Jan-Feb 2020 - ChannelVision Magazine

ICYMI AppSmart, the channel-led, one- stop shop for B2B technology servic- es, has acquired Converged Network Services Group (CNSG), a technology consultancy and master distributor, as part of its commitment to strategic expansion. CNSG is the latest master agent to be integrated with AppSmart, joining recently acquired master agents Telegration and World Telecom Group (WTG). The CNSG executive team will remain intact and under the leader- ship of founder and CEO, Matt Harty. “We believe joining AppSmart will fuel CNSG’s rapid national expansion ef- forts, providing our partners with more resources and support than ever be- fore,” said Harty. “This is the next step in the future of CNSG, a future that has never been brighter.” By combining the digital transfor- mation expertise of top channel lead- ers with technology that’s purpose- built for agents and a diverse catalog of solutions, AppSmart said it is giving customers one touchpoint for every business technology need, including cloud, voice, connectivity, IoT (mobil- ity/energy), services and support. “As partners move more towards trusted advisers, they need solid ex- pertise in both applications and net- works to assist their clients in making the proper technology decisions,” said Craig Schlagbaum, vice president and channel chief for Comcast Business. “AppSmart’s innovative platform will keep CNSG partners on the forefront of this sea of change, and is a critical component to support partners in the next level of their growth and develop- ment for the future.” “The AppSmart marketplace offers partners a comprehensive and easy to use platform for delivering technology services today and in the future,” said Randy Friedberg, executive vice presi- dent of sales and marketing at CNSG. “We play the roles of both technology matchmaker and revenue protector for our partners. AppSmart significantly enhances our ability to design the most complete technology solutions, while protecting our partners’ commis- sions and future revenue streams.” Fusion announced that Telecom Consulting Group (TCG), represent- ing more than 4,000 agents nation- wide, has reinstated its support of Fusion by signing Fusion’s new Part- ner Agreement. The new agreements were designed to render it easier for partners to profit from sales of Fu- sion’s solutions, including UCaaS, SD-WAN, managed network services and security, and standardizes terms across legacy Fusion contracts while securing commission payments to TCG and its selling partners, ex- plained the company. Recognizing the channel’s critical importance to its future success, Fu- sion has made advances in its chan- nel programs a top priority among its planned initiatives following its emergence from bankruptcy. Fusion will recognize its partners for their support throughout the process with a revitalized Fusion Partner Program that will offer stronger service and support as well as increased incen- tives for sales of Fusion’s advanced, fully integrated solutions portfolio, explained the company. “Fusion values TCG and its sell- ing partners for their continued support and confidence in us. We are highly aware that the channel is pivotal to our success and we continue to stay committed to our partners,” said Michael Fair, senior vice president of Fusion’s channels and alliances. P2 Joins FirstLight’s Channel Program FirstLight, a provider of fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud, and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast, has added P2 Business Solutions, a Connecticut-based communications services provider, to its growing chan- nel program. With 1,500 agents, P2 Business Solutions conducts brisk business in the Northeast and is part of a consor- tium of master agents in the telecom- munications and cloud space called Technology Solutions Xchange (TSX). The consortium offers its master agent members an expanded port- folio of connectivity, cloud, hosting, cybersecurity and IoT vendor solu- tions. The combined portfolio of more than 250 supplier contracts provides a broad set of products, services and capabilities to serve SMB and enter- prise customers. “With its focus on cloud solutions, fiber connectivity and extensive as- a-service offerings, FirstLight was a natural fit for us,” said Bill Patchett, P2 CEO. “Many of our subagents were coming to me and asking, ‘Are you going to do something with FirstLight?’ It only made sense for us to become a channel partner, given FirstLight’s impressive growth in the Northeast, especially in and around New York.” The relationship has already led to early success with an initial sale for an internet circuit to serve a customer in Maine. “With P2’s broad network of agents and subagents, including companies like TDM and BCM/One, and Bill’s experience in the industry, we’re looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship that builds on our combined strengths,” said Mark Ayotte, senior director of channel sales, FirstLight. AppSmart Acquires CNSG TCG Signs Fusion’s New Partner Agreement 62 CHANNEL VISION | January - February, 2020