Comcast Business Services (Nasdaq: CMCSA) made a big shot in the competitive Ethernet space with the debut of its Metro Ethernet service targeting medium-sized businesses directly in May, but now it`s extending that service further through its growing base of channel partners.
Staying on target with medium to large businesses, cable MSO has added Metro Ethernet services and new partners to the Comcast Business Class Solutions Provider Program.
Channel partners will be able to sell Comcast Business Service`s entire Ethernet service suite, one that includes four main elements--Ethernet DIA (Dedicated Internet Access), Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), and Ethernet Network Service--to their mid-sized business customers.
During this week`s Channel Partners conference in Chicago, Comcast added nine new solutions provider to its program, including: Crystal Technologies, Total Communications, Interactive Telecom Solutions, Telegration, Simplify, GCG, Lightstream, Bridgepointe, and CTG3.
This move should not be all that surprising given the ongoing moves by the MSO to target larger business opportunities. In addition to a direct sales force of 1,700 sales associates, Comcast Business has an agent channel that was augmented by its purchase of Cimco in 2010.
Bill Stemper, Comcast Business Service`s president said in a previous interview with FierceTelecom that in addition to expanding the sales team to target mid-sized business opportunities, it "has a channel where we are using that have long and trusted relationships with about a third of mid market businesses."
