Views from Channel Partners 2014

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Every year the Channel Partners Expo floor is an impressive array of service providers. This year was no exception. In addition, the conference always presents a host of educational and networking events, most this year were focused on strengthening the converging IT and telecom channel.

Read What ATC Had to Say About the Show:

“The Channel Partners Conference is an extremely worthwhile trip,” says ATC co-founder and managing partner Darren DeMartino. “The ability to get face time with key executives allows us to cultivate relationships that deliver tremendous value to our clients. In addition, it is a great opportunity to gain insight on new technologies and players that are reshaping the industry. It’s a whirlwind of activity in a short time frame, but something that can’t be measured in regards to ROI for time spent.” (See sharpening the saw.)

“The show certainly had its share of hosted IP providers including Star2Star, Thinking Phones, AireSpring, MegaPath, 8X8 and Windstream,” says ATC’s David Fournier. “While they all have their strengths, I found capabilities like Star2Star’s pooled lines and MegaPath’s mobility app refreshing.”

Hosted VoIP may have been the prevalent provider service, but cloud technologies are definitely “the new kid on the block.” According to ATC’s Nicholas Enger, “I use my time in Vegas is to determine where the industry is heading and who the strong partners will be in each segment. A few years ago the new comer was hosted VoIP, which has now matured into a key product for ATC. This year the up and coming product is clearly cloud computing.”

All of the cloud providers have unique value propositions, yet all appear to have slightly varied approaches to the marketplace. “I feel like the show is our best opportunity to get a temperature check on the industry, to make sure we’re positioned where we need to be, and to understand what each provider does well so we can properly align our partners with the right solutions,” says ATC’s Clayton Connor. “Cloud was certainly a hot topic, as expected, and it’s important to grow our knowledge in this space.” (Knowledge translates to awards… see Channel 360 award.)

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