News Briefs

VoIP service provider FutureLink Communications has rolled out a partner compensation plan, featuring an upfront bonus of between $30 and $80 per line, for local and regional service plans and IP trunking. Residuals are paid at 25 percent plus additional commissions on sales of equipment. The companys agent portal includes information such as customers minutes use, troubleticketing, commissions and tech support.

CTI Group, a provider of invoice processing and telemanagement software, has started a channel program for sales of its Proteus platform. The new program features three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. All partners receive demonstration software, access to the partnership portal, product training via the Web and joint sales calls. Silver and Gold partners receive CTI Groups managed campaigns, while Gold partners also receive branding opportunities.

John McCarthy

Whaleback Systems has appointed John McCarthy as vice president of sales, overseeing indirect and direct sales of the companys VoIP product for SMBs, CrystalBlue Voice Service. McCarthy has more than 20 years telecom sales and marketing experience with companies such as Computer Associates, Vitel Software and MetraTech.

PHONE+ is inviting partners to join the Campaign for Convergence at the Fall 2006 Channel Partners Conference & Expo, which will be held Aug. 23-25 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.

The Channel Partners Conference & Expo is the communications industrys only event devoted exclusively to solutions providers agents, VARs, systems integrators, interconnects, wireless dealers and consultants. The fall event is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants and more than 130 exhibitors.

The conference will focus on how indirect sales organizations can rally behind convergence technologies and solutions to better serve their residential and commercial customers.

Much of the programming will include convergence topics, including VoIP sales and deployment. Also featured is a State of the Channel address, featuring the results of a market study endorsed by PHONE+ and conducted by Vortel Inc. and Texas Southern Universitys School of Business. A Telecom Town Hall featuring customers will close the event. For up-to-date information on the show, visit www.channelpartnersconference.com.