AireSpring is thrilled to announce our official partnership with master agent AVANT Communications (AVANT), the premier platform for IT decision-making and global distributor of next-generation IT technologies. The new relationship enables AVANT partners and their customers access to AireSpring's Global Managed SD-WAN and Managed Security Services, along with our broad cloud connectivity, voice, and data product line. In addition, AVANT partners will be supported by AireSpring's award-winning, best-in-class solutions portfolio, free solutions engineering design, and high-touch customer service, along with an escalation list that goes up to the CEO, with AireSpring's experienced project managers and managed services engineers assigned to each order. We look forward to driving growth for our combined portfolio of services to the entire channel community while helping enterprises navigate today's fast-changing IT landscape, empowering customers to make the right technology choices that solve today's digital transformation journey.

"We are pleased to deepen the portfolio of solutions available to our network of Trusted Advisors through this partnership with AireSpring," said AVANT President Drew Lydecker. "During this time of accelerated demand and rapid digital transformation, it's vital to have partners with proven track records of empowering growth and success such as AireSpring. Through AireSpring's breadth of innovative services we look forward to helping enterprises navigate the decision-making process to further their success now and into the future."

This award acknowledges AireSpring's Global Managed SD-WAN, a fully managed, comprehensive, end-to-end SD-WAN service for enterprises. The consistency and adaptability of a fully managed solution provides fast, scalable, and reliable global connectivity, for on-premises and public/private multi-cloud application performance. AireSpring Global Managed SD-WAN removes the complexity, time, and resources required to deal with the array of technologies and business interactions associated with global SD-WAN.

To learn more about AireSpring's Global Managed SD-WAN solution, please visit our AireSpringGlobal website. To learn about all AireSpring's customized, cost-effective solutions please visit our website at www.airespring.com or send an email to sales@airespring.com.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize the world's best employers and the human resources professionals, teams, achievements and HR-related products and suppliers who help to create and drive great places to work. More than 90 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's winners. Officials of the Stevie Awards for Great Employers made special note that the judges were, as stated by Maggie Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards, "...impressed by the winners who - during the crises we've confronted this year - continue to dedicate each day to making the lives of their employees and teams better through training, software, work-from-home plans, and more."

AireSpring is excited to announce the addition of Fortinet's Secure SD-WAN with Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) to our growing portfolio of award-winning, managed SD-WAN services. AireSpring's Fortinet Secure SD-WAN consolidates robust networking, routing, and security capabilities in a single appliance which includes a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW). The Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution broadens AireSpring's already diverse mix of SD-WAN offerings, adding next generation firewall capabilities in a single platform with a single pane of glass for SD-WAN. The FortiGate NGFW is also available as a standalone solution.

The Fortinet FortiGate series with Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), delivers SD-WAN or SD-Branch with NGFW capabilities in an integrated solution that enables multi-location businesses to scale to meet the bandwidth requirements of cloud on-ramping, UCaaS, videoconferencing and collaboration tools. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN enables organizations to solve the secure communications problem for distributed locations quickly and easily. It is easy to manage, agile, reliable, flexible, and ultimately secure. Fortinet offers a custom-designed, Application Specific Integrated Circuit or ASIC for fast application identification and steering, while providing connectivity and advanced security capabilities.

For information on all AireSpring products and services, please contact your AireSpring Channel Manager.

The coronavirus pandemic forced many companies to go remote. With remote work looking to establish itself as the new norm, connectivity has never been more critical. In fact, the same Unified Communications solutions used for both office-based and remote workers, can all benefit from SD-WAN.

The unpredictable behavior of the Internet impacts the UC quality of experience that enterprises demand. The ideal WAN solution enables enterprises to utilize the lower cost Internet bandwidth but still provide consistent UC quality of experience (QoE) and quality if service (QoS). This can only be accomplished with managed connectivity or SD-WAN.

Join Chuck Long and John Kitchen from the AireSpring Solutions Engineering Team for a detailed overview of how your clients can:

• Experience high quality, low cost Unified Communications without all the complexity and cost of traditional WANs.
• How AireSpring's managed SD-WAN can deliver guaranteed Quality of Experience (QoE) for voice and video.
• How SD-WAN features like forward error correction (FEC) guards against poor internet quality even on a single WAN circuit.
• Prioritize network traffic so that heavy-use applications or those requiring a significant amount of bandwidth to operate do not impact other users on the network.

What: The Advantages of Pairing SD-WAN with UCaaS to Increase Performance

Presenters: Chuck Long and John Kitchen, AireSpring Solutions Engineers

When: Thursday, October 22, 2020 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM PT

Complete our brief survey at the end for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

October Promotion

Double SPIFF on SD-WAN! The Ultimate Treat.

October 1 through December 31, 2020.

The season of treats is coming-and who couldn't use a little magic right now? Just in time, AireSpring offers you the Ultimate Treat-DOUBLE SPIFF on SD-WAN! Now, an extra Q4 Treat with 2X MRC on SD-WAN and Global SD-WAN (on deals submitted October 1 - December 31, 2020)! Enjoy year-round goodies like our Concierge Support that helps you win new clients and close more business ahead of the competition!

Our expert Channel Managers specialize in AireSpring's brand of knowledgeable, dedicated White Glove Service with the entire AireSpring team behind you. We bring the magic every time, helping you craft some of the best deals with the fastest quotes in the industry.

In this season, bring home a goody bag filled with the channel's best SPIFF on SD-WAN!

AireSpring's managed services and award-winning products keep the magic coming, as you enjoy rewards including:

• 2X MRC on SD-WAN (October 1 - December 31, 2020)
• 2X MRC on Global SD-WAN (October 1 - December 31, 2020)
• 6X MRC on Voice/Cloud Services
• 1.5X MRC on Connectivity Services & MPLS
• $1600 Cash Bonus on Toll-Free Services
• $800 Cash Bonus on LD Services

Earn even more with ongoing extra bonuses on these deals:

• 5% EXTRA Bonus Residual Commission on AireSpring Network & SIP LD underlying it all.

AireSpring provides everything you need to fulfill your service and support requirements, including:

• Project coordinators & managed services engineers assigned to each order
• Free consultation with solutions engineering team
• 24/7/365 NOC Network Monitoring
• 20-second response time to support calls
• Escalation list up to our CEO

Contact your Channel Manager for details.

Earn Certification in AireSpring's SD-WAN Solutions and

a $150.00 Amazon gift card for completing the Boot Camp!

• Attend a full day's training session via MaX UC Webinar on SD-WAN, the go-to technology for improving control, management, business agility, uptime, security and data encryption of Wide Area Networks.
• Learn from our SVP Solutions Engineering and SD-WAN guru, Mike Chase, J.D., CCIE #7226, aka "Dr. Cloud."
• Leave with a better understanding of how AireSpring's solutions, like Platinum SD-WAN by VeloCloud™ now part of VMware, serve your customers' changing business needs.

Reviews from our recent Boot Camp:

"Mike Chase did an exceptional job presenting! Best training I've attended, by far, in my 12 years in this industry."

- Justin Duffy, SKS Communications

"Mike's insight and industry knowledge helped me to gain a different perspective on future opportunities for SD-WAN. Thank you!"

- Lori Norton, Telstrong

"Probably the best training webinar I've attended in my 25 years of telecom."

- Julie Gilbert, Digital Management Solutions

"Great training event with SD-WAN guru, Mike Chase. Mike is amazing and has so much knowledge."

- Paul Feather, Founder, IT Compliance Services by Compu-Netics, LLC

What: AireSpring Eastern Region Virtual SD-WAN Boot Camp

Presenter: Mike Chase, J.D. CCIE, SVP Solutions Engineering

When: Thursday, October 15, 2020

Boot Camp: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (ET)

Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm (ET)

Space is limited!

Deadline to Register varies by date of Boot Camp.

Reserve your spot and your Amazon gift card now!

Previous 2020 Boot Camp attendees not eligible.

All attendees must register in advance!

AireSpring's Eastern Region

Virtual SD-WAN Boot Camp

Oct. 15, 2020 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET)

REGISTER HERE

AireSpring Regional Events

Space is extremely limited!

Contact your Channel Manager for details and Registration:

Tom Lowe Shooting Center

Atlanta, GA

October 1, 2020

Jesse Michaels,

Regional Channel Manager

Family Shooting Center

Denver, CO

October 1, 2020

Justin Walsh,

Regional Channel Manager

Evergreen Sports Complex

Washington DC

October 7, 2020

Grant Whyard,

Regional Channel Manager

Fishing Charter

Newport, CA

October 13, 2020

Charlie Lomond, National Channel Director

Mike Nesci & Gabriel Valderrama,

Regional Channel Managers

K-1 Speed

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

October 15, 2020

Fredric Worthy

Regional Channel Manager

Telarus Golf Tournament

TPC Four Seasons

Dallas, TX

October 5, 2020

Telarus Golf Tournament

The Woodlands

Houston, TX

October 8, 2020

Telarus Golf Tournament

Monarch Beach

Orange County, CA

October 22, 2020

Telarus Golf Tournament

Echelon

Atlanta, GA

October 27, 2020

Telarus Golf Tournament

Streamsong

Bowling Green, FL

December 10, 2020

To begin, please tell us a little about yourself, your agency, and your professional background in Telecom.

I have worked in Telecom and IT for 25 years, focusing on digital transformation, consulting and strategy, and serving as a strategic advisor for telecom, security, and cloud solutions. Ten years ago, I started BlueSky IT Partners with a vision and $15,000 in seed money. I saw an opportunity to have a consulting firm that advocated for the client in terms of telecom and cloud technologies, process and deployment. I noticed that a big obstacle clients face is having to look at technology every three years or so, and having to start from scratch to decide what providers are best or what technologies they need to consider.

BlueSky IT Partners represents the ecosystem of cloud and telecom providers. Today, we have gone from zero to over $20 million in gross sales, with clients across the United States and the world. We offer services to mid-market and enterprise clients in the areas of Telecom, Cloud, Mobility, Unified Communication and Contact Center, Data Center and Security. We're proud of winning awards for industry innovation, IT results and client case studies performed by my amazing team. We are experts in global field services and have over 30,000 techs worldwide. We have worked hard to save millions of IT dollars and jobs, and add productivity for our mid-market and enterprise clients. I am proud to say that BlueSky made the Inc 5000 fastest growing privately held US companies at #1985.

Before going into business for myself, I worked for several of the large telecom carriers in sales positions. At Covad Communications, I was a channel manager, building their partner community and increasing market share for their VoIP solution through direct sales to the end user. I recruited, onboarded and trained new partners, far exceeding sales quotas. Before joining Covad, I served as Senior Account Manager for Sprint Communications, excelling in global accounts, enterprise and mid-markets. During my tenure, I signed both the largest multi-million-dollar contract in the sales team, and the largest new wireless customer. I've also worked for Global Crossing, exceeding sales quota five years in a row.

What do you like about working with AireSpring?

The quick response time from our channel manager Blake, and the detailed quotes generated in QuoteSpring™. The engineering knowledge and experience around VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud™ is the best I've seen. Also, the communication from the pre-sales and post sales team is excellent. There will always be issues in IT, and having a responsive team that is willing to roll their sleeves up and solve problems makes all the difference.

"The engineering knowledge and experience around VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud™ is the best I've seen. Also, the communication from the pre-sales and post sales team is excellent."

"The solutions are continually changing as technology advances and the workplace transforms, so it's vital to stay informed and be knowledgeable about those you choose to represent to clients."

What would you say is the secret to being a successful agent in today's marketplace?

Understanding the solutions, understanding your clients' requirements, and executing on the delivery. The solutions are continually changing as technology advances and the workplace transforms, so it's vital to stay informed and be knowledgeable about those you choose to represent to clients. Understanding the needs and challenges of each client are essential, and only possible when you take the time to build a relationship and become a trusted advisor. Finally, when you deliver the solution, you have to be diligent about ensuring proper execution and follow-up, both with providers and with the client. Oh, and you better be able to lead a Zoom or collaboration call well!

What is the "next big thing" you think agents should be aware of or get involved in for 2020-2021?

Most agents are not selling security. It's not the next big thing, but it's the conversation that must be had, and agents are missing revenue if they are not discussing it. Threats to security are evolving as fast as every other aspect of technology, and it's important for any enterprise to stay a step ahead of the dangers and risks. Agents should become well versed in the solutions available and consider the value in upselling these products to build revenue with existing customers.

"Most agents are not selling security. It's not the next big thing, but it's the conversation that must be had, and agents are missing revenue if they are not discussing it."

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I was born and raised in Houston, and am a big fan of the Houston Astros [Major League Baseball], also known as the "'Stros." I have one of their classic jerseys, with the orange rainbow stripes. I love tennis, travel, good food and music, and throwing great parties! Covid 19 is cramping my style!

Also, I really enjoy giving back to my community, being engaged in IT and non-profit organizations, and serving on boards. I've been able to participate in local community work, such as being a trustee and board member of Houston SIM (Society for Information Management), and CompTIA, and participating in several nonprofit organizations such as Southern Smoke (for restaurant employees in need), EO (Entrepreneur's Organization) and Private Director Association which serves the needs of private companies in forming Boards of Directors.

As a leader and business owner, I believe in being a role model and mentor for women in the IT world. I am involved in the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, where I was awarded the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year. I also mentor young female professionals in IT for Women in the Channel (WIC). I am especially proud of being named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology, awarded by the National Diversity Council.

Please tell us about your professional background and how long you've been in the Telecom industry.

I have been in the IT field for 25 years. During the last 20 years I have worked specifically in Telecommunications. I was at TelePacific Communications (now TPx) for nine years before joining AireSpring. I gained experience in multiple functions, including everything from test and turn-up to serving as Supervisor of the Repair Department.

Tell us about your role at AireSpring and how long you've been with the company.

I started with AireSpring at the end of 2011 and have been here almost nine years. As a Tier 1 Repair Technician, I find that no two days are the same. Serving as a front line team member, I am charged with problem-solving and interfacing with AireSpring internal and external customers, including channel partners and end-users, as well as with carriers. Multi-tasking in these roles requires that I maintain a balance of both technical and customer service skills on a daily basis.

What do you enjoy most about working at AireSpring?

AireSpring has a nice work culture, allowing employees to work freely and accomplish what is needed. We enjoy strong support from Management. I feel that employees here are motivated and appreciated for their efforts. My role offers a wide range of opportunities, which leads to a variety of work and challenging projects. Our strong and cohesive AireSpring team and our Repair Tech team make it possible to tackle each challenge that comes our way.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of the office?

I feel fortunate to have a loving wife, Shannon, and great family as my support system. I am the type of person who likes to tinker with things, from electronics to my newest hobby, motorsports. I enjoy re-engineering things and figuring out how they work. Currently I coach Ayden, my youngest son's motocross team in my free time. We meet at the track every Saturday. My Dad and the other kids' dads come out to help coach them as well. I myself am into big bikes, like the Harley Road King in the photo. My oldest daughter, Kamille, just started her first year at Oklahoma State University.

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AireSpring is an award-winning provider of Managed Connectivity and Cloud Communications solutions providing fully managed and connected end-to-end, next-generation solutions for multi-location enterprise customers, including:

• AirePBX UCaaS
• MPLS Mesh
• SD-WAN
• Global Managed SD-WAN
• SIP Trunking
• Managed Firewall
• Dedicated Internet Access
• Analog/PRI/POTS
• Wholesale Long Distance

AireSpring's services are delivered over its revolutionary nationwide MPLS Mesh Network, providing customers a fully integrated, end-to-end solution from a single vendor.

sales@airespring.com | 888.389.2899 | www.airespring.com