AT&T Partner Exchange Dives Deeper Into Wireless WAN

**Editor’s Note: Click here for a list of September’s important channel-program changes you should know.**

Ahead of its Summit next week in Dallas, AT&T Partner Exchange said Thursday that it’s expanding its services that support wireless wide-area network (WAN) solutions.

One is an update to rate plans. Business Connect can now be used for wireless backup, allowing solution providers to pool data with similar plans.

Another is access to more customized mobile connections. AT&T Private Mobile Connection, which partners previously knew as AT&T Commercial Connectivity Services, helps solution providers establish mobile connections that fit with their customers’ wireline and security needs more seamlessly.

Then there are tools to maximize productivity. AccessMyLAN lets a partner’s customer connect wirelessly to remote machines and devices. It’s also designed to help manage mobile data usage to prevent overages.

“Mobility is still an undertapped area for growth in the channel,” said Sue Galvanek, vice president, AT&T Partner Exchange. “For solution providers looking to bridge the gap between wireline and mobility, Wireless WAN is a natural first step – a step that these enhancements will help them take.”{ad}

For solution providers who need a primer on wireless routing, AT&T is unveiling a “Wireless WAN Solution Guide.”

The carrier also is introducing two new certifications — available later this month.

The first is a Technical Sales & Design track, which is a virtual, instructor-led course that teaches how to better identify a customer’s strategic needs and technical requirements. The end result is improving the partner’s ability to consult, design and sell customized integrated solutions.

The second is an Operations track. This one is designed to help solution providers be more agile and improve the user experience, increasing their knowledge in service delivery, billing operations and service assurance.

“Something special happens when you have both an intimate understanding of your customer’s business and deep knowledge on the products and services in your toolbox,” said Tim Yager, vice president, Network Services Solutions, one of the 500 solution-provider members of Partner Exchange. “We’ve experienced this magic firsthand with the certifications from AT&T Partner Exchange. Taking full advantage of the program, we’ve increased our ability to better understand our clients’ network needs and how AT&T services can bring value. In turn, we’re able to provide the best solutions that meet their specific requirements.”

Follow executive editor Craig Galbraith on Twitter.