Agency Channel: News Briefs

Posted: 02/2001

News Briefs

* DSL provider Copper Mountain Networks Inc. (www.coppermountain.com)
has launched the "CopperChannel" partner program to expand
distribution in Asia, Europe and North America. Members can sell the company’s
full line of DSL equipment for the CO, digital loops and multitenant unit (MTU)
broadband networks. Copper Mountain expects partners to be experienced and able
to bring value-added services to customers, such as network consultation,
installation, systems integration, financing and business planning.

* Qwest Communications International Inc. (www.qwest.com)
has launched the Q.Marketplace business community. Agents, systems integrators,
VARs and other members will make up a network of partners who want to
collaborate to provide complete networking solutions, using Qwest’s IP-based
services and broadband applications.

Qwest also will implement ChannelWave Software Inc.‘s (www.channelwave.com)
"Partner Loyalty System" for partner support, recruitment and market
expansion. The web-based solution will automate lead distribution and enhance
collaboration among partners. In turn, the provider hopes to attract more
channel partners with its beefed-up support, increasing its number from more
than 1,000 to 3,000.

* Internet marketer and CLEC Cognigen Networks Inc. (www.cognigen.net)
has rolled out blue-silicon Inc.‘s (www.blue-silicon.com)
unified multimedia messaging (UMM) solution to Cognigen agents. The companies
expect usage to exceed 100,000 seats by early 2001.

The managed product provides single-point access to voice mail, e-mail and
fax messages through more than 100 PoPs worldwide. The service also integrates
with existing PBX and Centrex systems.

In December, Cognigen reached its goal of 75,000 agents worldwide, marking an
increase of approximately 50 percent in the previous six months. The company
expects to reach a goal of 100,000 agents by June 30.

* The third release of The SoftAd Group Inc.‘s (www.softad.com)
ChannelNet software allows channel partners to add an automated, consultative
sales process to their websites. It includes the "Assess,"
"Build" and "Promote" modules, designed to custom guide a
potential buyer from product introduction to purchase.combining the vendors’
catalog and user information with a logic-based decision tree, the Assess module
determines customer preferences, makes product recommendations; the Build
function assembles a suite of products and services specific to the customer’s
needs. The Promote module delivers corporate and channel-supported e-offers,
rebates and incentives. Channel members can add vendor information and the
Assess/Build/Promote process to their own websites with a minimum of technical
knowledge, the company says.