The big telcos are fine-tuning their channel strategies in the backdrop of large acquisitions.

October’s channel program recap covers the efforts of suppliers, notably Verizon and CenturyLink, to best handle their respective marriages with XO Communications and Level 3 Communications. This is a chance to read what the channel chiefs themselves said about the progress of their integrations.

It was interesting to hear from Bill Hooper, who has led some significant changes within Verizon’s program.

But that’s not all.

As usual, you’ll see numerous stories about security vendors formalizing their indirect sales. We’re seeing more and more of these companies creating programs specifically for managed security services providers (MSSPs). And our recap runs the gamut of various markets from storage to SD-WAN.

Also, you’ll read an honest take from Infovista‘s channel chief on what vendors often mean when they say they’re partner-driven — and how often they actually follow through on their promises to partners.

Scroll through the slides below to learn about the new or enhanced partner programs in our industry.

Missed last month’s gallery? Check out the September edition.