Qwest Channel Exec Resigns

Qwest Communication International

Giving his last address to partners here at Qwest's partner show, Schlagbaum was bullish on the company's position in the market and its dedication to the channel.

Schlagbaum's team is responsible for recruiting and retaining partners. Schlagbaum declined to comment on his departure or future plans.

Schlagbaum outlined Qwest's charter to moving from a transactional oriented relationship to a value-add solution provider relationship.

Schlagbaum's history with the channel spans back to his days as a box pusher for now-defunct corporate reseller Businessland.

"That business reflects what's going on in this industry. The margins eroded and what happened was those products became commoditized," Schlagbaum said. "The change evolution occurred when the VARs started adding solutions and value to those products. And indeed we see the same things going on in this industry as well," he said.

Schlagbaum played a key role in shaping Qwest's Business Partner Program and was responsible for developing the certification program partners must pass to qualify as a Qwest partner.

,>