At the ITA Showcase, I sat down with Michael Furtado of Lantronix to discuss the latest innovations in console server technology. Lantronix is advancing remote connectivity solutions that provide IT teams with secure, out-of-band access to critical infrastructure—reducing downtime and eliminating costly truck rolls.

The Power of Remote Console Servers

Lantronix specializes in remote access solutions for firewalls, switches, PDUs, and other network equipment. With their latest LM series console servers, IT professionals can connect remotely over 5G, LTE, Starlink, or even a 9600 baud modem, ensuring uninterrupted network control—even in remote locations.

"Any IDF closet benefits from our two- or four-port console server," said Furtado. "If we can save you a truck roll or two, you've paid for the hardware."

Introducing AI-Driven Rollback & Network Resilience

Lantronix's new LM4 console server, launched just two months ago, offers AI-driven automated rollback technology.

Key AI Capabilities:

✅ Firmware Auto-Rollback – If a vendor pushes a bad update, the AI automatically reverts to a working version.

✅ Continuous Monitoring – The system pings devices every 30 seconds to ensure uptime.

✅ Local Firmware Storage – Maintains seven previous firmware versions, allowing instant recovery from failures.

Expanding Connectivity: 5G, LTE, and Starlink Support

Lantronix recently acquired NTC Netcom, expanding their global connectivity solutions. Their 5G and LTE gateways now power third-party managed services, such as remote monitoring for automated soda machines in the fast-food industry.

"Many franchises relied on store-level maintenance," Furtado explained. "Now, distributors are using our cellular gateways to manage equipment remotely—ensuring uptime and reducing maintenance costs."

Learn More

For IT professionals, MSPs, and resellers looking to enhance network resilience, Lantronix offers:

Value-added reseller opportunities

Technical portfolio reviews

Customized remote access solutions

Visit www.lantronix.com to explore their AI-powered console servers and secure remote connectivity solutions.

Thanks to Michael Furtado and Lantronix for an insightful conversation at ITA!

At this year's ITA Showcase, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vinny Maniola of IP Infusion about how open networking and disaggregation are reshaping the industry. With over 25 years in business, IP Infusion has been at the forefront of network innovation, offering Oknos, an open network operating system (NOS) that provides service providers and enterprises with cost-effective, flexible alternatives to legacy networking solutions.

Open Networking: The Next Evolution

For the first 15 years, IP Infusion sold its NOS as source code to OEM hardware vendors. Over the past decade, the open networking movement has created a new opportunity—allowing IP Infusion to provide its software on white-box hardware from leading vendors like Foxconn and Edgecore.

With supply chain challenges and license renewal headaches affecting legacy networking vendors, service providers have begun embracing open networking as a viable alternative to traditional locked-in solutions from Cisco, Juniper, and Nokia.

“We offer the same level of reliability and support, but at a fraction of the cost—without vendor lock-in,” said Vinny Maniola.

What is Disaggregation & Why Does It Matter?

Disaggregation is the practice of decoupling the network operating system from the hardware. Traditionally, vendors bundle their software and hardware together, forcing customers to rely on them for upgrades, licensing, and supply chain availability.

By separating the NOS from the hardware, IP Infusion gives customers:

More choice – Support for over 40 hardware platforms

Supply chain flexibility – Multiple sourcing options

No hidden fees – Perpetual licensing model (no forced renewals)

“If a hardware vendor has a lead time issue, we provide options,” Maniola explained. “And our licenses are perpetual—buy it once, no ongoing renewal costs.”

Who is Using IP Infusion?

IP Infusion’s customers include:

Tier 1 & Tier 2 carriers (NTT, Unity Fiber)

Data centers (a growing sector)

Wireless & fiber ISPs (WISPs, FISPs) – 100+ new customers annually

Many of these organizations are looking for alternatives to high-cost, locked-in vendor solutions—and IP Infusion is filling that gap.

What’s the Buzz at ITA?

At ITA Showcase, Maniola noted that the biggest concerns from service providers were:

Rising licensing costs from legacy vendors

BEAD funding rollout – When grants will be available & how they’ll be deployed

Equipment availability & deployment timelines

IP Infusion provides fast lead times (as short as 12 weeks) and works with partners to maintain inventory, ensuring customers don’t have to plan 65 weeks in advance for their networking needs.

Where to Learn More

For those interested in exploring IP Infusion’s open networking solutions, you can:

Visit: www.ipinfusion.com

Download a free trial to test the software

Check out case studies & customer success stories

With open networking gaining momentum, IP Infusion is providing a cost-effective, flexible, and reliable alternative for service providers, data centers, and enterprises looking to break free from vendor lock-in. Thanks to Vinny Maniola for the great conversation at ITA! Looking forward to seeing how open networking continues to shape the industry.

By Doug Green, Publisher, Technology Reseller News

PORTLAND, OR — At this year’s ITA Showcase, I sat down with Daniel Holbrook of the Oregon Broadband Office, an organization working to expand high-speed internet access across the state’s diverse geography. With Oregon’s unique mix of dense urban centers, remote rural communities, and challenging terrain, broadband connectivity remains a critical economic and social priority.

A Mission to Connect Every Oregonian

The Oregon Broadband Office, part of Business Oregon, is dedicated to securing and distributing funding—whether through state or federal grants—to help bring reliable broadband to every county in the state. "There are three counties in Oregon larger than nine U.S. states, each with fewer than 10,000 people,” Holbrook noted. “That speaks to the remoteness and scale of the challenge we face.”

The challenge isn’t just one of infrastructure; it’s economic as well. While Oregon has invested heavily in technology and innovation, much of that progress has been concentrated in population centers. The state is now working to extend that growth into rural areas by funding broadband expansion, digital equity programs, and technical assistance.

The Role of ITA Showcase

At ITA Showcase 2025, Holbrook and his team are engaging with internet service providers (ISPs), MSPs, and technology partners to explore how they can collaborate. "We’re here to connect with the industry, share opportunities, and ensure that broadband expansion aligns with what the market needs," he explained.

The Oregon Broadband Office offers funding programs for:

Broadband deployment grants for infrastructure projects.

Technical assistance and planning support.

Digital equity initiatives focused on access, education, and adoption.

Why This Matters for Businesses

For organizations operating in Oregon—whether through remote sites, retail locations, warehouses, or service contracts—broadband access can be a make-or-break factor in scaling operations. Holbrook encourages businesses to explore how state funding can support expansion efforts, network upgrades, and connectivity solutions.

Learn More

To explore grant opportunities or learn more about Oregon’s broadband initiatives, visit broadband.oregon.gov.

As connectivity continues to shape the future of economic development, the work of the Oregon Broadband Office remains critical—ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.

At the ITA Showcase, I had the chance to sit down with Sebastian Sassi of Atlantic Vision, who invited me to this important regional event. This gathering brings together regional fiber operators—the people actually building broadband infrastructure in places that need it most. "Broadband connectivity is a democratizing agent," said Sassi. "Access to information fuels commerce, education, and political engagement. To be disconnected in the 21st century is to be left behind."

The Vital Role of Regional Fiber Operators

Large telecoms like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T aren’t prioritizing rural fiber expansion, but regional operators are stepping in to bridge the gap. As Sebastian put it, “If we waited for the big Tier 1 providers to build fiber in these areas, it would be a long wait for a train that’s not coming.”

These local providers are deploying fiber where big corporations won’t, ensuring more homes and businesses get connected.

What Does Atlantic Vision Do?

Atlantic Vision provides the last-mile fiber connectivity—the cables, terminals, and infrastructure that connect end users to high-speed networks. The company offers faster, more affordable, and higher-quality solutions than the industry giants that have dominated this space for years.

A Huge Economic Opportunity for MSPs & Partners

Billions of dollars are being invested in broadband expansion over the next five years, creating massive opportunities for regional fiber operators, MSPs, and vendors who support these projects. Atlantic Vision offers a competitive alternative in a market long controlled by just a few major players.

A Telecom Veteran Driving Change

Sebastian Sassi has been in telecom since 1999, with experience in CPE, last-mile fiber, software, and cybersecurity. He understands the industry from both a technology and business perspective—and he’s leading Atlantic Vision in its mission to challenge the traditional fiber duopoly. "The Corning and Comscope duopoly needs to be challenged. They should be looking over their shoulders, because we’re coming."

Learn More

Visit www.atlanticvision.com

The Multi-WAN Mystery: Why It’s the Backbone of POTS Line Replacement, In life-safety scenarios, such as fire alarms, elevator phones, and emergency call systems, network redundancy and reliability are essential

"Reliability is the key to compliance—and Multi-WAN is the key to reliability," says Jake Jacoby, TELCLOUD. In this latest episode of POTS & Shots, Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD, joins Doug Green to unravel the mystery of Multi-WAN technology—a critical component of modern POTS line replacement solutions. As businesses and infrastructure providers transition away from legacy POTS lines, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in emergencies is not just a convenience, but a legal requirement.

Why Multi-WAN Matters for POTS Line Replacement

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is your internet connection, and Multi-WAN means multiple internet connections. In life-safety scenarios, such as fire alarms, elevator phones, and emergency call systems, network redundancy and reliability are essential.

The Challenge: Traditional broadband connections fail when power goes out, leaving critical POTS-replacement devices offline.

The Solution: Multi-WAN technology allows for failover between multiple connections, ensuring continuous service even during outages.

Battery-Backed Connectivity: TELCLOUD’s POTS replacement solution includes cellular failover with battery backup, keeping connections live for 12 to 24 hours—meeting legal safety codes.

"When the power goes out, legacy POTS lines used to keep working. With TELCLOUD, we replicate that same reliability—our solution stays online, even in an emergency," Jacoby explains.

Empowering Resellers with TELCLOUD

For resellers and partners, the real challenge isn’t just the technology—it’s communicating the benefits to customers. TELCLOUD provides:

Code-Compliant Solutions – Avoid regulatory risks by ensuring legal compliance.

Reliable Failover Options – Primary broadband + cellular backup = uninterrupted service.

Comprehensive Support – Engineers and sales teams assist resellers in client discussions.

"We help our partners every step of the way—so they can confidently deliver reliable, compliant, and long-term solutions to their customers," says Jacoby.

A Tequila to Toast To: La Gritona

As always, POTS & Shots wraps up with a premium tequila recommendation. This episode features La Gritona Reposado—a small-batch, smooth, sipping tequila bottled in handmade recycled glass from Mexico.

"This is not your college shot tequila—this is a tequila you sip and savor," says Jacoby.

For more on TELCLOUD’s POTS replacement solutions, visit com.

Visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

About TELCLOUD

TELCLOUD, the global leader in white-label POTS line replacement, enables channel partners worldwide to grow their businesses with our customizable and scalable Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). Exclusively designed for telecommunications providers, resellers, and MSPs, we offer a fully supported backend that seamlessly integrates with existing business infrastructures across global markets. Our no single-point-of-failure approach ensures 99.999% reliability, utilizing a unique redundancy in connectivity, power, and global networks. With a simple setup, streamlined deployment, and wholesale pricing, partners can quickly realize new multiple recurring revenue opportunities, gaining exceptional business value while providing cost-effective savings to their customers.

See Atlantic Vision https://lnkd.in/gZrZ-Jct this week at ITA Showcase https://lnkd.in/gHA32ySg

“We didn’t invent fiber connectivity, we just perfected it,” says Sebastian Sassi, Atlantic Vision. In the latest episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green sits down with Sebastian Sassi, VP of Sales at Atlantic Vision, to discuss how this 25-year-old fiber optics company is outpacing the industry giants with high-capacity, cost-effective, and rapidly available fiber solutions.

What is Atlantic Vision?

Atlantic Vision is a “manufacturer’s manufacturer” that produces pre-connectorized fiber products for broadband and data center markets. Competing directly with major fiber OEMs, Atlantic Vision specializes in:

• hashtag#Patch hashtag#cords & hashtag#trunk hashtag#cables

• Outside plant hashtag#terminals & drop cables

• High-capacity, quick-turnaround fiber solutions

“We’re not just another supplier—we’re the highest-capacity manufacturer for fiber connectivity. We do it faster, cheaper, and better than anyone else.”

A Supply Chain Strategy Built to Withstand Market Disruptions

With ongoing tariff increases, supply chain bottlenecks, and pricing volatility, Atlantic Vision is uniquely positioned to provide stable, cost-effective fiber solutions.

• Stocking large quantities ensures immediate availability.

• Flexible production allows rapid response to customer needs.

• Competitive pricing helps customers control costs despite industry fluctuations.

A Disruptor in Fiber Connectivity

Atlantic Vision’s Multi-Port Service Terminal (MST) sets a new standard in broadband deployment. Built on hashtag#OptiTap technology, it seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure—eliminating vendor lock-in while improving deployment speed and cost-efficiency.

• Interoperable with 95% of deployed broadband fiber infrastructure.

• Customizable solutions for diverse outside plant build-outs.

• Proven cost savings for major operators and data centers.

“We’re not just competitive—we’re disruptive. Our MST solutions are the best in the industry, and we deliver at an unbeatable price.”

Looking for Channel Partners & OEMs

Atlantic Vision is actively seeking new distributors, channel partners, and OEM private label opportunities to expand its market reach.

• High-capacity manufacturing supports large-scale deployments.

• Private label programs provide flexible branding opportunities.

• OEM partnerships offer additional manufacturing capacity for leading fiber brands.

Learn more at Atlantic Vision https://lnkd.in/gZrZ-Jct

While the world becomes increasingly digital – with the need for online activity at a premium – more than 42 million Americans still lack access to affordable, reliable and high-performing broadband services. In cities and suburbs, network infrastructure can serve thousands, whereas rural areas only cover a few dozen homes and businesses, pressuring revenue generation and affecting overall return on investment.

Established by the Federal Government, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, is designed to address this challenge. However, with federal funding currently under scrutiny, the program may face changes. In this podcast, iconectiv Director of Product Management Sharon Dileo, discusses the importance of broadband equity and iconectiv’s role in helping facilitate this program, regardless of potential changes.

“Programs like this provide those in rural areas with more opportunities to participate in the digital economy and society,” Dileo said. “As a trusted, neutral partner to the telecommunications industry for decades, iconectiv is poised to solve key telecom infrastructure challenges the BEAD program faces to help ensure it’s success.”

About iconectiv

iconectiv provides services to secure digital identity, numerous data exchanges, registries, and other information as a service offerings. These address numbering intelligence, Know Your Customer (KYC), Know Your Business (KYB), fraud prevention, as well as network and operations management for the global communications industry. It provides numbering services in more than a dozen countries, including serving as the Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) for the United States. As a trusted partner of the communications ecosystem, iconectiv is dedicated to keeping people connected, businesses running and commerce flowing. This includes making sure incoming and outgoing phone calls and messages are verified and identified, and that communications service providers can trust the information in their systems and networks.

www.iconectiv.com

"Let AI qualify your leads, but do it in a way that’s compliant, scalable, and legally sound," says Paul Kleen, CEO, Pitchit. At Cloud Connections 2025, Paul Kleen, CEO of Pitchit, will take the stage as a Gold Sponsor and keynote speaker to address one of the most pressing topics in cloud communications: how AI-powered lead qualification intersects with compliance regulations like TCPA. In a recent episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green sat down with Kleen to explore how businesses can harness AI to scale sales operations while staying legally compliant.

AI-Powered Lead Qualification Meets Compliance

Pitchit specializes in AI-driven lead qualification, optimizing customer interactions for industries like telecom, internet services, home security, healthcare, and insurance. The platform helps businesses:

Maximize revenue through automated lead processing

Ensure regulatory compliance with TCPA, Do Not Call (DNC) lists, and more

Reduce costs by replacing manual outreach with AI-driven workflows

"AI has transformed lead qualification, but it also introduces risks. Pitchit is designed to help businesses navigate compliance while scaling operations," Kleen explained.

Understanding TCPA and AI’s Role in Compliance

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), originally enacted in the 1990s, has evolved to address robo-dialing, AI-driven outreach, and digital marketing compliance. Kleen’s keynote will cover:

TCPA fundamentals and how they apply to AI-driven lead generation

How businesses can use AI without violating compliance regulations

Best practices for ensuring consumer consent and respecting opt-outs

"No one wants to be bombarded with unwanted calls and emails. TCPA protects consumers, and businesses must adapt to these evolving regulations," Kleen emphasized.

Free Compliance Resources for Businesses

To help businesses stay ahead, Pitchit has partnered with Rica Law to open-source its research on TCPA, DNC, and AI compliance. The resources include:

A publicly available compliance database detailing key regulations

Step-by-step guides on compliant AI workflows

The Pitchit Academy, featuring free video tutorials on implementing compliant AI strategies

Visit: Pitchit Academy for free access to compliance resources.

Cloud Connections 2025: Don’t Miss the Keynote

April 14-16, 2025

St. Petersburg, Florida

Keynote: AI & TCPA – Compliance in the Age of Automated Outreach

"This session is essential for businesses using AI in sales and marketing. Understanding compliance is the key to unlocking AI’s full potential without risk," Kleen concluded.

For more information, visit PitchIt.ai and attend Cloud Connections 2025 to gain firsthand insights from industry leaders.

#AI #TCPA #CloudConnections #LeadGeneration #Compliance #CloudCommunications

"AI is real, and it has huge potential for PBX systems." – Christian Stredicke, Vodia

March 2025 – In the latest episode of Technology Reseller News, Christian Stredicke, CEO of Vodia, joins Doug Green to explore an emerging trend in business communications: the intersection of AI and PBX systems. While AI has revolutionized many areas of enterprise technology, its integration with private branch exchange (PBX) systems remains largely untapped. Vodia is aiming to change that.

AI and PBX: A New Frontier

Vodia, a leading provider of software-based PBX solutions, has been a key player in the evolution of business phone systems for over 20 years. As AI-driven automation and real-time analytics continue to gain traction, Stredicke highlights the potential for AI to enhance user experiences and streamline business communications. “A PBX is all about managing calls efficiently. AI can make that process smarter, enabling seamless call transfers, voice-activated commands, and better user interactions,” Stredicke explains.

How Vodia is Leveraging AI

Vodia is actively integrating AI into PBX functionality in two key areas:

Call Transfers & Routing: AI-enhanced PBX systems can intelligently route calls to the correct recipient based on real-time context, eliminating the need for manual input or rigid menu structures.

Voice-Activated PBX Commands: Traditional DTMF (press 1 for sales, press 2 for support) menus could soon be a thing of the past. AI can allow users to speak naturally to navigate call options, check voicemail, or activate call forwarding.

“Imagine a world where users can simply say, ‘Connect me to accounting’ instead of navigating complex menus. That’s where AI is taking us,” Stredicke adds.

The Role of AI in Customer Experience

A major benefit of AI-powered PBX is its potential to enhance customer interactions. In industries like healthcare, hospitality, and senior living facilities, AI can help efficiently connect callers with the right staff, saving time and improving service levels.

In nursing homes, AI can route calls to specific rooms or connect family members to the right caregiver without requiring human intervention.

In enterprise settings, AI-driven PBX can help reduce call center workload while maintaining high-quality interactions.

Challenges and Considerations

While the future of AI-driven PBX is promising, Stredicke acknowledges user adoption and privacy concerns as key challenges. “People still need to feel comfortable with AI. While AI can enhance efficiency, customers must trust the system to handle their calls securely and effectively,” he notes. Another consideration is balancing automation with human touch. AI excels at routine call routing, but when it comes to high-value interactions, businesses still need human agents to provide personalized service.

Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in PBX

As AI adoption grows, Vodia is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-powered PBX evolution. With seamless AI integration, businesses can expect faster, smarter, and more intuitive communication systems. “AI has the power to remove complexity from business communications. It’s about making PBX systems work smarter, not harder,” Stredicke concludes.

Learn More

For more information on how Vodia is revolutionizing PBX with AI, visit Vodia.com.

"If you don’t invest in training, you’ll pay for it elsewhere—through turnover, lost productivity, or poor customer experiences," says Alecia Geter, Founder & CEO, Gaitway Learning. In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Alecia Geter, founder of Gaitway Learning, joins Doug Green to discuss how effective training and talent development drive business success. With a background in corporate training, HR, and leadership development, Geter helps businesses create structured systems that not only engage employees but also improve retention, reduce hiring costs, and enhance customer service.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Training

Many businesses underestimate how basic onboarding and skill development impact the bottom line. Geter shares eye-opening examples of companies failing to provide employees with login credentials, clear job responsibilities, or even proper management support—leading to frustration, inefficiency, and high turnover.

Common mistakes include:

Employees receiving laptops without login credentials

Workers unsure of who their manager is

Sales teams not fully understanding what they’re selling

Lack of structured training leading to lost productivity

"When businesses neglect training, the problem doesn’t disappear—it shifts into hiring struggles, lost revenue, and frustrated customers," says Geter.

A Smarter Approach to Employee Development

At Gaitway Learning, the focus is on tailored, scalable talent development. Whether through needs assessments, leadership workshops, or fractional L&D services, Geter’s firm meets businesses where they are, ensuring training investments deliver real ROI.

Fractional L&D Services: Scalable solutions for businesses without a full-time training team

Workshops & Courses: Soft skills training to complement AI-driven automation

Structured Onboarding: Reducing turnover by equipping employees from day one

Why Training is Essential for MSPs & Technology Resellers

At IT Expo & MSP Expo, a major issue discussed was sales teams struggling to sell what they don’t fully understand. Geter emphasizes the need for product training and knowledge management to ensure sales teams confidently present solutions to customers.

Success Story: One client cut training time from 5,000+ hours to 1,800 hours annually, simply by implementing structured learning plans and tracking systems—saving time and money.

Making Training Affordable & Effective

For SMBs worried about budget constraints, Geter offers cost-effective training strategies that don’t require hiring full-time staff.

"You don’t have to hire an entire L&D department—start with a needs analysis, build a roadmap, and engage only when needed," says Geter.

Learn More

For businesses looking to enhance employee success, improve retention, and boost profitability, visit gaitwaylearning.com or connect with Alecia Geter on LinkedIn.

#EmployeeTraining #TalentDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #MSP #Leadership #WorkforceSuccess