AT&T, D&H Channel Hires Drew Eyeballs This Week

New channel executives were all over this past week’s news.

Three big players – not just in the channel but in all of technology – brought on new personnel. Two of the hires are taking vice president roles; the third is now leading one of the most visible programs in the channel. As you read our week in review, you’ll find more than just personnel news. One study we covered shared how much money you might make in 2019. Another asks the time-old question: Is there any beating Amazon Web Services (AWS)?

We don’t know the answers. We just report the news. Below you’ll find the seven most popular news stories on our website for the week of Feb. 3.

7. IT Job Market to Maintain 2018 Hot Streak

The latest tech jobs study continues the trend of good vibes.

Janco Associates estimated that there were 107,100 new IT jobs in 2018. Salaries also appeared to be rising, with the median reaching $97,000

Edward Gately looked at the data.

6. Logitech Previews Tap Device for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts

Logitech introduced a new controller intended to improve video conferences.

Partners can install the Logitech Tap on a table or wall and launch conferences with a single touch. The company has versions of the controller for Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Hangouts. But you’ll have to wait just a little longer for Tap; it won’t come out until the spring.

Get details about Logitech’s release.

5. D&H Distributing Hires Ingram Micro Cloud Veteran

D&H Distributing brought on an alumnus of one of its rivals.

Jason Bystrak, who spent 22 years at Ingram Micro Cloud, is the new vice president of D&H’s new cloud business unit. Bystrak had been serving as global executive director for technology partner enablement at Ingram, but left about a year ago to lead channels at Axcient.

Read Lynn Haber’s story to learn more about Bystrak’s role.

4. AWS Still King in Public Cloud, While Azure Grows Fastest, IBM Falls

Surprise, surprise.

Amazon Web Services led Synergy Research Group’s latest cloud infrastructure leaderboard. And it didn’t just lead; its market share actually increased in 2018. But let’s give credit where it’s due. Microsoft Azure looks to be on the rise, according to the data.

Jeffrey Burt has the scoop.

3. BCM One Gets Major Investment, Adds SIP Trunking Provider

A company is coming into the BCM One fold.

BCM One announced that it was undergoing a recapitalization process. If you didn’t know what that word means when you first heard it, you’re not alone. The main thing to understand is that a recapitalizing company can expect a boosted investment and a bit of a reorganization.

The private equity firm investing in BCM One acquired a SIP trunking provider and is going to make the latter part of the BCM One family.

A little bit complicated, yes, but you can find all the details here.

2. VMware Picks Ex-Oracle Channel Exec for Americas Chief

VMware continued to shake up its channel group’s leadership structure

Bill Swales will serve as vice president of VMware’s Americas partner organization. Swales has gone around the block a few times, having worked at HPE and Oracle.

His predecessor moved to …… Check Point Software Technologies to lead its channel.

Read more about the new channel leader.

1. AT&T Taps New Partner Exchange Leader, Hones 5G, Security, IoT

A familiar face in AT&T’s reseller program is taking the reins.

Sara Straley, who has worked at AT&T Partner Exchange since its origin, will lead sales and marketing for the group. She succeeded Randall Porter, who was next in line for a position on the direct sales side.

We caught up with Zee Hussain, who leads AT&T Partner Solutions, to talk about the changes. Check out our Q&A with him.