Best Technology Consultants 2024: Top 101 Agents & Advisors Ranked (A-K)
The new class of best technology consultants who sell IT and telecom solutions through the agent model has arrived.
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Name: Daniel Acton
Position: IT Strategist
Company: Bridgepointe Technologies
Previous Companies: Utility Telecom
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
“Acton represents the next generation of the channel very well. He is a 26-year-old working in an industry known for its gray hairs. He has flourished in a competitive sales environment and made a name for himself with customers.”
-James Anderson
Name: Johnny Anderson
Position: Consultant
Company: Resource Communications Group (acquired by Bluewave)
Previous Companies: WorldCom, XO, CenturyLink, CloudSmartz
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Johnny Anderson is not afraid to speak his mind! He's selfless with his time spent helping others and wants the industry to do the best it can. In his words: 'A rising tide raises all ships, but we can also drag each other down into the muck. I want good competition.'"
-Ashley Rowland
Name: Kirk Armstrong
Position: Chief Technology Officer
Company: Eclipse
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Armstrong has been a pillar at Chicago-based Eclipse for more than 11 years, having joined it not long after graduating college. His teammates laud him for his technical expertise and industry knowledge."
-James Anderson
Name: Kat Atwood
Position: Vice President, Global Provider Management
Company: Advantage Communications Group
Previous Companies: Yiptel, Jive, Telarus, PlanetOne
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Atwood brought her standout back-office acumen to Advantage after distinguishing herself working at TSDs Telarus and PlanetOne. Her expertise helps Advantage manage an extremely global set of network providers."
-James Anderson
Name: Kim Baker
Position: Vice President, Sales
Company: StrataCore
Previous Companies: CenturyLink, Qwest, US West, !nterprise
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"StrataCore, one of the most successful agencies in the Pacific Northwest, courted Baker over after his long run at CenturyLink. He was leading CenturyLink's commercial business in Alaska, Washington and British Columbia. His peers and teammates call him an empathetic leader who motivates his teams to perform at a high level for customers."
-James Anderson
Name: Dave Ballesteros
Position: Founder
Company: Flowstone
Previous Companies: Adcom, NEC, Alcatel-Lucent, Connexion, Cisco, Nice InContact, Sitel
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Ballesteros is a veteran of the contact center sales world, and he has entered the advisor side of the buying process in recent years. He's deeply connected with the supplier community, knowing the ins and outs of platforms and processes and sharing that information with customers. He goes about his business with ethics and transparency and works to make the industry better."
-James Anderson
Name: Barry Bazen
Position: President
Company: Profit Advisory Group
Previous Companies: Global Crossing, WorldCom/MCI, Lanier
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Barry is an industry veteran! He is a pleasure to work with and has a keen understanding of the telecom expense management space."
-Michael Clayton
Name: Daniel Beckworth
Position: Founder
Company: White Oak Solutions
Previous Companies: BEK Networks, Veristor, Dasher Technologies
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Beckworth uses his technical background to offer a blended partner model. This allows White Oak to go deep and wide with customers and provide managed services when appropriate."
-James Anderson
Name: John Berardi
Position: President
Company: TruPoint Communications Solutions
Previous Companies: Seamless Communication Systems, AMG Systems, FDN Communications
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"John has created one of the fastest growing advisors in the Southeast. He fosters an amazing family environment at TruPoint and is not only an amazing leader, but an amazing human being!"
-Valerie Ross
Name: Steven Blumberg
Position: Director, Revenue Operations
Company: Bluewave Technology Group
Previous Companies: Comcast Business
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Joining Bluewave as the director of revenue operations, Steven played a pivotal role in the company's growth and expansion. His commitment to a unified brand, team and platform philosophy was foundational. Steven's hands-on approach in building the Bluewave quote-to-cash system empowered over 140 team members to work seamlessly and provided leadership with invaluable insights backed by data."
-Lisa Guillaume and Bluewave team
Name: Aaron Bock
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Opkalla
Previous Companies: PwC, Service Express
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Bock co-leads a company that is bringing innovation to the advisory channel. Opkalla thinks outside the box when it comes to expanding its vendor portfolio and helping clients consume technology in the way they want. Opkalla's flexibility and hustle helped it crack the top 100 of the Inc. 5000."
-James Anderson
Name: Charlie Bogart
Position: Managing Director, Southwest
Company: Bridgepointe Technologies
Previous Companies: RealCom Solutions, Qwest, MCI
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Charlie is a seasoned executive with nearly 35 years of telecommunications and technology experience. He served in a number of sales executive roles including regional director of sales and senior manager of strategic accounts at Qwest Communications. Charlie joined Bridgepointe in 2022 with the acquisition of RealCom Solutions, a company he founded and successfully ran for over 20 years. Charlie sits on multiple boards through the Dallas Regional Chamber including the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Board and is heavily engaged in philanthropic support within the special needs community through organizations such as H.E.R.O.E.S (Helping Everyone Reach Outstanding Educational Success) and 29 Acres."
-Scott Kinka
Name: Aram Bolduc
Position: President
Company: TopSpin Tech
Previous Companies: Intelisys, MegaPath, DSL.net
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Aram is a consummate professional who consistently puts his customers first. The loyalty and trust he has earned from his customers is a testament to his commitment to their success."
-Kyle Michaels
Name: Valerie Brauckman
Position: Technology Advisor
Company: Avail Technology Solutions
Previous Companies: TelcoWorks, Routerdog, AT&T, 2nd Century, Bell Atlantic
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Val Brauckman has been in the industry for over 20 years. In that time and still today she attends all vendor trainings offered and takes certification tests to keep herself leaned into the industry. Her clients benefit from this current knowledge and her dedication to support. She never shies away from newer technologies and is consistent when it comes to getting her clients the best price and best contract."
-Kate Jaffe
Name: Cyndie Briggs
Position: Vice President, Sales
Company: TruPoint Communications Solutions
Previous Companies: AppDirect, MCI, ICG, Powertel, Phoenix Network
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Cyndie’s character, channel experience, integrity and knowledge makes her a person any customer, provider or sales advisor would trust to represent the community to the outside world. Ultimate professional and customer-centric ambassador."
-Keith Connolly
Name: Kile Broyles
Position: Chief Customer Advocate
Company: Jabez Telecom
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Kile runs a small agency out of Tennessee. He has a soft spoken nature that is uncommon in our fast paced industry that stands out. His clients trust him impeccably and keep him involved in all the technology decisions. His reserved nature does not prevent him for asking for the sale. He is a closer."
-Jay Morris
Name: Kyle Burt
Position: Chief Technology Officer
Company: Catch Advisors
Previous Companies: AT&T
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Kyle's enthusiasm for leveraging technology to serve his clients better, without ties to the 'this is how it's always been done' mentality, is infectious. You have one conversation, and you walk away motivated to think outside the box and go try something new. This energy and creativity he brings is a breath of fresh air and pushes all of us to think and do better, not only with the tools we have, but the new ones we haven't picked up yet. As advisors this is an invaluable mindset."
-Ryan Rowland
Name: Dave Cafaro
Position: Principal
Company: IPStack Technologies
Previous Companies: Global Crossing
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Longtime consultant in the space and is a professional with clients. He is proven at delivering results for enterprise companies and was one of the first consultants in 2012 to start consulting cloud services. He is known by all TSDs as a great producing partner and was for a long time one of PlanetOne's top producing partners. His clients love him, and he is a great leader of client strategies."
-Randy Jeter
Name: Doug Cardozo
Position: President
Company: 3DG Partners
Previous Companies: Cisco, Accudata, Netsync, Zoom
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Doug sold the largest deal in the history of the channel at something like $3.5 million per month. If that doesn't get him on this list, I don't know what will."
-Matthew Toth
Name: Mike Casagrande
Position: Enterprise Advisor
Company: Upstack
Previous Companies: Bridgepointe, M2 Enterprise Group
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Casagrande and Mike Leonardi co-founded M2 Enterprise Group, which grew beyond 350 customers in three years. They have earned honors with Bridgepointe, PlanetOne and now Avant."
-James Anderson
Name: Adam Clark
Position: Technology Consultant
Company: ETS Solutions
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Adam is the most positive person I have ever met. Anyone who has ever spoken with him on the phone or met him in person will know what I'm talking about. His approach to selling has a servant component, and he engages his clients with a unique style, unduplicated."
-Jay Morris
Name: Rogers Clawson
Position: CEO
Company: International Tech Partners
Previous Companies: Kyndryl, Global Communication Networks, Connect VOIP, RCN
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Rogers is the perfect example of someone who left the corporate world and quickly made a name for himself as partner, eclipsing $1 million monthly recurring revenue sold within his first two years of going out on his own. He has now hired multiple employees and is a shining example of what the channel can do for motivated and hungry individuals with a passion for helping customers."
-Kevin Zimmerman
Name: Rob Cook
Position: Carrier Services Manager
Company: MicroAge
Previous Companies: Cogent, Mitel, Integra, Uptivity
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Rob consistently prioritizes the needs and interests of our clients, often placing them above potential financial gains and maintaining an objective stance in our dealings with service providers. This approach not only fosters trust and loyalty among our clientele but also upholds the integrity and values of our organization. Rob’s dedication to client advocacy is a testament to his integrity and sets a remarkable example for others in our industry."
-Paul O'Connor
Name: Sebastian Anthony Corriere
Position: Chief Contact Center & Customer Experience Strategist
Company: VesuvITas
Previous Companies: CSX Cloud, Great Health Works
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Sebastian is one of the most knowledgeable advisors that I know when it comes to contact center. He has extensive knowledge in CX and AI as well. What I really like about him is his passion for helping clients, which is infectious."
-Michael Agri
Name: Allison Cowan Strang
Position: Senior Director, Technology Services
Company: Netstar
Previous Companies: Electric Lightwave, XO Communications, Winstar, Qwest, CallTower, Sumo, One Source
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Allison used her decades of telecom experience to lead account management, one of the channel's top agents. She's a customer advocate and an expert in translating complex technology concepts."
-James Anderson
Name: Nick Creasey
Position: Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships
Company: Resourcive
Previous Companies: US Navy
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"As managing director of strategic partnerships, Nick has solidified strategic partnerships with many of the leading private-equity firms in the world. His ability to develop relationships with some of the most sought-after accounts is anchored in his ability to communicate the value of the channel to operating partners with 20-30 years of experience leading technology, IT and procurement teams across the globe. Undoubtedly, his efforts are furthering the channel as a whole as it matures and increases the share of technology spend assisted by partners/agents."
-Joshua Corazy
Name: Darren DeMartino
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Advanced Technology Consulting
Previous Companies: MCI, Cable & Wireless
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"He is a pioneer within the indirect channel, having co-founded ATC as part of the channel 25 years ago. He is a recognized, leading IT professional known to work tirelessly for his clients in cooperation with technology service providers. His customer-centric, trusted-advisor approach builds positive, long-term relationships with clients, and within the channel. As an advisor and client advocate, DeMartino has the unique ability to effectively navigate the tricky balance between 'cost savings' and the adoption of next-generation technologies, thus providing clients with both value and technical advancement. Often referred to as a 'bulldog,' a mainstay in DeMartino’s core business value is to always do what is right by the customer."
-Louie Hollmeyer
Name: Colombo DiSalvatore III
Position: President
Company: C4 Communications
Previous Companies: Verizon, Connecticut Broadband
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Colombo is the epitome of integrity in the channel! That integrity is also deeply embedded into the culture of C4 Communications. It is a pleasure to support this team and their customers. In recent years Colombo has made an effort to grow his business and has assembled an impressive team, and his client list is quickly expanding."
-John Coyle
Name: Stacey Dupree
Position: Partner
Company: Upstack
Previous Companies: Meridian Network Services, Paetec, Espire, Cable & Wireless
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Dupree's entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success led her to form her own company, Meridian Network Services, in 2001. The full-service telecommunications agency served both small and medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. The company grew quickly by conducting audits, negotiating contracts, managing implementations and providing clients with exemplary service. For more than two decades clients relied on Dupree and her team as an extension to their IT departments."
-Khali Henderson (for Upstack)
Name: Nick Enger
Position: President & Chief Technology Officer
Company: ATC
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Enger is an advocate for customers and the channel. He participates in peer groups and exchanges best practices. He's a key architect of ATC's Delta consulting group."
-James Anderson
Name: Tatiana Finkelsteyn
Position: Founder
Company: IQ Wired
Other Companies: Cbeyond, Zlinq, IBM
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Tatiana is a visionary and serial entrepreneur. She has a tremendous capacity to align her company's goals with the positive change needed in the world. She's provided many opportunities for women in the channel and she's also invested in the Technology Channel Sales Professionals (TCSP) group."
-John Griffin
Name: Kelly Forsyth
Position: Chief Revenue Officer
Company: IQ Wired
Previous Companies: CCRA, Eschelon, Integra
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Kelly works tirelessly to support all stakeholders in the channel from clients to peers and providers. As a client advocate, there no one else you would rather have in your corner, because Kelly gets s*** done. Kelly serves on multiple partner advisory councils where she happily shares best practices with her peers. As a peer advocate, she has helped many in the industry find new jobs in the industry as a result of force reductions. She effectively uses her relationships to create win-win situations and has helped support many of the newer service providers who have limited channel experience to improve or enhance their service offerings by helping them to further refine their offerings and processes. Ultimately Kelly is a relationship person, and that's what the channel is all about: building and nurturing relationships."
-Darcee Nelan
Name: Sarah Freeman
Position: CEO
Company: Attollo Technology
Previous Companies: Amdex Computer, Network Hardware Supply
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Sarah brings expertise and knowledge in the hardware world that few advisors possess. She is a customer advocate who helps them navigated the complicated vendor world."
-James Anderson
Name: Alaine Fulton
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Safe Haven Solutions
Previous Companies: XO, Mitel
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Fulton bridges the agent and MSP delivery models in Safe Haven. The 19-year-old company has evolved to include MSP services and cybersecurity consulting. She retains her footprint in the agent space, mentoring new partners as they start their businesses."
-James Anderson
Name: Linda Gattis
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Carrier Solutions Group powered by Bridgepointe
Previous Companies: Qwest
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Gattis and co-founder Liane Donati have been running their agency for 25 years. In that time, they've grown their customer base and evolved their technology stack. Moreover, she's a strong advocate for her customers."
-James Anderson
Name: Dan Gill
Position: President
Company: Amplix
Previous Companies: Skyhook Wireless, Forge.AI, ROI Communications
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Gill brought a wealth of experience in enterprise sales to ROI before it merged into Amplix. He also holds deep familiarity with the M&A process from working at numerous companies that underwent an acquisition. He provides leadership to an advisory firm that is rapidly expanding its geographical and technical footprint."
-James Anderson
Name: Bryan Gillis
Position: CX Leader
Previous Companies: Apple, OpenPeak, IBM, The Northridge Group
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Bryan has two decades of experience in the CX space. Bryan has engaged with clients on so many levels, offering thought leadership to organizations large and small. Bryan has embraced the channel and the technology space, bridging the gap between people, process and technology. His innovative approach to technology and people distinguish him from other CX leaders."
-Eric Ludwig
Name: Eric Gressel
Position: Executive Vice President, Sales
Company: One Source
Previous Companies: Sageworks, ChannelAdvisor
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"He's a member of multiple advisory boards for suppliers and distributors. He has helped One Source establish long-lasting customer accounts with a deep support staff."
-James Anderson
Name: Ben Hanni
Position: Partner
Company: BP Innovations
Previous Companies: NConnect, LKQ
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Ben Hanni brings ideas and suggestions on how to add more value to the entire Technology Advisor Association. He's had his successful company for over 19 years, and his customers go out of their way to share how great of an impact Ben has had on their businesses. Ben openly shares advice and lessons learned with peers. He is extremely deserving of this recognition."
-Ashley Rowland
Name: Jim Harrison
Position: Director, Cloud & Connectivity
Company: Black Box Network Services
Previous Companies: Cbeyond
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Jim is extremely knowledgeable with all technologies. He’s fantastic with the vendors and the customers. He can sell from either the business or technology value viewpoint. Above all, he’s fantastic to work with."
-John Reid
Name: Jodi Hassel
Position: Vice President, Customer Care & Operations
Company: ZLH Enterprises
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Jodi has a great talent to deliver the specialized 'white-glove' services that we are known for at ZLH Enterprises. Described by some as a bulldog, meant in only the positive sense, she is able to work with a multitude of clients simultaneously. Pricing, provisioning or service are seamless for her."
-Zina Hassel
Name: Ryan Hathaway
Position: President
Company: GTS
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Ryan always does the right thing for GTS partners. GTS was founded over 22 years ago, on the principles of doing right by our partners and their business. Ryan is committed to driving business through a unique ecosystem comprised of skilled, and well-versed channel managers, a top-notch project management team, and a one-of-a-kind marketing team. Ryan is fueled by a passion designed to educate partners on all of the leading technology trends, and needs. He continues to invest resources and time for not only his personal growth and development, but also the growth for his team. He values community, and the ability it has to make a significant impact the success of his business. Through and through, Ryan leads with empathy, and always with a desire to do better, and be better."
-Mari Jackson
Name: Keith Hatley
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Cloud Communications Group
Previous Companies: MFS, Allegiance, airBand, Paetec
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Keith is an industry veteran who supported the channel in his days at Masergy only to transition to be a successful TA. His focus on the enterprise space sets him and his organization within a small group of elite TAs. Keith is always willing to share his knowledge as well as listen to get better. Always a true professional!"
-Courtney Humphrey
Name: Louie Hollmeyer
Position: Director, Marketing & Consultant
Company: ATC
Previous Companies: 121 Marketing, Stratacache, Seapine Software, Forte Industries
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"Hollmeyer has worn a variety of hats in his 11 years at ATC, including marketing, consulting and business development. His efforts have helped the firm land consecutive record-setting years. He attends industry events like Channel Partners to exchange best practices with other top technology advisors."
-James Anderson
Name: Kate Iseman
Position: Founder
Company: Cicada
Previous Companies: Segra, CenturyLink, Novartis, TW Telecom
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Kate is young, confident, creative, comes off like she has had her agency forever, and yet it has only been a few years. I met her at a show for the first time this past summer, and she was fearless. She works the room like she has always been there. She just has that feel to her. Her firm has only partnered with TPx for about a year but in quick succession earned a spot (out of 10 partners) in our Club Excellence."
-Stacy Conrad
Name: Natalia Jimenez
Position: Lead Consultant
Company: Distinct Paradigm
Previous Companies: Argus Health Systems, GEHA, State Street, Gallagher
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Natalia uses her extensive background as a business and technology analyst (as well as working in IT on the client side) to offer holistic advice to business. Her technology advisory services support fit into a larger vision of customer outcomes."
-James Anderson
Name: Lillian Jones
Position: Managing Partner
Company: Nationwide Network Services
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Lillian became part of my business in 2019, then dug in, took Telarus University, studied and has now been managing my business as a partner. Lillian has taken great interest in our clients, our suppliers and other agents. She has also managed my client base and has grown her knowledge in the industry."
-Roger Jones
Name: Keegan Kennedy
Position: Business Technology Broker
Company: Atwater Tech
Previous Companies: Nextiva, PanTerra Networks
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"Keegan is a straight-shooter in her dealings with customers, TSDs and vendors. She cares about the health of the channel and looks to share best practices with her peers."
-James Anderson
Name: Kelly Kennedy Ahmed
Position: Senior Enterprise Consultant
Company: ARG
Previous Companies: RadNet, XO
What Makes Her a TA 101er:
"As a former IT director, Kelly understands the challenges that enterprise clients face. She ensures that input is gathered and documented from across the organization to identify the best possible solution. Kelly takes every project through ARG's proven process and then prepares a presentation to justify the solution by thoroughly documenting the expected business outcomes and detailing all aspects of the selection process. Her clients know that her attention to detail and breadth of experience supporting enterprise organizations will end with a successful deployment every time. This has resulted in Kelly and her team consistently outperforming expectations and continuing to raise the bar for ARG and the industry."
-Erica Lord
Name: Zac King
Position: President
Company: Green Bean IT
Previous Companies: Meredith & Associates, TeamLogic IT of Las Colinas
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"King leads an MSP that has expanded its portfolio of services for its customers. Green Bean has become its clients' internet services provider by leveraging the tech services distributor portfolio and the agent model."
-James Anderson
Name: Zac King
Position: President
Company: Green Bean IT
Previous Companies: Meredith & Associates, TeamLogic IT of Las Colinas
What Makes Him a TA 101er:
"King leads an MSP that has expanded its portfolio of services for its customers. Green Bean has become its clients' internet services provider by leveraging the tech services distributor portfolio and the agent model."
-James Anderson
Channel Futures is honoring the newest class of best technology consultants in the agent channel with the 2024 Technology Advisor 101.
The Technology Advisor 101 shines a light on top performers in the tech advisory space, which continues to grow its market share in technologies such as connectivity, communications, customer experience and cybersecurity. The 101 individuals – highlighted in our A-K and L-Z lists – represent the best of the best in technology consulting companies.
Many of these standouts have been running their own agencies for years, laboring hard to help their business customers navigate a complex vendor world. And many of these channel partners, such as Tricia Ward of Onward Communications, have paved the way for new technology advisors to follow after them.
“I'm honored to be recognized among the top leaders in the agent channel who have demonstrated a commitment to business success, customer advocacy and thought leadership,” Ward told Channel Futures. "As a 22-year veteran in the industry, I have seen the value of the technology advisor become increasingly vital in shaping customer experience in a way that has benefited the overall growth and health of the channel. It's wonderful to be honored alongside my peers who I admire and who continue to inspire me.”
Award Methodology for Best Technology Consultants
Channel Futures selected the 2024 Technology Advisor 101 through a peer nomination process. Partners, distributors and suppliers in the channel vouched for the agents that they feel best represent the industry. The Channel Futures editorial team also participated in the selection process, nominating and vetting candidates. Furthermore, members of last year's inaugural Technology Advisor 101 made nominations to ensure that the award functions as a program for partners and by partners.
“It's great to see Channel Futures and other organizations providing opportunities for TAs to collaborate with peers and recognize each other for their leadership. I believe these opportunities will be increasingly important for the TA owners and organizations as the channel continues to evolve,” said TruPoint Communications Solutions president John Berardi, who we are honoring alongside TruPoint vice president of sales Cyndie Briggs.
All honorees work at a company that operates at least part of its business in an agent model. In this model, the supplier manages the technology solution sourced by the partner, bills the end customer, and provides a monthly commission to the partner. The Technology Advisor 101 does not include distributors or vendors, but only customer-facing partners.
The honorees stood out for their client-centricity, peer leadership, industry advocacy and business performance.
“Being recognized in the TA 101 alongside outstanding individuals in our channel ecosystem is truly an honor, and I am deeply grateful for it,” said Aram Bolduc, president of TopSpin Tech. “I extend my sincere thanks to Channel Futures, and congratulations to my fellow technology advisors.”
In addition, a special jury of channel veterans vetted a list of nominees for Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star awards. We will unveil those winners on Wednesday, March 12, on the keynote stage at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo.
What Are Technology Advisors?
The technology advisor model has roots in telecom. Sales leaders at wireline carriers increasingly left the corporate world following significant events like the breakup of AT&T and the dot-com bubble. They went independent knowing that they would serve their customers better by offering multiple service providers. The providers saw the value agents offered and began offering evergreen residual commissions for deals sold.
All of the business technology consultants in the TA 101 operate at least part of their business in an agent model.
But while technology advisors historically dabbled in voice and data – the stuff of telecom – many now consider themselves IT partners. While internet connectivity and voice remain bedrocks of their portfolios, agents have moved into cloud-based unified communications, contact center, data center colocation and cybersecurity.
A New Type of Technology Consultant
Moreover, many technology advisors now identify less as agents or brokers of vendors, but as trusted technology consulting companies that help their clients build long-term IT road maps. Many partners have established robust tech consulting practices that enterprise CIOs are increasingly noticing. Advisors' vendor compensation allows them to offer more cost-effective technology auditing and professional services than what large firms in the traditional business consulting space can offer.
“Customers are increasingly turning to advisors for their technology road maps, especially as they embrace as-a-service software and infrastructure,” said Keith Hatley, partner at Cloud Communications Group and a Technology Advisor 101 honoree. "We’re excited for the advisory model to gain more notoriety in the larger indirect sales channel and among IT vendors.”
A Celebration
Channel Futures held a reception to honor the first generation of TA 101ers in May 2023. The first generation of best technology consultants will join the new class at a reception at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo.
Once you've reviewed our slideshow above highlighting these top technology advisor firms, download our free digital edition, "2024 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101."
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