7 Hot Channel Stories: CenturyLink’s FCC Deadline, Avaya’s New CMO, Open System’s Acquisition

CenturyLink and Frontier Communications are working to meet a broadband deployment deadline, and Avaya has a new chief marketing officer.

January’s final week featured hirings, regulatory drama, an acquisition and partnerships of multiple kinds. And conference season is upon us, as news editor Edward Gately traveled to New Orleans for a show.

Read our weekly recap of the channel’s most interesting news below.

7. Open Systems Acquires Sqooba for Analytics Expertise

“AIOps” provider Sqooba will join Open Systems as a subsidiary

Open Systems, which provides a secure access service edge (SASE), will integrate the purchased company’s analytics capabilities into the SD-WAN and security as a service on Open Systems’ platform.

“The combination of our managed network and security solution with Sqooba’s analytics expertise will enable enterprises to gain real-time visibility into network and application performance, laying the foundation for a transition to a full SASE architecture,” Open Systems’ CEO said.

Both companies have headquarters in Switzerland.

Lynn Haber has the scoop.

6. Check Point: Partners Crucial to 2020 Momentum

Check Point Software Technologies announced a new cybersecurity platform and enhanced its partner program.

The new Infinity Next architectures supports multiple network types, multicloud environments, mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). Check Point’s main channel-program change is adding a tier to create four total categories for partners. The program will reward partners for their professional services and MSSP efforts.

The company made these announcements at its CPX 360 2020 conference in New Orleans.

Edward Gately was on the scene covering the conference.

.@CheckPointSW CEO unveils Infinity Next #cybersecurity platform at #CPX360. pic.twitter.com/wS2QRxizyj

— Edward Gately (@EdwardGately) January 28, 2020

5. Avant Signs Cybraics, Harnesses Cybersecurity Platform

Avant Communications expanded its technology portfolio by adding cybersecurity and analytics firm Cybraics.

The agreement gives Cybraics an expanded sales team through Avant’s subagents, who can sell the vendor’s threat detection services. The Florida-based Cybraics is six years old and has signed three publicized master agent partnerships.

Check out the story.

4. Avaya Picks Gartner UC/CC Analyst as CMO

Simon Harrison, the former Gartner research director and lead analyst, joined Avaya to serve as senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

Harrison, who said his new employer offers “a much broader array of technologies than people realize,” will work to engage Avaya employees, partners and customers.

Read about the hire‘s background.

3. CenturyLink, Frontier Falling Short in Required Broadband Deployment

It appears CenturyLink and Frontier Communications are still working to reach the goals they set with the FCC-affiliated Connect America Fund.

The FCC gave the companies funding with the expectation that they would provide voice and broadband services to previously underserved areas. The agency handed out just under $9 billion to 10 telecommunications carriers for rural broadband development in 2015. The carriers, who agreed to different coverage requirements, must attain 100% internet access in their respective areas by the end of 2020.

Check out our story about the requirements.

2. Decorated Avaya Partner Joins RingCentral Channel Program

Altura Communications Solutions announced its entrance into RingCentral’s channel partner program.

Altura has deep relationships with…