An impending Windstream trial and a looming CenturyLink workforce cut drew the channel’s attention this week.

But despite both stories’ dreary outlook, neither topped our website as the most-read article. We assemble a roundup of the Channel Partners staff’s seven most popular stories each week. Catch up on the industry’s latest happenings before you start your weekend.

7. Talkdesk Launches New Cloud Transition Services

The contact center provider launched a new offering that will help customers move contact center operations from on-premises to the cloud.

“Business Transformation Services” provides a set of consulting, managed services and integration capabilities that will make simplify the migration process. Talkdesk’s vice president of channel reported positive results for the partners who were able to transition their customers to the cloud.

Edward Gately has the scoop.

6. Avant Lands Windstream, Spectrum Alumnus

The master agent’s new employee will serve partners in multiple Midwest states.

Scott McElwee joined Avant Communications from Spectrum Enterprise. The senior partner manager said he joined Avant because of its analytic resources, marketing initiatives and expertise in UCaaS and CCaaS.

“I look forward to helping these partners shape end user behavior and help CIOs make the most informed decision for their business,” he said.

Learn more about the hire.

5. WWT, Dell Open Center of Excellence, Target Edge Computing, IoT

Network function virtualization and mobile edge computing are two key technologies World Wide Technology will enable through its new Center of Excellence.

The systems integrator teamed up with Dell to create a space for service providers to more quickly develop replicable solution blueprints. The Center utilizes WWT’s testing and validation facility as well its various integration facilities.

There’s a focus on building multivendor solutions.

“In the future, agents/VARs/MSPs that simply resell a single vendor’s hardware or software will struggle, as service providers (SPs) are looking to deploy complex, multivendor solutions to deliver new services to their enterprise and consumer customers,” a WWT executive told us.

Read about the news.

4. CenturyLink Takes Top Spot, Spectrum Jumps in Ethernet Rankings

Vertical Systems Group announced its 2019 U.S. Carrier Ethernet Services Leaderboard, and the results look good for CenturyLink.

CenturyLink continues to hold first place since acquiring Level 3 Communications in 2017. AT&T took second, followed by Spectrum Enterprise, which displaced Verizon.

Take a look at the leaderboard.

3. Bankrupt Windstream Reports Billions in Losses as Uniti Trial Looms

Windstream has yet find an acceptable network rental deal with Uniti, setting the stage for litigation.

Windstream’s CEO said in an earnings call that the trial between the two parties will start next week. The company pays approximately $650 million each year to use the network from Uniti, which exists as a result of Windstream divesting assets several years ago. Windstream executives had hoped to modify the price, but Uniti executives have shared no such enthusiasm.

The business communications giant shared its plans for litigation, as well as information about areas of its business where it is growing or shrinking.

Read about the financial update.

2. CenturyLink Cutting Hundreds of Jobs in Latest Workforce Assessment

It was good and bad news for CenturyLink this week.

The service provider plans to cut …… a significant portion out of its field operations workforce. About half of those 310 workers work in Minnesota. Communications Workers of America (CWA), which represents certain CenturyLink workers, blasted the company in a statement.

Edwardly Gately covered the impending layoffs.

1. Channel Partners’ 2020 Circle of Excellence Inductees

Executives from Telarus, Sprint and Star2Star and other vendors earned recognition from Channel Partners.

Our annual award showcases people who have created a legacy of advocating for the indirect sales channel. This year popular vote will determine an overall winner. We put together a gallery profiling the winners and their companies.

See the honorees.