Telecom Reseller / Technology Reseller News

“These are life-safety lines, and failure is not an option,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. “Our solution has to last 20 years, not five—and that’s why partnering with Ericsson makes so much sense.” In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, is joined by Jacoby and special guest Ian Tearle of Ericsson to discuss how global partnerships are accelerating the replacement of legacy copper lines. Tearle, a Technical Alliances Partner Engineer at Ericsson, explains that his role centers on validating and stress-testing partner solutions to ensure they meet the rigorous certifications required for environments such as healthcare facilities, public safety agencies, elevators, and fire systems. “We’re not just looking at whether something works,” Tearle says. “It has to be certified, resilient, and designed for real-world safety use. In many cases, what we deploy could literally save lives.” Jacoby outlines how TELCLOUD’s POTS replacement platform depends on unbreakable cellular connectivity, making Ericsson’s router technology and long-term wireless roadmap—spanning 5G and beyond—a critical foundation. Together, the companies are enabling partners to replace copper lines while maintaining compatibility with legacy life-safety equipment. The conversation also highlights how the partnership simplifies adoption for channel partners. By aligning and co-terminating licensing terms across TELCLOUD and Ericsson solutions, resellers can deploy future-proof POTS replacement without added operational complexity—making the opportunity accessible even for MSPs without deep telecom backgrounds. Looking ahead, both companies view the partnership as part of a broader modernization of global telecom infrastructure. As copper networks sunset worldwide, the need for reliable, certified communication paths remains—and wireless has evolved into a primary connectivity solution. The episode concludes with the Shots segment, where Jacoby introduces Dame Más Reserva Extra Añejo, a cognac-barrel-aged tequila designed to be sipped and savored—an appropriate close to a discussion focused on durability, precision, and long-term value. For more information, visit https://www.telcloud.com/ or call 844-900-2270. More about Ericsson: https://www.ericsson.com/en

Randy Dillard, Sales and Transaction Tax Lead at TaxConnex, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) podcast focused on one of the most complex—and often underestimated—issues facing cloud communications providers today: telecommunications tax compliance. Dillard explained that TaxConnex serves as a specialized outsourcing partner for telecom and transaction tax compliance, working closely with regulatory experts to deliver a unified approach that spans sales and use tax, telecom-specific taxes, and state and local filing obligations. Unlike general accounting firms, TaxConnex is purpose-built for the telecom and cloud communications industry, where tax requirements can extend far beyond state-level filings into counties, cities, and even ZIP-code-level jurisdictions. He emphasized that telecom taxation is fundamentally different from standard sales tax, with layered obligations that can include “tax on tax,” recurring billing changes, credits, and constant regulatory updates. With more than 50 states, thousands of local jurisdictions, and frequent filing deadlines, providers face significant risk if compliance processes are not handled accurately and consistently. Dillard also stressed the importance of timing, noting that providers should engage a telecom tax specialist before launching new services or expanding into new markets—not after revenue is already flowing. “It often makes sense to pause and speak with a telecom tax advisor before you open that honeypot,” Dillard said. “Understanding your obligations upfront can save you from costly penalties, audits, and surprises down the road.” TaxConnex’s role, he explained, goes beyond filing returns. The company provides monthly tax liability reporting that shows what has been collected, where it is assigned, and how it will be remitted—giving providers visibility and confidence that nothing is slipping through the cracks. This becomes even more critical as AI-driven services and usage-based models create unexpected spikes in transactions and tax exposure. As an active member and sponsor within the Cloud Communications Alliance, TaxConnex views its role as helping demystify telecom tax compliance so providers can focus on growth, innovation, and customer success—while staying compliant in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Learn more: https://www.taxconnex.com/

Sarah Halko, Head of Regulatory and Industry Relations at TNS, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) podcast focused on the FCC’s Do Not Originate (DNO) mandate and its role in combating robocalls and caller ID spoofing. Halko explained that DNO (Do Not Originate) identifies phone numbers that should never be used for outbound calling—such as invalid, unallocated, or inbound-only numbers like government agencies. Blocking calls that spoof these numbers allows service providers to stop obvious fraud earlier in the call path, before it reaches consumers. While DNO began as an optional tool in 2017, regulatory expectations have steadily increased. As of December 15, 2025, every service provider in the call flow must maintain a “reasonable DNO list,” making accurate, up-to-date data essential for compliance. “Without reliable, authoritative numbering data, service providers can’t confidently determine which calls should be blocked,” Halko said. “DNO compliance ultimately depends on knowing how numbers are assigned, used, and routed in real time.” TNS supports providers by delivering trusted, continuously updated numbering and routing intelligence across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. This enables earlier, more accurate call blocking and reduces the risk of false positives or missed fraudulent traffic. Looking ahead, Halko emphasized that DNO is only one part of a broader trust framework that also includes analytics, traceback, authentication (STIR/SHAKEN), and Know Your Customer practices—all working together to protect network integrity. Learn more: https://tnsi.com/

Brian Gregory of Intermedia joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, for a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) podcast discussing how Intermedia has quickly become a preferred platform for service providers seeking modern, cloud-based communications. Intermedia operates as a channel-first UCaaS and CCaaS provider, with more than 90 percent of its business delivered through partners. Gregory explained that the company formally launched its service provider program just two years ago, responding to market shifts as traditional feature-server platforms slowed and demand increased for more agile, cloud-native solutions. In that short time, Intermedia has signed roughly 30 percent of U.S. tier-two service providers, those with approximately $50 million to $2 billion in annual revenue—an adoption rate Gregory says reflects both timing and platform flexibility. “The market was ready for a more nimble, cloud-based provider,” Gregory said. “As a cloud platform, we can respond very quickly to changes—whether that’s AI, Teams integration, or new go-to-market requirements—and our service providers can immediately take those capabilities to their customers.” Looking ahead to 2026, Intermedia’s priorities include practical AI adoption with measurable ROI, deeper vertical-market integrations, and continued expansion of its Microsoft Teams strategy. Rather than replacing Teams, Intermedia enhances it by embedding enterprise-grade telephony and a fully integrated contact center—enabling partners to deliver higher-value services beyond low-margin trunking. Gregory also highlighted Intermedia’s new migration program, designed to help service providers move legacy hosted PBX customers onto a single, modern platform using automated tools, overlay resources, and financial incentives. As cloud communications continue to evolve, Intermedia is positioning itself as a growth engine for service providers navigating AI-driven, Teams-centric customer environments. Learn more: www.intermedia.com

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Mark A. Daley, CEO of ROLM, and Cole McKinley, CTO of USX Cyber, about the Department of Defense’s phased enforcement of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements and what it means for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Defense Industrial Base. With CMMC now actively enforced, hundreds of thousands of subcontractors—many without dedicated security teams—must demonstrate compliance to continue working with prime contractors. Daley stressed the urgency of the moment, noting that delays are over. “The government is no longer kicking the can down the road,” he said. “CMMC exists to protect the defense industrial base, and SMBs are now squarely in scope.” To address this challenge, ROLM and USX Cyber have partnered on an integrated, SMB-focused platform built around USX Cyber’s Guardian solution. McKinley explained that Guardian was designed to make compliance achievable without stitching together multiple tools. “We built Guardian to be a one-stop platform that makes CMMC approachable, affordable, and audit-ready for SMBs,” he said, adding that the platform satisfies 83 of the 110 required NIST 800-171 controls while providing 24×7 monitoring, evidence management, and guided compliance workflows. Daley highlighted that the solution goes beyond certification prep, combining continuous security operations, governance, and AI-driven automation to reduce long-term cost and complexity. “This is not a one-and-done, check-the-box exercise,” he said. “You have to be ready not just for today’s audit, but for the one coming three years from now.” The discussion underscored why CMMC represents both a major risk and a significant opportunity for MSPs and channel partners serving regulated industries. Learn more at https://rolm.ai/ and https://usxcyber.com/.

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Rich Tehrani, Chairman of ITEXPO, about why the longtime South Florida event continues to serve as a critical kickoff for the communications, AI, and business technology industries. Now more than 20 years old, ITEXPO brings together enterprises, MSPs, resellers, vendors, and innovators at a time when budgets are forming and technology decisions can shape organizations for years. Tehrani described ITEXPO, organized by TMCnet, as less about gadgets and more about outcomes—career growth, profitability, and informed decision-making. “We’re neutral. We don’t favor the large companies or the small ones—we do right by the attendee,” he said, emphasizing that the show’s open, vendor-agnostic format allows attendees to compare solutions side by side and get direct, human answers that are increasingly hard to find online. A centerpiece of the event is the Tech Super Show model, which co-locates multiple conferences so entire buying teams—AI, communications, cybersecurity, CX, and operations—can attend together. This creates what Tehrani calls a “business technology mall,” where discovery, peer conversations, and partner connections happen organically and quickly, often in minutes rather than weeks. AI is a major focus for 2026, including new programming around AI agents, the Generative AI Expo, and the evolution from IoT to AIoT, alongside expanded tracks on enterprise communications and cybersecurity. For the channel, MSP Expo remains a standout, with increased emphasis on valuation, margins, and building durable businesses, while the new ITAD Connect brings lifecycle and circular economy considerations into the conversation. As the event approaches, Tehrani noted strong momentum from exhibitors and attendees alike and highlighted the appeal of Fort Lauderdale as an accessible, cost-effective destination. “This is where the industry comes together to make better decisions—for your company and your career,” he said. Learn more about ITEXPO at https://www.itexpo.com/east/ and about TMCnet at https://www.tmcnet.com/.

Unified Office has been one of those companies I have been watching for years as they have expanded their customer base from Restaurants to Auto dealer, Hotels, Dentists and Wellness and beyond.  They did this while expanding their product solutions from VoIP telephony to IoT, Business Communications Platform, a Visual Performance Suite, and now to a TCNIQ AI Analytics Suite. Ray Pasquale In today’s podcast Don Witt, of the Channel Daily News, a TR publication, speaks with Ray Pasquale, CEO and Founder. You will hear about Unified Office’s transformation into an AI-focused company with Ray explaining their HQRP protocol for reliable voice communications and detailing their technology that emulates T1 cables over the internet. They will also cover topics including port security, regulatory compliance, and robocall protection with Ray sharing insights about their focus on B2B vertical markets and AI-powered communication solutions. Ray discusses the company’s use of transcription services and their proprietary AI tool Engage IQ for analyzing business calls, while emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and data security. They are not just ANY voice company, they are Unified Office. If you just want a voice company, you can find a long list on Google, but if you want a company that will constantly innovate for you, with your business always at the heart of everything we design, you’re in the right place.   About: Unified office is a leading managed communications technology company, driven by passion, purpose and commitment, driving relentless constant innovation in Voice, AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Analytics and more to help provide solutions and opportunities for small-and-medium sized businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, with support that will never let you down. Unified Office gives small- to mid-sized businesses the convenience of voice to do what we have done for years with phone, IoT, text messaging, and other data. We will continue to innovate communications so you can concentrate on running your business, provide exemplary customer service, drive more revenue, and increase employee and operational effectiveness. For more information, go to: https://unifiedoffice.com/.

Tresic emerged from stealth with breaking news: the launch of Tresic Intelligence Cloud, a new add-on platform designed for CSPs and channel partners to layer AI-driven insights, automation, and coaching on top of existing UCaaS and CCaaS services. In a conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, Robert Galop and Kevin Nethercott said the timing is deliberate—service providers have spent two decades building the UCaaS/CCaaS/CPaaS foundation, and now have the opportunity to monetize intelligence on top of it. The core idea is to unlock the “dark data” inside everyday business conversations—calls, meetings, video, email, and more—then convert it into actionable outcomes like follow-ups, alerts, and performance improvement. “If I’m a business owner, the holy grail for me is if I knew what all of my customers were thinking and saying about me,” Nethercott said, framing how conversation intelligence can improve products, service, pricing, and strategy when delivered in a secure, privacy-respecting way. Tresic positions the Intelligence Cloud around three common business gaps: limited visibility into churn and compliance risk, missed commitments that never make it into systems of record, and the need to coach and improve frontline performance in sales and support. The company says it has packaged these capabilities as ready-to-deploy “co-pilots” that can be enabled quickly—avoiding the long, complex deployments that often slow AI projects. Galop emphasized the approach is meant to assist workers, not replace them, noting the platform is designed to fit into existing workflows with minimal training. For the channel, Tresic’s pitch is also economic: by bundling add-on packages per location and per user, providers can move from selling “just seats” to selling higher-value intelligence services—often approaching 2x (and potentially more) revenue per customer relationship. Tresic also highlighted partner readiness, citing integration work—including a partnership mentioned with NetSapiens Crescendo—as part of its effort to make onboarding and activation simple for service providers and their customers. Learn more at tresic.cloud.

Technology Reseller News sat down with Todd Wilson, Reco’s head of channel alliances, to discuss the transition from static configuration checks to a more identity-centric security model. Drawing on his background at Netskope and AppOmni, Wilson notes that standard security tools often fail to account for user behavior within applications. He adds that Reco addresses this via its App Factory, which aims to secure new or niche applications within three to five days. Wilson says doing so quickly helps partners address the rapid adoption of shadow artificial intelligence and the frequent introduction of new software tools. Regarding the Reco partner model, Wilson says the focus is on providing an immediate return on investment by identifying unused licenses and ghost accounts. These findings are designed to offer customers direct cost savings. Beyond software sales, Wilson suggests that the platform’s data allows managed service providers to establish recurring service lines, like software-as-a-service health checks or AI audits. This approach is intended to transition resellers into advisory roles rather than focusing solely on one-off transactions. Wilson further addresses the technical demands on partner teams, stating that automation can help manage security environments without requiring significant increases in specialized staff. Looking toward 2026, the channel leader emphasizes that SaaS security will likely require automated governance to manage the growth of AI agents and decentralized application use. He concludes by highlighting that ongoing partner enablement will be necessary to navigate these shifts in the SaaS landscape. Join us for this dynamic podcast to learn more about the shifting world of SaaS security and the channel opportunity. Visit https://www.reco.ai/

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with JLINC’s Dean Landsman, Strategy and Business Development, to explore a career-spanning conversation that connects radio, telecom, and today’s AI-driven communications landscape through a single unifying theme: trust. Landsman traced his professional journey from early days in radio—where understanding audiences meant far more than chasing ratings—to telecom and, ultimately, to AI governance. Along the way, he witnessed a recurring pattern: industries drifting toward commoditization, treating users and their data as interchangeable units rather than as people whose information carries meaning, context, and rights. That experience now shapes JLINC’s mission in the AI era. At the center of the discussion was JLINC’s role in data governance for AI workflows, particularly its integration with the emerging vCon (virtual conversation) standard. While much of today’s AI governance focuses on compliance frameworks like ISO and NIST, JLINC provides the operational layer—cryptographic provenance, consent enforcement, and auditable controls—that ensures data integrity throughout an AI workflow. As Landsman explained, “We provide the guardrails that make sure what goes in is what comes out—unaltered, authorized, and trustworthy.” This capability becomes especially critical as vCons—often described as a “PDF for conversations”—are increasingly used to capture voice, text, and interaction data that may later feed AI systems, analytics platforms, or even legal proceedings. JLINC ensures that permissions, provenance, and integrity are preserved end to end, preventing errors, hallucinations, or unauthorized changes by either humans or AI systems. In regulated environments such as healthcare, finance, government, and contact centers, Landsman emphasized that this trust layer is not optional—it is foundational. As organizations grapple with growing public skepticism around AI, Landsman positioned JLINC as a practical answer to the trust question. “People are worried their words will be misrepresented or altered,” he said. “Our role is to make sure the data remains clean, provable, and respected—so AI becomes something you can actually trust.” For channel partners, carriers, and enterprises alike, the message was clear: in an AI-driven future, governance is not just about compliance—it’s about confidence. Learn more about JLINC at https://www.jlinc.com/.

“Wireless failover shouldn’t just sit there as insurance,” says John Reed, CEO of For2Fi. “When you layer applications like POTS replacement on top of modern 5G connectivity, it becomes a powerful, cost-saving part of the customer’s production network.” In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, is joined by Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD, and Reed to examine how wireless connectivity and POTS replacement are converging as copper shutdowns accelerate. Reed explains that For2Fi focuses exclusively on 5G and LTE connectivity, supporting multi-location customers across retail, healthcare, quick-serve restaurants, and rural markets in the U.S. and Canada. By combining the right carrier, modem, and antenna, For2Fi delivers reliable connectivity that can function as backup—or increasingly, as primary access. Jacoby underscores why this wireless foundation is critical to the next phase of POTS replacement. “Wireless is no longer just backup—it’s primary, it’s reliable, and it’s ready to carry critical services like POTS replacement,” he says. As legacy copper lines disappear, partners like For2Fi provide the connectivity layer that allows TELCLOUD to deliver life-safety-grade POTS replacement for elevators, fire panels, and emergency phones—without forcing customers to replace existing equipment. Together, TELCLOUD and For2Fi enable channel partners to present a single, scalable solution that reduces copper costs, modernizes connectivity, and creates long-term recurring revenue—without requiring MSPs to become telecom specialists. The episode concludes with the Shots segment, featuring Dos Artes Añejo, a French oak–aged tequila presented in a distinctive ceramic bottle—an apt finish to a discussion centered on durability, craftsmanship, and long-term value. For more information, visit https://www.telcloud.com/ or call 844-900-2270. Learn more about For2Fi at https://www.for2fi.com/.

Eric Krapf, Program Chair of Enterprise Connect at Informa, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss what attendees and exhibitors can expect from the upcoming Enterprise Connect conference—and why the move to Las Vegas marks a significant evolution for the long-running event. After many successful years in Orlando, Enterprise Connect will take place at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, with Harrah’s and The LINQ directly connected to the venue. Krapf explained that the new location improves accessibility for West Coast and central U.S. attendees, offers a wider range of hotel options at different price points, and reduces the logistical friction that often comes with large conventions. The event will also run concurrently with HIMSS, creating opportunities for crossover between enterprise communications and healthcare technology audiences. On the content side, Enterprise Connect has significantly refreshed its program structure. The conference will now begin on Tuesday, making travel easier for attendees, and will feature flexible one-, two-, and three-day passes. Tuesday morning will open with three half-day summits focused on AI, customer experience (CX), and collaboration/UC, combining panels, enterprise case studies, and small-group roundtable discussions designed to encourage peer-to-peer networking. “We’re really trying to balance the need to maintain and modernize legacy environments with the challenge of figuring out where AI delivers real ROI today,” Krapf said. AI will be a central theme throughout the event, reflecting the realities many enterprises face: top-down mandates to deploy AI, uncertainty about value and governance, and long-term career implications for IT professionals. At the same time, the agenda continues to address core enterprise priorities such as reliability, compliance, E911, contact center migration, and hybrid work—acknowledging that most organizations must run stable existing systems while preparing for an AI-driven future. Krapf emphasized that Enterprise Connect remains a uniquely vendor-neutral environment, bringing together large platform providers, emerging startups, solution partners, and channel players in one place. “This is where you can see the whole picture—compare solutions side by side, talk directly to peers, and make informed decisions about what actually fits your organization,” he said. For enterprise IT leaders, channel partners, and solution providers alike, Enterprise Connect continues to serve as a critical forum for education, evaluation, and in-person networking. Learn more and register at https://enterpriseconnect.com/.

Dan Herscovici Dan Herscovici, CEO of Plume, joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to discuss why contextual intelligence—not raw speed—is becoming the next competitive frontier for internet service providers. As broadband markets grow more competitive and switching costs continue to fall, Herscovici explained that competing solely on price and bandwidth turns connectivity into a commodity and fails to reflect how consumers actually experience the internet inside their homes. Plume’s platform applies contextual intelligence to understand what is happening inside each household in real time—device types, interference, usage patterns, and application needs—and dynamically optimizes the network accordingly. “Most ISPs are already delivering far more speed than consumers actually need at any moment in time,” Herscovici said. “What really matters is understanding context and optimizing the network for what’s happening in that household right now.” This approach enables latency-sensitive applications like video conferencing to perform better, improves reliability for IoT devices, and allows networks to proactively address issues before subscribers notice degradation. The conversation also explored Wi-Fi 7 and next-generation standards, with Herscovici noting that higher peak speeds alone do not solve most real-world connectivity challenges. With the majority of devices still operating on Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, ISPs must manage complex, mixed-device environments where intelligence, orchestration, and proactive optimization matter more than headline performance metrics. Ultimately, Plume’s strategy centers on building subscriber confidence—delivering consistent, secure, and intuitive experiences across onboarding, daily usage, device additions, and support interactions. “When subscribers trust that their ISP will deliver a great experience—and fix things quickly when something goes wrong—they churn less and stay loyal, even if another provider is slightly cheaper,” Herscovici said. By enabling proactive, AI-driven network management and smarter customer engagement, Plume helps ISPs move beyond commodity connectivity toward lasting differentiation. Learn more at https://www.plume.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Raj Darji, Founder & CEO of Aarav Solutions, about the company’s launch of two generative AI accelerators—InsightForge and OmniTel360—designed to help communications service providers modernize billing operations, automate sales workflows, and improve customer engagement. Aarav Solutions is a long-standing Oracle Communications implementation partner with more than a decade of domain expertise across Oracle BRM and related telecom platforms. Raj Darji explained that this deep operational knowledge is embedded directly into Aarav’s GenAI accelerators, enabling CSPs to adopt AI without disrupting existing infrastructure. “We are not experimenting with AI—we are applying it where telecom operators feel the most pain, inside billing and operations,” said Raj Darji. InsightForge is a GenAI accelerator purpose-built for Oracle BRM and other standard billing systems that allows business, finance, and operations teams to query complex billing data using natural language—without writing SQL or relying on back-office operations specialists. By translating plain-language questions into database queries, InsightForge delivers real-time visibility into contract & invoices, customer service & churn balances, taxes, and discrepancies, significantly reducing contract mismatches and offering systematic revenue protection through quick operational resolutions and response times. OmniTel360 extends this capability with an AI-driven CRM and CPQ platform tightly integrated with BRM or any standard billing system. Designed for mid-market CSPs, MVNOs, and enterprise connectivity providers, OmniTel360 unifies CRM and billing into a single pane of glass and enables sales teams to generate products, pricing, and quotes through natural-language prompts. Introduced at MWC Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025 both solutions drew strong interest for demonstrating how Gen AI can deliver immediate, practical value rather than remain a conceptual buzzword. Learn more about Aarav Solutions at https://www.aaravsolutions.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

“It doesn’t matter how much a carrier charges—at some point, those copper lines are going to be shut off,” says Jake Jacoby, CEO of TELCLOUD. “The real question is whether businesses get ahead of it or wait until it becomes a crisis.” In the latest episode of the TELCLOUD POTS and Shots Podcast Series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sits down with Jacoby to examine the accelerating reality of the copper sunset and the growing urgency for organizations still relying on legacy POTS lines. Jacoby explains how telecom networks have shifted almost entirely away from copper, leaving only 5–10% of that infrastructure still in use—yet costly to maintain. Deregulation in 2019 allowed carriers to raise prices dramatically, but even skyrocketing bills have not stopped shutdowns. Businesses now face two converging pressures: rapidly rising POTS costs and the certainty that service will eventually be discontinued, regardless of price. For many organizations, this issue surfaces unexpectedly, when once-modest line items suddenly trigger concern from finance teams and executives. Jacoby emphasizes that POTS replacement is not something most businesses have ever planned for, making it critical to choose a partner that can simplify the transition and deliver a long-term solution. TELCLOUD addresses this challenge by bridging legacy analog equipment—such as fire panels, elevators, and emergency phones—with modern, future-proof connectivity. The result is a reliable communication path designed to last for decades, paired with predictable monthly pricing that restores financial stability. For MSPs and IT providers that do not traditionally handle telecom, Jacoby notes that TELCLOUD’s channel-first, white-label model allows partners to remain the trusted advisor while TELCLOUD manages the complexity behind the scenes. The episode closes with the Shots segment, recorded from Mexico, where Jacoby introduces Cascahuin No. 7 Reposado, a smooth, oak-aged tequila from Jalisco—an apt finish to a discussion centered on patience, preparation, and long-term value. For more information, visit telcloud.com or call 844-900-2270.

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Travis Volk, Vice President of Global Technology Solutions and GTM, Carrier at Radware, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the security landscape for telecom providers as the industry heads into 2026. The discussion focused on the accelerating pace of attacks, the shrinking window to respond to vulnerabilities, and why traditional, human-paced security models are no longer sufficient. Volk explained that telecom networks are now facing machine-speed attacks, where newly disclosed vulnerabilities are often exploited within hours, not weeks or months. “Recent CVEs are being exploited at breakneck speeds,” he noted, emphasizing that nearly a third of disclosed vulnerabilities are weaponized within 24 hours. This reality is forcing providers to rethink patching, maintenance, and runtime protection strategies—especially as attackers increasingly chain small flaws into large-scale, sophisticated attacks. A key theme of the conversation was the convergence of offensive and defensive security. As applications become more API-driven and agentic, service providers must adopt continuous, automated testing and inline protection that can detect business-logic attacks in real time. Volk highlighted Radware’s use of AI-driven analytics and visualization to map API flows, identify abnormal behavior, and enforce protections such as object-level authorization at scale—capabilities that are critical for encrypted, high-value workloads. Looking ahead, Volk described “good” security in 2026 as a living, observable system that prioritizes risk, automates both pre-runtime and runtime defenses, and enables data-driven decisions without adding operational complexity. Radware is already delivering these capabilities through flexible deployment models—virtual, physical, containerized, and cloud-based—allowing carriers to implement unified policy frameworks today. As Volk put it, AI is no longer optional: it is essential to keeping networks secure, resilient, and available in an era where attacks move faster than humans can respond. Learn more about Radware at https://www.radware.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Josh Flinn, Director of Product, Cloud Software at Digi International, about the company’s achievement of SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and what it means for channel partners building secure, cloud-based IoT solutions. Digi International is a global leader in cellular connectivity for IoT, delivering secure, reliable connectivity for distributed devices such as remote sensors, smart city infrastructure, vehicles, and industrial systems. Operating as a channel-first company, Digi focuses on helping partners deploy and manage IoT solutions at scale through cloud-based platforms like Digi Remote Manager and Digi Ventus. During the discussion, Flinn explained that SOC 2 Type 2 is a significant milestone because it validates not only Digi’s security controls but also the ongoing execution of secure development, auditing, and change management practices over time. For channel partners, this reduces friction in the sales cycle, simplifies security questionnaires, and provides confidence that core components of their solutions already meet rigorous security standards. As Flinn noted, “SOC 2 is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to secure operations.” The compliance attestation currently covers Digi Remote Manager for Digi 360 router and gateway platforms, as well as Digi Ventus, Digi’s managed services cloud platform. Looking ahead, Digi is continuing to invest in security enhancements such as long-term support firmware, eSIM security capabilities, and automated compliance controls, reinforcing its cloud-first approach as partners and customers move toward increasingly distributed, IoT-driven environments. Learn more about Digi International at https://www.digi.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Ian Richardson, Founder and CEO of Fox & Crow, to explore a topic that many MSPs underestimate until it becomes painful: lead qualification. While generating leads often gets the spotlight, Richardson argues that chasing the wrong prospects can quietly drain revenue, morale, and long-term growth. Drawing on his experience as a former MSP owner, Richardson explained how poorly qualified leads consume senior technical resources, distract sales teams, and can even damage existing customer relationships. “Landing a bad customer is worse than not signing them at all,” he said, noting that MSP onboarding often reveals fundamental misalignment only after months of effort and sunk cost. Richardson outlined a practical framework for qualification that goes beyond firmographics. MSPs must determine whether a prospect views IT as a strategic investment or merely a cost to be minimized—an insight that can only be uncovered through early conversations, often starting with frontline staff. This mindset distinction, he emphasized, is the real gatekeeper to sustainable, profitable client relationships. The discussion also addressed scale and focus, with Richardson cautioning MSPs against stepping outside their ideal customer profile in pursuit of larger deals. Even seemingly attractive opportunities can become “bad-fit accounts” that erode margins and stability. Through Fox & Crow, Richardson positions his firm as a strategic partner helping MSPs build disciplined, organic sales engines that prioritize fit, focus, and long-term value over raw lead volume. More information about Fox & Crow is available at https://www.foxcrowgroup.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Jeff Pulver of the vCon Foundation for an in-depth conversation on the rapid emergence of virtualized conversations (vCons), the intersection of AI and communications, and why the industry is standing at the threshold of an entirely new era. Pulver, widely regarded as a pioneer of internet communications and an early architect of Voice over IP, reflects on how lifelong curiosity—from amateur radio to building the first internet-based telephone networks—shaped his belief that communications innovation is always about enabling connections that were previously impossible. Today, that same philosophy underpins his work with vCons, which he describes as a foundational building block for the AI communications age. At its core, a vCon is a standardized container for conversations—voice, video, text, email, and more—designed to securely capture not only what was said, but also who participated, the context, consent, purpose, and related metadata. Often described as “a PDF for conversations,” vCons make it possible to preserve truth and memory across every interaction, while enabling AI systems to analyze conversations consistently and at scale. Pulver emphasizes that this matters because large language models were trained on open standards, including IETF specifications, making vCons uniquely well suited for reliable AI analysis without constant retraining or hallucination. Pulver argues that while 2025 marked the mainstream adoption of large language models, 2026 will be the year of the vCon, leveling the playing field between small and large organizations by giving all businesses access to deep conversational insights. From customer engagement and compliance to internal collaboration and operational efficiency, vCons allow organizations to move at the speed of AI—without sacrificing trust, consent, or accountability. A major focus of the discussion is the need for education and ecosystem building. Pulver describes the vCon Foundation’s mission as combating the biggest obstacle to adoption: ignorance. By promoting interoperability, standards-based development, and collaboration among competitors, the Foundation aims to ensure that vCons become a shared industry asset rather than a fragmented set of proprietary tools. Pulver also previewed the upcoming Spring ’26 vCon event in Dallas, scheduled for March 23–26, 2026. The conference will include pre-conference sessions on vCon strategy and theory, the first-ever vCon hackathon, deep dives into AI in business, and a vCon Foundation meeting—bringing together technologists, service providers, policymakers, and innovators to define what comes next. Looking ahead, Pulver believes vCons will soon become a strategic checkpoint for vendors, service providers, and investors alike. As AI and communications converge, organizations that embrace virtualized conversations will be positioned to create smarter services, scalable compliance, and entirely new business models. As he puts it, learning how to spell V-C-O-N is fast becoming another way to spell AI opportunity. To learn more about Jeff Pulver’s work and the vCon Foundation, visit https://www.pulver.com/vconfoundation.

In this special podcast for the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) and Technology Reseller News, Doug Green speaks with Jeff Pulver of the vCon Foundation about the accelerating momentum behind vCon technology and why it will play a defining role in the next era of cloud and AI-powered communications. The conversation was recorded in advance of Cloud Connections 2026, where Pulver will be a featured speaker. Pulver, a long-time pioneer in internet communications and standards development, explains that vCon—short for virtualized conversation—is fundamentally a new way to capture, secure, and analyze conversations across voice, video, messaging, email, and other communication modes. Often described as “a PDF for conversations,” vCon provides a tamper-resistant, optionally encrypted container that preserves not only the dialogue itself, but also participants, attachments, metadata, purpose, consent, and AI-generated analysis. The result, Pulver says, is something businesses have never truly had before: truth and memory for every conversation. Why vCons matter now, Pulver explains, comes down to AI. Large language models were trained early on using open standards, including IETF specifications. Because vCon is emerging as an IETF standard, AI systems already “understand” its structure. This dramatically reduces ambiguity and hallucination when conversational history is analyzed at scale. Instead of constantly retraining AI to interpret proprietary formats, organizations can rely on a standardized conversational container that delivers consistent, reliable results across platforms. Pulver believes this shift creates an opportunity as significant as the rise of cloud communications itself. As AI and communications converge, new services, new revenue streams, and entirely new business models become possible. From “smart” SIP trunks and AI-enhanced collaboration tools to enterprise-wide conversational recall, vCons enable organizations of any size—from solopreneurs to global enterprises—to operate with greater efficiency, compliance, and intelligence. “The people who lose out,” Pulver notes, “are the ones who don’t embrace AI.” Looking ahead, Pulver predicts that 2026 will be the year of the vCon, as the ecosystem matures and channel partners, service providers, and enterprises begin turning virtualized conversations into real-world value. For members of the CCA community, he sees vCon as a practical, accessible way to add intelligence, differentiation, and new revenue to existing cloud communications offerings. To learn more about Jeff Pulver’s work and the vCon Foundation, visit https://www.pulver.com/vconfoundation.