Telecom Reseller / Technology Reseller News

Even in today’s modern world, it’s incredibly challenging to extend affordable, reliable and high-performing broadband services to the 42 million rural Americans who lack access. 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. Additionally, because of the longer distances and tough terrain, installing fiber optic cables in rural areas increases the cost per mile.

Federal funding is required to provide the broadband access rural America needs. That’s why the Federal Government established the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which sets aside $42 billion for the initiative. The funds are allocated to the states and then down to service providers, which have to report their work to the states, which, in turn, have to report back to the Federal Government.

This highlights the need for all stakeholders to conduct their reporting in a unified manner to avoid confusion and delays. Common Language, administered by iconectiv, is a standard nomenclature already in place that streamlines the verification of locations, equipment, connections and service functions to ensure the correct equipment meets demand.

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

Companies are dealing with open model vulnerabilities

Bill Tennant

Industries are facing challenges in the practical and effective adoption of AI, with 33% of enterprises citing limited AI skills and expertise as a significant challenge. Companies are dealing with open model vulnerabilities. Despite 72% of organizations adopting AI in 2024, integration issues remain a major hurdle, exacerbated by the shortage of skilled personnel. Additionally, the risks associated with generative AI—particularly inaccuracies—necessitate robust strategies for mitigation. Data privacy concerns also arise, as AI’s need for vast data raises privacy and security issues. Furthermore, doubts about cost and ROI are prevalent, given that AI implementation is expensive, with uncertain returns. For example, 25% of IT leaders regret quick AI investments, as AI readiness impacts ROI assessments.

Enterprises are discovering the need to shift from outdated models to agile, tech-driven approaches. This Cognitive Digital Revolution demands innovation with systems that drive growth and support the economy.

In this podcast, Bill Tennant, BlueCloud’s Chief Revenue Officer outlines these challenges and discusses how BlueCloud helps guide their clients. We discuss:

What strategies can enterprises adopt to overcome the integration hurdles associated with AI deployment?

In what ways can businesses balance the need for vast data in AI systems with growing data privacy concerns?

What measures can organizations take to ensure a clear ROI when investing in AI technologies

Can enterprises enhance their AI talent pool to overcome current skill gaps and integration challenges?

What role do ethical considerations play in AI implementation, and how can businesses develop a robust strategy to tackle inaccuracies and risks associated with generative AI?

About BlueCloud:

BlueCloud is not just another entity in the cloud computing space; it stands as a trailblazer in the digital transformation revolution. Positioned as architects of the future, BlueCloud leads the way for enterprises seeking to thrive in the digital age with its bold vision and unwavering commitment to innovation. The company's comprehensive portfolio, encompassing avant-garde AI services, data engineering solutions, and transformative digital strategies, has propelled businesses into a new era, resulting in a staggering 185% year-over-year revenue growth and securing a valuation surpassing $100 million, thanks to its partnership with Hudson Hill Capital. By serving titans of various industries and forging collaborations with technology behemoths like Snowflake and ThoughtSpot, BlueCloud has demonstrated its prowess in navigating the intricacies of the digital domain. More than merely transforming businesses, BlueCloud is on a mission to reshape the digital landscape itself, one innovative cloud solution at a time.

About Bill Tennant:

Bill Tennant stands at the forefront of BlueCloud as the Chief Revenue Officer, where his nearly 20 years of experience across various industries fuel the company’s growth and innovation. With a decorated background featuring honors like TBBJ 40 under 40 and the CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leader, Tennant's leadership has been pivotal in securing BlueCloud’s position as a partner of choice for tech giants. His vision has led to milestones such as the Snowflake Elite Services Partner Designation and numerous awards for channel partnerships. Tennant is an advocate for leveraging Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Data Governance to deliver business value and is open to discussions about joint ventures that push the boundaries of technology and strategy.

In the first of a four-part series, join Doug Green and Megan Howse, SVP of Marketing at iQmetrix, as they discuss this October’s upcoming SummitX 2024—the only event of its kind focused on telecom retail. Megan explains how the much-loved Summit event brand was resurrected after demand from the telecom industry and how it has been revitalized as SummitX, with a fresh agenda and an incredible venue.

About SummitX

SummitX by iQmetrix is the only event of its kind with a focus on telecom retail and Interconnected Commerce. We bring together all stakeholders from the industry, creating an interconnected community space packed with thought-provoking content, idea-sharing with industry professionals, and unmissable networking. We also make sure there are some great experiences and lots of fun along the way — including an epic mountainside party that you’ll never forget!

X is for the great experiences we’ll create.

X is for interconnectivity and intersectionality.

X is for the 10 (long) years since our last Summit.

SummitX is being held October 27-29, 2024 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, Arizona. For more information and to register, visit www.iqmetrix.com/summitx.

About iQmetrix

iQmetrix is the only provider of Interconnected Commerce software solutions for telecom retail. Interconnected Commerce is a complete set of software and technologies that are modular, flexible, and have telecom-specific capabilities, enabling telecom retailers to provide an uplifting experience for their customers. We empower telecom retailers to transact, activate, and fulfill products, as well as operate their business, and unify the online and in-store experiences. Our solutions powered $17BN in sales last year, and are used by 370,000 telecom retail professionals across almost 1,000 clients. iQmetrix is a privately held SaaS company with global employees. For more information, visit www.iqmetrix.com.

The SKYBOXE 5G Fixed Wireless Access Router is basically a 3rd party device that will be available to business and home users where a long-term contract with one of the big three does not make sense. It will allow the consumer to pick and choose the components that they would like for their service.

Mitch Weinraub

Don Witt with The Channel Daily News, a TR publication, speaks with Mitch Weinraub, Chief Product Officer at SKYBOXE about the channel they are developing.  Initially, business and home consumers can purchase the 5G Wireless Access Router and UScellular service through SKYBOXE. Consumers may also purchase the technology through UScellular’s resellers and ecosystem.  As SKYBOXE brings on additional carriers, their channels will also be offering the SKYBOXE solution.

Carriers looking to enhance their product portfolio should check out the SKYBOXE 5G Fixed Access Wireless Router.

Listen in as Mitch provides some good insight into their technology and to the SKYBOXE channel strategy with a peak at what is to come in the future.

About: Creating new and better avenues for 5G adoption

SKYBOXE® is paving the way for 5G.

They’re a leader in providing an application-based platform that accelerates 4G and 5G wireless broadband adoption in ways you can’t imagine.

Their phones were designed with mobility in mind, but 5G is about more than just mobility. With companies investing billions of dollars in 5G infrastructure, SKYBOXE is providing a way for businesses and consumers to access broadband applications that’s better than what they’d normally get from traditional ISPs and pay-TV operators.

For more information, go to: https://www.skyboxe.com

Cavell Summit North America 2024 Set To Help Explore Industry Challenges As Cloud Communications Transforms, Podcast

What can you do as a business to differentiate and be successful in the future?

“We're seeing the markets in a bit of a slate of flux at the moment, a lot of people are trying to understand: what is their role,” says Dom Black, principal analyst at Cavell. “What is the role of the channel? How do we differentiate from each other? Every single product is looking pretty similar out there. So, what can you do as a business to differentiate and be successful in the future?”  The survey involved over a thousand decision-makers, including people from across the industry. “We provide in-depth research looking at how the markets are changing and helping service providers, vendors, MSPs, and channel organizations understand what is the role of their technology stack, how that is going to change in the future, and what they can do to be successful selling that.”

Next week, the Cavell Summit North America 2024 will occur in New York City, bringing together the leaders, innovators, and thought leaders in the cloud communications industry. Cavell’s highly regarded State of the Market report will be presented right at the start of the event, along with remarks from Cavell Director Matt Townend. That report will set the stage for a packed schedule of presentations, panels, and more.

“We’ve got the likes of Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, Intermedia, 2600Hz/Ooma and Dstny, major telcos like Comcast, Verizon, and TELUS coming and speaking. We’ve got the CTO of Five9 coming to speak along with the CMO of Mitel coming to speak. we’ve got Vonage coming along to speak. If you’re not there we don’t know why you’re not.”

Cavell Summit North America

Focused on the US market, Cavell Summit North America presents the latest knowledge and opportunities within the UCaaS and CCaaS landscape to equip service providers, vendors, and investors with actionable insights. The1-day event consists of keynotes, panels, networking opportunities, and roundtable discussions from industry-leading providers and is led by Cavell’s research team who will be sharing their latest insights on the market. This event is for telcos, cloud communications service providers, MSPs, channel providers, and vendors who are looking to gain a greater understanding of the market and opportunities to maximize future growth. While in New York, don’t miss out on the CCA Financial Summit experience. Enjoy a networking dinner at Bryant Park Grill at 6 pm on October 1st after the Cavell Summit, followed by the CCA Financial Summit with breakfast and lunch the day after. Requires separate registration.

Differentiation and specialization creates a path to growth in a competitive market

Jeff Miller

In this podcast episode, Jeff Miller, CEO of Synchronoss Technologies, spotlights the company's role as a leader in the evolving landscape of secure and intelligent personal cloud solutions. As data privacy and security become increasingly critical, Synchronoss continues to innovate, setting itself apart from competitors with AI-driven functionalities and a strong emphasis on privacy-first approaches.

Miller discusses how the Synchronoss Personal Cloud has become the choice for global service providers like Verizon, AT&T, BT, and SoftBank, thanks to its ability to offer unlimited storage without compromising performance or security. He also dives into the integration of AI and machine learning, which optimizes photos and organizes digital content, elevating the user experience. Miller also shares a glimpse into the exciting developments on the near-term roadmap, highlighting how Synchronoss is poised to redefine the future of personal cloud services.

About Synchronoss

Synchronoss Technologies, a global leader in personal Cloud solutions, empowers service providers to establish secure and meaningful connections with their subscribers. Our SaaS Cloud platform simplifies onboarding processes and fosters subscriber engagement, resulting in enhanced revenue streams, reduced expenses, and faster time-to-market. Millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss to safeguard their most cherished memories and important digital content.

Research shows that revenue in the IT outsourcing market is projected to reach $512.50 billion USD in 2024. A big driver of this growth is the telecommunications industry, as operators are increasingly looking for niche expertise and proven digital transformation experience. Nowadays, the goal is to turn a telco into techco – a company able to rapidly implement new technologies, speed up time to market and be more adaptive to changing market conditions.

Joining the Cloud Communications Alliance presents a good opportunity to highlight how a reliable software partner can drive this kind of transformation, create new revenue streams and drive growth. While return on investment (ROI) and budget-friendly innovation are clear advantages, teaming up with external engineers and consultants goes far beyond cost-efficiency. Here are some of the most notable benefits a global technology partner can deliver:

Increased scalability: Companies that work with a software partner can access specialized skills and resources – on demand. This means scaling development efforts to meet project requirements without the constraints of recruiting and training new employees.

Enhanced focus: By outsourcing software product development, organizations can redirect their focus to core operations and strategic initiatives.

Bigger talent pool: Working with a global software partner widens talent pools and opens up access to a global network of skilled professionals.

Boosted efficiency: External software development experts who operate across different time zones offer the advantage of continuous work cycles.

Reduced risks: Outsourced software development can mitigate risks, reduce errors and speed up delivery. External engineers bring diverse industry experiences and domain expertise that enrich in-house specialists through knowledge-sharing and best practices.

If you want to learn more about Software Mind, watch Doug Green's conversation with Software Mind's Director of Development, Greg Goodwin.

About Software Mind

Software Mind is a global digital transformation partner with operations throughout Europe, the US and LATAM. Its engineering teams specialize in various sectors, especially the telecom industry, where Software Mind experts support leading operators, including Orange, Deutsche Telekom and O2. From innovative BSS/OSS development and cloud-native network functions development to DevOps, Cisco BroadWorks Professional services and Unified Communications solutions, their telco teams act as a one-stop shop for everything related to modern telecom software development.

Softwaremind.com

Joel Daly

Joel Daly, Senior VP of Government Affairs and Product Strategy at Zayo, discusses the company's expansion into Mexico, including its partnership with leading Mexican infrastructure provider Fermaca. Zayo, a leading communications infrastructure provider, is responding to increased demand from customers for connectivity in Mexico, now the U.S.’s largest trading partner. Zayo's strategic expansion and partnership with Fermaca will allow the company to provide end-to-end fiber connectivity between the U.S. and Mexico, supporting industries that rely on massive data transmission, such as manufacturing.

Daly also emphasizes the growing significance of data connectivity in the region, driven by nearshoring and the surge of digital transformation in manufacturing. This partnership addresses both cross-border and rural connectivity challenges. As he explains, “If you don’t have cross-border and fiber connectivity coming from that border, you can’t move the data anywhere.” The collaboration will benefit enterprises, Mexican carriers, and channel partners, ensuring secure and reliable cross-border connectivity between the U.S. and Mexico.

There is a strategic importance to Mexico’s role in the region, especially as industries become more data-reliant with the growth of AI and automation. The new fiber infrastructure will make Mexico a critical hub for data transfer and connectivity in North America. Additionally, Zayo's expansion and partnership with Fermaca opens up opportunities for channel partners and managed service providers (MSPs) to leverage this infrastructure to offer enhanced services. “It’s a win-win for both enterprise and channel partners, with a new level of connectivity and opportunity across the region,” Daly concludes, marking a pivotal step in strengthening digital and economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico.

Visit www.zayo.com

CCA Financial Summit Agenda, Jamie Hill, Zoom, Global Head of UCaaS

Jamie Hill

“It's really about monetizing voice and video in a world where a lot of the conversation and a lot of the perception is that voice is kind of a legacy technology and it is a technology that is going away in some respects when the reality, if you look at some statistics and you look at how we actually communicate, is it is still absolutely critical to all of our communications,” says Jami Hill, Global Head of UCaaS for Zoom. In this podcast we get a first glance at Jamie’s upcoming presentation at the CCA Financial Summit Event: Beyond the Buzz: Monetizing AI and Voice/Video Collaboration for Maximum Impact

This session will kick off with an overview of building cloud offerings through multi-vendor technologies, setting the stage for a deeper dive into innovative monetization strategies and new product revenue streams. Jamie will then outline the tangible customer benefits and ROI, providing a clear 'sell-to' value story. Expect to see detailed visuals that illustrate current revenue impacts from AI compared to other solutions like CX, as well as predictions on when AI may match or exceed these revenue drivers. Gain insights into how these technologies reshape financial outcomes and align with investor interests for sustainable growth.

“I want to talk about monetizing voice, part of that story is how do you drive, how do you deliver return on investment to your customers. How do you find those areas of savings? How do you find those areas of financial benefit that ultimately justifies the decision to deploy or implement a brand-new system? So that's one piece. And the other piece is AI, in a world where a lot of the context is lost in audio communications. I mean, for the most part, statistics also show that in any given presentation, five minutes after that presentation, you only remember 10%.”

Visit www.zoom.com

Learn about the conference

https://www.cloudcommunications.com/events/financial-summit-2024

A new study from Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), reveals the evolving role of technology channel and reseller partners in the U.S. and Canada. The study indicates a shift from point solutions providers and integrators to strategic advisors for SMBs, unlocking significant growth opportunities and paving the way for greater digital agility. The report, ‘Small and medium-sized business demand for digital advisory services fuels IT channel growth’, surveyed 2,800 technology channel decision-makers globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, to better understand the key drivers impacting the IT channel and reseller market today.

Read the Press Release

Listen to the Podcast with Amaya Souarez, EVP, Cloud Services & Operations at Sage: