Mitel channel partners are having more conversations with clients and prospects about artificial intelligence (AI). And those conversations often include questions on how to implement AI and what the evolving technology will do for their organization.

The business press teems with stories and case studies about how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms organizations, revolutionizes customer service, and improves operational efficiency. Clients who aren’t using AI see those stories and want the same for themselves.

One related but critical topic receives much less attention: how to seamlessly integrate AI capabilities across the enterprise. That integration creates an opportunity for channel partners to maximize their value for clients, especially when clients or prospects contact them early in the process.

Many organizations start by choosing an AI model or vendor without deliberate planning for operational integration. The better strategy is to select an AI partner with experience in seamless AI integration, particularly with critical unified communications (UC) platforms.

Here are the steps channel partners should follow to educate clients and help them get the most from AI.

Step 1: Help Clients Decide Where to Use AI

Channel partners, especially those with a deep understanding of their clients’ operations, can be invaluable in helping organizations choose between two general options for AI deployment.

Some organizations use AI to streamline and improve back-office functions, such as procurement, scheduling, and data entry. AI delivers real gains in those areas, especially when used in repetitive, routine tasks. This application gives skilled workers more time for other tasks that aren’t as well-suited to AI.

Others deploy AI in front-end, customer-facing areas, such as virtual receptionists/auto attendants and help desk agents. AI can transform customer touchpoints and improve customer satisfaction, particularly when responding to routine queries. If a patient realizes at 10:00 p.m. that they might have an appointment the following morning or a banking customer is anxious about a check clearing, AI can answer that query 24/7.

In both cases, channel partners should inform organizations of potential data privacy and security issues, especially in industries with compliance requirements. The right channel partner can help ensure that an organization’s usage of AI isn’t a “black box,” but a system that secures data, with robust QA processes. Additionally, organizations should incorporate bias audits and compliance tools that explain what the black box is actually doing and where the data comes from.

No matter how they plan to use AI, most organizations first conduct a deep dive into the many AI options. The channel partner can provide invaluable information on how each solution could work with the organization’s existing operations.

To maximize the enterprise benefits of AI, the channel partner should recommend that the client or prospect treat AI as an enabling technology rather than a new category of software. And that calls for a different approach, especially for organizations that already use Mitel technology.

Step 2: Guide Clients in Selecting the Right AI Provider

When talking to prospects, this step is key.

To get the most from AI, organizations should consult an expert to make it an integral part of operations, rather than an add-on with limited functionality. Organizations benefit most when using AI as a connective force, enhancing everything from revenue acquisition and operational efficiency to communications and collaboration.

Working with the right expert can both expand the ways AI can help an organization and make the installation and deployment process much easier. Cloud9 Infrastructure can assist channel partners with expert-level AI integration at every stage, from sales and design to implementation and ongoing support.

There’s one more consideration before implementing AI: infrastructure.

Step 3: Make Sure the Client’s Foundation Supports the System

Just as a building depends on its foundation, AI is ultimately only as good as its infrastructure. Channel partners often have an excellent perspective of an organization’s infrastructure and how it can incorporate AI. Again, Cloud9 Infrastructure can augment channel partners’ in-house expertise to improve this process.

In a UC environment, AI integration across calling, messaging, and contact centers without compromising compliance is critical. Beyond bandwidth, a well-designed AI system seamlessly integrates with an organization’s internal and customer-facing operations.

Initially, organizations used AI in pilot projects or to provide specific, narrow functions. The resulting compliance frameworks didn’t scale, and customer experiences varied depending on what customers were trying to accomplish.

AI that works enterprise-wide is completely different. Cloud9 Infrastructure can help channel partners weave AI into a client’s UC platform to enhance operational efficiencies, work/data flow, and internal/external communications. Such integration transforms AI from a separate software category into an enabling technology. In essence, enterprise-wide AI becomes a strategy for organizational evolution.

How Cloud9 Infrastructure Enhances AI Implementation

Cloud9 Infrastructure has experience in both AI implementation and Mitel UC solutions. As a Mitel Platinum Partner, Cloud9 Infrastructure can help channel partners integrate both Mitel and non-Mitel AI solutions with Mitel systems to help organizations transform their operations.

If an organization is exploring AI offerings, Cloud9 Infrastructure has experience with multiple AI providers and can provide channel partners with valuable insights into which solution will best meet the client’s unique needs.

Most importantly, the channel partner remains the client’s or prospect’s point of contact and owns the relationship. Cloud9 Infrastructure follows Mitel’s rules of engagement and operates in the background, never competing with channel partners for clients.

Cloud9 Infrastructure enhances the channel partner experience by providing 100% U.S.-based, white-glove support 24/7/365. To learn more and discuss your needs, contact us at

800.947.0007 or mitel@Cloud9Infrastructure.com.