Upstack Signs Deal with Lumen

Upstack signed a partnership with Lumen Technologies in a move that could shake up the channel. 

It marks the largest direct agreement Upstack has signed with a supplier — and a name like Lumen carries clout. The deal means partners operating under the Upstack umbrella can leverage their Upstack contract to sell Lumen rather than work with the technology services brokerages (TSBs) they have traditionally used to sell Lumen products and services.

Reaction in the channel was swift, varying from “this could get ugly” to “this is a normal course of business.” Most TSBs (formerly known as master agents) have been mum on the topic, but sources have told Channel Futures that feathers are ruffled.