Our forward feature programme gives the Comms Business community an insight into upcoming topics. Synopses for all features are available below, with input questions (as seen for January and February) available online one month prior to the deadline.
The input questions given for each feature are just a starting point, with the final direction of every feature guided by the input we receive. As such, it’s always worth sharing any additional thoughts that are relevant to the topic but might not fit into any of the specific questions asked.
Submissions must be attributed to a spokesperson and should be made by the deadline shown. All features will include thoughts from different stakeholders and are written by the Comms Business editorial team. As such, please do not send opinion pieces in response to a forward feature topic as they are unlikely to be used.
Submissions should be sent to charlotte.hathway@markallengroup.com.
The as-a-service era
This feature will explore the rise of as-a-service models, with insights into the technologies currently on offer and the trends driving as-a-service offerings across the Channel.
We will ask:
Hardware and distribution
This feature will look at hardware and distribution, with insight into the hardware that is in demand, and the partnerships between distributors, resellers and MSPs. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and resellers/MSPs about what they are seeing in the market, and how to develop compelling hardware-based offerings.
We will ask:
Vertical: transport and logistics
This feature will examine the opportunities, challenges and market movements that are impacting partners selling into transport and logistics customers. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and partners that sell technologies and products to businesses in this sector.
We will ask:
Channel Live Preview
This feature will spotlight the speakers and exhibitors of Channel Live 2024. Let us know your plans for the show and what attendees should expect from your company.
The circular economy
This feature will examine the impact the concept of a circular economy is having on channel stakeholders ahead of World Recycling Day on 18th March. We are looking for insight from resellers, MSPs, distributors and vendors on how the circular economy can help reduce e-waste, ultimately delivering better sustainability outcomes for channel companies and their customers.
Uninterruptible power
Uninterruptible power solutions are in demand due to both the upcoming PSTN switch-off and new threats to the UK’s energy supply. This feature will examine the uninterruptible power solutions on offer across the Channel, with insight into how resellers and MSPs can build offerings.
UC and CC
This feature will examine how the boundaries are blurring between unified communications and contact centre solutions, with innovations in each discipline feeding into the other. We are looking for insight into the direction the market is heading, as well as new features and capabilities and what this means for reseller and MSP offerings.
Channel consultancy services
This feature will explore the consultancy services CPs, resellers, MSPs and distributors rely on. We will discuss different types of consultancy services – from engineering support and legal services to corporate finance and marketing – with insight into when to bring in the experts.
Vertical: financial services and banking
This feature will explore the opportunities and challenges that are impacting partners selling into the financial sector. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and partners that sell technologies and products to financial services and banking customers.
AI and its impact on the Channel
This feature will explore AI and how it is disrupting the Channel. We’re looking for input from vendors and channel partners on how AI is being used by channel companies and their customers.
Billing and monetisation solutions
This feature will examine the billing and monetisation solutions available to channel companies, with discussion of the capabilities MSPs and resellers should be looking for when deciding on a supplier.
Tackling the skills challenge
This feature will discuss the ongoing skills challenge channel companies are facing. We will explore hiring, training and retaining employees, as well as covering how to develop the next generation of channel leaders.
Building an ESG strategy
This feature will discuss how channel companies can develop an environmental, social and corporate governance strategy. We are looking for views from vendors, distributors, resellers and MSPs into areas including diversity, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
Mobile opportunities
This feature will explore the mobile solutions on offer across the Channel, with insight into key vendors, new capabilities, and evolving opportunities.
Vertical: local government
This feature will explore the opportunities and challenges that are impacting partners selling into local government customers. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and partners that sell technologies and products to these organisations.
Adding value with Microsoft
Microsoft products offer huge opportunities for channel companies to add products to their portfolio with new integrations and wraparound services. This feature will provide resellers and MSPs with advice on how they can add value with Microsoft, as well as areas where partners can most benefit from the Microsoft portfolio.
This feature will discuss how the channel makes technology accessible to businesses across the UK, with discussion around how resellers and MSPs can position themselves as local and trusted advisors for businesses in their region.
Data services
Are data services a surefire portfolio addition? This feature will explore the data services on offer across the Channel. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and resellers/MSPs about what data and analytics services are in demand, and how to develop compelling services.
IT and telecoms convergence
This feature will examine the convergence that is taking place across the IT and telecoms markets. We’re looking for insight from channel companies around the movements they are seeing in the market, with discussion on what this means for partners and service providers.
The modern workplace
What technologies are needed in the modern workplace? We are looking for insight into the software and hardware businesses are prioritising as they look to build working environments that set every employee up for success.
IoT
This feature will examine the IoT solutions that are being developed, deployed and managed by channel companies. We will look at how IoT technologies are evolving, how to develop offerings, and the key vendors to consider partnering with.
Wholesale voice in the all-IP era
The voice market is being transformed by the availability of next generation technologies, with the upcoming withdrawal of PSTN services also disrupting the market. We will explore wholesale voice services in the age of all-IP.
Building resilience with services
The channel faces economic challenges and revenue pressures, and services are emerging as one way to weather the storm. Partners are delivering growth in services revenue, particularly in professional services and managed services, and this feature will explore how to build robust services offerings.
Vertical: education
This feature will look at the opportunities, challenges and market movements that are impacting partners selling into the education sector. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and partners that sell technologies and products to schools, colleges, universities and other educational establishments.
Cloud services
This feature will discuss how resellers and MSPs can build cloud offerings that will resonate with their customer base. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and resellers/MSPs into the services that are in demand and how to build compelling offerings.
White label success
This feature will examine the white label solutions on offer across the Channel. We are looking for input from resellers and MSPs around what good white labelling looks like to them, and the partners they rely on to build offerings for their customers.
Mental health in the Channel
Channel professionals can face considerable pressure due to the competitive marketplace and this feature will examine how organisations can support good mental health in the workplace ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10th October. We will discuss the signs everyone should look out for in themselves, their coworkers, and their network, as well as the experiences of those working across the Channel.
Wholesalers: what should resellers and MSPs look for?
This feature will explore the wholesale partners operating in the UK channel, with insight into what resellers and MSPs should look out for when selecting a wholesale partner.
Call and contact centres
This feature will explore how the call and contact centre market is evolving. We are looking for insight into the solutions being sold across the Channel and the opportunities available to resellers and MSPs.
Vertical: retail
This feature will look at the opportunities and changes in the market for partners selling into retailers. We are looking for insight from vendors, distributors and resellers/MSPs that sell technologies and services to businesses in this sector.
Preview of 2025
This feature will explore predictions from channel experts on what to expect in the coming year. We would like to hear from resellers, MSPs, distributors and vendors about what they expect to see in 2025 and beyond. Let us know your predictions!
Cybersecurity
This feature will examine opportunities the cybersecurity solutions being offered by MSPs and resellers around the UK. These might include email, web, data, or network solutions. We’re looking for comments from vendors, MSPs, resellers and distributors.
PSTN countdown
This feature will examine the withdrawal of PSTN services one year away from the proposed shutdown. We will discuss the progress made in moving users away from PSTN lines, the options available to businesses who need to upgrade, and what needs to happen in the year ahead.
Channel Profiles – deadline Thursday 1st February 2024
Channel Profiles is a resource for resellers and MSPs to review and assess suppliers, solutions and services. This supplement will outline technologies and professional services from across the channel ecosystem and share more about how to work with companies that could be the perfect partner for resellers, MSPs and disties.
Business Comms Guide – deadline Thursday 2nd May 2024
The business communications market is in flux, with lines blurring between unified communications, call and contact centres, VoIP, and collaboration solutions. This specialist supplement will explore convergence and divergence in the market, as well as the integrations that are coming to the fore. We will also discuss how these solutions are driving benefits across productivity, flexible working, and customer experience. Detailed topic outlines will be available closer to the publication date.
Connecting Gigabit Britain – deadline Wednesday 31st July 2024
Gigabit Britain is taking shape, with full fibre and 5G networks being built at pace across the nations. This supplement will discuss the progress made in widening the footprint of these next generation networks and the opportunities the Channel has as it connects businesses and organisations to Gigabit Britain. We will also reflect on government strategy (including Project Gigabit). Detailed topic outlines will be available closer to the publication date.