Partners are calling for more data from Avant and its rival TSDs.

So says Avant Chief Innovation Officer Chris Werpy, who spoke to Channel Futures at last week’s Avant Special Forces Summit. He said the technology advisor channel, also known as the agent channel, has proven its worth to customers and vendors. Moreover, he said the TSDs (technology services distributors) that support the agents with supplier contracts, tools and support, are working hard to lead agents deeper into next-gen technologies.

Avant’s Chris Werpy

Werpy was speaking two months after Avant announced the acquisition of PlanetOne. Werpy had previously served as PlanetOne’s president and chief operating officer. According to him, the Chicago-based and Arizona-based companies have been integrating in smooth fashion.

Werpy spoke about Avant’s ambitions around industry research. He also spoke about other acquisitions that have occurred in the channel this year and cybersecurity trends.