This week in the ICT Channel...

Comms Dealer magazine rounds up the top channel news that broke during the week.....

CityFibre and Sky pen long-term agreement

Sky ’s full fibre broadband will be available across the CityFibre network in 2025 following a long-term agreement between the companies.

CityFibre has a footprint of 3.8 million today and is committed to expand its network to at least eight million premises over the coming years.?

Longer term, this will include over 1.3 million homes in hard-to-reach areas through CityFibre’s participation in the Government’s Project Gigabit Programme.

Amber Pine , MD of Connectivity, said:?“Sky’s new partnership with CityFibre will mean we can reach even more people with full fibre, which is essential for the modern home.”

Greg Mesch , CEO at CityFibre added:?“This partnership with Sky is a huge vote of confidence in our business.”

CNA Awards 2024 - Book your table now!

The Comms National Awards, the channel’s most coveted awards extravaganza, are now closed for entries - So now is the time to beat the rush and book your table at the most extravagant awards event of the year!

In addition to tables and places, we have a limited number of VIP table packages where you can entertain your team and your customers in style with the best seats in the house! We also have sponsorship packages which deliver a fantastic amount of branding profile before, during and after the awards. Message Heather Miles to book your place or visit Comms National Awards (cnawards.com) for further details.

The event will take place at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster, on 26th September 2024, celebrating stand-out MSPs, channel partners, vendors, carriers, service providers and distributors. Don't miss out!

Flotek Group marks 12th deal with Colbek buy

Flotek Group Limited has expanded into the Midlands with the acquisition of Colbek Systems Limited , marking its 12th deal to date.

The buy adds expertise in Microsoft and Google G Suite to Flotek’s Portfolio and deepens its offering of server and PC installation, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Following the deal, the entire Colbek Systems team will be retained.

Flotek CEO Jay Ball said: “This acquisition not only enhances our service offerings in IT support and cybersecurity but also strengthens our regional presence in the Midlands.”

He states that the company will continue looking to expand its footprint through acquisitions, with a focus on Bristol.

Windsor acquires Yoozoom for Northern base

Windsor Telecom has acquired Leeds-based Yoozoom to form a new, expanded regional Hub in the north of England.

The deal deepens Windsor’s experience across unified comms, IT services and networking.

Windsor CEO Pete Tomlinson said: “This deal will expand our national presence, helping new and existing customers use technology to deliver a brilliant customer and employee experience.” ??

Alex Deighton and Al Athraby , Directors at Yoozoom added: “This move bring opportunities in serving our new, larger combined customer base with a wider range of services and support.”

Tomlinson has committed to investing in and expanding the Yoozoom team.

Cisco to lay off 7% of workforce with new AI focus

思科 CFO Scott Herren has told analysts that an AI-focused restructure may see the company lay off near 7 per cent of its workforce (around 6000 people).

This follows a round of lay-offs announced in February, where 5% of its workforce were cut to reduce its reliance on its networking equipment business.

The company intends to shift its focus to high-growth areas such as AI and cybersecurity and unify its networking, security and collaboration departments. The consolidated units will be led by Jeetu Patel.

The move to AI was made evident through its recent $28bn deal for Splunk and the launch of a $1bn fund for AI startups.

Zoiko Telecom joins BT Wholesale Partner Plus programme

London-based comms provider Zoiko Telecom has joined BT Wholesale ’s Partner Plus programme, giving it access to the EE network.

Lennox McLeod, Strategic Project Director, Zoiko Telecom, said: "Partnering with BT Wholesale and getting access to EE’s network will be a game-changer for our customers."

Gavin Jones , Channel Director at BT Wholesale, added: "Zoiko Telecom can also level up its portfolio by offering services that leverage the speed, strength and reliable connectivity provided by EE’s network.”

Aryaka chalks up record partner-led sales

In a business update Aryaka has reported significant growth in partner-led sales of its Unified SASE as a Service solution to businesses worldwide.

Partners increased sales of Aryaka solutions by 26% year over year, accounting for two-thirds of new logo wins including the largest new customer transaction in the firm's history.

"Aryaka's channel-first strategy is core to our success," said CEO Shailesh Shukla. "Our partners will be key to driving continued growth in fiscal '25 and years to come."

The Aryaka channel overdelivered on its plan by nearly 20%, and channel pipeline creation at the end of FY '24 was higher than ever.

The company says the uptick is primarily due to the March 2024 release of Aryaka's Unified SASE as a Service solution.

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