Lumen is undergoing a massive enterprisewide transformation that places the channel at the forefront of the company’s growth strategy – creating a big opportunity for partners. “We are dedicating more resources to the channel than ever before to support our partners and drive growth,” said Bre Kuhl, Lumen’s senior vice president of Global Partner Solutions. “As part of this evolution, Lumen is focusing heavily on generative AI infrastructure and network-as-a-service (NaaS). These services are a big focal point for us in the channel – along with our powerful edge cloud, cybersecurity and collaboration solutions – and will be key for our partners in the months and years ahead.” A recent survey from IDC and Lumen revealed that 73 percent of midsized and large enterprises are either utilizing AI or plan to in order to enhance customer engagement. Large enterprises are leading the way, with 81 percent of companies with more than 5,000 employees adopting AI, compared to 67 percent of midsized companies. Lumen provides critical custom network solutions such as dark fiber and fiber routes, as well as digital services that protect data and support AI-intensive workloads. In August, Lumen announced that it secured $5 billion in new business driven by major demand for connectivity fueled by AI. Specifically, both Microsoft and Meta selected Lumen to expand their network capacity and capability to help drive their AI ambitions. Lumen also recently announced a gamechanging strategic partnership with Microsoft that enables the company to power the future of AI and accelerate digital transformation for customers. As a result of this partnership, Lumen is driving AI initiatives with its channel partners and across the company. With Lumen, partners also have access to world-class sales, marketing, development, operational and maintenance support which extends throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Lumen works closely with partners to help customers manage increased network and IT complexity and provide managed network and cybersecurity solutions. The ever-increasing number and scale of cyber threats and actors makes Lumen’s cybersecurity expertise from Black Lotus Labs relevant to customers of every size. “Lumen has built a partner program for the future,” Kuhl continued. “As businesses continue to revolutionize how they collect, share and consume data, Lumen helps them unleash their digital potential. The Lumen Channel Partner Program provides the resources and training partners need to ignite growth – for customers and their own businesses – with solutions that are quick, secure and effortless. We are committed to the true spirit of partnership, combining our comprehensive solutions portfolio and expansive global network with the partner’s trusted expertise to create cost-effective, powerful IT solutions for customers.” The company is also investing in its workforce and evolving its leadership structure to support the growth of its channel partner sales and other ecosystem partner types. In March 2024, the company welcomed Kuhl as senior vice president of global partner solutions and channel chief. Under her leadership, the company has a larger ecosystem with more resources dedicated to rapidly growing the channel. “At the end of the day, there truly has never been a better time to be a Lumen channel partner,” Kuhl concluded. “The company is growing rapidly, and we are deeply committed to expanding our channel program and attract new partners. All signs indicate 2025 will be another year of explosive growth.” o Connect with Lumen in Scottsdale at CVxEXPO24, where the company will be attending and exhibiting as a Silver sponsor. Lumen’s Bre Kuhl By Gerald Baldino CHANNEL MANAGEMENT 34 CHANNELVISION | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2024 Lumen Leans into the Channel
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