Sept/Oct 19 - ChannelVision Magazine

testing technology evolves, it’s time for vendors, IT solution providers and customers to view these testers as an opportunity be more proactive about network testing, validation and docu- mentation – and to save a tremendous amount of cost and time in the process. But this requires a shift in the way we think about network testing. Changing Perceptions Up until now, most vendors and their channel partners have mar- keted and sold networking testing tools as a standalone, point solu- tion. Think about a customer stop- ping by Home Depot to purchase a cable cutter. The customer is getting the tool as it stands, without any ad- ditional support or services to make their job easier. This has tradition- ally been the case for handheld net- work testers as well. When sold as a tool rather than as part of a service platform, IT solution providers are missing out on lucrative opportu- nities to offer additional value to customers. This is where the cloud has changed everything, as hand- held network testing solutions are now being tied to cloud software. This enables technicians to utilize the tools at any location, share and analyze the data with offsite network engineers and collaborate in real time to not only troubleshoot net- work issues before they impact the business but to streamline deploy- ment and validate their work with the required documentation. As the perception of portable network testers shifts from a point solution model to one built around a (cloud) services platform, the oppor- tunity for the channel is expanding. Customers are no longer interested in paying for and stitching together mul- tiple testing solutions and tools from different vendors. Instead, they’re in- creasingly looking to channel partners to help identify testing tools that are tied to cloud service platforms and can increase network uptime, while reduc- ing cost and human resource require- ments. Channel partners that recog- nize this opportunity and go beyond simply selling a point testing tool can instead offer a platform that transforms how an organization deploys, validates and troubleshoots their networks. NetAlly’s OneTouch all-in-one Ethernet and Wi-Fi Network auto-tester validates network connectivity, plus performance and finds common problems with the simple push of a button. Driving Additional Revenue Did you know that the handheld net- work testing market has the potential to drive tens of millions of dollars in ad- ditional revenue for IT solution provid- ers? By taking the platform approach to handheld network testing, the channel can tap into major revenue potential that’s been largely overlooked to date. The more time and money you can save your customers on network testing, vali- dation and troubleshooting tasks, the happier they’ll be and the greater the chances are that they’ll continue to ex- pand the relationship. Here are several key benefits cloud-enabled network test services can provide: Flexible, multi-purpose use cases: Beyond the primary ap- plication of validating, monitoring and troubleshooting today’s most complex networks, testing service platforms can offer a wide range of use cases. For example, a local Limitless Voice. Limitless Data. Limitless Security. Delivered by OneStream Networks, backed by the Cisco Global Cloud. Get to know A cloud-based phone system optimized for the enterprise. Cisco AMs, VARs and Resellers, contact OneStream Networks today! +1(585) 563-1850 sales@onestreamnetworks.com www.onestreamnetworks.com Eliminates the cost and complexity of managing an on- site phone system Offers comprehensive PBX features and a phased approach to cloud migration Enhances experience for mobile users to be more productive anywhere Partner Cisco Webex Calling Your PBX Replacement delivered from the cloud . Webex Calling Premier Certified 63 September - October, 2019 | Channel Vision