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Top 10 2019 feature stories for channel partner companies
Channel partner readers in 2019 took interest in a wide variety of topics, including emerging tech and business management challenges. Here are our 10 most-read feature stories.
Our 10 most-read feature stories of 2019 reflect a mix of interests among readers. Below, you will find articles that explore the project work done by professional services firms, as well as in-depth looks at emerging technology trends such as AI and quantum computing.
Our top 10 feature stories also include coverage of prevalent business issues for channel partner companies: business model transformation, market consolidation and cybersecurity, to name a few. Read through the articles on this list and stay tuned for more coverage of trends and tips in 2020.
1. Accenture sets multi-cloud example for customers.
Accenture's multi-cloud strategy came into clearer view when the professional services firm began to explore Google Cloud Platform this year. Accenture had previously adopted AWS and Microsoft Azure. Then-Accenture CIO (now senior managing director) Andrew Wilson discussed the thinking behind the company's multi-cloud use.
2. MSP M&A trend continues into 2019.
The pace of mergers and acquisitions in the managed services market showed no sign of slowing down at the start of 2019. MSP market watchers noted new buyouts were driven by several of the same factors that marked 2018 deals, such as demand for cloud skills and push for national service provider platforms.
Andrew Wilson, Accenture
3. VMware Cloud on AWS sparks new partner services.
VMware Cloud on AWS, unveiled in 2017, triggered new opportunities for channel partner companies. In this feature, partner firms such as Faction, 2nd Watch and Rackspace explained the appeal of VMware Cloud on AWS and how their businesses were crafting managed services around the offering.
4. Targeted cyberattacks put MSPs to the test.
John Drake, Faction
This year was a turning point for MSPs, but not always in a good way. The threat of MSP-targeted cyberattacks became widespread knowledge as several incidents highlighted easily exploited vulnerabilities. Experts offered a range of tips for safeguarding MSPs' internal operations.
5. Accenture Labs investigates quantum computing applications.
Accenture Labs, aiming to pioneer real-world applications for quantum computing, secured a new patent on a quantum computing machine learning module in July. Carl Dukatz, principal director of Accenture's quantum computing practice, talked about the opportunities inherent in this emerging technology.
6. Carlsberg makes a rapid transition to Microsoft Azure.
Juliet Silver, Perficient
When Carlsberg Breweries A/S sought to modernize its legacy IT infrastructure, the beer brewing company turned to Accenture for support. Carlsberg ended up migrating core SAP systems and more than 150 TB of data to Microsoft Azure -- and at a breakneck pace. Read about the benefits and challenges of the migration project.
7. AI gains more traction in the healthcare industry.
After decades of hype, a new wave of AI technology in healthcare is promising big things for healthcare providers and channel partner companies alike. Executives from consulting firm Perficient talked about how the company is implementing AI technology in the healthcare market.
8. DXC helps BMW step up autonomous vehicle development.
Dirk Schürmann, DXC
In this case study, we explored how DXC Technology Co. helped to enable BMW Group's autonomous vehicle development processes. Learn how the German manufacturer tapped DXC's infrastructure to collect, store and manage data from vehicle sensors.
9. Five tips help transform the reseller business model.
Channel partner companies are often faced with transforming their business models at some point to survive. MNJ Technologies, which started out in 2002 as a value-added reseller, is a good example of how companies can take steps to institute cultural changes and reinvigorate sales.
10. IT apprenticeship programs bridge the skills gap.
As the IT skills gap continues to pose staffing challenges, U.S. channel firms are exploring how IT apprentice programs could help develop fresh talent. The apprenticeship model is already popular in the U.K. Channel executives across the U.S. talk about the apprenticeship initiatives they have launched.
