Sept/Oct 19 - ChannelVision Magazine

cable provider might use a wireless test device to show customers the coverage they would have in their home if they positioned their wire- less router where the cable pro- vider had recommended. While this situation isn’t common for network testing, it shows the possibility of extended capabilities that makes it more attractive to customers. Increased time/cost savings: Some of the most common network management challenges for busi- nesses and IT solution providers today are human resources and expertise shortages, and wasted time due to endless troubleshooting tasks and other inefficiencies. They often have to send technicians to multiple locations to troubleshoot network problems, which are some- times unsuccessful and require additional trips. The time it takes to dispatch a technician to distributed locations – or “truck time” – can lead to exorbitant costs (sometimes as high as $2,000 per truck roll). Those numbers add up quickly (and in some instances could be avoided altogether if the network was prop- erly certified and validated in the beginning). By working with a chan- nel partner that offers cloud-enabled network testing services, or leverag- ing one themselves, companies with testers at each branch location can dramatically minimize the volume of costly on-site visits and the need to hire technicians for each location because technical experts can ac- cess network readings and trouble- shoot problems remotely (or even easily hunt for rogue devices). Heightened visibility: Network testing as a service enables col- laboration between onsite techni- cians and the remote network engineers who have a tremendous amount of expertise but cannot be everywhere at once. This empowers technicians – who often have quite varied skill levels – with the ability to solve more complex deployment and troubleshooting challenges, and provides engineers with real-time access to networking data from remote locations. Channel partners that manage customer branch of- fices and distributed locations for customers can set up protocols ahead of time and use network data to anticipate and proactively ad- dress issues. This level of visibility and insight allows you to drastically reduce downtime for customers and service more customers at once, which will help increase profitability. Where to Start As expressed above, handheld net- work testers can be a game changer for both IT solution providers and cus- tomers, but your approach will dictate how large of an impact it can have. If you want to simply add a testing product on your line card, the solution is simple: identify the highest quality product that fits your margins and add it. However, this leaves a lot of oppor- tunity on the table. NetAlly’s LinkRunner G2 smart network tester provides enhanced auto-test diagnostics for configuration and validation of copper and fiber Ethernet networks and devices. Video conferencing and collaboration tools you can trust. Delivered by OneStream Networks, backed by the Cisco Global Cloud. Meet face to face. Wherever you are. Teamwork makes the dream work. Cisco AMs, VARs and Resellers, contact OneStream Networks today! +1(585) 563-1850 sales@onestreamnetworks.com www.onestreamnetworks.com Mobile app allows instant access to participants’ background and company Speed up projects, build relationships, and solve business challenges Screen sharing and meeting recording keeps everyone on the same page Send critical information via direct and team messages, all stored in one place Host events, train your team, and support your customers - all in Webex Share files or drawings - a sketch can convey an idea better than words Partner Premier Certified Meetings Teams 65 September - October, 2019 | Channel Vision