Top 7 Stories: Top Master Agents, AT&T Ethernet, SD-WAN M&A

AT&T performed above its peers in the latest Ethernet rankings and also launched an IoT solution.

Ma Bell made the news multiple times last week, as did other high profile vendors. For instance, one highly discussed carrier exited chapter 11 bankruptcy, and a popular enterprise IT provider finalized an SD-WAN acquisition.

We’ve summarized seven popular articles from our website in mini-stories below. Check them out and then get started on your weekend!

7. AT&T, Colt Top Latest Global Ethernet Provider Rankings

AT&T continues to lead Vertical Systems Group’s Global Provider Ethernet Services Leaderboard. It has done so since 2018.

The usual suspects, such as such as Colt and CenturyLink, also landed near the top of the list.

Vertical Systems discussed how the pandemic has impacted network expansion. Spoiler alert: It’s not great.

Edward Gately has the scoop.

6. 8×8 Recognizes 2 Top Master Agent Program Members

The UCaaS provider gave platinum status to two accomplished partners.

Avant Communications and TBI earned the recognition from 8×8. Both Chicago-based master agents belong to the Open Channel Program, which 8×8 launched in July.

Check out the 8×8 news.

5. HPE Officially Wraps Silver Peak Acquisition, Touts Aruba Synergies

The SD-WAN provider officially belongs to the Aruba business unit within HPE.

HPE announced the completion of its acquisition on Monday. It paid approximately $925 million for Silver Peak. Executives say Silver Peak’s SD-WAN technology will pair well with Aruba’s software-defined branch and remote work offerings.

“… customers can simplify branch office and WAN deployments to empower remote workforces, enable cloud-connected distributed enterprises, and transform business operations without compromise,” an HPE executive said.

Learn about the acquisition implications.

4. Top UCaaS Channel Alternatives for Zoom Fatigue

Customers want more collaboration and security features than Zoom can offer.

iTelecom’s Micah Bevitz

That’s according to iTelecom CEO Micah Bevitz, who suggested several UCaaS and video conferencing alternatives to Zoom. He also gave advice for partners and customers that utilize Microsoft Teams.

Bevitz also shared about iTelecom’s new portal for agents and suppliers. iTelecom is a California-based master agent.

Read the story.

3. Equinix, VMware Launch SD-WAN VNF

VMware will offer a solution on Equinix‘s virtual network function marketplace.

Customers can consume VMware’s SD-WAN Edge on the Equinix Network Edge platform. As a result, they can use the virtual service to expand their network without buying extra hardware.

The companies have partnered with one other since 2013.

Learn more about the new solution.

2. Windstream Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Sans $4 Billion-Plus Debt

$4 billion. That’s how much debt Windstream has reduced over the last year and a half.

The carrier announced on Monday that it has exited chapter 11 bankruptcy. Windstream Enterprise president Layne Levine later told Channel Partners that the announcement is a huge boon for partners.

“For the longest period of time, we’ve been under a cloud of financial pressure, whether it was going back to having the dividends rolled back and what that did to the stock,” he said.

Read about the bankruptcy exit.

1. AT&T, Microsoft Launch IoT Guardian Device

AT&T and Microsoft are touting their new device’s security chops.

The two companies, which announced a partnership last year around cloud, launched an offering that will further IoT deployments. For example, the Guardian device can help transform existing equipment into smart devices.

Read about the expanded partnership.