6 Hot Channel Stories: Avaya’s Big Move, Intelisys Channel Connect Conference
Avaya dominated the headlines this week.
The Santa Clara, California-based communications provider gave the answer we’ve all been waiting for. The company finally decided what its next strategic move will be (hint: it won’t be merging with Mitel).
Other familiar faces make our Top 6 list for the week, including Windstream and Intelisys. Scroll through the mini-stories below to get caught up before your weekend starts.
6. Image Gallery: Intelisys Channel Connect Featuring ScanSource, RingCentral, Netflix
I finally got to posting photos from my trip out to Monterey, California. I spent the week with Intelisys, ScanSource and their partners and suppliers. There was plenty to talk about in Monterey: vendor updates, acquisitions and a reportedly record-setting, partner-led UCaaS deal.
But don’t take my word for it. View the gallery for yourself.
.@CityofMonterey looks like it was a great place for @IntelisysCorp to once again host its #ChannelConnect event. Here are pics and a recap if you missed it, courtesy @JamesAndersonCP. https://t.co/l1VpN3Ivij
— Craig Galbraith (@Craig_Galbraith) October 7, 2019
5. Avaya Unveils Contact Center Cloud Platform
Avaya introduced plans for a new cloud contact center as a service (CCaaS) platform.
Avaya IX-CC will go live in 2020 and caters to SMBs and enterprises alike. Executives say the company is focusing its R&D funds on cloud-based solutions.
Avaya was involved in a much bigger story that you’ll read about in a little bit, but we won’t spoil it for you just yet.
Learn more about Avaya’s contact center strategy.
4. Critical Start Unveils All-Channel Strategy
The Texas-based managed detection and response (MDR) company says it has completely centered its go-to-market strategy around indirect sales.
The vendor is now partnering with the distributors Synnex and Ingram Micro. Critical Start is attempting to extend its reach beyond Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, according to the company’s vice president of channels and alliances.
Edward Gately has the scoop.
3. Gallery: Channel Conflict, Controversy
Mr. Gately also put together a gallery of the most contentious stories in the channel: AT&T labor negotiations, layoffs at multiple vendors, and the always interesting Windstream bankruptcy proceedings. Another big news item was a prominent master agent executive changing companies.
Scroll through Gately’s latest assemblage of chaos.
2. New, Changing Channel Programs: Windstream, CenturyLink, Intelisys
We covered vendors like F5 Networks and CenturyLink as they updated their channel programs to increase opportunities for their partners.
There’s a mix of distributors and master agents in the latest monthly program update. It includes our conversations with Windstream’s channel chief and Pax8’s new chief market development officer.
Take a look at the lowdown.
1. RingCentral the ‘Big Winner’ in New Deal as Avaya Ends Acquisition Speculation
Avaya dispelled all acquisition rumors by entering a strategic partnership with RingCentral.
RingCentral will pay $500 million to become the “exclusive provider” of Avaya UCaaS solutions. We’re told the end result will be a new unified communications as a service (UCaaS) solution. The deal will close in the upcoming months.
Read our hottest story of the week to get all the juicy details.
