Agent Association Adds 30+ to Rolls

The newly formed Technology Channel Association has recruited more than 30 agents and seven suppliers, including some marquee names, following its inaugural membership drive at The Fall 2008 Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Boston.

Qwest Communications International Inc., Global Crossing Ltd. and AireSpring Inc. are the association’s newest vendor members, according to TCA president Dany Bouchedid.

Previously announced vendor members include BullsEye Telecom, NetWolves Corp., US Signal and PHONE+ magazine.

Bouchedid said TCA now has more than 30 agent company members, including the six companies represented by the founding board of trustees. Those include Bouchedid’s company ColoTraq, Telecom Brokerage Inc., MicroCorp, CDW, World Telecom Group and Rad-Info Inc.

TCA was launched in August to represent — as the name implies — indirect channel organizations selling technology solutions.

The founding members — mostly independent telephony agents and master agents — have been meeting nearly weekly since March to define objectives and put structure around the concept, which members began shopping to prospective charter agent and vendor members in late June.

TCA held informational sessions Aug. 19 during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo wherein board members explained the group’s goals and dues structure.

Bouchedid said TCA’s initial goal is to unify the industry by developing best practices, training and accreditation programs for indirect sales partners. Once these programs are well established, TCA can promote its members and/or certified TCA partners to potential customers.

Dues — ranging from $250 to $500 annually — were waived for agent company members through Aug. 20. Vendors signing up before this deadline received a 30 percent discount on regular dues, which range from $2,800 to $9,600. Charter membership status also was offered only until the end of the event.