NEWS BRIEFS

Verio Inc., global IP solutions provider, has created vertical partner programs, specifically geared toward the federal government sector, in the managed hosting space. The viaVerio Enterprise Hosting and Network Services Government Partner Program is part of the overall viaVerio channel program. Verio says because it offers IPv6 services, its partners and resellers can target and serve those federal agencies required to upgrade to the new protocol.

TelePacific Communications made several changes to its Telepartner Channel including the creation of a new position - agent advocacy manager. The first to hold the job, Jim Buntz, will be responsible for improving the overall quality, productivity and support for the agent team. Meanwhile, Justin Chris-Tensen will manage all day-to-day Telepartner activities as the vice president and general manager of the Telepartner program. Chris-Tensen will work with the agent operations organization to increase visibility and communications for agents. He also has taken on the Nevada and greater Palm Springs/Desert Empire market. Ken Bisnoff is adding corporate development activities into his role, as well.

GlowPoint Inc., the nation’s first carrier-grade, IP-based video communications service provider, today announced Videre Conferencing, a provider of video, audio and Web conferencing solutions, is its newest certified agent.

ipUnplugged AB, a developer of mobile VPN solutions, announces a channel program targeted at high-end VARs, system integrators and consulting firms focused on LAN or wireless LAN with mobile connectivity and security. The program is called the ipUnplugged Secure Wireless Alliance Team, or iSWAT.

Craig Schlagbaum, former channel chief at NTT/Verio Inc., was named vice president of channel marketing at Level 3 Communications, reporting to Glenn Russo, Level 3’s senior vice president of partner and channel development.

Broadband satellite provider SDN Global launched a new agency program at the annual Channel Partners Conference & Expo, opening a new distribution channel for the company, its partners and potential customers. The agency program, where network integrators can promote and sell SDN Global’s satellite products, enables technology and telecommunications companies to broaden and complement their existing suite of services, the company says. Executives say the agency program resembles a reseller program. SDN Global provides support and marketing.

Sprint has enhanced its partner program by allowing authorized agents to sell Sprint’s portfolio of wireline and wireless products and services under one contract. Agents interested in the Sprint Partner Program can visit www.sprintbiz.com/programs to learn more about the program, sales and marketing support, training and certification.

The Sprint Partner Program has been helping agents offer connectivity solutions for more than 12 years, providing technology solutions, service level agreements and what it says is one of the world’s most reliable networks.

Voice Smart Networks, a provider of application engineering and implementation, support and managed services, has announced its Smart Agent Program. The program is designed to give individuals not previously trained as telecom agents the education and confidence to sell local, long-distance and Internet services on a part-time basis. The company says the program also is a resource for experienced agents who would like to learn more about VoIP.