Podcast appearances and mentions of Doug Green

By Doug Green “Governance is absolutely necessary. It's no longer optional.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Rajesh Kari, Senior Director of Products and Solutions at Versa Networks, about the emerging security challenges created as agentic AI moves into live network and security operations. Kari says Versa Networks is a leader in SASE, offering a unified platform that brings together networking, security and operations across enterprise infrastructure. As AI becomes more embedded in operations, Versa is focused on a new zero trust challenge: controlling not only users and devices, but also the hidden AI-driven sub-actions that can touch production systems. Kari explains that agentic AI is different from traditional AI because it can take action on behalf of users. Rather than simply answering a prompt or returning information, an agent may break a task into sub-queries, call APIs, use credentials, access systems and make changes inside the infrastructure. Those hidden sub-queries can create risk if organizations cannot see, validate and govern what the agent is doing. “People build agents. They know what the objective of the agents are,” Kari says. “But under the hood, what the agent actually deploys, which APIs it accesses, and what kinds of authorization and authentication it leverages can be unknown.” The podcast explores how this creates new exposure for enterprises, MSPs and channel partners. If an AI agent gains access to credentials or production systems, organizations need constant verification, validation and governance around each action. Kari says agentic AI can also hallucinate or generate unnecessary sub-queries, creating additional security and operational risk. Versa is addressing this through Versa Verbo and its Zero Trust MCP architecture. Verbo is designed to help network practitioners gain visibility, management and analytics through natural language interactions. Instead of searching through hundreds of alerts or dashboards, operators can ask questions about outages, performance issues, configuration changes, security incidents and branch health. The Zero Trust MCP architecture extends that capability by applying governance and access control to AI-driven actions. Kari says this enables AI models and agents to query Versa infrastructure securely, while maintaining controls around authentication, authorization, APIs and operational workflows. For MSPs and channel partners, Kari sees an important opportunity. Many organizations want to deploy AI quickly but do not have the internal capability to build governance infrastructure around it. Partners that develop practices around policy architecture, deployment, ongoing governance and human-in-the-loop approval can help customers adopt agentic AI more safely. Kari says AI operations copilots are becoming standard in SASE and network platforms. Network teams, infrastructure managers and executives increasingly want to use natural language to understand the health of their infrastructure instead of relying only on dashboards. But as those tools become more powerful, governance becomes the deciding factor in adoption. “If the agent has gained access into certain files or visuals which has violated any particular compliance standards, it becomes the responsibility of the organization to prove it,” Kari says. For Versa, the message is clear: agentic AI can simplify operations and accelerate decision-making, but it must be governed from the beginning. Zero trust principles need to be built into every AI agent connection. Learn more at www.versa-networks.com  

By Doug Green “Running a business, running a network, is really about making good decisions. And to make good decisions, you have to base that on good data.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Jezzibell Gillmore, General Manager and Vice President, Service Provider at Kentik, about how AI workloads, rising data volumes and infrastructure complexity are creating new operational challenges for service providers. Gillmore describes Kentik as a network intelligence company that uses NetFlow, SNMP, synthetic testing, streaming telemetry and data enrichment to provide actionable insights for organizations that rely on networks to run their businesses. As networks generate more data than humans can easily interpret, Kentik helps service providers understand what traffic means, where it is coming from, where it is going, and how it affects customers, performance and profitability. The conversation focuses on the growing infrastructure demands associated with AI. Gillmore says the industry is preparing for a significant rise in AI-driven traffic, particularly east-west traffic between servers and data centers. While the full impact has not yet arrived, service providers are already seeing signs of what may be ahead as GPU deployments, data center power demands and high-capacity interconnect requirements continue to grow. Gillmore notes that service providers will face pressure not only from higher traffic volumes, but also from the physical realities of network expansion. Adding capacity is not always as simple as turning up another wavelength. Providers may need to plan new fiber routes, obtain permits, expand conduit capacity and manage the long timelines associated with physical infrastructure. The podcast also explores where service providers are likely to encounter operational blind spots. Gillmore says resiliency is moving from a “good to have” to a mission-critical requirement. At the same time, traditional observability tools were built for an earlier era and may not provide enough visibility into encrypted traffic, hybrid cloud, east-west AI traffic, GPU-to-GPU telemetry and increasingly complex routing environments. For Gillmore, the shift is from passive observability to actionable network intelligence. Traditional tools may show what happened over the last 30 days, but AI-era networks require near real-time insight that can help operators make better decisions immediately. She also points to a growing skills challenge. Many of the engineers who helped build the internet are retiring, while newer engineers may be strong in automation and code but have less deep operational experience. Machine-assisted insight can help bridge that gap by giving teams clearer guidance and better context. For service providers, the message is clear: AI-driven demand will require better visibility, stronger resiliency and more intelligent operations. Gillmore says providers should begin by identifying gaps in their networks and evaluating how network intelligence can improve efficiency, customer experience and business value. Learn more at kentik.com  

By Doug Green “The best learning is actually to learn by doing.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Carlos Pereira, Cisco Fellow and Chief Architect, Customer Experience, about Cisco IQ and how Cisco is using AI, lifecycle intelligence and customer experience to help enterprises better understand, secure and future-proof their environments. Pereira says Cisco IQ reflects a broader shift in how customer experience is being delivered. At Cisco, CX is not treated as something that begins after a product is deployed. It spans the full lifecycle: land, adopt, expand and renew, with support embedded throughout. That lifecycle view is especially important because more than 95% of Cisco's business is indirect through partners, and more than half of Cisco's revenue is recurring. Cisco IQ, which became generally available in April, is designed to give customers visibility across the Cisco assets they own, including devices that may be approaching or past end of sale or end of support. Pereira notes that many Cisco products remain in production for years because they are reliable, but long-running environments can create risk if older software, unsupported assets or unpatched vulnerabilities remain in place. With Cisco IQ, customers can see more of their environment, understand lifecycle status, assess security exposure and receive AI-driven insights tied to their own deployments. Pereira says that visibility becomes more important as AI accelerates the speed of both operations and threats. “The speed has changed because the adversary is now faster than what you think your ability to move,” Pereira says. The podcast also looks at how Cisco IQ fits with Cisco Cloud Control, announced at Cisco Live. Pereira explains that Cisco Cloud Control brings product operations together through an agentic interface, while Cisco IQ focuses on lifecycle visibility, entitlement, assets, security assessments, performance and operational insight. Together, the two offerings reflect Cisco's effort to combine AI-driven operations with full lifecycle intelligence. A major theme of the conversation is future-proofing the enterprise. Pereira says Cisco IQ can help customers identify assets that may pose security or operational risks, including devices past last day of support or software exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities. Cisco IQ can also support assessments around emerging concerns such as quantum readiness, including hardware, software and cryptographic materials. Pereira also discusses why Cisco designed Cisco IQ to support multiple deployment models from the beginning. Cisco IQ can run as SaaS, on-premises tethered, or on-premises air-gapped. That matters for customers with government, sovereignty, security or isolation requirements who still need AI-driven insight without compromising deployment constraints. For partners, Cisco IQ creates a new way to engage customers around lifecycle management, security posture, renewals and modernization. Instead of waiting for problems to emerge, partners can use Cisco IQ to help customers understand what they have, where risks exist and how to prioritize action. Looking ahead, Pereira says the second half of 2026 will be less about AI hype and more about applying AI to business workflows with measurable ROI. In areas such as security and identity operations, the need for speed, visibility and lifecycle intelligence will only increase. Pereira encourages Cisco customers with support entitlements to begin using Cisco IQ directly at iq.cisco.com. Because Cisco IQ includes personalized, AI-driven documentation and insights, he says the best way to understand the platform is to self-onboard and begin using it. Learn more at cisco.com Cisco IQ: iq.cisco.com  

By Doug Green “Infrastructure is increasingly becoming a control point for AI enablement and productivity.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Shashi Kiran, Chief Marketing Officer at Nile, about why infrastructure is moving back to the center of enterprise strategy, budgeting and AI readiness. Kiran says Nile is modernizing enterprise networks with what it describes as the world's most secure network delivered as a service. The company provides wired and wireless local area networking for mid-size and large enterprises, with security built in and operations managed across the lifecycle. The conversation focuses on a growing reality for enterprises: AI may appear to live in applications, cloud platforms and user devices, but its success depends on the infrastructure underneath. As organizations rethink AI adoption, infrastructure decisions are becoming long-term strategic decisions again. Unlike software, Kiran notes, infrastructure cannot simply be changed overnight. Network decisions often shape cost, security, agility and business performance for years. A poor infrastructure choice can become a drag on the rest of the organization's technology investment. Kiran says this is driving renewed interest in network as a service. In the modern model, he says, network as a service is not simply a managed provider operating someone else's technology. Instead, Nile builds, owns and operates the technology, giving customers a single accountable partner across the full value chain. For Nile, the focus is the enterprise edge: campuses, branches, users, devices, IoT and, increasingly, AI agents. Kiran says that part of the network has often been overlooked while much of the industry focused on data centers and cloud. Yet it is also where complexity, operational cost and security exposure are often highest. Nile's approach is built around simplifying that environment. Kiran describes a clean-slate architecture with wired and wireless connectivity, zero trust principles, identity-based authentication, security built in, and autonomous operations. Nile also backs its service with performance SLAs and financial penalties. Kiran says the results can include lower complexity, faster change management, reduced breach exposure and significant savings. He says customers typically see cost reductions of 30% to 50% at a minimum, along with faster deployment and change cycles. As enterprises plan for the next several years, Kiran says infrastructure will become even more important as organizations work to become more AI-native. The companies that move away from legacy models and adopt more agile infrastructure approaches will be better positioned to support AI, improve productivity, reduce cost and strengthen security. Learn more at nilesecure.com  

Expereo: Enterprises Are Racing Into AI, But the Network Still Has to Carry the Load, Podcast, “AI is no longer a debate. Enterprises are already using it. The question now is whether the network is ready to support what comes next,” says Marek Wasilewski of Expereo @Doug Green “AI is no longer a debate. Enterprises are already using it. The question now is whether the network is ready to support what comes next,” says Marek Wasilewski of Expereo. In this Cisco Live 2026 podcast, Doug Green speaks with Marek Wasilewski of Expereo about the company's 2026 Enterprise Horizons report and what it reveals about enterprise AI adoption, network readiness and the growing pressure on global connectivity. This is one of several Cisco Live podcasts worth revisiting after the initial wave of show coverage. The conversation provides interesting insights into how AI is changing the network conversation for enterprises, service providers and channel partners. According to Expereo's research, 92% of enterprises are using AI in some form, while 30% are already using it extensively. At the same time, 70% are investing in AI without carefully measuring ROI. That combination creates both opportunity and risk: enterprises are moving quickly, but many are still building on networks that were not designed for the scale, performance and resilience demands of AI-driven operations. Expereo, a global Network-as-a-Service provider, helps enterprises simplify and manage connectivity across complex international environments. In the podcast, Wasilewski explains why AI success depends not only on models, applications and cloud platforms, but also on the underlying network that connects users, data, workloads and business locations. For channel partners, MSPs and enterprise technology leaders, the message is clear: AI is making the network strategic again. Connectivity is no longer just plumbing. It is becoming a core part of digital transformation, customer experience, automation and business continuity. The conversation also explores how enterprises can think more clearly about AI investment, how global connectivity strategies are changing, and why network visibility, flexibility and reliability will matter even more as AI moves from pilot projects into production environments. Learn more: expereo.com

By Doug Green “We want everybody to be a spam reporter.” In this special Cloud Communications Alliance and Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, about the launch of the National Spam Reporting Center, a new consumer-facing resource designed to make it easier to report spam, scam calls, robotexts, and other suspicious communications. The new site, spamreporters.com, is intended to give consumers one simple place to report unwanted or fraudulent communications. Quilici says the problem today is confusion. If a consumer receives a text, robocall, or email impersonating a bank, retailer, insurance provider, or government agency, it is not always clear where that person should go or who should be notified. YouMail created the National Spam Reporting Center to simplify that process. Consumers can go to spamreporters.com, upload a screenshot or report, and YouMail can then use that information to help identify patterns, alert carriers, and support faster action against abusive campaigns. “The key thing is we act on them,” Quilici says. The podcast explores how these reports can benefit multiple groups. Consumers get a simple reporting path. Carriers can receive evidence about numbers or campaigns that may need to be shut down. Banks, e-commerce companies, insurers, and other frequently impersonated brands can gain better visibility into abuse targeting their customers. Quilici points to current scam activity around health insurance, Medicare, preapproved loans, and impersonation campaigns as examples of where consumer reporting can provide important signals. In some cases, consumer reports can help distinguish between legitimate communications and suspicious campaigns. The discussion also looks at the challenge facing legitimate businesses. Many organizations depend on calls and texts to reach customers about appointments, service updates, reminders, and other important matters. But when those calls are mislabeled as spam, consumers do not answer. That has led some legitimate businesses to use large pools of numbers in an effort to reach customers, a technique that can resemble the behavior of scammers. Quilici says better reporting and faster analysis can help reduce that confusion, protect consumers, and improve the ability of legitimate businesses to reach customers. YouMail does not expect the National Spam Reporting Center to eliminate the entire scam and spam problem. The goal is to reduce the damage by moving faster, using consumer-submitted reports, carrier relationships, and YouMail's existing data to identify abuse and support action before larger enforcement processes run their course. For service providers, enterprises, brands, and consumers, the message is clear: spam and scam prevention improves when more people can report what they are seeing and when that information can be acted on quickly. Learn more at spamreporters.com Learn more about YouMail at www.youmail.com  

By Doug Green “AI can be perfect, but it can't care.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Dan Rochon, author of Teach to Sell: Why Top Salespeople Never Sell and What They Do Instead, about trust, influence, and why the best sales conversations begin with teaching rather than pitching. Rochon says Teach to Sell is about ethical influence. For MSPs, service providers, technology resellers, and channel partners, that means moving beyond product-first selling and becoming a guide who helps customers understand their own needs, problems, and desired outcomes. The conversation comes at a time when AI is changing how buyers are approached, how salespeople prepare, and how marketing messages are created. Rochon says AI can help with research and preparation, but it cannot replace the human connection that creates trust. “Technology can give us more information than ever before,” Rochon says. “But only human beings can give us trust.” Rochon outlines a sales approach built around rapport, deeper questions, and active listening. Instead of telling a customer what their problem is, the salesperson should guide the customer to discover it. He argues that the product or service should be presented as the bridge between the customer's pain and the result they want to achieve. For channel partners and MSPs, Rochon's message aligns closely with the long-running idea of becoming a trusted advisor. Customers do not simply need another vendor selling tools, subscriptions, or services. They need someone who understands their business, asks the right questions, and helps them make better decisions. The podcast also explores renewals and recurring revenue. Rochon says salespeople should not be afraid to revisit customers when they believe their product or service is genuinely helping. Maintaining an existing customer is often easier than winning a new one, but it still requires confidence, communication, and a commitment to guiding the customer. Rochon says Teach to Sell is designed for people who are tired of pitching and want better conversations, shorter sales cycles, stronger trust, and more consistent revenue. Learn more at www.teachtosellbook.com  

By Doug Green “Everything is fighting for your attention.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Gerry Christensen, trusted industry strategist at ICA AI, about the future of business-to-consumer communications, AI-powered voice solutions, and how enterprises, carriers, MSPs and channel partners can prepare for a post-agentic AI communications environment. Christensen says ICA AI is focused on making it easier for consumers and businesses to engage with the calls and messages they actually want, while filtering out the unwanted traffic. The company uses AI, including deterministic AI, to help determine whether a call should be allowed through, blocked, or handled through an AI-powered interaction layer. The conversation looks ahead to a future where AI is increasingly used for outbound calls, contact center interactions, appointment setting, collections, notifications and even person-to-person communications. Christensen says AI-to-AI interactions are likely to become more common, where one person's AI assistant may interact with another person's AI assistant before a human conversation ever takes place. That future, he says, will require governance, transparency and trust. Consumers may accept AI-driven communication, but they will want to know when AI is being used and whether the entity behind the call can be trusted. “What matters is, do you trust who's calling you?” Christensen says. The podcast also explores the risks of AI being used by bad actors. Agentic AI can automate useful workflows, but the same capabilities can also be used to create more convincing fraud, impersonation and scam attempts. Christensen says that is why solutions such as ICA AI will become increasingly important as AI-powered communications become more common. For enterprises, the implications are significant. Contact centers, collections teams, healthcare organizations, appointment-setting operations and customer service groups may all use AI to reach consumers more efficiently. At the same time, they will need systems that help ensure legitimate calls get through while unwanted or harmful traffic is blocked. Christensen describes ICA AI's current approach in three parts: allow calls that should go through, block known bad calls, and use AI to handle the middle ground where additional screening or interaction is needed. That middle ground may become especially important as consumers increasingly rely on their own AI tools to manage communications. For MSPs, channel partners and carriers, Christensen says there is also an opportunity. ICA AI is developing channel partnerships and licensing its technology to carriers, creating a path for providers to bring AI-powered call protection and engagement tools to their customers. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in communications, Christensen says the industry needs to prepare now. The future may include dynamic AI-to-AI exchanges, more intelligent call handling, and new ways for consumers to control their attention. But that future will also demand trust, accountability and stronger protections against abuse. Learn more at icatrusted.ai  

Network Is Hot Again: Stackpane's Sarbjeet Johal on Cisco Live, AI Infrastructure and Systems Economics, Podcast, Johal brings a unique mix of technical, business, and economics experience to the discussion @Doug Green, Publisher, Technology Reseller News “The network is hot again because a lot more data is traversing on it, and a lot more data will traverse on it,” says Sarbjeet Johal of Stackpane. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Sarbjeet Johal, Founder and CEO of Stackpane, technology analyst, cloud strategist and go-to-market specialist, about why the network has moved back to the center of the enterprise technology conversation. Johal brings an unique mix of technical, business and economics experience to the discussion. A veteran of VMware, Oracle and Dell EMC, Johal has spent decades building and deploying enterprise systems, advising technology providers, and helping buyers understand cloud strategy, infrastructure modernization and digital transformation. At Cisco Live, Johal says the biggest theme was simplification. Cisco, he argues, is working to reduce infrastructure complexity for customers operating across public cloud, on-premises systems, AI workloads and increasingly distributed environments. That includes a renewed focus on infrastructure as code, platform control, and AI-assisted tools such as Cisco IQ, which Johal says can help customers and partners troubleshoot, configure and operate Cisco environments more effectively. The conversation then turns to Johal's recent observation that “the network is hot again.” His point is that AI, real-time systems, digital services, autonomous agents, and API-driven interactions are all placing new demands on network performance. As more data moves across enterprise systems, latency, memory, compute, and connectivity become more strategically important. Johal notes that during AI inference, latency is especially critical, making the network, chips, CPUs, and memory all part of the same infrastructure story. Johal also frames the issue through systems economics. Enterprises are not simply buying more technology for the sake of modernization. They are being forced to ask whether cloud, AI, on-prem infrastructure, and automation actually pencil out in terms of total cost of ownership, return on investment, and operational value. For MSPs, channel partners, and technology providers, that creates an opportunity to help customers make better architecture decisions, not just consume more tools. The podcast closes with a look ahead to a future conversation on token economics, AI infrastructure costs, and where MSPs and channel partners can find real business opportunity as enterprise technology becomes more automated, more data-intensive, and more dependent on resilient network infrastructure. Editor's note: This podcast was recorded at Cisco Live in Las Vegas and is being posted later. With time, the conversation has become even more notable. Johal's central point — that the network is “hot again” — has only gained relevance as AI, automation, cloud infrastructure and real-time digital services continue to place new pressure on enterprise networks. Learn more: Stackpane at stackpane.com

By Doug Green “AI is generating code, but it's not generating secure code.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Jonathan Kozimor, Vice President of Channel Americas at Checkmarx, about the company's next-generation SAST engine and the growing opportunity for MSPs and channel partners in application security. Kozimor says software development has changed dramatically. Developers are producing more code, AI is accelerating that process, and traditional security models are struggling to keep up. The old approach of writing code, scanning it, and fixing issues later is no longer enough. Checkmarx's new SAST engine is designed to reduce noise, false positives, and lack of context by helping teams focus on the vulnerabilities that matter most. “The industry does not need more vulnerability data,” Kozimor says. “Security teams already have plenty of findings. What they need is intelligence, and they need faster fixes.” The podcast also explores findings from recent Checkmarx research, including the gap between security awareness and execution. Kozimor notes that many organizations understand the risks, but still struggle to operationalize security at the speed of modern development. Looking ahead, Kozimor says AppSec must become more automated, more intelligent, and more deeply embedded in the development lifecycle. AI will play a role, but it must be paired with governance, security policy, and human oversight. For channel partners, the opportunity is clear. Customers need help modernizing AppSec, managing change, and embedding security into development workflows without slowing innovation. “This is where the partner ecosystem is fundamental to customer success,” Kozimor says. Learn more at www.checkmarx.com

By Doug Green “We're absolutely on the path, and we're not talking five, six, seven years. We're talking in the next 18 to 24 months.” In this episode of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Josh Kindiger, COO and co-founder of Grokstream, about the company's new L1 Agent and what it means for the future of AI-driven network and IT operations. Grokstream is the company behind Grok, an AI-powered predictive agent platform for network and IT operations. The platform comes out of the event intelligence and AIOps space and is designed to help operations teams identify, triage, and resolve recurring issues more efficiently. Kindiger says Grokstream recently released its first role-based agent, the L1 Agent, in beta. The full production release is expected in Q2. The agent is already being used with customers to prove out real-world capabilities. Because many organizations remain cautious about AI-driven automation, Grokstream is starting with low-risk, repeatable use cases. In many operations centers, Kindiger notes, the same incidents occur repeatedly, sometimes accounting for as much as 70% of activity. The L1 Agent is designed to recognize those patterns and guide operators through triage and resolution. For example, if a recurring issue requires a service restart, the system can recommend or automate that step. If a pattern points to a commercial power outage at a site, the agent can help avoid unnecessary dispatches while monitoring backup power systems. Kindiger says the goal is not to remove human oversight immediately, but to build trust through guardrails, staged automation, and operator control. Low-risk automations can be handled end to end, while higher-risk actions may require human approval. The podcast also explores the broader opportunity for enterprises, MSPs, and CSPs. Kindiger says service providers and managed service providers face growing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and differentiate in competitive markets. AI-driven operations can help them respond faster, lower manual workload, and deliver better service outcomes. The long-term direction is clear: autonomous network operations are coming. Kindiger says companies should begin now because foundational work is needed before they can fully benefit from automation. For MSPs and CSPs, he says the urgency is even greater. Cost pressure is shaping renewals and new customer wins, and AI-powered operations may become a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.grokstream.com

“What this industry needs is a fundamentally different approach, not probabilistic, deterministic,” says Gerry Christensen, Plus Trusted Industry Strategist at ICA AI. In this Telecom Reseller podcast, Doug Green speaks with Christensen about ICA AI's Plus Trusted platform, an AI-based communications assistant designed to help manage unwanted, suspicious and trusted calls. Christensen explains that Plus Trusted is built around three basic call treatments: block known bad calls, interrogate questionable calls using AI, or allow trusted calls to pass through normally. The platform uses caller behavior, number reputation and the relationship between the calling and called parties to determine whether a trusted relationship exists before the phone rings. While ICA AI can use probabilistic AI in gray-area situations, Christensen says the company emphasizes deterministic AI because many calls can be handled based on known patterns and trusted relationships. The discussion also looks at the growing threat of AI-enabled robocalls, voice cloning and social engineering. Christensen says that as bad actors use AI to automate and personalize attacks, users and organizations will need AI-based protection on their side of the call. For UCaaS providers, MVNOs, MSPs and channel partners, Christensen says Plus Trusted creates a new opportunity to help customers reduce unwanted calls while preserving legitimate communications. The platform is designed to interoperate with existing carriers and communications platforms. “We consider ourselves Switzerland,” Christensen says. “You don't have to be on a specific UCaaS platform. You don't have to have a specific carrier.” Visit icatrusted.ai.

“If your AI agent failed today, would you know before your customers do?” asks Sophie Cheng, Chief Marketing Officer at Sinch. In this Telecom Reseller podcast, Doug Green speaks with Cheng about Sinch's new research on what the company calls the “AI production paradox.” While many enterprises have moved beyond AI pilots, the bigger challenge is keeping AI agents reliable once they are live. Cheng says Sinch surveyed more than 2,500 global enterprise executives and found that 62% already have AI programs in production. But 74% also reported having to roll back a live AI agent because of operational reliability issues, including exposed data, hallucinations, tone-of-voice problems, auditability gaps and compliance concerns. The discussion focuses on why AI agents often perform well in controlled testing, but encounter problems when exposed to real customer interactions. Cheng says enterprises need stronger governance, clearer guardrails and communications infrastructure that can support secure, reliable, multichannel customer engagement. “More monitoring means more failures are detected,” Cheng says. “It does not mean more failures are created.” Cheng also explains why infrastructure is becoming central to enterprise AI strategy. If messages are not delivered, channels cannot be connected, or customer context cannot move across SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, voice and email, AI-powered customer engagement can break down before the model itself becomes the issue. For enterprises operating across markets, industries and regulatory environments, Cheng says Sinch helps provide the communications foundation needed to support scale, compliance and customer experience. Visit sinch.com.  

“If you're not moving forward, you're moving backwards,” says Elie Katz, CEO of National Retail Solutions. In this Telecom Reseller podcast, Doug Green speaks with Katz about National Retail Solutions, its relationship with IDT, and the continuing opportunity for telecom resellers, MSPs and channel partners to serve independent retailers. Katz explains that National Retail Solutions was built to help independent merchants gain access to the tools they need to compete, including point-of-sale systems, credit card processing, cash advance, payroll and related business services. The company now serves more than 35,000 locations. Katz says NRS grew out of IDT's long-standing relationship with independent retailers, many of which were already selling telecom products. That connection helped NRS recognize that small merchants needed practical, easy-to-use technology to remain competitive as e-commerce, delivery, AI and digital payments reshape retail. The discussion also looks at the importance of local stores in their communities. Katz says independent retailers often have close relationships with their customers, giving them a level of service and flexibility that larger chains may not offer. For telecom resellers and channel partners, Katz says the retail community remains a strong opportunity. Many already have relationships with small businesses and can add value by bringing them technology and services that help them operate more efficiently. Katz also discusses NRS retailer networking meetups, which bring merchants and business partners together to share ideas, learn from one another and identify new opportunities. Learn more at NRSplus.com.  

“Trust is built through very small moments,” says Julie Thiel of TTS Company. In this Telecom Reseller podcast, Doug Green speaks with Thiel about how MSPs, channel partners and growing technology businesses can strengthen leadership, retention and performance through everyday interactions with employees. Thiel says HR is often misunderstood as paperwork, compliance or “the fun police.” In reality, she says, effective people practices are about leadership and helping businesses grow. For smaller entrepreneurial companies, that means building trust with employees through regular conversations, follow-through, recognition and simple moments of human connection. The discussion focuses on the idea that leadership is not built only through major decisions or formal speeches. It is built through small, repeated actions: asking how someone is doing, remembering what matters to them, listening a little longer, and making time for regular one-on-one conversations. Thiel says those small moments can make difficult conversations easier later, whether a manager needs to give feedback, address a client issue or ask an employee to take on new responsibilities. When trust already exists, employees are more likely to hear feedback constructively and bring forward ideas, concerns and opportunities. For MSPs and channel companies that may not be able to compete with larger employers on compensation alone, Thiel says relationship-building can become a competitive advantage. Smaller businesses can often offer flexibility, development opportunities and direct access to customers in ways larger organizations cannot. The conversation also connects leadership and trust to company value. Thiel says businesses with stable teams, low turnover and developing leaders are better positioned for growth, succession and potential acquisition. Learn more at thettscompany.com.

Wipro Brings Enterprise Perspective to Cisco Cloud Control, Podcast Wipro's Uday Kiran discusses what Cisco's new platform means for enterprise customers, global partners and the shift to unified, AI-ready operations By Doug Green “Cisco Cloud Control unifies all of these domains.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, recorded virtually during Cisco Live, Doug Green speaks with Uday Kiran of Wipro about Cisco Cloud Control and what the announcement means when viewed from the front lines of enterprise transformation. For Wipro, the announcement represents a logical evolution in Cisco's portfolio. Kiran says enterprise customers are often managing separate domains across networking, security and observability. Those domains have historically operated as “multiple islands,” creating complexity for IT teams that need visibility, speed and control across distributed environments. Wipro brings a global systems integrator's view to the conversation. The company serves enterprise customers in more than 64 countries, has more than 250,000 employees, works with more than 1,000 enterprise customers, and has partnered with Cisco for more than 30 years, according to Kiran. That scale gives Wipro a practical view of what customers are asking for now. Enterprises are not simply looking for another dashboard or another tool. They are looking for ways to simplify operations, improve resilience, bring security and networking closer together, and make AI useful inside complex production environments. Cisco Cloud Control is important because it points toward a more unified operational model. Instead of treating network, security and observability as separate disciplines, the platform is designed to bring those areas together. For partners such as Wipro, that creates a larger opportunity than product deployment. It creates a consulting, integration and managed services opportunity around helping enterprises modernize operations, rationalize toolsets, and prepare for AI-enabled infrastructure. The discussion also reflects a broader Cisco Live theme: AI is moving from concept to operations. As enterprises adopt agentic AI, infrastructure must become more observable, more secure and more automated. Wipro's role is to help customers make that transition in real environments, where legacy systems, global operations and business continuity all matter. In this podcast, Kiran offers a partner's view of Cisco Cloud Control: not just what was announced, but why it matters to enterprise customers trying to turn fragmented IT operations into a more unified, intelligent and resilient operating model.

Centaris Helps SMBs Bring AI Into the Business Without Letting Risk Come Along for the Ride, Podcast, According to Centaris, 86% of SMB workers are using AI tools, with 80% bringing their own tools into the workplace. At the same time, 80% of leaders cite leakage of sensitive data as their main concern. By Doug Green “We think there's a tremendous opportunity for us to shine where we've thrived for years.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Mike Nowak, Chief Revenue Officer at Centaris, about the challenges small and midsize businesses are facing as AI adoption moves faster than many IT and security programs can manage. Centaris provides cybersecurity and managed IT services for small and midsize organizations, with a focus on the Great Lakes region and companies with roughly 50 to 5,000 employees. The company works across key verticals including manufacturing, healthcare and financial services, where security, compliance and operational continuity are central business concerns. The conversation focuses on a problem that is becoming urgent for SMB leaders: AI is already inside the organization, whether or not it has been formally approved. According to Centaris, 86% of SMB workers are using AI tools, with 80% bringing their own tools into the workplace. At the same time, 80% of leaders cite leakage of sensitive data as their main concern. That creates a new challenge for MSPs, IT leaders and business owners. The question is no longer whether employees will use AI. They already are. The question is whether companies can create a secure, consistent and manageable way to use AI without exposing customer data, intellectual property or regulated information. Nowak outlines Centaris' role in helping organizations move from uncontrolled AI experimentation to structured deployment. For many smaller companies, AI adoption is happening at the employee level first. Staff members are using publicly available tools to write, summarize, research and automate work. That can create productivity gains, but it can also create risk when sensitive information is pasted into tools that are not governed by company policy. Centaris is positioning its AI and cybersecurity work around practical deployment. Rather than treating AI as a separate technology trend, the company sees it as part of the broader managed services and cybersecurity conversation. SMBs need policies, training, tool selection, identity controls and security frameworks that match the way employees are already working. The podcast also looks at the broader cybersecurity posture of the small and midmarket. These organizations face many of the same risks as larger enterprises but often lack the same internal resources. That makes consistent managed security, compliance guidance and trusted IT leadership especially important. Centaris is also in growth mode. Nowak says the company is looking to expand across the Great Lakes footprint, particularly in areas where it already has experience and vertical expertise. “The ones that we're looking for and where we're looking to expand is really the Great Lakes footprint,” Nowak says. “We think there's a tremendous opportunity for us to kind of shine where we've thrived for years.” The acquisition strategy is focused on fit and execution. Centaris is interested in organizations that align with its strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and cybersecurity-driven managed services. The company works with larger clients and clients in other regions, but Nowak emphasizes that Centaris is careful about ensuring it can execute well before expanding. For MSP owners, the message is direct: Centaris is open to conversations with firms that may be considering their next step. For SMB leaders, the message is equally clear: AI is already arriving inside the business, and the time to secure and standardize that adoption is now. Centaris can be reached through LinkedIn, at info@centaris.com, or through the Centaris website. Learn more at centaris.com.

Qumulo and Cisco Launch Bridge-to-Cloud Architecture to Help Enterprises Beat the Flash Crunch at Cisco Live 2026 By Doug Green “Capacity extends to the cloud instantly. Users and applications never know that the systems have been extended into the cloud.” At Cisco Live 2026, Doug Green spoke with Brandon Whitelaw of Qumulo about the company's new Bridge-to-Cloud architecture with Cisco, a solution designed to help enterprises respond to one of the most urgent infrastructure challenges of the AI era: fast-growing data workloads, constrained flash supply, longer hardware lead times and rising demand for high-performance storage. Qumulo describes itself as an accelerated data company. In the podcast, Whitelaw explains that Qumulo helps organizations store and manage mission-critical file and object data across data centers, edge environments and the major public clouds. The goal is to unify those datasets into a consistent, AI-enabled data fabric that can support both today's high-performance applications and tomorrow's AI pipelines. Qumulo's customers include autonomous driving companies, media and entertainment organizations, special effects shops, sports broadcasters, life sciences organizations, genomic research teams, hospitals, public sector agencies and government entities. The common thread is data: large, high-capacity, high-performance datasets that must be available, protected and ready for use. The Cisco announcement focuses on Cloud Native Qumulo Enterprise combined with Cisco Unified Computing System through Qumulo's Cloud Data Fabric. The solution is designed to let enterprises extend file workloads from on-premises Cisco UCS infrastructure into the cloud without forcing a disruptive migration, application refactoring or a rebuild of existing workflows. For enterprise IT teams, the problem is practical. AI infrastructure demand is reshaping the market for memory and NVMe systems, creating pressure on traditional capacity planning. Instead of waiting months for new hardware or overprovisioning all-flash systems, Qumulo and Cisco are offering a bridge: keep trusted on-premises infrastructure in place while extending selected workloads into the cloud as needed. Whitelaw says the architecture gives enterprises a way to free up on-premises infrastructure for the most critical applications, while using cloud capacity to handle growth, burst demand and AI-readiness. The result is a hybrid model that is not simply about cloud migration. It is about operational flexibility. The solution also positions enterprise data for AI and analytics. Qumulo says CNQ Enterprise includes Cloud Data Fabric and NeuralProtect and can run on Cisco UCS on-premises as well as across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. The architecture is intended to make enterprise datasets available for AI pipelines into services such as Microsoft AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock and Google Vertex AI. For Cisco partners, service providers and enterprise IT teams, the message from the podcast is clear: hybrid cloud is becoming a pressure-release valve for data infrastructure. The Bridge-to-Cloud model offers a way to gain capacity relief, preserve application continuity, support elastic scale and prepare data for AI without forcing customers into a disruptive replatforming project. Qumulo CNQ Enterprise is available now for deployment on Cisco UCS on-premises infrastructure and across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and OCI. It is also available through Cisco for simplified enterprise procurement. Qumulo is exhibiting at booth 4018 at Cisco Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Learn more at: https://qumulo.com/product/cisco/

Ryan Rose of Learn with Cisco outlines refreshed CCNA, CCIE and Cisco U. programs designed to prepare networking professionals for AI-driven infrastructure “I get to help people grow their careers,” says Ryan Rose of Learn with Cisco. “I get to help people learn new things.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Ryan Rose of Learn with Cisco about Cisco's latest updates to its certification and training portfolio, including refreshed CCNA and CCIE programs, expanded Cisco U. learning resources, and new AI-focused training designed to help networking professionals stay current as infrastructure evolves. Rose describes his role at Cisco as one of stewardship. Cisco's certification program has been a fixture in the networking industry for roughly 30 years, and Rose says the goal is to make sure the program continues to reflect the skills people actually need in the field. “What we've done and what we announced is really our intention of how we evolve both CCNA and CCIE,” says Rose. A central theme of the conversation is that AI is changing the skills map for networking professionals, but it is not replacing the need for core networking expertise. Instead, Rose explains that professionals will need to understand how to use AI tools effectively, evaluate AI-generated recommendations, and combine automation with sound technical judgment. The updates include a refreshed CCNA blueprint, new AI-related training in Cisco U., and changes to the CCIE Practical exam that reflect how AI tools are beginning to show up in real-world network operations. For partners, MSPs, resellers and enterprise IT teams, the message is clear: AI fluency is becoming part of the networking skill set. Rose also points to Cisco U. as a practical learning platform for professionals who need to build new skills while continuing to work in the industry. Rather than treating certification as a one-time milestone, Cisco is emphasizing continuous learning, hands-on training and career development. For the channel community, the certification updates arrive at a moment when customers are asking more from their technology partners. AI-ready infrastructure, secure operations, automation and resilient networks all require people who understand both the fundamentals and the new tools entering the market. In this podcast, Rose outlines how Cisco is refreshing its learning and certification programs to help professionals prepare for that future. Learn more at Cisco U. and Learn with Cisco.

Weave Brings AI Into the Front Office for Healthcare Practices, Podcast, Rather than replacing the human relationship between patient and provider, AI can help practices respond faster, capture missed opportunities and manage routine communications more efficiently. The result is a better experience for patients and a more sustainable operating model for busy practices By Doug Green “Healthcare always has this very interesting intersection between human care and technology,” says Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, opening a conversation with Abhi Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at Weave, about how AI is changing the way small and medium-sized healthcare practices communicate with patients. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Sharma outlines how Weave is helping healthcare providers use AI to reduce administrative burden, improve responsiveness and create a more connected patient experience. For many practices, the front office remains one of the most pressured parts of the business, balancing phone calls, appointment reminders, payments, follow-ups and patient questions while also trying to deliver a personal experience. Sharma explains that Weave's approach is focused on practical AI that supports the daily workflow of healthcare offices. Rather than replacing the human relationship between patient and provider, AI can help practices respond faster, capture missed opportunities and manage routine communications more efficiently. The result is a better experience for patients and a more sustainable operating model for busy practices. The conversation also explores how AI can help healthcare organizations modernize without losing the personal touch that matters so much in care delivery. For technology resellers and service providers, the discussion points to a growing opportunity around communications, automation and workflow tools designed specifically for vertical markets such as dental, medical, veterinary and other appointment-based healthcare services. Learn more at https://www.getweave.com/

MetTel's Max Silber discusses how connected laptops, multi-carrier SingleSIM connectivity, and lifecycle management can reduce endpoint friction for enterprise IT teams. By Doug Green, Technology Reseller News In a Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Max Silber, Vice President of Mobility and IoT at MetTel, about a growing enterprise challenge: keeping laptop fleets connected, secure, and manageable as employees work across offices, homes, customer sites, and the road. The conversation centers on MetTel's Connected Laptop as a Service, or CLaaS, a new offering designed to help enterprise IT teams reduce the time, labor, and complexity involved in laptop deployment and ongoing management. MetTel announced the service as a multi-carrier, agnostic connected laptop offering powered by SingleSIM, giving organizations a way to deliver connected devices without forcing every endpoint into a single-carrier model. Silber explains that the connected laptop has become more than a convenience feature. For many organizations, it is now part of a larger mobility and security strategy. When users depend on public Wi-Fi, hotel networks or unsecured local connections, the enterprise inherits risk and inconsistency. By delivering laptops with always-on cellular connectivity, MetTel is positioning CLaaS as a way to improve both user experience and IT control. A key theme of the podcast is lifecycle management. Instead of asking internal IT teams to image, ship, activate, track and replace devices manually, MetTel's approach uses the MetTel Customer Portal and fulfillment capabilities to move more of that work into a managed service model. Devices can be requested through the portal, shipped directly to users and provisioned with connectivity and customer-specified management tools. For channel partners, MSPs and enterprise technology advisors, the discussion points to a broader opportunity. Laptop management is often treated as a hardware procurement issue, but Silber frames it as a mobility, connectivity and operational resilience issue. As hybrid work matures, the need for secure, predictable and centrally managed endpoint connectivity is becoming part of the larger managed services conversation. MetTel's SingleSIM approach is designed to support data-only devices across carrier networks, devices and geographies. That matters for distributed organizations because a single network may not perform consistently in every region, facility or remote-work location. A multi-carrier model can give enterprises more flexibility while reducing the friction of managing multiple carrier relationships. The podcast also highlights the practical pressure on IT departments. Enterprise leaders are asking for faster deployment, better security and greater employee productivity, while IT teams are already managing large numbers of endpoints. CLaaS is presented as one way to relieve that burden by combining device logistics, activation, connectivity, support and replacement into a more streamlined service. Silber also discusses the role of virtual warehousing and fulfillment. MetTel stages and ships connected laptops from its facilities, helping enterprises standardize configurations and accelerate deployment at scale. The result is a model that treats laptop connectivity as part of the enterprise network, not as an afterthought added after purchase. For Technology Reseller News readers, the key takeaway is that enterprise mobility is moving beyond phones and tablets. The laptop itself is becoming a managed, connected endpoint, and that creates new conversations for service providers, channel partners and advisors serving distributed enterprises. Key takeaways Connected laptops are becoming part of the enterprise mobility and security stack. MetTel's CLaaS offering is designed to reduce the operational burden of laptop deployment, activation, support and replacement. SingleSIM gives enterprises a multi-carrier approach for data-only devices across locations and networks. The service can help organizations reduce dependence on unsecured public Wi-Fi. For channel partners and MSPs, connected laptops create a new managed mobility conversation with enterprise customers. Learn more Visit MetTel's Connected Laptop as a Service announcement: https://www.mettel.net/press/mettel-delivers-connected-laptop-as-a-service/

Convoso Brings Outbound Sales, Compliance and Spam-Risk Management to Salesforce, Podcast, Convoso works with several hundred businesses across industries including insurance, home services and lead generation. Hakimi says the company's goal is to help these organizations connect with leads faster, improve conversion rates and reduce customer acquisition costs By Doug Green “You have the NICEs of the world, Five9s, Genesys, and they all do it. Great companies. The only challenge is they're not really purpose-built for outbound and for sales,” says Nima Hakimi, CEO of Convoso. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Nima Hakimi joins Doug Green to discuss Convoso's new app for Salesforce AppExchange and the gap the company is working to fill for revenue teams, business development centers and contact centers that depend on outbound calling for customer acquisition. The story is really about the changing outbound calling environment. For companies that rely on the phone to acquire customers, success is no longer just about dialing more leads. It is about reaching the right prospects, avoiding being mislabeled as spam, protecting caller reputation and staying compliant while still giving sales teams the speed and visibility they need. Hakimi describes Convoso as an outbound sales platform built for BDC revenue teams and contact centers. The platform brings together high-performance dialing, campaign management and number management into what he calls a revenue-generating engine for organizations that rely on calling to reach and convert leads. Convoso works with several hundred businesses across industries including insurance, home services and lead generation. Hakimi says the company's goal is to help these organizations connect with leads faster, improve conversion rates and reduce customer acquisition costs. The Salesforce connection is central to the conversation, but the larger issue is what happens after a sales team decides to call. Many organizations already use Salesforce, already have a contact center platform and already run outbound campaigns. The challenge is that outbound sales has become more complicated. Teams must reach prospects efficiently while avoiding spam labeling, protecting caller reputation and remaining compliant in an increasingly scrutinized calling environment. That is where Convoso sees its opportunity. By integrating with Salesforce, the company is positioning its platform as a purpose-built outbound layer for teams that need more than basic click-to-call or CRM logging. For sales-driven contact centers, the challenge is not simply making more calls. It is managing campaigns, improving answer rates, maintaining clean number practices, staying within compliance requirements and turning outbound activity into measurable revenue. For resellers, service providers and technology advisors working with revenue teams, the message is clear: outbound sales still matters, but it requires a different toolset than traditional inbound support. Convoso is making the case that Salesforce users need a platform designed specifically for that environment. Learn more: https://www.convoso.com/  

Julie Thiel of TTS Company explains why MSPs need to treat retention as a business-building discipline, not a last-minute response to resignations “Turnover doesn't start when someone leaves,” says Julie Thiel of TTS Company. “That's just when you get the wake-up call.” In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green is joined again by Julie Thiel of TTS Company for the latest conversation in an ongoing series designed to help MSPs understand the human resources side of building a stronger business. The discussion focuses on a common issue for growing MSPs: employee turnover. But rather than treating turnover as something that begins when an employee gives notice, Thiel argues that the warning signs often appear much earlier. Retention, she explains, is tied to leadership, employee experience, culture, communication, expectations and whether team members see a future inside the organization. For MSPs, the stakes are especially high. Losing a strong technician, account manager or operations leader can disrupt customer relationships, reduce service quality and put added strain on the rest of the team. Turnover is not only an HR problem. It can become a customer experience problem, a profitability problem and even a business valuation problem. Thiel says MSP owners should think about retention as part of building equity in the company. A stable, engaged team helps create better customer outcomes and a stronger operating model. That means leaders need to pay attention before someone starts looking elsewhere. The conversation also explores the limits of compensation alone. Thiel notes that while another employer can always offer more money, pay is not the only factor that keeps people in place. “Anyone can offer more money,” Thiel says. “I've gone to jobs where I made a lot more money and it was a terrible experience. It was combat pay.” Her point is that MSPs need to make it harder for good employees to leave by building an environment where people feel valued, supported and connected to the mission of the business. More money may get someone's attention, but a healthy workplace can be the deciding factor in whether they stay. TTS Company, originally founded as Thiel Talent Strategy, works with businesses on the people side of growth. Thiel says her goal is to make HR less intimidating for business owners who may know they need help but are unsure where to begin. “I want HR to not seem so scary,” Thiel says. “We're non-scary HR.” Learn more at thettscompany.com.

Grokstream: Predictive and Agentic AI Moves IT Operations Toward Self-Healing, Podcast, Grokstream's platform is designed to operate from signals, not noise. The system fuses telemetry across domains, learns continuously from operational data and human feedback, and creates a unified source of truth for IT operations. That allows teams to move beyond correlation and toward understanding what is happening, why it is happening and what should be done next. By Doug Green Grokstream says the next generation of IT operations will not be built around more dashboards, more rules, or faster alert routing. It will be built around AI that can learn, reason, remember, recommend and eventually act with governed autonomy. “Agentic AI must be governed by design,” said Josh Kindiger, CEO of Grokstream. “Predictive intelligence is powerful, but safe, explainable autonomy is what drives real adoption.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Josh Kindiger, Co-Founder and COO of Grokstream, about how the company is helping MSPs, CSPs and enterprise IT organizations move from reactive operations toward predictive, self-healing IT environments. The conversation comes as Grokstream advances its Grok L1 Agent, a new role-based agent designed for frontline IT operations teams. The L1 Agent is intended to reduce alert noise before incidents reach the queue, provide intelligent summaries, identify likely root causes, recommend next-best actions and trigger approved remediations inside tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and existing IT workflows. For service providers and enterprise operations teams, the problem is familiar. More tools often mean more alerts, but not necessarily more clarity. Traditional rules-based AIOps platforms can help with deduplication and routing, but they often stop short of true incident compression, causal reasoning and prevention. Grokstream is taking a different approach by combining classical machine learning, causal intelligence and generative AI into a single cognitive AI layer. Kindiger explains that Grokstream's platform is designed to operate from signals, not noise. The system fuses telemetry across domains, learns continuously from operational data and human feedback, and creates a unified source of truth for IT operations. That allows teams to move beyond correlation and toward understanding what is happening, why it is happening and what should be done next. A central theme of the podcast is the difference between AI that summarizes and AI that reasons. Grokstream argues that true agentic AI is not simply an LLM attached to a workflow. It requires memory, context, policy guardrails, procedural intelligence and the ability to improve over time. In Grokstream's model, agents begin as assisted tools, then move toward trusted operators and eventually toward predictive autonomous systems. The first practical on-ramp is the L1/NOC environment, where many organizations see the fastest measurable impact. Grokstream says its approach can deliver 2–3x more incident compression beyond traditional deduplication and rules-based correlation, while reducing L1 workload by more than 50% through noise compression, guided resolution and fewer unnecessary escalations. The timing is significant. Grokstream recently announced that Cirion Technologies selected the Cognitive Grok AI platform to support AI-driven predictive operations across Latin America's digital infrastructure. That deployment highlights the growing demand for systems that can detect emerging issues across network, transport and infrastructure layers before customer-facing impact occurs. For MSPs, CSPs and enterprise IT leaders, the message is clear: operational scale cannot be achieved simply by adding more people or more monitoring tools. The next step is an intelligence layer that can unify data, predict impact, explain cause and support governed automation. Grokstream is positioning Grok as that layer: a predictive and agentic AI platform that helps operations teams reduce noise, prevent incidents, improve engineer experience and move toward self-healing IT operations. Learn more at https://grokstream.com/ Related Grokstream Stories on Telecom Reseller Grokstream's Cognitive Grok® AI Platform Selected by Cirion Technologies to Power AI-Driven, Predictive Operations Across Latin America's Digital Infrastructure https://telecomreseller.com/2026/05/20/grokstreams-cognitive-grok-ai-platform-selected-by-cirion-technologies-to-power-ai-driven-predictive-operations-across-latin-americas-digital-infrastructure/ Grokstream Announces Grok® L1 Agent to Advance Predictive and Agentic AI for IT Operations https://telecomreseller.com/2026/04/06/grokstream-announces-grok-l1-agent-to-advance-predictive-and-agentic-ai-for-it-operations/ More Grokstream coverage on Telecom Reseller https://telecomreseller.com/?s=grokstream/

TICE Group Turns Returns, Trade-Ins and Resale Into Recovered Value, ASCDI Podcast. TICE Group designs and operates recovery systems for brands and retailers running trade-in, returns, and resale programs at scale. “Any extra dollar I can bring them back is a dollar that goes to profitability — not actually profit, viability,” says Guennael “G” Delorme of TICE Group. “Those returns do have a cost, and we all pay those costs.” In this ASCDI podcast, Doug Green speaks with Guennael of TICE Group about the hidden economics of retail returns, trade-ins, and resale programs. The conversation explores how returns can damage already-thin merchant margins, how those costs ultimately flow back to consumers, and why recovery systems can make a material difference for retailers, brands, and the broader circular economy. Delorme argues that the issue is not simply what happens after a product comes back. It is how much value can be recovered, how efficiently the process can be managed, and whether returns become a margin drain or a strategic recovery opportunity. The discussion also marks TICE Group's growing involvement with ASCDI, as the association continues to expand its coverage beyond traditional ITAD into adjacent areas of recovery, reuse, resale and lifecycle value. For merchants and brands, the opportunity is clear: better recovery can protect value, support profitability and help build more sustainable business models. Learn more at https://tice-group.com.

Most hunters overlook the simple hacks that can elevate tree stand safety, comfort, and efficiency—until now. In this episode, seasoned bowhunter Doug Green from Indiana reveals the gear tricks, setup strategies, and safety hacks that can transform your hunting game, especially if you're balancing mobility with knee issues or chasing big deer on public lands.John, who's recovering from knee surgery and adapting his tactics, joins Doug to unpack the real-world solutions that make hunting more comfortable, safer, and more successful. From choosing the right climbing sticks with grip and bite to mastering quick, silent setup routines that save you time and noise, this episode dives deep into the details that matter—like why double-step sticks like the XOP X2 could be your gamechanger this season.You'll discover: The comparison between traditional ladders, saddle-specific stands, and hybrid options for all-day comfort How to select the best sticks and accessories for safety, low noise, and quick deployment Proven methods for securing gear and optimizing mobility with minimal weight The underrated importance of high-quality hooks, straps, and accessories to avoid frustration and injury Creative setup hacks that allow seamless gear transfer, leaving more time for that perfect shot If you're serious about hunting smarter, safer, and more comfortably—whether you're a weekend warrior or a dedicated run-and-gun pro—this episode is your insider guide. Learn from a seasoned veteran who refuses to settle for mediocre gear or inefficient setups, and take your hunting to the next level.Perfect for saddle hunters, mobile hunters, or anyone looking to maximize their setup while minimizing noise and risk—this is essential listening for the modern hunter. Gear up with these insider tips and stay a step ahead of the herd next season.Doug Green is an experienced hunter from Indiana specializing in mobile setups and gear optimization. His insights stem from years of both out-of-state adventures and hunted-out private land, making him a trusted voice for focus on mobility, comfort, and safety in the tree.Whether you're looking to upgrade your stand, refine your sticks, or simply hunt smarter, this episode is packed with the tactical tips that will keep you safer and more comfortable afield. Hit play now and hunt with confidence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Deterministic AI Sets the Roadmap for Safer Communications, ICA AI Podcast. Rather than sending every word of every conversation into a large language model, Christensen describes a model where much of the decision-making is based on known patterns, trusted relationships, keywords, context, policy, and call behavior. In sensitive verticals such as financial services, healthcare, legal services, and government, that can be especially important because communications may involve private data, personally identifiable information, account details, medical information, or other sensitive content By Doug Green “As AI gets more powerful, the question is not simply whether it can answer a prompt. The question is whether it can be trusted in the communications path,” says Gerry Christensen, associate founder of ICA AI. “For high-security communications, deterministic AI is not just different. In many cases, it is necessary.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Gerry Christensen of ICA AI joins Doug Green to define an important distinction that is becoming central to the future of AI-powered communications: probabilistic AI versus deterministic AI. The conversation is less about a single product announcement and more about setting out a roadmap. Christensen explains why most people experience AI through probabilistic systems, including large language models that generate answers based on patterns, probabilities and prompts. Those tools can be powerful, but they can also hallucinate, miss context, or create outputs that sound confident while being wrong. For communications providers, MSPs, UCaaS providers, MVNOs and telecom resellers, Christensen argues that this distinction matters because voice networks are entering an era where AI will be used on both sides of the call. Legitimate businesses will use AI in contact centers. Bad actors will use AI to scale fraud, spoofing, robocalls and deepfake-style attacks. Consumers and enterprises will increasingly need AI to help determine which calls should get through, which calls should be challenged, and which calls should be blocked. ICA AI, short for Intelligent Communications Assistant, is built around that problem. Christensen describes the platform as an AI-based assistant that can support outbound calling and, perhaps more importantly, inbound call handling. The goal is to allow trusted calls from colleagues, friends, family and legitimate businesses to pass through, while filtering unwanted or suspicious calls. The core idea is determinism. Rather than sending every word of every conversation into a large language model, Christensen describes a model where much of the decision-making is based on known patterns, trusted relationships, keywords, context, policy and call behavior. In sensitive verticals such as financial services, healthcare, legal services and government, that can be especially important because communications may involve private data, personally identifiable information, account details, medical information or other sensitive content. Christensen gives the example of a financial services call. A probabilistic AI system might need to listen broadly and process the conversation through an LLM to determine intent. A deterministic system, by contrast, can look for specific markers of trust or risk: whether the caller is known, whether the call matches expected behavior, whether suspicious phrases appear, or whether the interaction moves toward unusual requests such as gift cards, new account instructions or other red flags. That approach, Christensen says, also has implications for cost, latency and scale. If most decisions can be made deterministically, the system does not need to rely on a distant AI data center for every interaction. That can reduce exposure of sensitive data, lower dependency on token-heavy AI processing, and support faster call-handling decisions. Christensen says ICA AI's approach relies on deterministic AI for roughly 85% to 95% of transactions. He connects that idea to Zipf's Law, the linguistic principle that a relatively small portion of language often carries much of the meaning. In communications, that means many call-handling decisions may not require open-ended AI interpretation. They may require the right data, the right rules, and the right deterministic understanding of what matters in the moment. The roadmap Christensen lays out is not anti-LLM and not anti-probabilistic AI. Instead, it is a layered model. Probabilistic AI can still be used when needed, especially when a conversation falls outside known patterns or requires deeper interpretation. But for high-security, high-volume communications, Christensen argues that deterministic AI should carry more of the load. For MSPs, channel partners and telecom providers, the message is direct: AI call management may become a new category of value-added service. As agentic AI increases the volume and sophistication of automated calls, enterprises and consumers will need tools that can help them determine whether a call is authentic, legitimate and safe. Christensen compares the coming environment to an arms race. AI will make fraud more scalable, but AI can also make communications more defensible. The providers that begin testing, integrating and understanding these capabilities early may be better positioned to offer customers a practical answer to a growing trust problem in voice communications. “Everybody is going to need to have an AI-based solution for consumers to handle inbound calls,” Christensen says. “In the world of agentic AI, it is conceivable that networks could be plastered with AI-generated calls.” Learn more: ICA AI: https://icai.ai/

“When you need these systems, they have to work 100% of the time,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. “Our solution doesn't just meet the old copper standard — it exceeds it.” In part 35 of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, speaks with Jacoby about the hardware architecture powering modern POTS replacement and why reliability remains the most important requirement for life-safety communications. The discussion focuses on TELCLOUD's purpose-built POTScast 8 and POTScast 2 devices, which support eight and two analog lines respectively. Designed specifically for POTS replacement, the units support applications including fire alarms, elevators, emergency phones, security systems, fax lines, SCADA systems, and other legacy communications still dependent on analog connectivity. Jacoby explains that traditional copper phone lines historically delivered both dial tone and power directly from the carrier's central office, making them highly reliable during outages. TELCLOUD's approach replaces that infrastructure with a more resilient, modern design featuring battery backup, multiple WAN paths, LTE and 5G connectivity, and remote monitoring capabilities. Each POTScast unit includes a built-in 24-hour battery backup with optional expansion capability, along with support for multiple WAN connections including fiber, satellite, and cellular. TELCLOUD also supports Power over Ethernet deployments, allowing cellular routers from providers including Digi and ATEL to be placed up to 250 feet away from telecom closets where signal strength is stronger. Jacoby noted that TELCLOUD originally relied on existing analog telephone adapters but ultimately engineered its own hardware platform after determining that available solutions did not meet the company's performance standards for mission-critical deployments. “These devices are designed to sit in that telco room for the next 20 years,” Jacoby said. The episode also explores how TELCLOUD combines hardware, platform services, monitoring, field services, and channel support into a fully managed POTS replacement offering delivered through reseller partners globally. The “Shots” segment of the podcast featured Casa 1560 Private Selection Extra Añejo, a tequila aged more than three years in oak barrels and described by Jacoby as having notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak. For more information, visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

“These are purpose-built devices,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. “They're UL listed, certified, tested, and designed specifically for this business.” In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, speaks with Jacoby about the hardware that makes modern POTS replacement possible. Jacoby showcases two TELCLOUD devices: the POTScast 8 LTE PC228 LTE, which supports eight analog lines, and the POTScast 2 LTE PC222 LTE, which supports two. Both are designed to support legacy and life-safety systems such as elevators, fire alarms, security systems, fax lines, SCADA applications, modems, and emergency phones as copper lines are phased out. The POTScast platform combines analog support with modern LTE and WAN connectivity, including broadband, Wi-Fi as WAN, satellite, and cellular. Each device includes 24-hour battery backup, helping ensure that critical communications continue even when building power fails. Jacoby also explains TELCLOUD's modular design. Because cellular signal is often weak inside telecom rooms, TELCLOUD supports Power over Ethernet, allowing routers from partners such as Ericsson, Peplink, Digi, InHand, ATEL, and Seego to be placed up to 250 feet away for better reception. The episode closes with the Shots segment, featuring Herencia Historico Grand Reserve Extra Añejo, a five-year-aged, small-batch tequila from Jalisco presented in a distinctive handcrafted bottle. For more information, visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

On tonight's show, we're coming to your from Green's Dependable Hardware in Russellville, Alabama, as John Duncan of Haleyville joins me to share the incredible story of receiving the gift of life through the late Jolene Sims' kidney donation. It's a powerful reminder of how one selfless decision can impact so many lives. You'll also hear from Matt & Laura McDuffa along with Doug Green as they talk about an upcoming community play at the The Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville and what it means for the local community. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Chitra Nawbatt, author of The CodeBreaker Mindset™ and creator and host of The CodeBreaker Mindset™ show, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce—and why leaders need to rethink long-held assumptions about jobs, productivity, and human potential. Nawbatt challenged the common narrative that AI alone is responsible for job displacement, suggesting instead that many workforce changes were already underway and are now being accelerated by technology. “AI isn't creating the disruption—it's exposing and accelerating decisions that were already in motion,” she explained. The conversation focused on the need for a new mindset—what Nawbatt calls the “CodeBreaker Mindset”—which encourages individuals and organizations to adapt, question assumptions, and embrace continuous learning. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, she emphasized the importance of understanding how to work alongside it, leveraging its capabilities while strengthening uniquely human skills such as creativity, judgment, and empathy. Nawbatt also discussed how businesses must rethink talent strategies, moving beyond traditional roles and job descriptions to more fluid, skills-based approaches. This shift requires leaders to invest in upskilling and to create cultures that support experimentation and innovation. As AI continues to transform industries, Nawbatt's perspective offers a clear message: success will depend less on resisting change and more on developing the mindset to navigate it effectively. Learn more about The CodeBreaker Mindset™: https://www.chitranawbatt.com/

“Some of them have been around for over a hundred years and it's antiquated technology.” That was how Rob Garry, founder of The POTS Box, described the legacy POTS line problem in a recent Technology Reseller News podcast with Doug Green. It was a concise way of capturing both the age of the infrastructure and the urgency of the opportunity now facing partners and customers alike. Garry made clear that this is not a narrow or fading issue. Instead, he presented POTS replacement as a broad-based managed services opportunity for resellers and partners serving organizations that still depend on legacy copper lines for critical functions. As he explained, “We've put together a managed service for replacing old POTS lines… and we've put a program in to enable resellers and partners to do it with their end user customers.” That combination of need and enablement is what makes the market significant. Many businesses and facilities continue to rely on old analog lines for systems that cannot simply be ignored or switched off. In many cases, the infrastructure behind those services is not just old, but rooted in an earlier era of communications. As Doug Green noted during the interview, some of these systems reflect technologies that date back nearly a century. The conversation positioned The POTS Box as a practical answer to that reality. Rather than treating POTS replacement as a one-off hardware transaction, the company has built a managed service approach designed to simplify the transition away from copper while helping partners deliver that change to their customers in a structured way. That matters for the channel. POTS replacement is not just a matter of removing obsolete technology. It is an opportunity to solve a real operational problem for customers while creating ongoing value through service, support, and modernization. For partners, that means a chance to step into a pressing need with a solution that is understandable, necessary, and tied to long-term infrastructure change. The interview also served as a useful reminder that, while much of the technology industry's attention is currently focused on AI and cybersecurity, there are still major opportunities in helping customers address older foundational systems that no longer fit current realities. POTS replacement remains one of those opportunities: concrete, urgent, and widely relevant across many customer environments. For partners looking for a broad-based opportunity with real-world customer impact, Garry's message was straightforward. The need is still here, the infrastructure is still aging, and the market for replacement remains active. Learn more: The POTS Box: https://thepotsbox.com/

“Think of it as the easy button—if you don't want to deal with the complexity, we can take care of it for you,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, speaks with Jacoby about a critical but often overlooked element of POTS replacement: billing, compliance, and selling the service—not just the infrastructure. As legacy copper lines are phased out globally, businesses must replace POTS lines that support life-safety and mission-critical systems such as fire alarms, elevators, security panels, and emergency phones. While much of the conversation has focused on technology and deployment, Jacoby explains that billing and regulatory compliance can be just as important—and just as complex. Because POTS replacement services fall under telecommunications regulations, partners who wish to bill customers directly must meet strict requirements, including registering as a 499 filer with the FCC and implementing sophisticated tax and billing engines capable of calculating and remitting federal, state, and local telecom taxes correctly. Jacoby notes that many partners initially underestimate this complexity. “You can't just mark it up and bill it,” he explains. “You have to be a registered telco, and you have to get the taxes right.” For organizations not prepared to take on this responsibility, TELCLOUD offers a streamlined alternative. Through its full-service, white-label model, TELCLOUD acts as the registered telecom provider, handling billing, tax compliance, and reporting on behalf of the partner. This allows MSPs and trusted advisors to focus on customer relationships while remaining fully compliant. For partners already operating as telecom providers, TELCLOUD also supports a wholesale model that allows them to manage billing independently. The approach reinforces TELCLOUD's core strategy: enabling partners to sell a fully managed service, rather than navigating the complexities of infrastructure, regulation, and billing on their own. At the same time, the partner retains full ownership of the customer relationship, ensuring continuity and long-term account growth. As copper shutdowns accelerate, Jacoby emphasizes that the opportunity extends across the entire channel—from experienced telecom providers to MSPs entering the space for the first time. With flexible engagement models and built-in compliance support, TELCLOUD is helping partners quickly bring reliable POTS replacement solutions to market. The episode concludes with the series' signature Shots segment, where Jacoby highlights Cenote Reposado, a traditionally crafted sipping tequila praised for its quality and accessibility—continuing the series' blend of telecom insight and tequila appreciation. For more information, visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

David Turner, Vice President of Global Number Intelligence at TransUnion, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, about the company's new Digital Business Profile solution and its role in helping small businesses improve visibility, accuracy, and trust in an AI-driven search environment. Turner explained that while large enterprises have long benefited from sophisticated SEO and digital presence tools, small businesses have lacked affordable, easy-to-use solutions. TransUnion's Digital Business Profile addresses this gap by providing a centralized portal where businesses can input and manage their core information—hours, services, locations, and more—and distribute it across approximately 80 platforms. “It really comes down to simplicity and affordability—giving even the smallest business the ability to be properly represented,” Turner said. The conversation highlighted how the rise of AI-driven search is reshaping digital discovery. Instead of relying on a handful of major platforms, AI systems now pull data from a wide range of sources, making consistency across all listings critical. TransUnion's platform ensures that verified, trusted data is distributed broadly, improving both search accuracy and business rankings while reducing the burden on business owners. Trust and security are central to the solution. Turner noted that inaccurate or fraudulent listings—such as keyword stuffing or fake business identities—can harm both consumers and legitimate businesses. By verifying business identities and maintaining trusted integrations with major platforms, TransUnion helps protect users while preserving business reputations. This approach also aligns with the company's broader trusted communications initiatives, including branded calling and robocall mitigation. TransUnion is bringing the solution to market through both direct channels and partnerships, including telecom providers and MSPs that can bundle the service into their offerings. By combining identity management, search visibility, and trusted communications, the Digital Business Profile represents a new step in extending enterprise-grade capabilities to the small business market. Learn more about TransUnion: http://www.transunion.com/business

Mark Lindsey, Analyst and Engineer at ECG, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about how AI is transforming call intelligence and post-call workflows for businesses and MSPs. Lindsey described ECG's approach to capturing and analyzing conversations, turning voice interactions into structured data that can be immediately acted upon. By leveraging AI, ECG enables automatic transcription, summarization, and extraction of key action items from calls, helping organizations streamline follow-up and improve accountability. “We're turning conversations into actionable intelligence that can be shared and used instantly,” Lindsey said. The platform goes beyond simple transcription by organizing insights into clear outputs such as summaries, tasks, and next steps. This allows teams to quickly understand what happened during a call and what needs to happen next, reducing manual effort and improving operational efficiency. The discussion also highlighted how these capabilities benefit MSPs and channel partners by enhancing customer engagement and internal workflows. By automating routine tasks and providing clearer visibility into communications, organizations can improve productivity while delivering a better customer experience. As conversations at Channel Partners continue to focus on AI and automation, ECG is positioning its solution as a practical way to bring intelligence and structure to everyday business communications. Learn more about ECG: https://www.ecg.co/

Bob Knauf, Senior Product Marketing Manager at HP | Poly, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in a conversation that combined a look back at a distinguished career with a forward-looking view of workplace communications. As Knauf prepares for retirement after decades in the industry—dating back to the original Polycom SoundStation—he reflected on the evolution of communication technologies and the enduring importance of voice. Despite the rise of mobile and digital collaboration tools, he emphasized that desk phones remain critical in many environments, particularly for frontline workers, healthcare, retail, and regulated industries. “HP is committed to creating products that help people communicate and collaborate better,” Knauf said. The discussion highlighted HP | Poly's new Edge V series of open SIP phones, designed to modernize workplace communications with improved usability, HP branding, and the high-quality audio experience that Poly is known for. The devices incorporate advanced technologies such as NoiseBlock and Acoustic Fence, along with new capabilities to reduce reverberation, ensuring clear, full-duplex conversations even in noisy or open environments. Knauf also pointed to strong channel opportunities tied to the broader HP | Poly ecosystem. MSPs and partners can pair the Edge V phones with a full portfolio of headsets and services, enabling them to deliver complete communication solutions across industries. This integrated approach allows partners to expand revenue streams while improving customer experience. As the industry continues to evolve, Knauf's perspective underscores a key takeaway: innovation in communications is not about replacing voice, but enhancing it. His career—and HP | Poly's continued investment—reflect a long-standing commitment to making human communication clearer, more reliable, and more effective. Learn more about HP | Poly: https://www.hp.com/us-en/poly.html

Jason Byrne, SVP of Marketing at Crexendo, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the company's growth strategy, brand evolution, and continued momentum in the channel. Byrne highlighted Crexendo's strong positioning in the cloud communications space, driven by its NetSapiens platform and a partner-centric model that empowers service providers to build and scale their own offerings. He emphasized that marketing plays a critical role in supporting partner success, helping them differentiate in a crowded market and effectively communicate value to end customers. “Our focus is on enabling partners to grow—both through technology and through strong, consistent messaging,” Byrne said. The conversation explored how Crexendo is investing in brand awareness and partner enablement, providing tools and resources that help partners accelerate sales and expand their reach. By aligning marketing initiatives with partner needs, the company is creating a more cohesive go-to-market strategy. Byrne also noted the importance of community within the Crexendo ecosystem, where partners collaborate, share best practices, and contribute to ongoing innovation. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall value of the platform and helps drive sustained growth. As discussions at Channel Partners continue to focus on differentiation and partner-led growth, Crexendo is positioning its marketing and platform strategy as a foundation for long-term success in the evolving cloud communications landscape. Learn more about Crexendo: https://www.crexendo.com/

Zack Schwartz, Chief Sales Officer at Trustifi, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the rising threat landscape in email security and the opportunity it creates for MSPs. Schwartz explained that email remains the primary attack vector for cyber threats, with increasingly sophisticated phishing campaigns now powered by artificial intelligence. These attacks are harder to detect and more convincing than ever, creating significant risk for businesses of all sizes. “Over 90% of cyberattacks still start with email, and AI is making those attacks more effective,” Schwartz said. Trustifi provides an email security platform designed specifically for MSPs, offering tools that are easy to deploy, manage, and scale across multiple customer environments. The platform includes advanced phishing detection, encryption, and data loss prevention capabilities, enabling partners to protect both inbound and outbound communications. The discussion also highlighted how MSPs can leverage email security as a core service offering. By deploying solutions like Trustifi internally and then extending them to customers, partners can both strengthen their own security posture and create new recurring revenue streams. As cybersecurity continues to be a top priority at Channel Partners, Trustifi is positioning its platform as a critical solution for MSPs looking to address modern email threats while expanding their service portfolios. Learn more about Trustifi: https://trustifi.com/

Grant Kirkwood, CEO of Contrivian, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the company's vision for resilient connectivity through multi-constellation satellite and hybrid network architectures. Kirkwood explained that Contrivian is addressing a growing need for reliable, always-on connectivity by combining Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks with terrestrial infrastructure into a unified, software-defined platform. This approach allows enterprises and service providers to deliver connectivity that mirrors the resilience traditionally associated with fiber networks. “We're bringing terrestrial-grade resilience to LEO by unifying multiple networks into a single, intelligent platform,” Kirkwood said. The company's platform integrates multiple connectivity options—including satellite, fiber, LTE/5G, and broadband—into a cohesive ecosystem that can dynamically route traffic based on availability and performance. This architecture is particularly valuable for mission-critical environments where downtime is not an option. The discussion also highlighted how Contrivian enables partners to shift from selling connectivity components to delivering outcomes. By abstracting the complexity of multi-network environments, partners can offer reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions without managing multiple vendors and contracts. As conversations at Channel Partners continue to focus on next-generation connectivity and network resilience, Contrivian is positioning its platform as a key enabler of seamless, intelligent infrastructure for enterprises and service providers. Learn more about Contrivian: https://contrivian.com/

Jason Beal, President, Americas at Exclusive Networks, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the company's channel-first approach to cybersecurity and how partners can capitalize on growing demand for advanced security solutions. Beal explained that as cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations are looking for specialized security solutions that go beyond traditional offerings. Exclusive Networks focuses on delivering a curated portfolio of best-of-breed cybersecurity technologies through a partner-led model. “Our entire business is built around enabling partners to bring world-class security solutions to their customers,” Beal said. The discussion highlighted how Exclusive Networks supports partners with not only technology but also services, training, and go-to-market resources. This enables MSPs, VARs, and service providers to expand their cybersecurity capabilities without needing to build deep expertise in-house. Beal also emphasized the importance of specialization in today's market. As cybersecurity becomes more complex, partners who can differentiate themselves with advanced solutions and expertise are better positioned to win and retain customers. As conversations at Channel Partners continue to focus on security, AI, and partner growth, Exclusive Networks is positioning itself as a key enabler for partners looking to build scalable, high-value cybersecurity practices. Learn more about Exclusive Networks: https://www.exclusive-networks.com/usa

Peter Galanis, Founder and CEO of Fortavera, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about how MSPs can scale more effectively through structured strategy, operational discipline, and execution. Galanis explained that many MSPs struggle to move beyond incremental growth because they lack a clear framework for scaling their business. Fortavera works with service providers to align leadership, operations, and go-to-market strategy, helping them transition from day-to-day firefighting to long-term, sustainable growth. “Growth doesn't happen by accident—it requires a disciplined approach to strategy and execution,” Galanis said. The conversation highlighted how MSPs can improve performance by focusing on key areas such as sales processes, operational efficiency, and leadership alignment. By building repeatable systems and focusing on accountability, organizations can scale without losing control of their business. Galanis also emphasized the importance of shifting mindset from working “in the business” to working “on the business.” This transition allows MSP leaders to focus on strategic initiatives rather than being consumed by daily operations. As discussions at Channel Partners continue to center on growth and differentiation, Fortavera is positioning itself as a strategic partner for MSPs looking to accelerate their development and build more scalable, resilient businesses. Learn more about Fortavera: https://fortavera.com/

Tony Puopolo, GM of Digi Managed Solutions at Digi International, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about how IoT, 5G, and managed services are creating new growth opportunities for channel partners. Puopolo explained that Digi International is focused on delivering end-to-end connectivity solutions that combine hardware, software, and managed services. These integrated offerings simplify deployment and management for customers operating in distributed and mission-critical environments such as utilities, transportation, and industrial applications. “Our goal is to make connectivity simple, secure, and scalable for partners and their customers,” Puopolo said. The discussion highlighted Digi's latest innovations, including advanced 5G-enabled platforms designed to support edge computing and real-time data processing. By combining networking, compute, and security capabilities into a single solution, Digi enables organizations to reduce complexity and improve operational efficiency. Puopolo also emphasized Digi's channel-first approach, noting that partners play a critical role in delivering these solutions to the market. By offering managed services alongside technology platforms, partners can create recurring revenue streams while addressing customer needs for reliable, always-on connectivity. As conversations at Channel Partners continue to focus on IoT, 5G, and edge innovation, Digi International is positioning itself as a key enabler for partners looking to expand into high-growth connectivity and managed services opportunities. Learn more about Digi International: https://www.digi.com/

Shiraz Hasan, Vice President of Channel and Distribution at AT&T Business, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the company's evolving partner-first strategy and its commitment to driving growth through the channel. Hasan emphasized that AT&T Business is focused on simplifying engagement for partners while expanding the range of solutions they can bring to market. By aligning internal resources, streamlining processes, and enhancing partner support, the company aims to make it easier for MSPs and channel partners to sell and deliver AT&T services. “We are building a partner-first model that makes it easier to do business with us and grow together,” Hasan said. The discussion highlighted the breadth of AT&T Business offerings, including connectivity, mobility, and advanced networking solutions, and how these can be combined to address complex customer needs. Partners are increasingly looking for integrated solutions that deliver both performance and flexibility, particularly as enterprises continue their digital transformation journeys. Hasan also noted that the channel is a critical growth engine for AT&T Business, with ongoing investments in tools, training, and enablement programs designed to help partners succeed. By fostering closer collaboration and providing greater visibility into opportunities, AT&T is strengthening its relationships across the partner ecosystem. As conversations at Channel Partners continue to focus on partner enablement and new revenue opportunities, AT&T Business is positioning its channel strategy as a foundation for long-term growth and innovation. Learn more about AT&T Business: https://www.business.att.com/

“It's as easy as asking the question—do you still have copper lines? If you don't ask, someone else will,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, speaks with Jacoby about how channel partners can move quickly from awareness to execution in the fast-growing POTS replacement market. As legacy copper lines continue to be phased out by carriers, millions of remaining POTS lines still support life-safety and mission-critical systems such as fire alarms, elevators, security panels, and other legacy devices. While the need for replacement is urgent, many MSPs and trusted advisors hesitate, concerned about the time and complexity required to get started. Jacoby addresses these concerns directly, emphasizing that TELCLOUD's channel-first model is designed to remove barriers to entry. While POTS replacement involves multiple operational components—including logistics, installation, compliance, project management, and ongoing support—TELCLOUD offers a flexible approach that allows partners to engage at any level. For partners looking to move quickly, TELCLOUD's full-service, white-label model enables immediate entry into the market. In this scenario, TELCLOUD handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes—from deployment to support—while the partner maintains the customer relationship and brand presence. For more experienced telecom providers, TELCLOUD also supports a more hands-on, wholesale approach. Jacoby notes that one of the biggest reasons partners hesitate is simply lack of awareness. Many providers are not proactively asking customers about their remaining copper lines, despite the growing urgency. “This is happening to every business customer that still has copper,” he explains. “If you're not having that conversation, someone else will.” The timing is critical. As shutdowns accelerate, entire regions may face sudden demand for replacements, creating bottlenecks in labor and deployment capacity. TELCLOUD encourages partners to act early, helping customers avoid delays that could impact building operations and compliance. Ultimately, Jacoby frames POTS replacement as both an immediate opportunity and a long-term strategy. With relatively little upfront investment, partners can generate recurring revenue streams lasting 15 to 20 years, while strengthening their role as trusted advisors. The episode concludes with the Shots segment, where Jacoby highlights a special Cazcanes Reposado tequila, uniquely aged in Jack Daniel's barrels and available exclusively through select distribution—continuing the series' blend of telecom insight and tequila craftsmanship. For more information, visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

Carrie Richardson of Fox & Crow Group spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about how MSPs and channel partners can build more effective demand generation strategies and accelerate growth. Richardson emphasized that many MSPs struggle with consistent lead generation and often rely too heavily on referrals or ad hoc marketing efforts. Fox & Crow Group focuses on helping partners build structured, repeatable marketing programs that generate qualified opportunities and support long-term business growth. “MSPs need a predictable way to generate demand, not just occasional wins from referrals or one-off campaigns,” Richardson said. The conversation explored how successful marketing strategies for MSPs combine clear messaging, targeted outreach, and consistent execution. By aligning marketing efforts with business goals and customer needs, partners can create a more sustainable pipeline of opportunities. Richardson also highlighted the importance of understanding the customer journey and tailoring messaging to different stages of the buying process. This approach helps MSPs engage prospects more effectively and convert interest into revenue. As discussions at Channel Partners continue to focus on growth and differentiation in a competitive market, Fox & Crow Group is helping MSPs develop the marketing discipline needed to scale their businesses and build stronger customer relationships. Learn more about Fox & Crow Group: https://www.foxcrowgroup.com/

Simon Davis, VP of Marketing at RoboForm, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about the growing importance of password management and identity security for MSPs and their customers. Davis emphasized that weak and reused passwords remain one of the most common vulnerabilities in enterprise environments, making password management solutions a critical component of modern cybersecurity strategies. RoboForm provides tools that help organizations securely store, generate, and manage credentials across users and devices. “Password security is still one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access, and it's one of the easiest problems to fix with the right tools,” Davis said. The conversation highlighted how MSPs can incorporate password management into their service offerings, both to improve their own internal security posture and to deliver added value to customers. By deploying centralized credential management and enforcing best practices, MSPs can reduce risk while creating new recurring revenue opportunities. Davis also noted that as organizations adopt more cloud applications and remote work models, the need for secure identity management continues to grow. Password management solutions serve as a foundational layer in broader security strategies that include multi-factor authentication and access control. As discussions at Channel Partners continue to focus on cybersecurity and risk mitigation, RoboForm is positioning its platform as an accessible and effective way for MSPs to strengthen security and expand their service portfolios. Learn more about RoboForm: https://www.roboform.com/

Jordy Cohen, Senior Director of Partnerships at Chrono Innovation, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo about how custom software development is enabling MSPs and channel partners to deliver more differentiated solutions. Cohen explained that many organizations are constrained by off-the-shelf software that doesn't fully align with their operational needs. Chrono Innovation works with partners to design and build custom applications that integrate with existing systems while addressing specific business challenges. “Every business has unique requirements, and custom development allows partners to deliver solutions that truly fit their customers' needs,” Cohen said. The conversation highlighted how MSPs can leverage custom development as a strategic differentiator, moving beyond standard service offerings to deliver tailored solutions that drive higher value and deeper customer relationships. By working with development partners like Chrono Innovation, MSPs can expand their capabilities without needing to build in-house engineering teams. Cohen also emphasized the importance of collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure that custom solutions align with both operational goals and user expectations. As discussions at Channel Partners continue to focus on innovation and differentiation, Chrono Innovation is helping partners unlock new opportunities by delivering customized, integrated software solutions that address real-world business challenges. Learn more about Chrono Innovation: https://www.chronoinnovation.com/

Elie Y. Katz, President and CEO of National Retail Solutions, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss how NRS is transforming independent retail with enterprise-grade technology, integrated services, and new approaches to security and growth. Katz described NRS as the leading point-of-sale (POS) platform for independent retailers—including convenience stores, liquor stores, and bodegas—while also delivering a broader suite of services such as payments, cash advances, and payroll. The company's mission is to bring big retail capabilities to small businesses that lack the time and resources to source and integrate these tools on their own. “We look at it as if we're the back office for these small businesses… we bring them the best tools so they can focus on running their business,” Katz said. A major focus of the discussion was store security, a growing concern as theft and shrinkage increasingly impact small retailers. NRS has embedded multiple security features directly into its POS platform, including panic alarms, real-time alerts for suspicious activity, and integrated camera systems that align transactions with video footage. These tools help merchants detect both internal and external risks while maintaining operational efficiency. Importantly, Katz emphasized that these solutions are designed with affordability in mind, ensuring that even the smallest retailers can access advanced protection without compromising margins. Beyond security, NRS is enabling independent retailers to compete more effectively through digital transformation. With tools like e-commerce integration, delivery platform connectivity, loyalty programs, and rewards systems, small stores can expand beyond their immediate neighborhood and reach a broader customer base. Katz also shared current retail trends, noting softness in certain sectors like liquor sales, while convenience stores remain relatively stable. In this environment, technology becomes a key differentiator—helping merchants maintain revenue and improve customer engagement. With a network of over 35,000 locations, NRS is effectively creating a collective ecosystem of independent retailers, giving them scale, tools, and services typically reserved for large chains. For channel partners, MSPs, and service providers, Katz highlighted a significant opportunity: leveraging existing customer relationships to introduce additional services and generate new revenue streams. Learn more: https://nrsplus.com/

Mahen Gundecha of SkyCrest Advisors joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a short but impactful podcast reel highlighting a critical issue in MSP exit planning: how quickly business value can erode if key relationships are not secure. Using a real-world scenario, Gundecha explained that service businesses—particularly MSPs—carry inherent risk due to their dependence on customer concentration and key employees. Even with contracts in place, clients can exit, creating immediate financial impact. He illustrated this with a simple example: if a single customer represents 20% of revenue, losing that client can significantly reduce profitability—and when valuation multiples are applied, that loss can translate into millions of dollars in reduced company value. “When you're selling a service company, you're buying people, capabilities, and customers,” Gundecha said. “If key customers or employees leave, the value of your business drops—sometimes dramatically.” The risks extend beyond customers. Gundecha shared cases where key employees departed during the sale process, sometimes triggered by the announcement of a pending acquisition. Since buyers are ultimately acquiring the team and its capabilities, the loss of critical personnel can jeopardize or even derail a deal. He also noted that undisclosed risks—such as clients planning to leave—can surface late in due diligence, forcing difficult conversations with buyers. In some cases, deals can be restructured or salvaged, but in others, buyers may walk away entirely due to heightened risk. The key takeaway: MSP owners preparing for an exit must proactively strengthen and validate relationships with both customers and employees well before entering the sale process. Regular engagement, transparency, and retention strategies are essential to preserving value. Gundecha emphasized that valuation is not just about revenue multiples, but about the stability and durability of the business—factors that directly influence buyer confidence and final deal outcomes. Learn more: https://www.skycrestadvisors.com/

“Now it's much more about accountability. We need to see metrics moving.” — Jean-Philippe Avelange, Chief Information Officer, Expereo In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Jean-Philippe Avelange, CIO of Expereo, about a major shift now underway in enterprise AI strategy: the move from experimentation to measurable return on investment. Avelange explains that 2024 was largely a period of AI discovery, while 2025 brought broader rollouts and aggressive investment. In 2026, however, the tone has changed. Boards and executive teams are no longer satisfied with AI pilots and proofs of concept alone. They want evidence that AI is improving cycle times, raising service quality, and producing tangible business results. Expereo, a global connectivity provider helping multinational enterprises source and manage internet-centric connectivity worldwide, has a front-row view of this shift. The company works closely with enterprises facing both the opportunity and the infrastructure demands created by AI-driven transformation. According to Avelange, many organizations are learning that AI success depends less on adding tools for employees and more on rethinking business processes, governance, and data structures so AI can be embedded directly into how work gets done. That distinction is central to Expereo's view of embedded AI. Rather than simply providing copilots or chat interfaces to employees, embedded AI places intelligence inside the process itself, allowing agents, skills, and automation flows to perform work in a more autonomous but still controlled way. This requires much more than model access. It demands clear process design, reliable data ownership, and a disciplined understanding of what good outcomes look like. Avelange notes that this is one reason many AI pilots fail to reach production. Companies often move too quickly, expecting AI to replace effort without first resolving issues around fragmented data, unclear workflows, and inconsistent governance. In contrast, the AI initiatives that now survive budget scrutiny are those tied to specific use cases with clear, near-term business impact. Inside Expereo, that means focusing on practical gains in areas such as service assurance, multilingual ticket handling, supplier coordination, and customer response quality. The company began with straightforward generative AI use cases, but is now moving toward more structured, embedded intelligence that helps teams make better decisions faster and more consistently. Avelange's advice to enterprises entering this new phase of AI spending is to start with the “boring” processes first: the repetitive, manual, and measurable workflows where governance can be built, data can be normalized, and success can be clearly demonstrated. From there, organizations can expand AI more confidently into broader and more transformative parts of the business. To learn more about Expereo, visit https://www.expereo.com/.