In this episode I'm joined by Katie Merrill, founder and CEO of B-Lynk to share how she started a business focused on creating training materials for hosted PBX and UCaaS providers. Over the years B-Lynk has ended up working with all the major UCaaS vendors and has developed a huge library of materials that continues to grow and evolve as new features are added. To learn more about B-Lynk, check out https://www.b-lynk.com.

In this episode I interview Jerry Black of IT Misfits, to understand how a background in construction, video editing and project management has led to a passion for stand-up comedy, and to see why anyone in the technology field could benefit from improving their comedy skills.

In this episode I'm joined by Alan Percy from TelcoBridges for an episode of Telecom Talks, where we discuss the Cloud Connections conference we both recently attended in Florida.

A good project manager can make a huge difference when you're trying to execute your projects. It's not just about tracking tasks and hitting dates on a calendar - a good project manager also has domain expertise, and can help to spot risks, and make sure the project goes smoothly - whether that's migrations or product launches or fiber builds.

For more information check out cbsrome.com and in particular this blog post for a quick reference on project management best practices. Or connect with Tara on LinkedIn.

In our discussion we'll cover:

• why a blockchain could work better than STIR/SHAKEN to give users control of their DNs
• how users could be given powerful control of who can and can't call their number
• how a similar approach is already being used for text messaging.

For more information check out tsgglobal.com, tnid.com or email [email protected].

For more information, please check out the following links:

• MaX by Metaswitch Blog
• MaX UC with MCT (Connector for Teams) Youtube demo
• MaX UC Desktop video demo

For more information check out the following links:

• Are my customers making illegal robocalls? (Article with diagram)
• Why are my calls being marked as spam - with Greg Blumstein of TrueCNAM (Podcast episode)
• How YouMail uses Machine Learning to block robocalls (Article)
• ECG website

Other topics covered:
 - Why it's great to work with rural ILECs.
 - What products have worked, and what didn't, over the years.
 - The tension between technical advancement and the regulations that cover compensation.
 - What to expect in the future.
 - You can learn more about Toly Digital at tolydigital.net.

Topics include:
 - TelcoBridges unusual approach of focusing on specific products, rather than trying to do everything
 - Why is a partnership between Metaswitch and TelcoBridges good - for TelcoBridges, for Metaswitch, and for their mutual customers?
 - Should telcos be concerned about having too many vendors in their network?
 - For more information, read our article about this partnership, and check out the TelcoBridges website.

Useful links:
- ATIS-1000095 Extending SHAKEN over TDM
- ATIS-1000096 SHAKEN OOB PASSPORT for TDM
- ATIS-1000097 Technical report on alternatives for non-IP traffic.
- TransNexus STIR/SHAKEN information hub.