To meet rising business demand for AI and multi-cloud scale, Lumen Technologies is enhancing data center and cloud connectivity across its U.S. network. The move will enable the company to deliver up to 400 Gbps ethernet and IP services at more than 70 third-party, “cloud on-ramp ready” data centers across 16 metro markets, the company said. High-speed data center connectivity up to 400Gbps is now available in Atlanta; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Denver; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; New York City; Northern Virginia; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; San Jose, Calif.; and Seattle. San Antonio is expected to be available during the fourth quarter. “This investment isn’t just about faster data center connectivity – it’s about creating the digital foundation for an AI-first economy,” said Ashley Haynes-Gaspar, Lumen’s chief revenue officer. “We’re giving customers what they need most: performance, flexibility and speed at scale, whether they’re turning up a single connection or orchestrating thousands of AI workloads across metro markets.” Lumen’s fiber network enables customers to turn up services as needed, provisioning bandwidth quickly and scaling up to 400Gbps while only paying for what they use. This helps connect to data centers and cloud on-ramps, scale enterprise applications and respond to fluctuating AI and data-intensive demands, the company said. Customers in the enhanced areas can access ethernet on-demand, internet on-demand, E-Line, E-LAN and E-Access solutions. Lumen’s network expansion goal is to reach 47 million intercity fiber miles by the end of 2028, the company said. Lumen Enhances Data Center Connectivity to Fuel AI Growth National Wireless will integrate Adaptiv Networks SD-WAN connectivity and cloud-based secure access service edge (SASE) solutions into its business internet portfolio. This collaboration enhances the National Wireless portfolio by providing small and mediumsized enterprises with faster, more reliable and cost-effective networking and security options, said the company. “ Partnering with Adaptiv Networks allows us to elevate our Business Internet offerings to new heights,” said Dan Baker, President of National Wireless. “By integrating SD-WAN and SASE solutions, we’re equipping our customers with unbreakable connectivity, superior cloud performance, and advanced cybersecurity that’s simple to deploy and manage—all at competitive pricing designed to deliver value.” Fusion Connect has promoted Elizabeth Schneider to vice president, partner channel sales, from her position as vice president of channel West. She’ll lead the company’s channel strategy including partner recruitment, strategic alliances, revenue growth and partner collaboration, the company said. “Elizabeth is a channel leader who understands how to build and scale high-performing sales teams while keeping the customer at the center of every decision,” said Jim Delis, chief revenue officer. “Her experience working with the channel makes her the ideal leader to strengthen our partner relationships and grow our channel revenue to new heights.” Schneider has experience across telecom, cybersecurity and cloud managed services. Prior to joining Fusion, she was the global head of strategic alliances at Ciena. She also previously served as senior director of global channel and alliances at Armor Cloud Security and held channel leadership roles at ignyte and MNJ Technologies. UPSTACK recently announced the acquisition of Avail Partners LLC, a Seattle-based technology consulting firm that helps midmarket organizations strategically optimize their IT investments. As part of the acquisition, Avail’s founders and managing partners, Dan Marsh and Scott Maurice, will join UPSTACK as partners. The Avail team will also join the company, expanding UPSTACK’s presence and capabilities in the Pacific Northwest and across key verticals, including manufacturing, healthcare and professional services. Founded in 2012, Avail specializes in cloud economics, solution design and vendor evaluation, helping clients eliminate commodity IT functions and accelerate revenue. Avail’s proprietary Market Intelligence Assessment process enables rapid discovery and measurable results that resonate with financial and operational decision-makers, said the company. “Dan and Scott are highly respected business technologists whose tech advisory practice mirrors UPSTACK’s focus on helping clients solve real business problems through smarter technology investments,” said Christopher Trapp, founder and CEO of UPSTACK. “Their approach to collaborating directly with CFOs to turn technology into a strategic advantage aligns perfectly with our mission to transform IT advisory into a more business-focused, outcomes-driven service.” Avail Partners was represented in the transaction by Rick Dellar of Renaissance Advisors. National Wireless, Adaptiv Partner to Deliver Advanced SD-WAN, SASE Fusion Connect Appoints Schneider VP of Partner Channel Sales UPSTACK Acquires Avail Partners ICYMI 49 SUMMER 2025 | CHANNELVISION
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