Channel Partners Online

Gavriella Schuster of Microsoft. Michelle McBain of JS Group. Need we say more? These two powerhouses join Craig and James to preview the upcoming Channel Futures workshop on DE&I. We're hosting the event in coordination with the Alliance of Channel Women and the Allies of the Channel Council. Diversity, equity and inclusion are hugely important to these ladies who will share their DE&I experiences in technology. They're also supremely qualified to discuss the topic, as they are participating in our June 8 workshop. The 97th episode of Coffee with Craig and James touches on a topic that's critical to the future success of the channel.

The number of powerhouse guests wanting time with Craig and James on their podcast is growing rapidly. We're almost as surprised as you are! In this episode, the guys welcome Tech Data SVP of marketing Catherine Solazzo to the show. Just a little more than a month on the job, this is the IBM vet's first big channel interview. Solazzo talks about the differences in marketing for a distribution giant and a traditional hardware behemoth. She also offers advice for partner firms that are struggling with their marketing efforts. Of course, we wouldn't let her get away without asking her about the company's pending merger with Synnex. She discusses marketing's typical role when two big companies come together. Then David Nour, CEO of the Nour Group, chats with the guys about business relationships. The author and executive coach explains what partners can do to improve their relationships internally, and with vendors and other partners. Finally, 2021 seems to be the year of the conspiracy theory. So for a litt

The Channel Futures MSP 501 application deadline is just days away, so we've dedicated this podcast to our prestigious awards. First, the guys welcome Craig Weir, director, global cybersecurity, Ingram Micro Cloud. He'll get Craig and James caught up on the latest security trends and what's new with Ingram's channel. Ingram is a proud sponsor of the Channel Futures MSP 501 and of this episode of the podcast. Also on the show is Paco Lebron, CEO of ProdigyTeks, No. 4 on last year's MSP 501 list. He talks with Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis about M&A and other trends impacting MSPs. Finally, the guys take a creative approach to ranking technologies in the channel. Ever wonder what order they would be selected if part of a sports draft?

The guys are breaking news on this week's podcast. Nadir Merchant, general manager of IT Glue, joins the fray to discuss the Kaseya company's just-announced acquisition of TruMethods. Merchant will explain how the tie-up will make MSPs more effective and efficient. Also on the show is Buffy Naylor, managing editor of Channel Futures. She's also the manager of Channel Futures' new diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) community. Buffy will talk about our DE&I efforts, which include an upcoming channel workshop on June 8 and a DE&I 101 list of influencers in the channel. All that, plus it's Craig who heads to the game lab this time. He'll challenge James to identify some quirky Guinness Book record setters.

Craig and James welcome well-known industry insider Tiffani Bova of Salesforce to the podcast. Bova, the global growth and innovation evangelist for the company, predicts what the "new normal" will look like for channel partners. She also discusses important business trends for the near future. Furthermore, Bova offers an interesting take on diversity, equity and inclusion in business. Also on the show is Jolene Langford, owner of Athenium Technology Group, a telecom and cloud agency. She gives us some insight into how she and her fellow agents are faring. One question she raised got our interest: "Are channel managers reaching out less than they did before?" We'll explore. Plus, the battles she has faced as a woman in technology. Beyond our two rockstar guests, it's round three of our generational clash. Can James represent millennials well and tie things up with Craig? Or will a clip from "Murder, She Wrote" be his downfall? The guys tackle TV shows in this edition of their pop culture face-off.

The guys are psyched for another pair of great guests. First up is Rick Ribas, new channel chief at Fusion Connect. He tells our Edward Gately about his plans for Fusion's channel and where his company's fits with both UCaaS and SD-WAN. Then, M&A expert Seth Penland of Evergreen Technology Partners takes Craig and James on a deep dive into recent channel mergers and acquisitions. He offers some insider knowledge into how the M&A frenzy among master agents is impacting these companies as well as their subagents. Plus, have you heard? Channel Futures and Channel Partners Online are now one! Craig and James will highlight some of the content you'll want to check out. And far from done, James wanders into the Coffee with Craig and James "game lab" and convinces Craig to play a game of Channel Mad Libs. Oh yeah, we're going there. Finally, it's a long-ish edition of the podcast, but you won't want to drop off early. The guys will welcome a special guest to close things out.

The guys are feeling the love as the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Online websites prepare to come together. Convergence, y'all! The 91st episode of the podcast is dedicated to the 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501. We're now taking applications for this prestigious list of managed service providers from around the world. We'll hear from MSP 501 editor Allison Francis about what goes into the ranking and how you can get your partner business listed. Also on the show is Karl Fahrbach, chief partner officer with SAP. He'll talk about how the company's channel is evolving. He'll also respond to a recent challenge from Oracle which claims to be stealing its ERP share. Plus, we're already looking ahead to CP Expo Homecoming, Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas. And Craig and James celebrate their entry onto a variety of new podcast platforms. That includes one in Sweden. Who knew the guys were big in Scandinavia?

Craig and James are here just in the nick of time to get you fired up for Channel Partners Virtual 2021! As day one of the event gets underway, the guys welcome Janet Schijns and Meredith Caram into the coffeehouse. Schijns, CEO of channel consultancy JS Group, was instrumental in helping with the content lineup at CPV. Caram just signed on with Schijns as her new chief revenue officer. The pair will discuss hot business trends, preview CP Virtual and explain how longtime Verizon and AT&T rivals can work together! In conjunction with Channel Partners Virtual, Craig and James break down a slew of important announcements from Channel Partners/Channel Futures. It's all breaking news around channel convergence, diversity and inclusion and a new live event for MSPs.

In this edition of the podcast, the guys recognize Channel Partners/Channel Futures Influencer of the Year, Jay McBain. The CP/CF editorial team named McBain its Influencer of the Year in their annual digital issue, released this week. Alongside McBain are nine more channel influencers who had a big 2020, and are poised for greatness in 2021. In the interview, McBain, the Forrester analyst, talks about his impact helping to guide partners through a difficult year. He also touches on his recently published channel trends for 2021 and the marketplaces debate he will host at Channel Partners Virtual. Speaking of influence, the team at Telesystem has a whole lot of it in the new year. Bruce Wirt and Mayka Rosales-Peterson join the podcast to talk about their new podcast centered around leadership topics. They're also taking big strides to promote diversity and inclusion at their company, providing an example for other channel businesses. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Channel Partners Virtual is just two weeks

With Channel Partners Virtual just a month away, the guys are gearing up for an event packed with great speakers. One of those speakers is Erick Simpson, founder and chief strategist at ErickSimpson.com. Simpson will preview his presentation on setting up a business plan, which is even more critical as we start to emerge from the pandemic. He'll offer up a few tips to get your partner business on the right track. Also on the show is Matthew Toth, who leads C3 Technology Advisors. Toth has a partner's perspective on some of the hottest technologies, including UCaaS, SD-WAN and security. He'll also get inside the head of the customer and share his experiences from those conversations. All of that, plus Craig and James engage in a "generational clash" to prove which is stronger -- Gen X or Gen Y.

It's 2021, and the podcast is back with a couple of powerhouse guests. First up is Bob DeMarzo, new content lead for events and media at Channel Partners and Channel Futures. He talks with the guys about some of his goals in his new gig; plus, all three gents discuss what they think is coming for the channel in the new year. Then, it spawned from a mission to protect telco agents getting shut out of rural health care deals. Now, organizers want it to blossom into a full-blown regulatory watchdog group for the agent community. Bill Power of the Alliance Partners and Darcee Nelan of IQ Wired explain the importance of the new Technology Channel Sales Professionals organization. You'll want to find out how you can get involved in this budding industry association. All that, plus the guys dig into what they're looking forward in the new year; particularly what's around the corner at Channel Partners Virtual and this fall's live, in-person "Homecoming" channel event.

It's a new era for the Channel Partners podcast. We just got an infusion of youth, as news editor and resident millennial James Anderson jumps into the co-hosting chair. He replaces Gen X'er Kevin Morris, who recently moved on to start his own partner business. You get to meet James and learn about his goals for the podcast going forward. Of course, one thing remains the same -- our affinity for great guests. In this episode, we welcome Zane Long, channel chief at RingCentral. The cloud-based communication and collaboration provider has been on of the channel's biggest newsmakers in the past year. You'll hear about how RingCentral's bevy of new industry partnerships are paying off big for its channel partners. The podcast also is committed to bringing more of the partner voice to our loyal "casties." To wit, you'll hear from Ben Niernberg, executive vice president of MNJ Technologies. Niernberg, who has expertise in SD-WAN, shares tips on what customers want--and how you can best approach them about a sa

It's the day DigiBot, our podcast's digital services robot mascot, has been waiting years for. With Kevin dearly departed (to start his own partner business), Digi finally gets his shot co-hosting the podcast. But is everything what it's cracked up to be? We shall see. More importantly, Craig and the bot welcome Camille Mendler, chief analyst at Omdia. She gives the U.S. partner community a primer on the channel market in the U.K. and throughout Europe. Camille will have tips for partners who want to dip their toes into international waters. Furthermore, we'll give you a preview of what to expect at Channel Evolution Europe Virtual, Dec. 1-2. While, or should we say, whilst, geared toward the European partner, the agenda is jam-packed with content partners everywhere can appreciate and use to build their businesses. Also on the show is Scott Barlow, VP, global MSP at Sophos. He talks about the extraordinary growth in the security company's MSP Connect program. You'll learn how it could be a model for othe

It's a somewhat melancholy edition of the podcast, as Kevin surrenders his role behind the microphone. He's leaving Informa Tech, Channel Partners' parent company, to follow his dream--to open his own partner business. We'll count down the top five moments in Coffee with Craig and Kevin podcast history and roll out our final "movie trailer." You'll also hear from some of Kevin's colleagues about how much they will miss him. But lest you think that this is all about Kevin, we'll also say goodbye to another well-known colleague. Plus, John Macario, SVP of global channel marketing with Ribbon Communications, shares insights on 5G. He also discusses the areas where Ribbon partners are finding the most success. Lastly, we'll let you know who will be stepping into Kevin's shoes to co-host the next episode.

This podcast has gotten so big, we had to make room for three guests. And they're not just ordinary guests. First up, Rick Chapes of AT&T Partner Solutions, the title sponsor of the upcoming Channel Partners Virtual event, talks 5G, channel program updates and more. Looking for another business communications giant? We've got CenturyLink. New vice presidents Greg Fry and Craig Patterson discuss how a new channel management structure will impact its partners for the better. Last but not least, KORE VP of channel sales Genesis Lee explains how IoT is starting to make real inroads among the partner community. All three companies are sponsoring and/or exhibiting virtually at our first-ever virtual channel event, Sept. 8-10. And if you want a rundown of what's on tap for CP Virtual, Craig and Kevin highlight some of what they think are can't-miss sessions.

Craig and Kevin truly have the "eye of the tiger," as they are pumped up for Channel Partners Virtual! The first-of-its kind virtual channel event is scheduled for Sept. 8-10. Joining the guys to talk about Channel Partners Virtual is Vonage channel chief Curt Allen. The experienced veteran also offers an update on his company's channel program and explains how Vonage's product set has evolved. Furthermore, Allen offers a business perspective on the pandemic and what Vonage is doing to support its partners. Then you'll hear from Will Harris, sales consultant and esteemed industry speaker. The founder of Willpower Consultation will preview his upcoming keynote on social selling at Channel Partners Virtual. He also weighs in on racism, diversity and inclusion in the channel; plus, he explains how his humanitarian work has helped thousands of women and children around the world. Finally, Craig and Kevin will break down what they see as highlights from days two and three of the upcoming channel event.

The guys once again packed a lot of great business news, channel updates and their usual shenanigans into another powerhouse podcast. First up is Olen Scott, channel chief at Aryaka. He'll get into the debate surrounding SD-WAN and MPLS, plus what Aryaka's new partnership with 8x8 means to the channel. What makes SD-WAN and UCaaS like chocolate and peanut butter together? He'll dive into that too. Our second guest is Janet Schijns, CEO of the JS Group. She will have her hands full at the upcoming Channel Partners Virtual event, Sept. 8-10. Slated to moderate and sit on panels discussing convergence, 5G and more, she'll break down what to expect. But that's far from all. Craig and Kevin will preview day one of Channel Partners Virtual and pump up the just-released MSP 501 list.

Here we go again with another edition of the Channel Partners podcast, Coffee with Craig and Kevin. It's a jam-packed episode starting with some breaking news! (Well, at least Kevin thought it was.) The guys will break down what's on tap for the newly announced Channel Partners Virtual show, Sept. 8-10. You'll learn how you can take advantage of much of the same content and networking you would expect from a live Channel Partners event, only online from the comfort of your own home or business. Then Robert Cooper, general manager at Wildix, the UC provider, enters the coffeehouse to see if he will double down on come controversial comments from earlier in the year. He dubbed some of Wildix's bigger rivals "vampire vendors" and "walking dead." Finally, an insightful conversation with Telarus' Brandon Knight, who introduces us to the Xposure Diversity and Inclusion Council. The Council's goal is to be a "beacon in the tech services industry, where individuals from all different backgrounds can collaborate."

With the dawn of summer upon us, Craig and Kevin are back with a red hot podcast! Intrepid Channel Partners reporter Edward Gately sits down with new Fusion Connect CEO Brian Crotty. There's a lot to talk about as the company recently emerged from bankruptcy. Crotty is tasked with leading the company's transition post-Chapter 11, a discussion that will have a big impact on the partner community. And it might only take two to "Tango," but Craig and Kevin both lined up some questions for Pamela Strong, vice president of global sales at Tango Networks. She talks about the big year for the company and it's Mobile-X product. Meantime, the guys share thoughts on the global push for social and criminal justice reform. The conversation turns to a group in the channel that is pushing for inclusion and diversity. But lest you think this podcast is turning a new leaf and losing it's more humorous side, Craig and Kevin break out their latest CwCK movie trailer. This week's theme?: time travel.

The guys are ready to "tel" you a little about the channel. MetTel and GigTel are a couple of players making waves this spring with SD-WAN and UCaaS, respectively. Up first is MetTel CTO Ed Fox, who discusses how artificial intelligence and SD-WAN are making enterprise networks more efficient. And he ought to know. MetTel just took home a couple of awards for SD-WAN. Then it's Jim Rotondi, national channel manager with GigTel, which you might know better as Endeavor Communications. He talks about how being part of such a well-established organization has helped Gigtel maintain momentum in the market, particularly in UCaaS. And both guests have some great advice on how to work through uncertain times. And that's not all. With the theme of "know-how," Craig and Kevin talk about the many resources online, and in particular, on Channel Partners Online and Channel Futures, that can keep you in the know this summer as you continue to spend more time at home.