October Partner Newsletter from AireSpring

 

 
AireSpring October Newsletter

Welcome to AireSpring’s partner newsletter for the month of October. We are honored be the recipient of another award. We are also pleased to announce AireTXT, our new SMS text service. We will share some great enhancements to the dynamic scripting tool available with our AireContact® Cloud Contact Center solution. In our Partner Spotlight, we are excited to feature Ken Mercer, Senior Vice President of Enterprise and Vendor Management at TBI. And our own PJ Yegani, AireSpring NOC Director, is profiled in “Meet the AireSpring Team.”

 

AireSpring Continues Its Award Winning Streak

 

AireSpring is honored to receive the 2015 Internet Telephony Channel Program Excellence Award for Cloud Communications Channel Partnership.

 

The Internet Telephony Channel Program Excellence Award recognizes channel partners working to bring hardware, software, or communications services to enterprise, SMBs, or service provider customers. The award is presented to companies who go the extra mile when it comes to supporting the channel with tools, information, education, and compensation.

“On behalf of TMC and the editors of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine, we are honored to recognize AireSpring as a winner of the Internet Telephony Channel Program Excellence Award for its distinguished program,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “We look forward to seeing continued excellence from AireSpring in the future.”

AireSpring’s Cloud Communications Channel Program was recognized for its innovative approach to delivering highly reliable, comprehensive cloud communications. Most cloud solutions leave customers with no choice but to rely on the unpredictability of the public internet, resulting in compromised quality.  AireSpring solves this challenge by offering a complete solution with managed connectivity to its privately owned and operated, nationwide, advanced IP network, including router configuration and management. This managed connectivity helps ensure that customers receive guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) and 24/7/365 WAN network monitoring for their UC solutions. AireSpring’s world-class Network Operations Center (NOC) uses the AireNMSTM network monitoring service to rapidly notify both the internal AireSpring team and customers in the event of a potential issue, before it becomes a problem. Furthermore, because AireSpring controls and manages the entire solution, resolution timelines are much shorter.
“AireSpring is honored to add this prestigious award to the extensive accolades we have garnered over almost two decades in communications. Because we are a fully committed to the channel, it is especially meaningful to be recognized for the value we add to our partners,” said Avi Lonstein, AireSpring CEO.

 

For more information about AireSpring’s fully managed suite of cloud communication products, visit www.airespring.com.

 

 

Enable any Landline or Toll Free Number to Send and Receive SMSTexts with New AireTXT
Once largely the domain of teens interacting socially, texting or SMS (short message service) has rapidly evolved into a mainstream means of communication for almost every mobile phone user. In fact, Pew Research found that 97% of Americans use it at least once a day. The immediate response rate and high open rates to text messages make it an ideal tool for business communications.  Sophisticated businesses are harnessing its power for applications ranging from employee communications, scheduling and appointment notifications to customer service and support. SMS has also been used successfully for product announcements and to improve efficiency and to increase customer engagement and satisfaction. Research sponsored by SAP shows that over 75% of respondents feel that SMS serves to improve the overall brand experience when communicating with businesses and 64% of consumers believe that businesses should use SMS to interact with customers more often than they do currently.

 

AireSpring allows DIDs, AirePBX™ seats, and even mobile apps to receive texts and has expanded the capabilities of its AireContact and AireBroadcast™ platforms to support Text-PSTN (public switched telephone network) messaging when activated. This essentially enhances the functionality so that every number becomes text enabled including landlines, toll free numbers and even short codes- special telephone numbers, significantly shorter than full ten-digit telephone numbers used to address SMS messages. Texting is available with current bundles on enabled lines.

 

When you need to send messages in bulk, AireBroadcast can be used for broadcast messages such as reminders, emergency alerts, outage notifications and updates.

 

Help your customers embrace this cutting edge technology. For more information about AireTxt including detailed pricing, contact your Channel Manager or send an email tosales@airespring.com.

 

Enhanced Scripting Tool Available for AireContact Cloud Contact Center Solution

 

Ensuring a consistent message across all channels of communication is paramount to delivering an excellent customer experience in today’s contact center. AireContact’s enhanced dynamic scripting tool now incorporates real-time, branch logic that provides step-by-step guidance to contact center agents to ensure consistent, high-quality service during every customer interaction and full compliance with policies.

 

This sophisticated tool features:

  • Enhanced branch logic with pre-scripted responses
  • Real-time script creation and updates over the web
  • An intuitive graphical interface – no programming, HTML or scripting knowledge required

Along with this exciting enhancement to AireContact, we are also extending our popular Dollar$ for Demo$ program through the end of the year. (See related story.)

 

For more information about AireContact’s dynamic scripting tool and to earn a bonus incentive just for setting up a qualified AireContact demo, please contact your AireSpring Channel Manager.

 

AireSpring Unveils Monster MPLS Money – Earn an Additional 50% on Networks of 5 Nodes or More

 

AireSpring’s unique MPLS Mesh has been a hallmark service since its launch in 2011.  Unlike traditional MPLS Wide Area Networking (WAN) solutions, our fully meshed network allows you to select the most cost effective access from over twelve carriers for each of your customer’s locations and combine them seamlessly and securely. All services are protected with preconfigured geographically diverse alternate routes to mitigate core network disruptions. Now, through December 31, 2015 AireSpring is offering an additional 50% bonus on the port on MPLS networks of 5 nodes or more, subject to AireSpring terms and conditions.

 

For more information on AireSpring’s revolutionary MPLS Mesh, visit www.airespring.com. For information on any of our industry leading SPIFFs and commissions, including Dollar$ for Demo$, SPIFFs on Renewals, and this opportunity to earn Monster Money on MPLS nodes, contact your Channel Manager for  full terms and conditions or email sales@airespring.com.

 

Dollar$ for Demo$ Extended by Popular Demand

 

In response to the positive reception for this innovative program, AireSpring is extending its Dollar$ for Demo$ incentive through the end of the year. Simply schedule a qualifying demo* and you will receive an additional SPIFF of up to $250 on top of the great commissions already paid on qualified sales of AireContact and AirePBX!

 

 

 

*The offer is subject to terms and conditions and is available only through December 31, 2015.  To schedule a demo, contact your AireSpring Channel Manager or emailsales@airespring.com.

 

 
Partner Spotlight:

Welcome to the latest edition in our series of profiles where we shine the spotlight on AireSpring’s amazing partners. This time we’re speaking with Ken Mercer, Senior Vice President of Enterprise and Vendor Management at TBI.

 

Hello, Ken. Thank you for agreeing to speak with us today. To begin, please tell us a little about yourself and your background and the history of TBI. 

 

Geoff Shepstone founded TBI twenty-five years ago as switched and dedicated LD sales specialists who partnered with a few carriers such as Qwest (CenturyLink) and AireSpring.  After I joined TBI in 2003, we realized we could add a lot of value to our customers by expanding to CLEC services and selling integrated T1s. We changed the dynamics of TBI, transitioning to a more robust vendor platform that included professional, IT and application services. We streamlined our internal processes to allow us to efficiently process quotes, contracts and commissions. Now 13 years later, with 150 employees spanning eight states, it’s wonderful to see how our efforts have enabled us to offer a diversified portfolio of products and services.

 

Before joining TBI, I was very data and hardware centric. I had worked at large organizations including Fujitsu and major carriers as well as equipment manufacturers where I gained a strong background in voice services, cellular services and extensive experience in core networking and mainframes. Now, my focus is much more sales and relationship oriented. My highest priority is helping our partners close large, enterprise accounts, but I also manage the relationships with over 70 vendor partners. In addition, I oversee the marketing function and enjoy opportunities to share my knowledge speaking at industry events, blogging and contributing articles to various publications, and serving as an advisory council member on the boards of many top service providers. Because of my engagement in the industry, TBI is often first in line for new opportunities such as beta testing new products.

 

How long have you been partnering with AireSpring?

 

AireSpring was already a top provider for TBI well before I joined the team. AireSpring had amazing wholesale contracts offering dedicated and switched LD services, but the service and attention to customer issues was often much better, much faster and much more intimate than at large carriers where there were a lot more people and processes involved. That was one of the compelling reasons Geoff partnered with AireSpring early on. This still rings true today.

 

What do you like about working with AireSpring?

 

The list is long. I love the fact that AireSpring has so many different wholesale contracts. I like the fact that they offer so many different types of products, and I like the way that AireSpring packages those products. They are always coming up with something that makes it easier and better for the customer like hosted phones packaged with voice, or delivering voice different ways with unified communications, features and benefits. The pricing is great. I especially like working with AireSpring because 99% of the time, they tell me, “Yes.” When we quote a customer we have to know that a given carrier is available in the area, if the carrier has the product the customer needs, and if the price is competitive.  The majority of the time with AireSpring, the answer is yes. In fact, the pricing is always really, really competitive and AireSpring offers very aggressive commissions.

 

What would you say is the secret to success in this industry and being a successful agent?  

 

Always do what’s right for the customer first. This gives you an edge over direct carrier reps. A direct carrier rep only has one product to sell so they try to shove a square peg into a round hole and that is not necessarily what’s right for the customer.Agents have a lot of different choices and can bring a lot of different solutions, or a combination of solutions to the customer. If it doesn’t always financially benefit you the first time around, I bet it will the next time. Second, always be honest and transparent. Set expectations in the beginning with your customer. Get to know the whole customer. Learn what their objectives and goals are and what problems they are trying to solve in their organization. Find out what is motivating them and what their pain points are. Ask, “How can I help you be more efficient? How can I help you generate more revenue? How can I help you be more successful?”

 

What is the “next big thing” you think agents should be aware of in 2015? 

 

Selling complete solutions – professional services, managed IT, big data, the network, the applications that run on the network and everything in between – will become the focus. So I think the next big thing is for agents to take on a more consultative role, embracing VARS and network services, then bundling telecom service with hosted apps, virtualized servers, network applications, and virtualized phone systems. UCaaS and the network will be much more flexible now with Software Defined Networks (SDN).

 

We all need to learn how to become technologists and consult on a very wide array of products to our customers to help them improve database management, understand the true importance of complete Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), and security which will become a major concern for all businesses. We are going to have to know voice. We are going to have to know the edge of the network, the core of the network, computers and applications. It raises you up to a whole new level of conversation with the customer. You might find that you need to talk to the CIO, not just the Director of IT.

 

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of telecom?

 

I have a lot of hobbies but I spend most of my time with my two boxers. Boxer dogs are definitely one of my passions and loves. I also recently finished restoring a 1970 Cougar Convertible back to mint condition and I love cruising around in it. I am a big salt water aquarium fan. I have a 220 gallon saltwater tank in my office at TBI and a 110 gallon salt water tank at home. I’ve always loved swimming and I’ve always loved fishing so I love scuba diving. Like Geoff I am a big outdoorsman. TBI has an annual ski trip which we invite our top agents to every year. Geoff has a farm in Iowa and I like going there to help out. I know it doesn’t sound like it but farming can be really relaxing in its own way. Geoff is also an avid hunter and introduced me to the sport. Between TBI and my hobbies I keep really busy.

 

Thank you, Ken, for sharing your insights with us!

 

Meet the AireSpring Team

 

At AireSpring, we know that it’s our dedication to customer service that sets us apart and customer service begins with great employees. Here’s your chance to get to know the AireSpring team that oversees your orders and delivers great service every day. This time, we are speaking with PJ Yegani, NOC (Network Operations Center) Director.

 

Hello, PJ. To begin, please tell us about your professional background and role at AireSpring.

 

I graduated college with an electrical engineering degree and joined Infonet as a Network Analyst. I was quickly promoted and became the single point of contact for major customers – typically Fortune 500 companies. I loved serving the customers, but moved into managing the core network. When Infonet was acquired by BT (British Telecom), I transitioned my team and took on responsibility for BT customers and their network. One of the highlights was showing off BT’s technical expertise to Prince Andrew and other dignitaries who were at grand opening ceremonies for a major customer and then toured the local BT plant.  In addition to all the technical aspects of both networks, we had massive security concerns that needed to be managed which made it particularly challenging and interesting. Despite the tremendous responsibility I had, this was one of the coolest moments of my life. The Sr. VP of BT Network Operations was impressed with our operations and especially our proactive customer notification process and maintenance program. I assumed responsibility for network operations for the UK, including voice communications for the Summer Olympics in London. That was awesome.

 

About two and half years ago, I moved to AireSpring, where, as the NOC Director, my team and I are responsible for ensuring the network is operational, 24x7x365. I envisioned tremendous opportunity to use my previous expertise and knowledge to enhance AireSpring’s operations and take them to the next level. I introduced tools for change management and platform management and monitoring, including AireNMS.

 

Before AireNMS, we upgraded our network monitoring system with our CoreNMS for our core network. Within a year we began upgrading all CPE (Customer Provided Equipment) into AireNMS.

 

We took an aggressive stance in implementing AireNMS because we wanted to be very proactive about network outages and we wanted to know the nature of an outage – if the customer was down hard or not. Since we have launched AireNMS, we are able to see the outage and to get in contact with the providers to take corrective action. While this is happening, we can reach out to our customers with updates so that they don’t have to call us.

 

What do you enjoy most about working with AireSpring?

 

The people – I absolutely love working with my team and individuals who care about AireSpring and our customers. I love working with the technology – we are in the right spot at the right time.  I see a lot of potential at AireSpring for growth in the market.

 

I am looking forward to an upcoming training session I am conducting for new members of the AireSpring team on our network and how it operates. It empowers all staff. Knowledge is power. Working in a culture that gives all members of the team training about our network is what makes AireSpring special and opens up new opportunities for improvement. I can take more responsibility knowing others are comfortable with what we have currently implemented.

 

Our infrastructure is really amazing because we partner with top tier technology companies and carriers to create this expansive network, but we haven’t lost our focus on the customer.

 

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

 

My job at AireSpring keeps me really busy, but when I do have spare time, my passion is photography. I love to travel and take pictures of nature – the ocean, the mountains, flowers. The best pictures I have taken are of flowers. I find them locally, hiking and even gardening. Light and the art of the flower combine to make incredible photos. I am fascinated by nature and creation. It’s right there. I am walking down the street and I see the moment. I see something ordinary but I see it in ways other people might not, and I am compelled to capture the image.

 

Thanks, PJ, for your time today and all the contributions you make to AireSpring.

 

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ABOUT AIRESPRING

 

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

 

Cloud Contact Center

Cloud Phone System

MPLS

SIP Trunking

Dedicated Internet Access

 

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.

 

 

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