Channel Partners Evolution
The 2017 Channel Partners Evolution has recently come to a close. If you or your partners missed it, don’t worry; Level 3 was there in full force. Vice President of Security Solutions, Bill Wohnoutka, gave several panels focusing on the latest security issues and addressing the latest product trends driving the industry.
Here are three worth noting:
1. SD-WAN
Currently a down-market trend growing into something much more viable for small and midsized businesses, SD-WAN and its possibilities were top of mind. Some of the main talking points included: which providers offer this service, how this product can mature and how it can be fully utilized to create revenue for businesses and their partners.
What’s driving this trend?
Businesses are searching for affordable resources that are scalable based on need and include analytics to help make informed decisions as well as hybrid services beyond connectivity. SD-WAN offers an opportune solution but is still in its adolescent phase, meaning many customers lack knowledge and require more information to realize its value. This is where master agents could — and should — play a major role.
2. Master agents
Customers no longer want to leverage multiple providers for services. Much of the conversation at Channel Partners Evolution included strategies to help partners build better network ecosystems so they can continue to push beyond connectivity or cloud services. When connected to a master agent, service carriers can realize greater potential and precautionary measures.
What’s driving this trend?
With an IT atmosphere that continues to divide into smaller and smaller subcategories of expertise, it’s becoming incredibly difficult for customers to employee in-house experts that are up-to-date with the latest trends. Therefore, master agents like Level 3 are key to providing their clients with a roadmap detailing how to deploy services and utilize them to their fullest.
3. Cybersecurity
Some of the biggest questions at the conference — and in general — pertain to security. With an ever-growing number of cyberattacks, it’s extremely important for companies to stay up-to-date with the proper safeguards. Customers want to know what’s being offered, and partners want to understand the market and the revenue that can be made with the services available.
What’s driving this trend?
Real-world predicaments such as the Equifax breach have partners and their customers frantic. The industry is currently in a massive education phase. There is a lack of in-house security experts and available data, and businesses need to develop a product infrastructure capable of offering solutions such as consultations and real-time-testing of security assets.
Level 3 has taken a holistic approach to this gambit of issues. By offering products such as SD-WAN, it is utilizing hybrid connectivity capable of scalability and cybersecurity in one package. In this way, finding partners becomes easy.
[cta]Channel Partners Evolution was a blast, and we learned a lot about our industry. If you missed it, we hope to see you next year. Until then, if you’re looking for managed network solutions, contact us to learn how we can help.[/cta]
