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Business Connectivity 101: A Beginner's Guide for 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:06:45 GMT

Discover the basics of business connectivity solutions in Longwood, FL, with our comprehensive 2026 beginner's guide.

Andy Torres Honored on 2025 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 List

admin@servicequik.com (ZING Admin) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:51:06 GMT

Andy Torres Honored on 2025 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 List

The List Recognizes Individuals Moving the Advisory Channel into the Future

February 19, 2025 — Channel Futures , the indirect sales channel’s authority for industry news, information and analysis, has named Andy Torres to its 2025 Technology Advisor 101 list.

The Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 (TA 101) is the first vendor and distributor-neutral listing of the leaders in what has traditionally been called the agent market. Nominators from across the industry submitted names for the 2025 list, which the Channel Futures editorial staff vetted. The latest TA 101 features an all-new group of executives and leaders at technology advisor firms.

“Technology advisors are a key segment of the indirect channel for B2B technology. This award acknowledges pioneers and rising stars who have helped build the industry,” said Channel Futures editorial director Craig Galbraith. “It’s a who’s-who for the advisory channel.”

Technology Advisor 101 honorees have demonstrated client focus, peer leadership and industry advocacy. Members of the Technology Advisor 101 do the right thing for their customers, exchange knowledge and best practices with fellow partners, and use their influence for the betterment of the larger technology advisor/technology services distributor (TA/TSD) ecosystem.

The advisory channel is a burgeoning route for technology purchasing. A Telarus study found that 92% of IT decision-makers at midmarket companies are interested in meeting technology advisors to help them vet products and vendors. An Avant report concluded that 84% of IT buyers use a trusted advisor for technology selection.

“The modern technology advisor plays an indispensable and multifaceted role for its customers,” said James Anderson, senior news editor at Channel Futures. “They help IT departments overcome gaps in staffing and skillsets to navigate the complicated procurement process. They help businesses save money and reinvest it into innovative, revenue-generating tech.”

About the Technology Advisor 101

Launched in 2022, the TA 101 is an initiative focused on channel partner executives whose companies operate in the agent/advisor model. Unveiled on ChannelFutures.com, it is the most comprehensive list of channel partner firms that do business in an agency model. It relies on peer nominations from the channel community and is vetted by Channel Futures editorial staff.

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media destination for the information and communication technologies (ICT) channel community. We provide information, perspective and connection for the entire channel ecosystem, including technology advisors (TAs), solution providers (SPs), managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors, technology solutions distributors (TSDs), as well as leading technology vendor partners and communication providers.

Channel Futures is part of Informa TechTarget, which influences and connects the world’s technology buyers and sellers, helping accelerate growth from R&D to ROI. With a vast reach of over 220 highly targeted technology-specific websites and over 50 million permissioned first-party audience members, Informa TechTarget has a unique understanding of and insight into the technology market.

Media Contact
James Anderson

Senior News Editor, Channel Futures

james.d.anderson@informatechtarget.com

Transforming Communication for Maui Humane Society

admin@servicequik.com (ZING Admin) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:20:22 GMT

A Modern Solution for Our Beloved Animals

CHALLENGE

The Maui Humane Society, a critical lifeline for the Maui community, answers thousands of calls weekly to address some of the island’s most challenging issues. However, their outdated, legacy phone system hindered their ability to manage these calls efficiently. Key problems included:

Dependence on costly phone lines.
Lack of visibility into call handling and system performance.
Inefficient call management, leading to unresolved customer needs.
Inability to prioritize or queue calls effectively, which is critical in emergencies.
With these limitations, the organization struggled to meet the community's needs, especially during high-call-volume periods. Leadership required a modern solution that could provide greater visibility, improve call efficiency, and ensure the public received timely and effective support.

SOLUTION

Cloud9 Technology Consulting partnered with the Maui Humane Society to deliver a tailored solution. By sourcing and implementing a cloud-based unified communications system alongside an advanced contact center platform, Cloud9 addressed the organization’s pain points and enabled a transformative change. The new system features:

A fully cloud-based infrastructure eliminated the need for expensive phone lines.
Advanced call queuing and routing to ensure calls are handled effectively, even during peak times.
Real-time visibility into call analytics and performance, empowering management to monitor and optimize operations.
Intelligent tools to prioritize and respond to emergencies swiftly and efficiently.

RESULTS

The new communication system revolutionized how the Maui Humane Society supports its community:

Improved Efficiency: Calls are now managed seamlessly, ensuring customers receive timely assistance.
Enhanced Visibility: Management can access actionable insights, enabling better decision-making and operational improvements.
Community Impact: The organization can now provide a higher level of service, ensuring public needs and emergencies are met with urgency and care.

By transitioning to a modern, cloud-based solution, the Maui Humane Society is better equipped to serve the community and respond to emergencies effectively.

CONCLUSION

Cloud9 Technology Consulting’s innovative approach helped the Maui Humane Society modernize its communication system, enabling them to serve the community more effectively. This partnership demonstrates the power of technology in solving real-world challenges and making a meaningful impact.

AT A GLANCE

Maui Humane Society’s mission is to protect and save Maui’s animals' lives, accept all in need, educate the community, and inspire respect and compassion towards all animals.

Maui Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was first established as a non-profit in 1953, incorporated in 1962, and is the only open-admission animal shelter on the island of Maui. Our mission is “to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, accepting all in need, educating the community, and inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals.”

Maui Humane Society partners with Maui’s public and private sectors to serve our community. Our veterinary team provides year-round, no (or low) cost spay/neuter services, serving approximately 6,000 animals and their families in the last fiscal year. Our outreach-oriented Humane Enforcement Officers provide 24/7 animal emergency response and animal management services for the County of Maui. In the event of a disaster, MHS works in partnership with the Red Cross and Maui County Civil Defense to provide pet-friendly emergency shelter locations.

www.mauihumanesociety.org

Carlos Rosario School: Transforming Educational Technology Access

admin@servicequik.com (ZING Admin) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:13:40 GMT

How Cloud9 Technology Consulting Enabled Carlos Rosario School to Achieve Seamless Distance Learning, Operational Efficiency, and Significant Cost Savings

AT A GLANCE

Cloud9 Technology Consulting successfully transitioned Carlos Rosario School to full-time distance learning for 2,300 students during the pandemic, ensuring each student had fast, reliable data connectivity while also focusing on cost optimization and operational efficiency for the public charter school.

ABOUT CARLOS ROSARIO

With over 50 years of experience, Carlos Rosario School provides quality education to the immigrant population in Washington, D.C., focusing on English as a second language, workforce development, and supportive services. With over 80,000 graduates who have become community leaders, Carlos Rosario is committed to lifelong learning and empowerment.

CHALLENGES

When the COVID-19 pandemic required the school to transition 2,300 students to distance learning, Carlos Rosario faced several hurdles:

Enabling all students to access online classes to meet public funding requirements

Ensuring cost optimization and operational efficiency as a public charter school

SOLUTIONS

Cloud9 Technology Consulting provided a comprehensive technology solution to ensure effective distance learning and operational stability:

Ensured each student laptop had fast, reliable data connectivity for uninterrupted learning.

Migrated the school's email system to the cloud, implemented cybersecurity measures, and designed a scalable, secure network.

Optimized costs across technology assets, managing and securing devices to minimize risk and enhance efficiency.

OUTCOME

Cloud9's tailored approach resulted in a more resilient network, substantial cost savings, and improved service levels for Carlos Rosario School. Key outcomes included:

Cost Savings on Mobility : $1M saved in the first year by optimizing mobility costs.
Increased Connectivity Efficiency : Achieved 34% savings on internet and network services, with double the bandwidth and added redundancy for business continuity.
Cloud Migration Benefits : Reduced hardware maintenance costs by moving phone systems, email, and security to cloud-based solutions.
Project Management Support : Provided expertise in creating RFPs and managing service responses to maintain quality and competitive pricing.

Cloud9's partnership empowered Carlos Rosario School to continue delivering high-quality education, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Transforming Communication and Connectivity for Heartland Loans

admin@servicequik.com (ZING Admin) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:38:22 GMT

How Heartland Loans Modernized its IT Infrastructure with Cloud9

AT A GLANCE

Heartland Loans has been helping Oklahomans secure loans and improve their credit for nearly 20 years. With multiple locations, the company faced significant challenges with outdated systems that hindered productivity and increased costs. Cloud9 provided tailored solutions to modernize their infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and enabling future growth.

ABOUT HEARTLAND LOANS

For two decades, Heartland Loans has been a trusted partner for Oklahomans seeking financial support to achieve their goals. Operating multiple locations across the state, the company is dedicated to empowering customers through accessible loan options and personalized service. Its mission is "to provide financial solutions that help Oklahomans improve their credit and achieve their financial goals while maintaining a commitment to exceptional service." Cloud9 has been working with Heartland Loans for over five years.

CHALLENGES

Heartland Loans struggled with outdated on-premise phone systems and slow internet speeds, which increased operational costs and hampered productivity. These legacy systems were costly and inefficient and incapable of scaling to meet the needs of a growing business.

SOLUTIONS

Cloud9 addressed these challenges by implementing a strategic, two-part solution:

Modern Phone Systems : Transitioned Heartland Loans to a cloud-based phone platform, delivering improved reliability, scalability, and flexibility for communication.
Enhanced Connectivity : Upgraded internet connections to fiber-based technology, boosting speeds and ensuring consistent, reliable connectivity across locations.

OUTCOME

With Cloud9’s solutions, Heartland Loans achieved:

Increased Efficiency : Faster and more reliable internet enhanced productivity across locations.
Improved Communication : A scalable, cloud-based phone system streamlined operations and reduced downtime.
Cost Optimization : Lowered telecommunication expenses through modernized systems and strategic upgrades.

By partnering with Cloud9, Heartland Loans has modernized its IT infrastructure and positioned itself for continued growth and success in the financial services industry.

Nexwave

Business Connectivity 101: A Beginner's Guide for 2026

Andy Torres Honored on 2025 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 List

Andy Torres Honored on 2025 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 List ﻿

Transforming Communication for Maui Humane Society

A Modern Solution for Our Beloved Animals

Carlos Rosario School: Transforming Educational Technology Access

How Cloud9 Technology Consulting Enabled Carlos Rosario School to Achieve Seamless Distance Learning, Operational Efficiency, and Significant Cost Savings

Transforming Communication and Connectivity for Heartland Loans

How Heartland Loans Modernized its IT Infrastructure with Cloud9

AT A GLANCE

ABOUT HEARTLAND LOANS

CHALLENGES

SOLUTIONS

OUTCOME

Andy Torres Honored on 2025 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 List