Verizon channel chief highlights AI intergration for partner growth

Verizon’s new channel chief, John Constantino, has identified artificial intelligence, market convergence, and solution-selling as primary drivers for partner growth. Constantino believes partners can enhance their profitability by offering comprehensive solutions across Verizon's portfolio, while also tapping into emerging opportunities within AI, the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector, and a recovering wireline market, as first reported by CRN.

Constantino emphasizes that partners can achieve greater success by shifting from selling individual products to offering complete technology solutions that span mobility, fiber, fixed wireless access (FWA), security, and SaaS. He noted that Verizon has made progress in reducing channel conflict and aligning partner success with company priorities. Emerging opportunities in AI, SMB customer acquisition, and a resurgence in wireline demand, fueled by enterprise modernization and AI adoption, are also key areas for growth.

Constantino highlighted that while many partners are willing to sell a broader range of services, Verizon needs to improve its ease of doing business and ensure partner profitability. He also pointed to the significant untapped market of 6 million small businesses not currently using Verizon services, and the rebound in the wireline sector driven by AI adoption, as critical areas for partner engagement. Verizon is also working to enable its partners with AI capabilities that the company has already invested in for its direct teams.

Source: CRN