Why Forward Deployed Engineers Matter to the Channel | Channel Insider

Why Forward Deployed Engineers Matter to the Channel

Forward deployed engineers are reshaping enterprise AI delivery and creating new consulting and managed services opportunities for channel partners.

Jul 13, 2026
1 minute read
Channel Insider content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

Forward deployed engineers are becoming one of the most important roles in enterprise AI. AWS, OpenAI, Anthropic, Palantir, Databricks, Snowflake, and other technology companies are using these hybrid engineering and consulting professionals to turn AI platforms into practical customer outcomes.

In this Channel Insider explainer, Victoria Durgin examines what forward deployed engineers do, why AI adoption is driving demand for the role, and how MSPs and other channel partners can build similar capabilities. As enterprise AI becomes more customized, customers will need partners that can connect models with proprietary data, integrate AI into existing infrastructure, build agents and automations, address governance requirements, and continuously improve deployed systems.

Timestamps

00:00 What is a forward deployed engineer?
00:29 How Palantir pioneered the model
00:56 Why enterprise AI changed software deployment
01:19 Where AI business value comes from
01:43 The skills forward deployed engineers need
02:07 Why the role resembles channel partner work
02:26 The growing shortage of AI deployment expertise
02:51 How channel partners are becoming AI advisors
03:12 Building forward deployed engineering capabilities
03:44 Three questions solution providers should ask
04:20 What the trend means for enterprise AI
04:48 Why successful AI deployment will create an advantage
05:17 Share your perspective with Channel Insider

Victoria Durgin

Victoria Durgin is a technology communications professional and editorial leader specializing in channel technology, cloud marketplaces, managed service providers (MSPs), technology distribution, and partner ecosystems. As Managing Editor of Channel Insider, she oversees editorial strategy and content development focused on helping technology vendors, solution providers, and channel partners navigate an evolving IT landscape. With nearly a decade of experience spanning technology journalism, corporate communications, content strategy, and digital publishing, Victoria has developed deep expertise in the business side of technology. Her work includes creating executive thought leadership content, industry analysis, case studies, and channel-focused reporting that helps organizations better understand market trends, partner relationships, and technology buying decisions. Before leading Channel Insider, Victoria built experience across local journalism, business reporting, social media communications, and corporate marketing. She has worked closely with technology vendors, cloud providers, and managed service organizations to develop content that highlights industry innovation, business growth strategies, and successful channel partnerships. Her portfolio includes case studies featuring mid-sized MSPs across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Victoria's work has appeared in Channel Insider, The Valley Ledger, and Medium. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Environmental Studies from Susquehanna University. Through her reporting and editorial leadership, she helps technology professionals stay informed about the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global IT channel.

Channel Insider Logo

Channel Insider combines news and technology recommendations to keep channel partners, value-added resellers, IT solution providers, MSPs, and SaaS providers informed on the changing IT landscape. These resources provide product comparisons, in-depth analysis of vendors, and interviews with subject matter experts to provide vendors with critical information for their operations.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.