Features

Features

• M&A integration plan calls for careful systems balance

  Systems and business process rationalization can be a chore when pursuing a post-merger integration plan. IT services firms carefully choose the components to deploy companywide.  Continue Reading

• ClearScale telemedicine app uses range of Amazon services

  Creative Practice Solutions, a medical consulting company, called on ClearScale to develop a telemedicine offering that lets physicians conduct and record remote patient visits.  Continue Reading

• VMware Cloud on AWS partners see ongoing opportunity

  Rackspace Technology, Faction and Converge Technology Solutions help clients tap into VMware Cloud on AWS for a range of uses.  Continue Reading

• Veristor taps Cloudian for cloud adjacent architecture

  MSP uses vendor's S3-compatible technology to offer storage as a service, backup/disaster recovery and ransomware protection, while avoiding the inefficiency of overprovisioning.  Continue Reading

• IT services industry tweaks business models amid pandemic

  MSPs and IT consultants have developed new services, emphasized cloud offerings and boosted cybersecurity capabilities to address COVID-19 and its effects on customers.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare security services firms tackle ransomware spike

  As healthcare organizations face an onslaught of ransomware attacks, channel partners can assist with security initiatives such as zero-trust architectures to prevent breaches.  Continue Reading

• AI in managed service software to boost automation

  From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future.  Continue Reading

• MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence

  MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds.  Continue Reading

• MSPs tap Red Hat Ansible for managed services automation

  IT services providers have deployed the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to minimize repetitive work and boost productivity -- even in uncertain times.  Continue Reading

• Channel relationships shift as cloud storage expands

  As MSPs look to harness the advantages of cloud storage, they must also articulate the value they provide and enter into a regimen of nonstop training and certification.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage reseller or consumer? Partners face market shift

  A market rife with storage options provides a varied and sometimes ambiguous environment for IT services firms, which take varying paths in a changing infrastructure sector.  Continue Reading

• Partners guide clients on mainframe modernization strategy

  The chore of revitalizing the mainframe involves a range of approaches and may call for modern languages, microservices and cloud migration, consultants and service providers said.  Continue Reading

• Azure Virtual Desktop partners find SMB deals

  The economics of Microsoft's AVD has made virtual desktops more feasible for some smaller business, but partners said the technology scales to support enterprise clients.  Continue Reading

• 4 considerations for rebranding a company in the MSP sector

  Planning to rebrand? Here are some factors to consider, whether you're seeking a new look for a maturing business or a unified image that spans multiple acquisitions.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN industry growth opens partner opportunities in 2021

  Channel partners can take advantage of SD-WAN industry expansion by addressing customers' interoperability and security concerns, according to Spirent Communications executives.  Continue Reading

• 2021 in-person, virtual channel partner events calendar

  The 2021 channel partner event schedule features a mix of virtual and in-person conferences. Our listings include events for MSPs, consultants, VARs, SIs and other partner types.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT services market to grow more competitive in 2021

  Kaseya Corp. predicts multiple opportunities for MSPs to expand their businesses next year, but it also points to a backdrop of uncertainty and intensifying competition.  Continue Reading

• Top tips for building a Microsoft Azure MSP practice

  As MSPs expand into cloud offerings, many are deciding to focus on Microsoft Azure. Lunavi, Synoptek and 1Path explain why and how they grew their Microsoft Azure MSP practices.  Continue Reading

• MSP retools bank IT systems with HPE Nimble Storage dHCI

  Faced with a strained IT infrastructure, Central Pacific Bank upgraded to Nimble Storage dHCI. Learn how solution provider Pacxa played a critical role in the project.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 channel partner business articles of 2020

  Channel partner business trends of 2020 included the expansion of cloud computing, the acceleration of emerging technologies and the widespread adoption of remote work products.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 channel partner news stories from 2020

  Our top 10 channel partner news stories of 2020 explore growing markets such as cloud services and automation, as well as moves by Microsoft, Accenture and Dell Technologies.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate tools to help improve cybersecurity for MSPs

  Learn what types of cybersecurity tools -- including those for email security, endpoint protection and DNS filtering -- MSPs can use to ensure safety of their clients' systems.  Continue Reading

• Vertical marketing strategies shouldn't dismiss QSR, retail

  The pandemic has pummeled restaurants and retailers, but service providers could still find opportunities in areas ranging from contactless technology to virtual reality.  Continue Reading

• WatchGuard highlights critical MSP security services for 2021

  MSPs in 2021 will face higher volumes of spear phishing attacks, hazardous gaps in remote work setups and a crucial need for widespread MFA adoption, WatchGuard Technologies says.  Continue Reading

• How leading SAP S/4HANA implementation partners compare

  Advisor firm UpperEdge attempts to pin down the differences between how SAP S/4HANA implementation partners Accenture, Deloitte and IBM approach client projects.  Continue Reading

• Cisco partners back software push, EA acceleration

  Software development, simplicity and platforms are among the current channel watchwords at Cisco. Partners share their views on the vendor's latest initiatives.  Continue Reading

• HPE GreenLake partners to help Kern County take control of IT

  Kern County, Calif., faced a daunting challenge of reigning in costs and a sprawling technology ecosystem. HPE GreenLake and MSP Nth Generation were brought in to help.  Continue Reading

• MSP onboarding checklist: Top tips for developing a process

  Establishing and standardizing an onboarding process can help ensure your client relationships begin strong. Experts share tips on how to develop an MSP onboarding checklist.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud services grow increasingly important for MSPs

  As organizations expand their multi-cloud environments, they'll look to partners for support and expertise. It's time for the channel to board the multi-cloud train, experts say.  Continue Reading

• 6 tips for channel partner sales, marketing in turbulent times

  The pandemic introduced a new set of challenges for channel partner sales and marketing. Here are six tips for how to better navigate today's complex business environment.  Continue Reading

• 5 tips for building a successful MSP marketing strategy

  MSPs need to develop a marketing strategy if they hope to grow beyond the startup stage. Industry executives share their views on everything to include in a marketing approach.  Continue Reading

• Key concepts of the MSP sales process

  To grow a managed service provider business, companies must develop a consistent MSP sales process. Use these tips to build a strong sales arm for your business.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 MSP challenges in the 2021 business climate

  MSPs and IT consultancies anticipate several challenges in 2021, including developing growth strategies, broadening areas of expertise and cultivating talent.  Continue Reading

• Predicting 7 MSP trends in technology for 2021

  MSPs, cloud consultancies and other channel partners can expect to find business in familiar technology sectors as well as in emerging fields in the coming year.  Continue Reading

• Colocation, managed services meet legacy needs, point to cloud

  Colocation lacks the high profile of cloud computing, but it continues to meet customer needs. Some MSPs and cloud specialists incorporate colocation in their offerings.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners help solve retail industry challenges

  Retailers are exploring a range of IT strategies to overcome pressures caused by the pandemic and fierce online competition. Find out how channel partners can help.  Continue Reading

• Accenture enables Enel's strategic digital transformation goals

  Enel Group's strategic digital transformation initiative provided the European energy behemoth with the flexibility it needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Google Cloud growth fuels partner opportunities

  Amid solid Google Cloud growth, MSP partners such as SADA Systems, Onix and Pythian say their alliance with the public cloud provider gives them a competitive edge.  Continue Reading

• IBM Cloud partner ecosystem expands in software push

  The consultants and IT services providers joining IBM's expanding public cloud ecosystem cite legacy systems migration and application modernization as growth opportunities.  Continue Reading

• Need for data management frameworks opens channel opportunities

  Organizations with weak data management policies provide partners with opportunities to offer support. Insight Enterprises explains how it helps clients get a handle on their data.  Continue Reading

• Oracle E-Business Suite support deadline sparks upgrades

  MSPs help customers transition from Oracle E-Business Suite R12.1, providing upgrade assistance, cloud migration advice and specialized service offerings.  Continue Reading

• Top virtual selling, consulting tips from IT channel firms

  Even after the pandemic recedes, channel partners predict virtual selling to remain a piece of overall sales strategies. Use these tips to hone your remote sales approach.  Continue Reading

• MSP cloud investments put IaaS in the spotlight

  MSPs are building out their cloud businesses more decisively than ever before. Learn about the benefits of and considerations for investing in managed cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• 5 PSA software tools to help MSPs streamline business processes

  Professional services automation tools offer MSPs and IT consulting firms with a variety of integrated applications they can use to manage projects, billing, assets and inventory.  Continue Reading

• Partners integrate thermal scanning into customer offerings

  Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have generated interest in thermal scanning systems. Find out how channel firms are incorporating the technology into their offerings.  Continue Reading

• Accenture cloud computing paves way for integration plan

  Penelope Prett, CIO at Accenture, aims to provide employees a holistic user experience, taking advantage of cloud computing to integrate various technology tools.  Continue Reading

• Channel business exit strategies during uncertain times

  The difficult economic climate wrought by the pandemic is making waves in the channel industry, with some MSPs having to decide whether to stay put or pursue an exit strategy.  Continue Reading

• Remote learning technology emerges as top ed market focus

  MSPs and consultants say customers in the education vertical are ramping up distance learning systems as they prepare for the new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive

  We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed.  Continue Reading

• Colocation services provider firms tap partners

  Cyxtera, Equinix and Interxion are among the colocation firms forging relationships with partners that can bundle their data center services into digital transformation projects.  Continue Reading

• Louisiana law suggests further regulation of MSPs

  In the wake of MSP security incidents, Louisiana enacted a law requiring firms that manage IT for public bodies to register with the state. Will other states follow suit?  Continue Reading

• How MSPs and MSSPs should market cybersecurity to find success

  It's time for MSPs and MSSPs to reevaluate how they sell their security solutions. Dave Sobel offers his recommendations, such as emphasizing the human aspect of cyber attacks.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications consulting, implementation heat up

  Channel partners provide a range of offerings in the unified communications market, from workplace analytics to entire product suites. Cloud conferencing is driving growth.  Continue Reading

• 5 RMM tools MSPs can use to bolster client IT infrastructure

  Learn what remote monitoring and management software features and functionality MSPs and internal IT departments should consider to support client IT infrastructure and endpoints.  Continue Reading

• A disconnect between MSPs and cloud: The cloud opportunity

  MSPs are missing a profitable opportunity by offering cloud services beyond just email to SMBs that are struggling to get cloud offerings elsewhere.  Continue Reading

• NTT Ltd. exec talks hybrid cloud, remote tech

  NTT Ltd.'s recently appointed Americas CEO talks about the $3 billion-plus business's opportunities one year after parent NTT Corp. created the operation in a sweeping merger.  Continue Reading

• Which MSP marketing tactics have the best results?

  Reaching prospects and converting them into clients is a process involving some trial and error. Here's advice on finding the right marketing tactics for your MSP.  Continue Reading

• Regulation is coming to MSPs, who will stand up and lead?

  Louisiana was the first state to sign into law any sort of regulation around MSPs and MSSPs, but it won't be the last. Someone from within the industry must step up now.  Continue Reading

• MSPs expand into managed physical security services

  Companies such as Deep Sentinel and Viakoo are tapping partners to deliver physical security services. Learn how MSPs are incorporating physical security into their offerings.  Continue Reading

• MSP business model and financial lessons learned in pandemic

  MSPs are facing financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. Industry experts offer advice on managing the pandemic's impact and preparing for hard times.  Continue Reading

• Datto MSP report points to evolving market

  COVID-19 has changed the cloud adoption game for managed service providers, according to Rob Rae, Datto's senior vice president of business development.  Continue Reading

• Pandemic shapes RPA market trends

  This pandemic is influencing organizational structures and changing priorities for enterprises pursuing robotic process automation deployments. Here's what partners can expect.  Continue Reading

• The only MSP marketing and sales advice you need to hear

  To succeed at MSP marketing and sales is actually quite simple, Dave Sobel contends. He explains the best way to handle MSP marketing and sales.  Continue Reading

• Will break/fix IT services play a role in the future?

  Charles Weaver sees diminished use for break/fix IT services by companies because reactive IT not providing better security, privacy or automation.  Continue Reading

• New service lets partners research MSP technology stack

  MSP Navigator offers managed service providers a product and service catalog, updates on integrations and access to peer groups, among other features.  Continue Reading

• What do you need to start a managed service provider today?

  If you want to get your own MSP off the ground today, you need to be cloud native, have a Microsoft-based software stack and know the right market to focus on.  Continue Reading

• Server demand continues for partners amid cloud growth

  Servers remain an important technology for service providers as hybrid IT takes hold. Industry executives see acceleration and disaggregation among the key trends.  Continue Reading

• Remote workforce management strategies for MSPs

  Channel partners have been rethinking employee productivity, collaboration and skills development. Learn how Ensono, SADA Systems and AllCloud have adjusted their approaches.  Continue Reading

• How capital affects MSPs and technology services companies

  Vendors that get acquired promise a lot of things but don't always deliver. Here are several recommendations to help MSPs and technology services companies adjust their strategies accordingly.  Continue Reading

• NetApp Cloud Data Services seek channel push

  NetApp is offering financial incentives to encourage channel firms to sell their cloud portfolios, which are available through the major public cloud platforms and their marketplaces.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways managed service providers can still succeed in 2020

  MSPs that can best adapt to the changes 2020 has brought to the market are poised to survive the year and be in an excellent position to lead the way in 2021.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare IoT's next steps come into focus

  Industry watchers believe healthcare IoT is approaching an inflection point. Channel partners can assist in the next step in developing a strategy for existing data.  Continue Reading

• Digital transformation projects pick up pace under pressure

  IT service providers see accelerating demand for cloud, data analytics, AI and automation as organizations face the challenge of retooling their operations as the economy reopens.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners' cloud opportunities see a boost

  Cloud usage spiked In the first phase of pandemic as organizations rushed to retool operations. Going forward, partners should expect an uptick in cloud opportunities.  Continue Reading

• Ethical business in a world of distrust and big tech

  As trust of big tech continues to drop, companies should consider collaborating and investing in their vertical with other organizations rather than just trying to outperform them.  Continue Reading

• Partners deploy phishing countermeasures as threats evolve

  The pandemic and 2020 presidential election are giving criminals plenty of phishing opportunities. Learn about phishing countermeasures that partners can take to protect customers.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN for home workers becomes partner opportunity

  SD-WAN technology is seeing increased customer interest due to the sudden expansion of remote workforces. IT service providers are offering product advice and implementation help.  Continue Reading

• Solution providers need to understand what customers think

  With so much uncertainty during the pandemic, solution providers need to spend time learning about the current behavior of their clients' customers to better plan for the future.  Continue Reading

• Forecasting M&As for MSPs beyond COVID-19

  COVID-19 has cooled M&As for managed service providers, but opportunities still exist. This forecast examines M&As for MSPs and provides a prescription for MSPs to stay healthy.  Continue Reading

• RPA adoption to expand amid business resiliency needs

  Leslie Joseph, principal analyst at Forrester, expects a surge in RPA demand, with financial services, manufacturing, energy and utilities, and logistics outpacing other verticals.  Continue Reading

• OST helps grill maker migrate connected products

  Traeger Grills asked a managed service provider to migrate its IoT-enabled grillers to a new cloud platform. The four-month transition has Traeger cooking with AWS.  Continue Reading

• Windward Consulting accelerates managed services

  Windward Consulting wasn't initially enthused with managed services, but now the company is adding MSP offerings around platforms such as ServiceNow, Splunk, IBM and Moogsoft.  Continue Reading

• MSP staffing strategies change during a pandemic

  The overall economic and employment impact of coronavirus is affecting service provider staffing -- some more than others, if at all. See why and gain tips to help with hiring.  Continue Reading

• Data, not opinion, should drive MSP best practices

  Dave Sobel breaks down why business leaders must use data instead of personal opinion to guide their business decisions and shares best practices for data-driven decision-making.  Continue Reading

• Effects of COVID-19 on channel partners

  New research on solution and service providers reveals how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting business plans and technology priorities for the coming months.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare client companies for ransomware attacks

  Ransomware is a constant aspect of the IT landscape but isn't always seen as a priority. IT service providers can help their clients mitigate the risk.  Continue Reading

• Partners donate technology, services to pandemic relief

  IT services companies are contributing a mix of advice and cloud offerings to help research groups and other organizations battling the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare cloud adoption may be turning another corner

  Healthcare cloud adoption has grown at a relatively slow pace, but experts say the tempo is poised to speed up. Learn how channel partners can support hybrid cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Accenture: Industrial digital transformation needs leaders

  Leadership and execution are the keys to overcoming the potential pitfalls of industrial digitization, a process that redundant technology can hinder.  Continue Reading

• Consulting travel, event cutbacks portend industry shift

  IT service firms, from consultancies to MSPs, all face travel restrictions due to COVID-19. The present limitations, however, might have lasting effects on how business gets done.  Continue Reading

• Do IT service providers need MSP cybersecurity insurance?

  Today's fraught threat landscape puts MSPs and customers at risk. Purchasing liability insurance reassures subscribers while protecting providers in case of a malware incident.  Continue Reading

• Partners weigh in on enterprise flash advances

  Enterprise flash is on a trajectory for performance, capacity and price improvements, but partners believe factors beyond technology drive storage infrastructure buys.  Continue Reading

• How managed service operations are adapting to a pandemic

  IT service providers are deeply involved in curbing the pandemic's disruptions to U.S. businesses. Learn how companies have uncovered hidden strengths and new service offerings.  Continue Reading

• How channel partners navigate the security vendor landscape

  Channel firms, whether new to or experienced with cybersecurity, must avoid numerous pitfalls when purchasing security products. Read these tips for selecting the best technology.  Continue Reading

• RPA market's next step? It's complicated

  Some RPA vendors seek ease of use, while others pursue higher intelligence. Some customers pause RPA projects, while others are getting started. Consultants navigate the tangle.  Continue Reading

• Rookie MSP marketing mistakes and how to fix them

  Marketing is a stumbling block for most MSPs. Use these tips to resolve a range of problems involving company websites, marketing plans and advertising investments.  Continue Reading

• ServiceNow implementation upgrades reinsurer's finance unit

  In 2017, Accenture embarked on an unconventional ServiceNow deployment on behalf of global reinsurer Scor. Learn how the implementation helped modernize Scor's finance department.  Continue Reading

• MSPAlliance: What's next for the managed services industry

  In part two of our interview with the CEO of MSPAlliance, we discuss the continued influence of cybersecurity on the managed services industry and the opportunities that lay ahead.  Continue Reading

• MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry

  In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services.  Continue Reading

• HPE channel partners grapple with shift to consultative sales

  Hewlett Packard Enterprise seeks to align its channel partners with consultative sales strategies as the vendor looks to expand sales for GreenLake consumption-based offerings.  Continue Reading