ChannelVision March-April 2017

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throughout Brooklyn, and, via a mobile
app, monitor their dog in real-time.
“Businesses like Dog Parker and
others need connectivity for features
and entertainment,” Schijns said. “It’s
really a unique time with a lot of cre-
ativity – and we’re working with our
sales channels to uncover what entre-
preneurs are looking for.”
The new business unit also targets
state and local governments looking to
implement smart-city initiatives. “We’re
asking how to help them become bet-
ter places for people to live and work,”
Schijns said. “This is beyond core con-
nectivity. The future is here. Smart con-
nections make for smarter communities.
The smart city means connecting all
the parts, coordinating emergency re-
sponse, monitoring energy usage, traffic
and so on. Solutions include connected
traffic lights, kiosks and security cam-
eras – there’s a whole IoT ecosystem.”
In terms of the technology pieces,
VBM will offer connectivity (includ-
ing MPLS-tiered dedicated pipes and
secure cloud interconnect), along with
tailored applications and website servic-
es with FiOS packages, including col-
laboration and unified communications,
business digital voice, cybersecurity
and video services.
Verizon’s IoT initiatives are important
for SMBs as well. For instance, asset
tracking and asset management, for
employees, machines and devices in
the field, is a critical need, as is smart
monitoring and management.
“We have one customer that has
150 sensors in a large restaurant doing
everything from testing cooling temps
in fridges to making sure diners won’t
get sick to cameras that keep an eye
on customer service,” Schijns said.
“They also have mobile point-of-sale. In
another case, many local schools are
implementing computer lab equipment
tracking. The use cases go on and on.”
To support the new division, Verizon
is combining all of its small business
channel partners, some VES partners
and also XO’s channel under one um-
brella. This integrated, single channel
program is expected to officially launch
in the second quarter. In the meantime,
it also has designed and launched new
certification and training programs for
partners, including around cybersecu-
rity, working with CompTIA.
“Our channel strategy is critical to
VBM,” Schijns said. “Our partners will
continue to join this one program, which
lets them sell into a range of customers,
from enterprise to small business. Now
we’re incorporating XO and adding ben-
efits. It’s a very exciting time, for us, our
partners, and for local businesses.” o
Dog Parker is installing self-contained,
connected dog houses in front of local
businesses
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March - April, 2017 | ChannelVision 61