Podcast appearances and mentions of Doug Green

Degly Mendez shares a human-centered MSP philosophy built on trust, patience, and long-term partnerships at GTIA ChannelCon “No small business left behind.” — Degly Mendez, CEO, Avanzar IT Systems At GTIA ChannelCon 2025, Degly Mendez, CEO of Avanzar IT Systems, joined Doug Green of Technology Reseller News for a powerful and personal conversation about empathy, leadership, and how MSPs can meaningfully support small businesses. Avanzar IT Systems—Avanzar meaning “to move forward” in Spanish—specializes in serving small to medium-sized businesses across industries, including law firms, manufacturing, CPA offices, and real estate. But Mendez made clear that the company's mission is about more than just technology. “If we can help our clients move forward, we do it—whether they can afford it today or not.” Rather than focus on quick wins or transactional revenue, Mendez advocates for building relationships rooted in empathy, trust, and a long-term vision. “These aren't transactions,” he said. “These are partnerships that we hope will last years.” As a proud member and leader within GTIA—serving on the Cybersecurity Executive Council, ISAO Advisory Group, and as a frequent speaker—Mendez echoed the inclusive spirit of ChannelCon, where companies big and small share the same 10x10 space and voice. “Everyone needs help. And everyone can provide it.” With a guiding philosophy of “no small business left behind,” Mendez and Avanzar IT Systems are building a future where technology empowers—not excludes—businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit avanzaritsystems.com

“We're now close to a quarter billion dollars in revenue, with operations across North America, EMEA, and APAC—and we're just getting started.” — Russ Reeder, CEO, XTIUM Technology Reseller News spoke with Russ Reeder, CEO, and Leon Schuurmans, Managing Director of EMEA at XTIUM, about the company's official launch of direct operations in Europe. The podcast, hosted by publisher Doug Green, offers a deep dive into XTIUM's journey from a merger of ATSG and Evolve IP into a global managed service provider (MSP) with a full suite of IT, UCaaS, CCaaS, MDR, and AI-powered offerings. The move into Europe builds on a longstanding foundation. Schuurmans recounted how the company—then Evolve IP—pioneered contact center and unified communications services in the Netherlands as early as 2007. Now, the new XTIUM brand brings integrated IT and communications services to a market increasingly seeking consolidation, scale, and security. Reeder emphasized the strategic advantages of global reach paired with local expertise. The company has over 1,700 customers and supports over one million endpoints. Backed by more than $1 billion in acquisitions and $350 million in private equity investment, XTIUM is well-positioned to serve multinational customers across North America, EMEA, and APAC. Key offerings discussed include: Full MSP services including managed network, help desk, UCaaS, and CCaaS AI-enabled services, from internal sales and support tools to client-facing AI onboarding, security, and optimization Cybersecurity and MDR, especially critical in the face of regulatory and infrastructure shifts like Windows 11 adoption The company also shared how its premium support model and customer success focus drive long-term growth. “We don't throw customers over the wall,” Reeder noted, outlining a high-touch process from onboarding to strategic reviews aimed at turning clients into evangelists. In EMEA, Schuurmans sees key vertical growth in healthcare, finance, retail, and professional services, driven by urgent needs around cybersecurity and desktop virtualization. He plans to scale both direct customer engagements and indirect channel partner relationships over the next 12–18 months. Looking ahead, XTIUM will continue to grow both organically and through acquisition. With a clearly stated goal to become the go-to global MSP for mid-market and enterprise customers, Reeder summed up the company's mission: “Think globally, act locally.” Learn more at: https://xtium.com

Ameet Dhillon explains why the BIOS layer is the next cybersecurity frontier at GTIA ChannelCon “You protect the OS and application layer—why not protect the BIOS that launches them?” — Ameet Dhillon, FirmGuard by Phoenix At GTIA ChannelCon 2025, Ameet Dhillon of FirmGuard joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to introduce a vital but often overlooked part of the MSP security stack: remote BIOS management. FirmGuard, a solution by Phoenix Technologies, allows MSPs to remotely update, configure, and monitor BIOS firmware across mixed hardware environments—Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more. “Most MSPs know BIOS is critical,” Dhillon explained, “but they lack an efficient, cross-manufacturer way to manage it.” As endpoint protection at the OS and application levels improves, attackers have begun targeting the firmware layer below the operating system. Agencies like CISA have issued warnings that BIOS vulnerabilities are an emerging threat vector—and FirmGuard is built to fill that gap. With FirmGuard, MSPs gain immediate visibility into BIOS vulnerabilities, outdated firmware, and legacy-mode systems that may need replacement. The platform operates fully remotely, eliminating truck rolls and improving technician efficiency. At just $1.50 per endpoint per month, FirmGuard's pricing makes it easy for MSPs to add to their security offering while preserving margin. “We're not just a monitoring tool,” Dhillon emphasized. “We give MSPs actionable insight—and the ability to act.” To learn more or request access to the MSP program, visit firmguard.com.

Executive council member shares how GTIA empowers managed services professionals at ChannelCon 2025 “It's not a good day unless you learn something new.” — Christopher Infante, Chair, Managed Services Community, GTIA Podcasting from GTIA's ChannelCon 2025, Doug Green of Technology Reseller News sat down with Christopher Infante, Executive Council Member of GTIA and Chair of its Managed Services Community, to explore how the association is reshaping opportunity and education for MSPs around the world. Infante, who manages Forward Edge, an education-focused MSP with over 130 employees, emphasized the importance of GTIA as a “channel connector”—bringing together MSPs, vendors, and IT professionals to elevate the entire industry through collaboration, community, and shared learning. This year's ChannelCon marked the first official event under the GTIA brand, and according to Infante, the energy was unlike anything he's seen at other conferences. “There's more excitement here… people are chomping at the bit to see what's coming next.” One of those “nexts,” Infante revealed, is a forthcoming educational program tailored to newcomers and veterans alike—designed to demystify the channel and onboard professionals from any starting point. GTIA also supports MSP growth with ongoing meetups and certifications like the Cybersecurity Trustmark, helping members elevate their practices and demonstrate trust to clients. For Infante personally, the conference delivered insight on trending topics such as AI implementation, governance, and ethical usage—as well as practical takeaways from keynote speaker Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor. When asked why MSPs should get involved, Infante didn't hesitate: “You'll surround yourself with people who want to grow—not just in their business, but in their community. And that's transformational.” To learn more or get involved, visit gtia.org.

Daniel Maynard champions relationship-driven growth and real-world cyber readiness at GTIA ChannelCon “Today, people don't Google a solution—they call someone they trust.” — Daniel Maynard, Director, Strategic Partnerships, DeepSeas At GTIA ChannelCon 2025, Daniel Maynard of DeepSeas joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a thought-provoking conversation on the shift from transactional selling to trust-based influence—and what that means for cybersecurity partnerships today. DeepSeas is a comprehensive cybersecurity firm that helps organizations assess where they are on their security journey and builds customized roadmaps to reduce risk and improve resilience. Its services span governance, MDR, and offensive security tools like vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. But it was a book, not a tech stack, that anchored this discussion. Maynard introduced Nearbound by Jared Fuller—a playbook for winning in the “who economy,” where buyers prioritize recommendations from people they trust over product specs and search engines. Maynard described a real-life example of this principle in action: A major client preparing for an IPO sought cybersecurity guidance not from a web search, but through a trusted network of consultants and partners—ultimately leading them to DeepSeas. “The new buying motion is all about credibility and relationships,” Maynard explained. “It's not about how they find a product. It's about who they trust.” For channel leaders and MSPs, this shift underscores the importance of relationship-building, reliability, and reputation—key tenets for thriving in a referral-first world. To learn more about DeepSeas cybersecurity solutions, visit deepseas.com.

Matt Horning shares the frontline MSP perspective from GTIA ChannelCon “AI is the new shiny object—but if you're not doing the basics, it becomes a threat vector, not a solution.” — Matt Horning, CEO, Blue Tree Technology At GTIA ChannelCon 2025, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Matt Horning, CEO of Kansas City-based MSP Blue Tree Technology, to capture the real-world experience of a managed service provider navigating AI hype, cybersecurity challenges, and industry fundamentals. Horning, whose firm serves clients across six states, shared that while Blue Tree is actively exploring AI for clients, the technology still feels like a beta product. “We're being pulled into AI,” Horning said. “Clients are asking for it, and we want to provide value—but it has to be aligned with our standards of excellence. No vaporware.” While AI dominated many sessions at ChannelCon, Horning pointed to the renewed emphasis on foundational practices—like patching, firewalling, and compliance—as the most valuable insight. “If you don't have the basics right, AI just adds risk.” Blue Tree Technology is known for its high standards and measured approach to emerging tech. At events like ChannelCon, Horning finds value not just in the content, but in the community of like-minded MSPs who are solving real-world problems—not just chasing the latest trend. To learn more, visit BlueTreeTechnology.com.

“Even today, roughly two-thirds of the people I interview have never had professional IT support. I'm still bringing fire to the caveman.” — Joshua Liberman, Net Sciences At GTIA's ChannelCon 2025 in Nashville, Joshua Liberman, President of Net Sciences, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a compelling conversation that spanned career origins, MSP evolution, M&A strategy, and the role of AI in cybersecurity. Liberman began with a colorful personal journey—from hitchhiking and odd jobs to discovering his path in IT by making a PC work overnight with nothing but instinct and manuals. That moment launched a 30-year career culminating in Net Sciences, which he founded in 1995 and steadily grew into a dedicated managed services provider (MSP) with a focus on underserved small businesses in New Mexico and beyond. Despite the maturity of the IT industry, Liberman underscored that “greenfield” opportunities remain widespread. “I frequently see $10, $20, $25 million businesses that have never had professional IT,” he noted, pointing to the enduring need for education and reliable support in every market—even major ones. Liberman also offered advice to MSPs preparing for long-term success or acquisition. “Start with the end in mind,” he advised. “Build a truly stable, scalable machine that can run without your input… you sell a better business.” On AI, Liberman expressed cautious optimism. While recognizing its inevitability and potential, especially within ASCII's growing framework initiatives under CEO Jerry Katavas, he warned of premature deployments and the risks of weaponization in cybersecurity. “We have a tendency to push [technology] out the door before it's able to walk,” he said. As a respected figure within the ASCII community, Liberman hinted at future conversations around both AI integration and M&A strategy for MSPs. For more about Net Sciences, visit netsciences.com.

Alberto Francis champions end-user empathy, proactive insights, and monetization at GTIA ChannelCon “I heart Service Desk.” — Alberto Francis, President & CEO, Black Birch Group At ChannelCon 2025, hosted by GTIA in Nashville, Alberto Francis of Black Birch Group sat down with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to deliver a bold and unexpected message: the service desk deserves more love—and attention as a growth driver. Francis, a self-described “talker” with a background in financial services IT, explained how his passion for human connection led him to build a company centered on crafting customized service desk experiences for MSPs. “It's the one place users interact with us daily,” said Francis. “It should be loved 24/7.” According to Francis, the service desk is an untapped source of business intelligence. “Why is it that 20 new user onboardings don't trigger a conversation about growth?” he asked, citing missed opportunities for MSPs to proactively engage clients on automation, workflow efficiency, and scaling support. He envisions a smarter, more proactive desk that not only solves tickets but flags business trends before they reach the executive suite. Black Birch Group's approach is to build desks that deliver “white-glove” experiences with KPI strategies that go beyond vanity metrics. Instead of just measuring closure rates, Francis encourages MSPs to ask, “Are we collecting insights that drive business?” His message to MSPs at ChannelCon: “Let's start by talking. If we work together to improve the desk, opportunities will follow.” Francis believes that passion and proactive design can turn the service desk from a cost center into a strategic advantage. To learn more, visit blackbirchgroup.com

Dan Wensley outlines GTIA's bold vision for a member-driven, globally connected IT channel “We're here to support and help the IT channel grow... and provide a level playing field community.” — Dan Wensley, GTIA In a milestone interview recorded live at the inaugural GTIA ChannelCon 2025, Dan Wensley, CEO of the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss the organization's renewed mission, global scope, and member-first model. Wensley shared that GTIA emerged from the historic CompTIA organization after the divestiture of its training and certification business. What remains is a sharpened focus on the channel—vendors, distributors, ITSPs, MSPs, and professionals—built around community, education, advocacy, and advancement. “This is a new brand, a new image, and a new vision,” said Wensley. “We're not here to sell certifications—we're here to serve the channel.” GTIA's newly structured events, like ChannelCon, offer equal opportunity to all participants regardless of company size. “This is not pay to play,” Wensley emphasized. “Every exhibitor gets the same booth, and every member pays virtually the same amount to participate.” The 2025 conference featured AI and cybersecurity content, but Wensley was deliberate in ensuring AI wasn't allowed to dominate every conversation. “Our members told us they still have businesses to run, so our programming reflects that.” GTIA's global ambition is more than just a name. With members in over 150 countries and expanding regional communities, GTIA is becoming a global hub for thought leadership, networking, and shared best practices. With events already planned for Indonesia, Australia, and a return to the UK, the association is scaling its reach alongside its renewed mission. Wensley closed with a call to action: “If you're in the IT services industry, join us. Let's grow this channel together.” To learn more or become a member, visit gtia.org.

Technology Reseller News Podcast with Dave Michels, TalkingPointz "AI and automation is really all that anyone cares about right now. And this is a power combination." — Dave Michels, TalkingPointz In this Technology Reseller News podcast, publisher Doug Green speaks with Dave Michels of TalkingPointz to unpack NICE's blockbuster $955 million acquisition of Cognigy, a move that signals a transformative leap in the CX and CCaaS landscape. “This is a landmark moment,” said Michels. “We're watching the CCaaS space redefine itself around CX—and NICE is taking decisive action.” NICE, a global leader in AI-powered customer experience, announced it is acquiring Cognigy, the top enterprise provider of conversational and agentic AI. This acquisition unites NICE's CXone Mpower platform with Cognigy's Cognigy.AI, enabling organizations to orchestrate AI agents across front and back office functions with purpose-built CX AI models. Michels noted that while CCaaS providers have been increasingly positioning themselves under the broader ‘customer experience' banner, this acquisition may be the inflection point. “I've been wondering when the Magic Quadrant would shift from CCaaS to CX. This deal brings us closer.” Cognigy brings with it a blue-chip client list—including Lufthansa, Mercedes-Benz, Swissair, Nestlé, and Puma—and a projected 80% ARR growth in 2026. NICE gains not only powerful technology, but also an elite customer base and a strong European footprint. As for whether the nearly $1 billion price tag was justified, Michels pointed to investor confidence: “NICE gained $500 million in market cap within hours of the announcement. That's Wall Street's endorsement of the deal.” He also predicts that NICE will maintain Cognigy's independence. “To shut down their open ecosystem would be foolhardy. These are complementary solutions—this gives NICE a broader seat at the CX table.” From cultural alignment to AI-first innovation, Michels sees the deal as smart and strategically sound. “Both companies are platform-first. Both are chasing the same strategic vision—and they're better together.” As the contact center market pivots to CX orchestration powered by AI, this acquisition may come to be seen not just as timely, but foundational. To hear more insights from Dave Michels, visit TalkingPointz.com, and stay tuned to Technology Reseller News for continued coverage of this evolving story.

“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.  

“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.

“Nobody would deploy AI without internet—so why aren't MSPs treating connectivity as mission-critical?” — Ken Totura, Massive Networks Technology Reseller News caught up with Ken Totura, Chief Channel Officer at Massive Networks, during GTIA's ChannelCon 2025 at the Opryland Resort in Nashville. In this fast-paced podcast with publisher Doug Green, Totura lays out a powerful call to action: it's time for MSPs to stop outsourcing the WAN. Totura argues that the telecom industry has fallen short—not in infrastructure but in experience. While carriers build exceptional networks, the interface with customers and partners too often breaks down. That's where Massive Networks steps in, delivering high-quality, secure wide-area connectivity with white-glove service and a partner-first approach. “We want to be part of the solution,” says Totura. “We came from the channel. We've been customers. We know what's broken—and we're fixing it.” Totura urges MSPs to stop treating internet and WAN as someone else's job. Just like MSPs manage desktops, endpoints, and LANs, they must start managing the WAN to deliver truly seamless, end-to-end IT solutions. Key points from the conversation: Massive Networks offers carrier-grade services with direct customer invoicing, support, and SLAs—leveraging 60 million fiber-lit buildings globally. Their proprietary platform simplifies global connectivity by unifying cloud, SaaS, and data center links through a single console. The "Lit Building Locator" app enables partners to instantly verify fiber availability without registration. Differentiator: Unlike aggregators, Massive injects its own services into the last mile—ensuring performance, support, and control remain in-house. Totura compares telecom's moment to the rise of AI. Just as MSPs are now integrating AI into offerings, they must similarly integrate connectivity—because every app, service, and solution depends on it. “Cheapest isn't always the least expensive,” says Totura. “If you're not talking about quality internet and WAN, you're doing your customers a disservice.” To learn more, visit https://www.massivenetworks.com.

“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.  

"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.

"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.

"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.

“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.

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

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

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.

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

“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

TODAY ON THE ROBERT SCOTT BELL SHOW: Red Pill Expo Recap, Doug Green on Freedom, CDC Panel Shake-Up, Geoengineering Data Dump, Kennedy Halts HHS Task Force, Ed Szall, Dr. Kirk Moore Victory, OTC Ivermectin Rising, SSRI Crisis, Chemo Cancer Spread Risk and MORE! https://robertscottbell.com/red-pill-expo-recap-doug-green-on-freedom-cdc-panel-shake-up-geoengineering-data-dump-kennedy-halts-hhs-task-force-ed-szall-dr-kirk-moore-victory-otc-ivermectin-rising-ssri-crisis-chemo-canc/https://boxcast.tv/view/red-pill-expo-recap-doug-green-on-freedom-cdc-panel-shake-up-ed-szall-dr-kirk-moore-victory---the-rsb-show-7-14-25-hhzj6qmsh4dtclqqhbkd Please read this disclaimer carefully before you (“you”, “your”) use our [Your Website URL] website (“website”, “service”) operated by the [Your Business Name] (“operator”, “us”, “we”, “our”). Purpose and Character The use of copyrighted material on the website is for non-commercial, educational purposes, and is intended to provide benefit to the public through information, critique, teaching, scholarship, or research. Nature of Copyrighted Material Weensure that the copyrighted material used is for supplementary and illustrative purposes and that it contributes significantly to the user's understanding of the content in a non-detrimental way to the commercial value of the original content. Amount and Substantiality Our website uses only the necessary amount of copyrighted material to achieve the intended purpose and does not substitute for the original market of the copyrighted works. Effect on Market Value The use of copyrighted material on our website does not in any way diminish or affect the market value of the original work. We believe that our use constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you believe that any content on the website violates your copyright, please contact us providing the necessary information, and we will take appropriate action to address your concern.

“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 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.

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  

“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.

"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.

"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.

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 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.

This week I talk with Doug Green about his books The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names. We get into his history with rescue dogs, what led him to want to write a book about his experiences with Shirelle, and what we can all learn from dogs. I definitely walked away from this book and this interview with a renewed perspective on what it means to live with dogs. The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names are available directly from the publisher at www.circuitbreakerbooks.com or wherever books are sold, but I do recommend checking out www.bookshop.org to support your local booksellers!Sponsor:LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order! Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, please rate, review, and subscribe. If you have ideas for future guests please email me at theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

“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

“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

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

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.