goals. Boggs explains how this means shifting from static vendor relationships to dynamic partnerships. Boggs highlights three major forces shaping today's delivery expectations: • Cloud-first and hybrid IT strategies • Security-driven design • Customer outcome focus Security is front and center—layered into every deployment, from edge computing to fully managed firewalls and secure remote access. But it's the convergence of security and connectivity, aligned with smart project planning, that sets BCN apart in large-scale, multi-site rollouts. AI and automation also play a key role. Boggs shares how BCN equips its project managers with AI-powered note-taking tools to capture call insights in real-time—speeding up delivery and enhancing the customer experience. Some clients have even adopted these tools themselves. Boggs emphasizes that BCN's strength lies in its team—empowered to act quickly and resolve issues without the bottlenecks of large bureaucracies. This agility enables BCN to adapt instantly to partner and customer feedback, creating tailored solutions for even the most complex verticals, from healthcare to retail. At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: customer success is not one-size-fits-all. Through real-time data analytics, outcome-driven customization, and an empowered workforce, BCN is helping clients move from legacy MPLS to future-ready SD-WAN and edge security—while ensuring productivity never takes a back seat to protection. Learn more about BCN Telecom's solutions at https://www.bcntele.com.

“We're not here to provide connectivity. We're here to enable your new economy.” — Jean-Philippe Avelange, CIO, Expereo Following a global wave of high-profile IT outages, Expereo is sounding the alarm: more than a quarter of global enterprises are losing over $5 million annually due to network failures, while over half of U.S. businesses are being forced to reevaluate their IT infrastructures. In this insightful conversation, Expereo CIO Jean-Philippe Avelange (JP) joins Doug Green of Technology Reseller News to unpack the company's latest global survey and what it reveals about the urgent connectivity challenges shaping enterprise transformation. Expereo, a global provider of intelligent internet connectivity, supports multinational enterprises by delivering resilient, scalable underlay and overlay solutions across more than 4,000 global carriers. But Avelange argues that it's no longer about connectivity alone. Instead, organizations must adopt a new mindset—one rooted in what he calls the new economy. According to Avelange, legacy digital transformation efforts often focused on converting analog processes to digital form. But today's environment demands companies become digital-first, designing operations natively for SaaS, cloud services, and AI. Connectivity, once a utility, now plays a foundational role in enabling innovation and ensuring business continuity. Without it, he warns, “all this will be a roadblock as you try to iterate and move fast.” One striking finding from Expereo's survey: only 7% of global technology leaders say they are prepared for AI. Avelange links this gap to underinvestment in the network infrastructure required to support next-gen workloads. AI and automation, he says, demand real-time responsiveness, secure and scalable overlays, and future-proof design—capabilities that must be embedded from the ground up. Security is also evolving. “It's never one or the other,” says Avelange, but the report found that concerns about reliable, future-proof connectivity are now often prioritized before cybersecurity—underscoring the growing perception that security must be integrated into foundational network design, particularly in SD-WAN and SASE architectures. Avelange advises CIOs—especially those in non-tech sectors like mining, government, or non-profits—not to wait. “Companies that are sticking with legacy systems are going to be outmaneuvered,” he warns. Instead, they should ask: “If I were building this company now, how would I build it from the ground floor up with AI?” Expereo's platform, Expereo One, offers a single pane of glass for visibility across underlay and overlay, enabling IT leaders to manage complexity at global scale. Avelange emphasizes the need for CIOs to find the right partners for this journey, and invites companies of all sizes to explore how Expereo can support them. Learn more about Expereo's intelligent internet solutions and download the full global survey at https://www.expereo.com.

Michael Day of GoTo joins Technology Reseller News to explore global AI adoption gaps—and what it means for partners “Digital transformation digitized yesterday's work. AI has the potential to change tomorrow's possibilities.” — Michael Day, GoTo Michael Day In this episode of Technology Reseller News, publisher Doug Green speaks with Michael Day of GoTo about the company's 2025 Pulse of Work survey—an in-depth, global analysis of AI adoption and sentiment across today's workforce. Developed in partnership with Workplace Intelligence, the study draws from 2,500 responses across roles and regions to illuminate a growing divide between the promise of AI and its practical implementation. While IT leaders have been quick to source and deploy AI tools, the survey finds that most employees continue to rely on free, consumer-facing tools—with 62% saying AI feels overhyped, and only 21% of organizations having clear implementation strategies. This misalignment is further complicated by generational gaps, security concerns, and a lack of training—despite 87% agreeing that more enablement is needed. Day emphasizes that a key to closing the divide lies in developing an “AI mindset”—where organizations go beyond procurement and commit to cultural transformation. The data suggests that effective AI adoption could unlock up to $2.9 trillion in productivity gains across U.S. knowledge workers alone. Importantly, Day sees this as a moment of opportunity for technology resellers and channel partners: both to guide customers in AI adoption and to implement these tools internally to increase their own service value. One standout GoTo innovation is the AI Receptionist, a purpose-built solution designed to automate call handling while maintaining human escalation safeguards—a model of practical AI in action. To access the full Pulse of Work 2025 report, visit https://www.goto.com and navigate to the Resources section.  

"The best way to protect your margins today? Curate mobile experiences that your customers actually want." — John Johnson, VP, Global Customer Success, Vibes In this latest episode of Technology Reseller News, publisher Doug Green is joined by John Johnson of Vibes to explore how Rich Communication Services (RCS) is transforming mobile messaging into a smarter, more profitable channel for brands. More than just texts, Vibes' platform enables fully interactive, branded communications that blend visual engagement, personalization, and real-time commerce—all from within a native messaging app. Johnson illustrates how Vibes' approach to RCS goes far beyond traditional SMS, enabling curated “tap-don't-type” journeys that include product recommendations, cart recovery, color and size selection, and even in-message purchases. With back-to-school and holiday campaigns on the horizon, Johnson explains how RCS becomes mission-critical for brands facing cost pressures from tariffs, logistics, and customer acquisition. Personalized mobile engagement isn't just a trend—it's now a competitive necessity. According to Vibes, early adopters of RCS messaging are seeing up to 4x the click-through rates of SMS campaigns. Johnson also highlights how Vibes integrates mobile messaging into a brand's broader martech stack, enabling synergy with CDPs, ESPs, and other customer data systems. The goal: true one-to-one commerce-driven messaging. Vibes is betting big on mobile, not as just a channel, but as the primary gateway for building brand loyalty and growing customer lifetime value. To learn more, visit www.vibes.com.

"Companies pay duties when they shouldn't—and often don't know they can get them back." — Noa Sussman, TecEx In this latest installment of the TecEx Podcast Series, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green is joined once again by Noa Sussman of TecEx for a deep dive into one of the least understood yet most impactful opportunities in global trade: duty drawbacks. With tariffs in flux and new rounds expected as early as August, Sussman emphasizes that even experienced IT hardware exporters may be leaving money on the table. Tariff volatility—especially under recent and forthcoming U.S. trade policies—means that companies importing equipment, only to re-export it or return unsold or damaged merchandise, may qualify for substantial reimbursements. The problem? Most don't realize they're eligible—or assume the process is too complex to pursue. Sussman walks through real-world cases, including a company importing $3 million worth of rockets later launched by SpaceX. Because the hardware technically leaves U.S. territory, that business can apply to recover hundreds of thousands in duties—a scenario that applies even to one-off imports. Whether it's unused merchandise, rejected goods, or components used in U.S.-based manufacturing for re-export, companies may qualify for duty drawbacks—if they file correctly and document thoroughly. TecEx acts as a strategic partner in these scenarios, providing case-by-case analysis and only charging if savings are found. Sussman compares the service to that of a seasoned tax advisor: one who understands obscure government programs and evolving rules across jurisdictions. More importantly, the conversation elevates trade compliance from a back-office function to a boardroom imperative. As tariffs affect profitability, C-suite leaders must engage early in supply chain planning to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and improve margins. Learn more at tecex.com.

"If you ask 100 CISOs whether their current training actually changes behavior, 95 to 98 will say, ‘not really.'” — Harley Sugarman, Founder & CEO, Anagram Security Harley Sugarman In this eye-opening episode of Technology Reseller News, publisher Doug Green speaks with Harley Sugarman, CEO of Anagram Security, about why traditional cybersecurity training is no longer enough—and how AI-powered threats are accelerating the need for change. Sugarman argues that legacy training—often mandated once a year and dominated by slide decks—has failed to engage employees or meaningfully improve their behavior. "Death by PowerPoint,” as he puts it, simply doesn't work anymore. With phishing and social engineering attacks now powered by advanced AI, companies must shift from checkbox compliance to behavior-driven learning. Anagram Security is pioneering a new model that draws inspiration from platforms like Duolingo and TikTok, focusing on habit formation and real-world relevance. Their approach incorporates short, two-to-three-minute "puzzle"-based modules that promote critical thinking, adapting lessons for different roles—from developers to sales teams to hotel clerks. The platform also emphasizes customization, allowing enterprises to tailor content to specific job functions and threats. Anagram's user engagement metrics are telling: In enterprise pilots, over 90% of users preferred Anagram's approach over traditional methods. More importantly, the company ties its training outcomes to measurable behavior improvements, such as reductions in phishing clicks and password-related vulnerabilities. Sugarman also critiques industry jargon like "human risk management" and "vishing," emphasizing that front-line employees don't need buzzwords—they need training that fits their real jobs and schedules. He insists that people are not the weakest link, but rather the last line of defense—and should be treated as partners, not problems. Anagram has already attracted major brand-name clients by delivering a security awareness model that's modern, scalable, and actually works. With AI lowering the barrier for attackers, Sugarman believes the urgency has never been greater: “This is the thing most companies will realize they have to get better at—the most, and the fastest.” Learn more at www.anagramsecurity.com and connect with Harley Sugarman on LinkedIn.

“Detection is not the end—it's just the beginning.” — Jerry Mancini, NETSCOUT In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green speaks with Jerry Mancini of NETSCOUT about the company's latest advancements in automated threat detection and response—with a particular focus on why telecommunications networks are uniquely vulnerable and high-value targets. NETSCOUT, long known for its deep packet inspection and network performance management, is expanding the capabilities of its adaptive threat analytics—a platform designed not only to detect threats but also to assemble and contextualize them using network-level intelligence. Beyond Detection: Seeing the Full Picture While most cybersecurity tools focus on isolated detections—EDR, firewall logs, and suspicious indicators—NETSCOUT's approach centers on reconstructing the complete threat narrative across the enterprise. By capturing packet data continuously and using workflows to connect disparate detections, NETSCOUT enables investigators to: Understand the root cause and lateral movement Detect activity before and after a flagged incident Integrate signals from multiple sources (EDR, NDR, WAF, and more) Investigate threats in real time and retrospectively Why Telcos Are at Greater Risk Mancini highlights the unique role of telco infrastructure in global data movement, making them prime targets for cyber espionage and traffic manipulation. Attackers, such as the Salt Typhoon group, have used compromised routers and peering points to reroute and eavesdrop on massive data flows—impacting not just carriers but their customers across the internet. Best Practices for Threat Hunters NETSCOUT supports both bottom-up investigations (starting with a detected incident) and top-down threat hunts (searching for indicators tied to known campaigns). The platform's ability to store and search packet-level data gives teams visibility that goes far beyond typical log-based detection tools. Mancini's key advice: “You need more than alerts—you need the data to trace back, understand what happened, and act before it's too late.” Where to Learn More Visit netscout.com to explore solutions in: Network Performance Management DDoS Detection & Mitigation Adaptive Threat Analytics NETSCOUT supports both enterprise and service provider environments and is available to assist with immediate and long-term threat management strategies.

“You can now connect everything—cloud workloads, offices, data centers, users—on one software-defined network, without the hardware.” — Elizabeth Aris, CEO, Astrotel In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Publisher Doug Green interviews David Klebanov, a leading architect at Alkira, and Elizabeth Aris, CEO of Astrotel, to explore how their partnership is delivering Network Infrastructure as a Service (NIaaS) to global enterprises—without the capital investment or complexity of traditional networking. Born in the Cloud, Built for the AI Era Alkira, founded in 2018, was born with a vision to deliver networking the same way cloud services are consumed: on demand, scalable, and usage-based. The Alkira platform runs entirely in the cloud—across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—allowing enterprises to deploy secure, high-performance global networks in hours, not months. “Our platform is the networking and security foundation for today's distributed, cloud-first enterprise,” said Klebanov. “And it's built to support AI workloads and multi-cloud architectures from day one.” Channel-Driven and Globally Deployed Astrotel, based in Sydney, is a service provider and Alkira partner helping customers across the Asia-Pacific region deploy network services in minutes using Alkira's cloud-native platform. Aris emphasized the advantage: no hardware, no CapEx, and up to 60% cost savings. “We're setting up entire global networks using Alkira's software-based cloud exchange points. It's a massive differentiator,” said Aris. “From remote Australia to Hong Kong to London, you just connect your sites to the nearest cloud region—there's no need to negotiate with local telcos or install new gear.” Enterprise-Grade Security and Simplicity The Alkira platform integrates firewall, DNS, DHCP, and other critical services directly into its virtualized architecture. IT teams can manage and secure the network through Alkira's centralized portal—or via REST APIs and Terraform for programmatic deployments. A single control plane manages the entire hybrid network—connecting public cloud workloads, private data centers, branch offices, remote users, and partner networks. This includes secure extranet support for M&A environments, allowing partial segmentation during network convergence. A Win for Carriers, Too Interestingly, carriers are also using Alkira to extend their reach. Aris explained that tier-one telcos are deploying Alkira to serve customers in markets where they lack infrastructure. “Instead of buying wholesale access from foreign providers, they spin up Alkira and deliver services in hours. It's flexible, fast, and operationally simple.” Where to Learn More Visit alkira.com to explore Alkira's cloud-first networking platform. Visit astrotel.io to learn how Astrotel deploys Alkira services across Asia-Pacific. Partner Opportunities: Alkira's 100% channel-focused model is open to partners in the U.S., Canada, and globally who are ready to offer NIaaS and cloud-native connectivity solutions.

“Connectivity is your brand. And with RYTHMz, MSPs can deliver that brand anywhere.” — Leonard J. Dimiceli, RYTHMz In a fast-paced and highly practical conversation, Leonard J. Dimiceli, Vice President of Sales at RYTHMz, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to unveil how managed service providers (MSPs) can tap into a brand-new revenue stream: delivering internet anywhere, anytime. As the industry gears up for GTIA's ChannelCon, Dimiceli previewed the company's innovative offerings—compact, ruggedized units that combine bonded multi-carrier SIM technology, enterprise-grade antennas, SD-WAN, and plug-and-play functionality to create a true “internet-in-a-box” solution. From Emergencies to Events: Monetizing the Gaps in Connectivity Whether it's a construction site, a food truck, a pop-up event, or an office awaiting primary service installation, RYTHMz delivers temporary and backup internet to keep businesses online. Dimiceli shared how MSPs can now offer guaranteed connectivity, respond instantly to outages, and generate recurring and on-demand revenue without competing with existing PSA, RMM, or cybersecurity solutions. “It's not if they'll call you—it's when. And with RYTHMz, MSPs can be the hero, not the messenger,” Dimiceli noted. Channel-Only, MSP-First RYTHMz is built for the channel. With its B-Link 5G unit as the go-to solution and options like the Queen Bee and Drone Response for larger and smaller use cases, MSPs can deploy connectivity scaled to their clients' needs—from five users to 100,000. What's more, RYTHMz supports MSPs with go-to-market strategies, event-specific lead gen ideas, and even marketing materials. One partner turned a RYTHMz box into a local event billboard—offering free Wi-Fi in exchange for brand exposure and email capture. Recurring Revenue Without Disruption For MSPs, RYTHMz represents “net new” recurring revenue without having to change or replace existing services. Partners can even keep units on standby and offer emergency service plans as a premium subscription—generating revenue even when the box isn't deployed. See It Live at GTIA ChannelCon RYTHMz will exhibit at GTIA ChannelCon at booth 522, where attendees can demo the full lineup and catch a few Star Wars-themed surprises. “We're not asking you to rip anything out,” Dimiceli said. “This is an additive opportunity—new revenue, new value, no disruption.” To learn more, visit rythmz.com or contact Leonard directly at leonard.dimiceli@rythmz.com.

David Erickson challenges legacy tech, invites the White House—and everyone else—to rediscover the power of voice “We're not a discount service. We're a better service built on a different economic—and it's time to bring back audio.” — David Erickson, Founder, FreeConferenceCall.com In a candid and compelling interview with Technology Reseller News, David Erickson, founder of FreeConferenceCall.com, joins publisher Doug Green to make a bold case for a resurgence in audio conferencing. Fresh off offering his service as a reliable alternative to AT&T—following a widely publicized White House conferencing failure—Erickson explains why many organizations are rediscovering the simplicity, reliability, and efficiency of audio meetings. With 25 years in the space and millions of users, FreeConferenceCall.com isn't just free—it's also architected for geo-diverse, high-definition, secure performance that Erickson claims outpaces legacy systems. Key Points from the Interview: Audio That Works—Every Time FreeConferenceCall.com is built on proprietary, cloud-native bridges with global reach and no moving parts. Result: better uptime, better fidelity, and support that actually answers the phone. One Number Simplicity New “One Number” functionality allows executives to join a secure conference call with a single SMS link—no access codes, no waiting rooms, no tech hurdles. It's already being adopted by C-suites, including a major U.S. airline. Video Fatigue Is Real Erickson points to rising “camsiety” and the hidden costs of video: delayed starts, distraction, over-awareness. Audio meetings, he argues, are faster to join, more focused, and better suited to today's mobile workforce. ⚙️ Built for Today, Not Yesterday Unlike traditional conferencing services that still rely on aging hardware or complex setups, FreeConferenceCall.com was designed from the start to be software-based, VoIP-native, and economically efficient. Not Just Cheaper—Better This isn't a stripped-down, bargain-basement platform. It's a high-performance conferencing service—offered for free because the tech and economics allow it. The Takeaway: Whether you're the White House, a 501(c)(3), or a startup, Erickson encourages everyone to try FreeConferenceCall.com—not as a replacement for every meeting platform, but as a faster, smarter, and more human alternative. Learn more or get started in seconds: www.freeconferencecall.com

Why Exclusive Networks says modern cybersecurity requires more than “pick, pack, and ship” “We're not just a distributor. We're a channel services aggregator — an extension of our partners' businesses.” — Jason Beal, President, Americas, Exclusive Networks In this episode of Technology Reseller News, publisher Doug Green sits down with Jason Beal, President, Americas, and Andrew Warren, VP of Sales and Marketing, North America, to explore how Exclusive Networks is rewriting the rules of cybersecurity distribution in North America. More than just moving product, Exclusive Networks delivers white-glove service, certified expertise, and true channel partnership — simplifying cybersecurity sales and delivery for MSPs, MSSPs, and solution providers. With over 45 country operations and reach into 170 markets, the company now brings its global playbook to North America with fresh investments, expanded services, and a unique partner-first approach. Key Highlights from the Conversation: Partner Empathy as Philosophy Exclusive Networks builds programs around the real-world needs of partners — from helping an MSP with student-powered hiring programs to assisting with complex financing, logistics, and field deployment. From MSP to MSSP, Cyber Expertise at Every Step Whether you're a security-focused MSP or a fully-fledged MSSP, Exclusive offers domain expertise, hands-on technical support, and services like SASE implementation, firewall deployment, and SOC augmentation through its CloudRise acquisition. Training & Certification Simplified With global training centers and relationships with top vendors like Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks, Exclusive lowers the barrier for entry but offers high benefits for those who commit to deep certification and specialization. Demand Generation for End Users and Partners Exclusive not only helps vendors reach the market — it also helps partners generate demand directly from end users, creating new revenue opportunities across the lifecycle. A New Kind of Distributor Exclusive Networks calls itself a “channel services aggregator”, offering a full lifecycle of services — from sales support and technology enablement to post-sales adoption and renewals — redefining what a modern cybersecurity distributor should be. What's Next? Expect new vendor partnerships, expanded services, and continued investment in dedicated local support across the U.S. and Canada — all backed by the belief that “people still do business with people.” Learn more at: www.exclusive-networks.com

Aviatrix survey reveals only 8% of enterprises have effective Zero Trust — and why network security needs to catch up “Without all three legs, you don't have a stool — therefore, you don't really have Zero Trust.” — Doug Merritt, CEO, Aviatrix In a revealing interview with Technology Reseller News, Aviatrix CEO Doug Merritt joins publisher Doug Green to spotlight the cloud security gap most enterprises don't yet realize they have — and what Aviatrix is doing to solve it. Drawing on a just-released survey of 403 U.S. IT professionals, Merritt paints a sobering picture: only 8% of respondents believe they have an effective Zero Trust security stance in the cloud. While identity and endpoint protections have advanced, the third critical leg — network security — is largely missing. That gap, says Merritt, is what Aviatrix is closing with its Cloud Native Security Fabric (CNSF). Founded by a pioneering female Cisco engineer, Aviatrix brings deep roots in software-defined networking and cloud infrastructure. Today, the company is evolving into a cloud security leader by embedding inline network protection that adapts to cloud-native realities: atomized perimeters, ephemeral workloads, and increasingly complex DevOps pipelines. “The internet is now the enterprise network,” Merritt explains. “Your perimeter isn't five data centers — it's tens of thousands of ephemeral endpoints, APIs, and SaaS services.” Key insights from the podcast include: Why CNSF matters: CNSF forms the third leg of a Zero Trust framework alongside identity and endpoint security — bringing visibility, enforcement, and micro/macrosegmentation into cloud network traffic. Alarming survey findings: 2 out of 3 enterprises struggle with deploying cloud firewalls, over 50% cite visibility blind spots, and 85% report difficulties securing DevOps pipelines. Cloud threats on the rise: The shift to agentic AI and increasingly automated cyber threats make it essential to monitor east-west and egress traffic within the cloud — stopping lateral movement and command-and-control attacks before they spread. Channel opportunity: Aviatrix offers a partner-friendly CNSF solution that complements existing tools like CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Wiz, and cloud-native firewalls — with modular deployment, flexible integration, and a well-designed partner program. For organizations seeking to close their cloud network security blind spots, Aviatrix provides a free Network Security Blind Spot Assessment. And for those wanting to dig deeper, the full survey is available at aviatrix.com/resources. Learn more: https://aviatrix.com

Intermedia's Brian Gregory on portfolios, Teams integration, and AI that partners can actually resell “We're not just selling AI—we're giving service providers real products they can sell under their own brand.” — Brian Gregory, Director of Product Marketing, Intermedia As cloud communications enters a new chapter shaped by Microsoft Teams, agentic AI, and rising customer expectations, Intermedia is helping service providers rethink and rebuild their portfolios from the ground up. In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Brian Gregory, Director of Product Marketing at Intermedia, joins Doug Green to explore how service providers can capitalize on their home-field advantage—strong customer relationships, existing network services, and trusted brands—by delivering white-labeled UCaaS, CCaaS, and integrated Teams solutions with Intermedia. Key Takeaways: White Label Everything Intermedia's business is 92% channel-driven, enabling providers to fully brand and resell its unified communications, contact center, and Microsoft 365 offerings—keeping customer ownership and brand equity intact. Monetizing Microsoft Teams With Microsoft Teams commanding nearly 50% of the collaboration market, Intermedia's Teams-integrated telephony solution (launched August 2024) gives providers a clear path to offer high-margin, full-featured phone and contact center services—all within the Teams interface. AI You Can Sell Intermedia integrates real-world AI functions—like meeting summarization, sentiment analysis, real-time assist, and CRM integrations—into its UCaaS and CCaaS platforms. These features are practical, deployable today, and tailored for mid-market customers and partners. Service Provider-Ready No minimums. No upfront hurdles. Just a success-based model designed to align with provider needs. Vertical integrations (like recent auto dealer CRM tie-ins) and robust APIs help expand revenue streams across industries. Intermedia's Formula for Service Provider Growth: ✅ Strong economics and white-label branding ✅ Integrated Teams calling and contact center ✅ AI-powered productivity tools (resellable today) ✅ Flexible contracts with no minimums ✅ Vertical solutions + CRM/API support To learn more about Intermedia's full service provider offering, visit: www.intermedia.com.

“We're creating a workforce that's ready to walk into the AI era—not just with technical knowledge, but with real-world readiness.” — Aaron Ritchie, SVP of Solutions, Uptime Crew In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green speaks with Aaron Ritchie, Senior Vice President of Solutions at Uptime Crew, a newly launched division of Smoothstack. The conversation dives deep into how Uptime Crew is addressing the labor shortfall that's emerging across critical sectors like data centers and semiconductor fabrication—industries that are essential to powering the AI-driven future. Founded in 2018, Smoothstack made its name delivering "Hire, Train, Deploy" (HTD) solutions for software engineering roles. Now, through Uptime Crew, the same model is being extended to high-tech, hands-on careers where demand is skyrocketing—from data center technicians to field engineers supporting chip manufacturing. Unlike traditional staffing firms, Uptime Crew hires full-time employees, pays for their immersive 7–10 week training, and deploys them into mission-critical environments. These candidates often come from unexpected backgrounds—military veterans, auto mechanics, Geek Squad technicians—and are reskilled to thrive in high-stakes, high-tech roles. With national security and economic independence driving massive investment in U.S.-based chip production and data centers (projected to grow from 3,000 to 12,000 facilities), the pressure to find qualified talent is intense. Ritchie explains how Uptime Crew's tailored approach accelerates time-to-productivity by 66% for clients, reduces attrition, and helps companies de-risk hiring amid exponential growth. In one case study, a rapidly expanding tech client saw immediate ROI by partnering with Uptime Crew to build a custom curriculum that mirrored its operational environment. On July 21st, Ritchie will publish a detailed blog outlining the economics and structure of the HTD model for workforce transformation. As he notes, “It's about unlocking potential—and giving both employers and employees the tools they need to succeed in a world being rebuilt by AI.” Learn more: https://uptimecrew.com

“ChannelCon is different. It's the one place where our industry comes together—unbiased, vendor-neutral, and 100% member driven.” — Dan Wensley, CEO, GTIA As ChannelCon 2025 approaches, the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) is poised to reintroduce itself to the world with a renewed mission, a powerful global presence, and a truly member-first agenda. In a podcast conversation with Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green, GTIA CEO Dan Wensley shared how the organization—formerly operating under another name—has embraced a new identity while preserving its most valued traditions. Wensley, a 20+ year veteran of the IT channel and longtime member of the organization, stepped into the CEO role earlier this year with a clear goal: elevate the voice of the global channel and deliver unparalleled value to vendors, MSPs, distributors, and IT service providers through peer connection, research, and education. At the heart of GTIA's activities is ChannelCon, the organization's flagship event. This year's conference—taking place July 29–31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee—marks the first under the GTIA banner. It promises a dynamic mix of AI-focused tracks, emerging tech showcases, peer-to-peer engagement, and headliner entertainment, including performances by Gretchen Wilson, Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts), and Trace Adkins. Dan Wensley Wensley emphasized what sets ChannelCon apart: its vendor-neutral exhibit floor, grassroots-driven content, and research-informed programming. Highlights include: A visionary panel featuring Jason McGee, Austin McChord, Chris Day, and Nick Heddy (Pax8), moderated by GTIA analyst Carolyn April A new SMB market research report detailing national tech buying trends Over 60 member-driven sessions on cybersecurity, AI, and business operations A robust Podcast Row and a reinvigorated charitable foundation, with $1.5 million in donations slated for 2025 GTIA's commitment to both local impact and global outreach is also on display through its expanding international footprint and upcoming ChannelCon EMEA later this year. Wensley concluded with an open invitation: “If you're part of the channel, ChannelCon is your event. Whether you're a startup or a legacy vendor, this is your platform.” Learn more and register at: https://channelcon.gtia.org

“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