Telecom Reseller / Technology Reseller News

At Enterprise Connect 2025, John Finch, VP of Product Marketing, Customer Engagement at RingCentral, joined Doug Green, publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss RingCentral’s latest AI-driven advancements that are reshaping business communications and customer engagement.

Introducing AI Receptionist (AIR): The Future of Call Handling

The highlight of the day? RingCentral’s AI Receptionist (AIR)—an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to handle inbound calls, provide information, and route callers efficiently while delivering a human-like customer experience without requiring a live receptionist.

“This is our foray into agentic AI,” said Finch. “It’s intuitive, simple to set up, and integrates seamlessly with existing knowledge bases, ensuring businesses can enhance their call-handling capabilities effortlessly.”

The Rise of Agentic AI in Business Communications

Agentic AI is revolutionizing enterprise communications by eliminating outdated IVR systems and rigid DTMF touch-tone menus. With AI-powered automation, businesses can now facilitate natural, real-time conversations that streamline call handling and reduce customer frustration.

RingCX: Expanding AI-Powered Customer Engagement

RingCentral’s RingCX—its native cloud contact center platform—has grown significantly, now serving 700+ companies. The platform seamlessly integrates UCaaS and CCaaS, enabling cross-team collaboration and improving overall customer experiences.

“RingCX is built for simplicity, ease of use, and deep AI integration,” said Finch. “We’re automating quality management, improving agent performance, and enhancing customer interactions in ways that traditional systems never could.”

Main Stage Presentation & The AI Evolution

During Enterprise Connect’s main stage keynote, RingCentral’s President and COO, Kira Macagon, will discuss how businesses can harness AI-driven insights to capture and leverage every customer interaction, ensuring more effective communication strategies.

Three More AI Innovations for Enhanced CX

In addition to AI Receptionist (AIR), RingCentral also unveiled:

AI Agent Assist: Real-time knowledge retrieval, allowing agents to automatically surface answers from company knowledge bases while handling live customer calls.

AI Supervisor Assist: Live call monitoring and sentiment analysis, providing supervisors with real-time alerts to intervene when customer interactions require guidance.

AI Interaction Analytics & Predictive CSAT: AI-driven customer satisfaction (CSAT) scoring, ensuring businesses receive continuous customer feedback without relying solely on traditional post-call surveys.

RingCentral’s AI-Powered Future

With RingSense AI at the core of its EX and CX offerings, RingCentral is ensuring that AI-powered innovations enhance unified communications, contact centers, and enterprise collaboration tools.

For those attending Enterprise Connect 2025, RingCentral’s booth (1000) features live demos of AI-powered solutions. For others, visit RingCentral’s website to explore how AI is transforming business communications.

At Enterprise Connect 2025, Sam Etler of Numeracle joined Doug Green, publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss how enterprises can protect their brand identity and restore trust in voice communications through secure branded calling.

Solving the Growing Threat of Spoofed Calls

Branded calling has become a critical tool for enterprises looking to authenticate their phone calls. However, traditional branding solutions have been vulnerable to spoofing, where scammers mimic legitimate businesses, damaging reputations and causing financial losses.

“This is a way of securely adding your logo, a reason for calling, and your name to a call in a way that cannot be spoofed,” said Etler. “Unlike legacy branded calling solutions, our cryptographic signatures ensure calls are verified by the mobile provider.”

What Makes Secure Branded Calling Different?

Protects against spoofing: Traditional branding can be manipulated by fraudsters who hijack a business’s caller ID, but Numeracle’s solution prevents unauthorized branding.

Enhances customer trust: Securely verifies the caller’s identity before the call reaches the recipient.

No third-party apps required: Works natively on iOS and Android without additional software.

Live Demos at Enterprise Connect

Numeracle is demonstrating this secure branded calling solution live at Booth #1000 at Enterprise Connect, showcasing real-time call authentication. “You’ll see our logo appear on devices with no prior setup, proving that the branding is delivered over the network securely,” said Etler.

Why Should Enterprises Pay Attention?

With brand reputation at risk, large enterprises need to act now to prevent call spoofing and ensure their customers trust incoming calls. For those not attending Enterprise Connect, more information can be found at numeracle.com, where enterprises can also learn about call reputation management solutions to combat spam labeling issues.

In the latest episode of Technology Reseller News, Doug Green sits down with Jeffrey Fidelman, CEO and founder of Fidelman & Company, to discuss an innovative approach to fundraising—Fundraise-as-a-Service (FaaS).

The Evolution of Fidelman & Company

Founded in 2015, Fidelman & Company initially provided consulting services for early-stage companies, helping them prepare investor materials, financial models, and capital structures. As demand grew, clients requested more than just preparation—they needed execution. This led to the development of FaaS, a structured service that actively helps businesses navigate the complex fundraising landscape.

How FaaS Works

FaaS streamlines and systematizes investor outreach, ensuring companies connect with qualified investors through a methodical, data-driven process. The service operates in two tiers:

Self-Service: Clients access Fidelman & Co.’s proprietary database and systems but handle outreach independently.

Full-Service: A dedicated analyst manages all outreach, sequencing investor communications, personalizing engagements, and setting up meetings.

Fidelman emphasizes that fundraising is not a numbers game but an efficiency game—increasing conversion rates rather than blindly reaching out to more investors.

Making High-Level Fundraising Accessible

Many smaller companies struggle with fundraising due to high costs and limited access to key resources. Fidelman & Co. absorbs the costs of premium tools like PitchBook and ZoomInfo—subscriptions that often exceed $125K annually—and provides clients month-to-month access without long-term commitments.

Key Benefits of FaaS:

Curated investor outreach based on industry, funding stage, and interest.

Structured follow-up systems that ensure consistency.

Performance-based incentives for analysts, ensuring high-quality engagement.

Transparency & flexibility—no six- or 12-month lock-ins.

A Personalized Approach to Fundraising

Unlike traditional advisory firms, Fidelman & Co. remains hands-on, offering weekly strategy meetings and tailored investor engagement. AI plays a supporting role, but human expertise drives the process. For companies considering fundraising, FaaS offers a scalable, high-touch solution that levels the playing field for startups and growing businesses.

Learn More

Interested companies can explore Fidelman & Company’s services at fidelmanco.com or contact Jeffrey Fidelman directly at [email protected].

For founders looking to raise capital without the complexity—FaaS might be the game-changer they need.

At this week's ITA Showcase, I sat down with Blake Lawrence of Windwave Communications to discuss how the company is helping bridge the digital divide in Oregon. Windwave Communications, a fiber optic provider with its own network, has been instrumental in connecting rural and remote areas in Eastern Oregon, providing critical infrastructure for businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities.

Expanding Connectivity in One of America’s Most Remote Regions

Oregon is a state of extremes—dense forests, coastal towns, vast deserts, and towering mountain ranges—but also counties larger than some U.S. states with populations under 10,000. This vast geography has historically made broadband expansion difficult, but Windwave Communications has been working to change that.

“We design and build fiber optic networks for other carriers and have been connecting extreme rural areas for over 20 years,” said Blake Lawrence, emphasizing the company’s role in middle-mile fiber deployment and community broadband planning.

With federal BEAD funding and the rise of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, there is real potential to close the digital divide in these remote areas. While satellite services play a role, fiber remains the gold standard for reliability and speed, and Windwave is focused on delivering that first-class connectivity where it’s needed most.

Supporting Data Centers and Large-Scale Fiber Projects

Beyond serving rural communities, Windwave Communications plays a major role in Oregon’s growing data center industry. The Pacific Northwest—especially Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington—has become a hotspot for data center expansion, driven by cloud computing giants and the need for high-bandwidth, low-latency connections.

“We build fiber connectivity between data center sites and work with counties to ensure that these investments benefit local communities,” Lawrence explained. Data centers contribute significantly to county tax revenues, and some of that funding is being reinvested into broadband expansion projects.

Windwave’s expertise in building conduit banks, using specialized excavation equipment, and designing robust fiber networks makes them a key partner for data centers, large carriers, and government broadband initiatives.

Working with Other Carriers and Organizations

Windwave Communications isn’t just an ISP; it’s also a trusted partner for other telecom carriers, enterprises, and government entities. The company provides free consultations for businesses or communities exploring broadband projects.

“If someone is considering a broadband expansion or applying for a large grant, we can help navigate the process,” Lawrence said. “Even if we’re not your final vendor, we want to help guide you in the right direction.”

How to Connect with Windwave Communications

Windwave Communications operates primarily in Oregon, but its expertise extends to broadband projects across multiple states. Whether you're a carrier looking for fiber partnerships, a business in need of connectivity, or a government agency seeking broadband expertise, Windwave is ready to assist.

For more information, visit www.windwave.tc or Google Windwave Communications to find out how they can help.

At the ITA Showcase, I sat down with Josh Loaiza of 3Strands Global Foundation to discuss how telecom professionals can play a critical role in fighting human trafficking. Many may not realize it, but the telecommunications industry has a unique vantage point in identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations—whether working in rural areas, hotels, airports, or even residential neighborhoods.

What is 3Strands Global Foundation?

3Strands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking through a three-pronged approach:

✔ Education: Teaching people how to recognize and respond to trafficking situations

✔ Survivor Services: Helping survivors find employment and financial security to reduce vulnerability

✔ Policy Advocacy: Working with lawmakers to establish and improve anti-trafficking legislation

"Education is the most powerful tool we have to combat this crime," Loaiza emphasized. "We believe prevention changes everything."

The Role of Telecom Professionals in Fighting Trafficking

You might ask, why telecom? The answer: visibility and presence. Telecom workers are in places where trafficking occurs, from urban centers to remote areas, and they often see things others do not.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline (Polaris Project) received 40,000 reports in 2021, leading to 16,000 victims identified.

99% of trafficking investigations begin with a tip.

Loaiza urges professionals in telecom to use their unique positioning to report suspicious activity. Whether working near a hotel, truck stop, or a suspicious residence, a simple call could change someone’s life.

Signs of Human Trafficking

Telecom workers don’t need to investigate but should be aware of warning signs, including:

Individuals appearing fearful, submissive, or avoiding eye contact

People restricted in movement, constantly monitored, or controlled

Locations with high traffic at odd hours

Signs of coercion, physical abuse, or malnourishment

What To Do If You Suspect Trafficking

Loaiza’s key advice: Don’t hesitate to report. Many people fear being wrong, but the greater risk is not reporting at all.

Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-3737-888

Text “HELP” to 233733

Reports can be made anonymously, and law enforcement will handle the investigation—all it takes is one call to potentially save a life.

Resources for Companies & Individuals

For telecom companies looking to train staff or raise awareness, 3Strands offers free educational resources at 3sgf.org, including:

✔ Human Trafficking 101 Training

✔ Parent & Employee Awareness Modules

✔ Community Workshops & Legislative Advocacy

"Small actions create big change," Loaiza said. "If we can educate telecom professionals and increase awareness, we can help prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals."

Telecom professionals are in the right places at the right times—now, they just need to know what to look for.

Learn more at 3sgf.org. Thanks to Josh Loaiza for this eye-opening conversation!

At the ITA Showcase, I sat down with Bob Young of FIFO Networks to discuss an emerging challenge for utilities and telecom carriers: meeting new federal cybersecurity requirements for broadband grants. As a cybersecurity consultant for public utilities, Bob is helping organizations navigate these evolving regulations—ensuring they secure funding while protecting critical infrastructure.

Why Cybersecurity is Now a Requirement for Federal Grants

Until recently, federal broadband grants did not require cybersecurity compliance. The Rural Broadband Initiatives focused on expanding fiber networks in underserved areas without specific security mandates. However, new regulations now tie funding eligibility to cybersecurity readiness. "The cybersecurity requirements seem scary at first," Young explained. "But the reality is, they’ve provided a well-laid-out process with clear goals. It can be done without adding much expense at all."

What Grant Applicants Need to Know

To qualify for funding, applicants must complete:

A Cybersecurity Assessment – Identifies security risks and vulnerabilities

A Cybersecurity Plan – Details how the organization will mitigate those risks

These documents must be submitted with grant applications, ensuring recipients not only build broadband infrastructure but also protect it.

The Standards Behind These Requirements

The government’s Cybersecurity Playbook draws from two key frameworks:

NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

CISA Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) – Created by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

These frameworks provide a roadmap for securing telecom and utility networks—critical as broadband infrastructure becomes part of national security.

How FIFO Networks Helps Utilities Stay Secure

FIFO Networks works with public utilities and telecom carriers to implement these security measures. Whether a company needs full-service consulting or just an extra set of eyes to support an internal CISO or IT director, Young ensures organizations comply with federal requirements while keeping costs manageable.

Beyond Compliance: Reducing Cyber Risk

Beyond meeting grant requirements, Young challenges conventional wisdom on cybersecurity, urging companies to rethink centralization and internet reliance.

"Once you connect your data to the internet, you create a global attack surface," he explained. "If you connect two data centers with a dedicated private circuit instead, it costs more—but it’s infinitely more secure."

Learn More

For utilities, ISPs, and telecom operators looking to secure federal grants while strengthening cybersecurity, FIFO Networks provides specialized consulting services. Visit www.fifonetworks.com

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