Features

Features

• 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

• Top tips for providing co-managed IT services

  Co-managed IT services give MSPs an opportunity to partner with the internal IT staff of their clients. Get insight into how to successfully implement a CoMITS offering.  Continue Reading

• Ended support for Windows Server 2008 leaves clients circumspect

  The conclusion of support for Windows Server 2008 has Microsoft partners helping clients decide what to do next. A wholesale transition to Azure is one option under consideration.  Continue Reading

• Respond Software revamps SOC staffing, MDR at MSSP

  A managed security services provider is using a virtual analyst product from Respond Software that reduces the need for level-1 analysts and finds attacks other platforms miss.  Continue Reading

• AV as a service emerges as opportunity for MSPs

  The as-a-service consumption model is now making its way into the audio-visual market, opening doors for managed service providers and other IT channel partners.  Continue Reading

• What CCPA requirements mean for channel partners

  Channel firms have an important role to play under the California Consumer Privacy Act, which many believe is a sign of nationwide data privacy laws to come.  Continue Reading

• Cloud managed services beyond the beaten path

  Accenture, CDS and Modern Systems are developing cloud-related services and approaches at the periphery of traditional offerings, which points the way to portfolio differentiation.  Continue Reading

• 5G opportunities for channel partners yet to take shape

  At the beginning of 2020, many aspects of 5G technology remain abstract, but channel partners can benefit by preparing their customers for future deployments.  Continue Reading

• How NWN enabled an N.C. town's digital initiatives

  Since 2007, technology services provider NWN has been helping the town of Cary realize its digital aspirations and modernize its IT. Get insight into their enduring partnership.  Continue Reading

• 2020 cybersecurity services: Predictions for MSPs

  The 2020 cybersecurity landscape presents new challenges and opportunities for managed service providers, according to predictions from security firm WatchGuard.  Continue Reading

• Corporate IT training gets high profile in 2020

  The pace of technology change will make training an important service provider theme in 2020, as companies look to boost IT education for employees and clients.  Continue Reading

• FedRAMP authorization and the quest for a better process

  Service providers and consultancies are among the organizations attempting to build a better way to get cloud-authorized under the government's FedRAMP program.  Continue Reading

• 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.  Continue Reading

• IoT security services emerge as channel partner offering

  IoT adoption is rapidly expanding the attack surface of customer organizations, creating an opportunity for channel firms to provide consulting and security services.  Continue Reading

• Computer vision technology, chatbot reboot on tap for 2020

  Look for retailers to emerge in 2020 as a key adopter of AI in vision applications. Other anticipated developments include chatbot integration and a boost for cloud-native apps.  Continue Reading

• Why partners shouldn't lose faith in blockchain technology

  Keep blockchain on your radar. Despite setbacks in adoption, blockchain endures as relevant technology for channel partners, according to CompTIA and other channel industry watchers.  Continue Reading

• Container adoption accelerates, consulting execs say

  The potential to massively speed up software cycle time is generating more container technology demand for channel partners, particularly in the new app development field.  Continue Reading

• LucidLink taps partners to boost file access service

  The San Francisco company targets managed service providers as a channel for its file streaming offering, which aims to address rising data volumes.  Continue Reading

• Desktop-as-a-service combo targets channel via Ingram Micro

  Citrix, IGEL and Ingram Micro are collaborating on a desktop-as-a-service offering, which could provide channel partners with a mechanism for replacing clients' Windows 7 desktops.  Continue Reading

• 2020 channel partner events to mark on your calendar

  Expect a busy channel partner event schedule for 2020. Our listings feature the year's conferences for VARs and MSPs, hosted by vendors, distributors and industry associations.  Continue Reading

• MSP software vendors play catch-up with security threats

  Hackers have exploited MSP software tools such as remote monitoring and management as a conduit for cyberattacks, leading some vendors to issue new security measures and resources.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell automation helps MSPs, but with some caveats

  PowerShell scripting can help MSPs automate mundane and time-consuming chores, but service providers need to test their scripts and look to security first.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS market could boost partners with the right skills

  Channel companies that want to become CPaaS partners should expect to encounter a new set of buyers, a rapidly changing technology and the need for coding skills.  Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity puts managed services industry at a crossroads

  MSP software vendor ConnectWise's annual IT Nation Connect event revealed the pressures managed service providers are under to transition to advanced cybersecurity.  Continue Reading

• Single cloud counters multi-cloud trend among MSPs

  For some services providers, focusing resources on one cloud platform makes more sense than distributing resources across two or more public cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Channel partner account manager role is due for a refresh

  As change continues to sweep through the IT industry and channel ecosystem, vendors need to evolve the functions of partner account managers to keep up with the times.  Continue Reading

• Channel firms take on multi-cloud management challenges

  As enterprise customers begin to grapple with the complexities of multi-cloud environments, channel partners have found a role in reining in and optimizing cloud spending.  Continue Reading

• Media and entertainment cloud use poised to shake up industry

  The media and entertainment industry is moving workflows to the cloud in a dramatic cultural shift. InterVision's Ray Panahon sheds light on this development.  Continue Reading

• Nerdio for Azure arrives in Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace

  Nerdio's cloud transition continues with its distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, which offers Nerdio's Azure automation product for MSPs on Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace.  Continue Reading

• PDU-UPS evolves slowly, offers partners modularity

  Data center power infrastructure may not be the epicenter of IT innovation, but channel partners see vendors providing modularity, customization options and redundancy features.  Continue Reading

• DigitalOcean partner program aims for SMB expansion

  A DigitalOcean partner program is arming MSPs and other channel firms to pursue customers in the SMB space. The program also facilitates partner-to-partner collaborations.  Continue Reading

• MSP business expansion driven by cybersecurity, consulting

  MSPs are under pressure to expand their businesses beyond their traditional offerings. Cybersecurity and consulting services are two directions they can take their businesses.  Continue Reading

• Sales verticals and how MSPs can target them

  Selling to vertical markets can seem like a daunting prospect for managed service providers. Read on for six tips to get you started on a vertical sales journey.  Continue Reading

• Managed services model takes evolutionary twists and turns

  The evolution of managed service providers began at the apex of the dot-com era and now continues with developments including cloud computing and industry consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT services glossary: Terms of the trade

  Managed service providers represent an important subset of the channel partner ecosystem. Browse the terms below to sharpen your understanding of MSPs and their service offerings.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft-Oracle cloud alliance boosts partner opportunities

  The Microsoft-Oracle cloud interoperability pact has unlocked new customer segments in the channel, according to managed cloud service provider Ensono.  Continue Reading

• Managed Azure services hotspots span optimization to AI

  Demand for Microsoft Azure services ranges from cost optimization to AI services, according to service providers looking for business in this public cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN demo lab lets partner's clients try before they buy

  As the SD-WAN market heats up, MNJ Technologies has launched a demo lab that includes technology from vendors such as Cisco, Fortinet, Oracle and Silver Peak.  Continue Reading

• How to vet vendors' cybersecurity tools for MSP practices

  Building a cybersecurity stack can mean assessing dozens of vendors. An effective vetting process can help partners avoid missteps in their search for security products.  Continue Reading

• RPA marketplace trend has bots in store

  RPA marketplaces are beginning to make their mark as vendors cultivate bot component contributors, including systems integrators and consulting firms.  Continue Reading

• Green House Data adds patching automation to its software segue

  Green House Data's Beekeeper patch automation product is a component of the managed IT and advisory services company's differentiation-via-software approach.  Continue Reading

• Develop a channel sales strategy for smart city projects

  Channel partners can find roles in smart city initiatives by providing IT expertise, but firms should understand the challenges that government customers face before making a play.  Continue Reading

• RMM software vendors pursue full managed services functionality

  MSP software vendors have been busy building ecosystems of third-party integrations around their remote monitoring and management tools. Are these integrations benefiting MSPs?  Continue Reading

• Google Cloud Partners hopeful on new program, but seek advances

  Google's bid to sort its partner initiative is viewed as a positive development among the company's partners, some of which are heavily focusing on the cloud provider's platform.  Continue Reading

• Skype-to-Teams migration revs Microsoft partner services

  Microsoft partners believe organizations will be in the market for migration planning, change management and governance services as they migrate from Skype to Teams.  Continue Reading

• Workplace by Facebook partners evolve as demand grows

  The Workplace by Facebook partner ecosystem has expanded to include more channel partners, as well as technology providers covering everything from analytics to security.  Continue Reading

• 7 things to know about professional drone services

  Members of CompTIA's Drone Council described favorable conditions for entering the commercial drone services space. Use this insight to plot your course.  Continue Reading

• Channel strategy glossary: Terms of the trade

  Every tech field has its own terminology and the same holds true for the IT channel. Learn more about channel partner program vocabulary in this glossary.  Continue Reading

• ChannelCon explores strategies for emerging technologies

  At CompTIA ChannelCon 2019, attendees explained why channel business strategies for emerging technologies require both a thirst for knowledge and a healthy dose of skepticism.  Continue Reading

• CGS taps UiPath RPA software for digital transformation journey

  An outsourcing and managed services provider has made robotic process automation the focal point of its digital transformation journey.  Continue Reading

• Accenture Labs explores quantum computing applications

  Accenture Labs has patented a method for identifying workloads suitable for quantum computing applications, which the company believes will span scientific and business use cases.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams platform emerges as training, governance opportunity

  Microsoft Teams governance, training and other services are emerging as business opportunities for channel partners working with Microsoft's collaboration platform.  Continue Reading

• Managed security services make progress in SMB sector

  Providing managed security services to small and medium-sized businesses has never been easier, but gaps in cybersecurity tools and customer education remain as challenges.  Continue Reading

• Partners weigh prospects of NVMe storage market

  While NVMe technology has yet to gain the customer traction that industry watchers expected, channel partners believe it will become the de facto standard.  Continue Reading

• Grant Thornton LLP taps Rightpoint for digital workspace

  Grant Thornton LLP, a professional services firm, got an assist from Rightpoint on a digital workspace project that breathed new life into an aging intranet system.  Continue Reading

• Intelligent operations guidance from Accenture, Ahead, Orion

  The nascent intelligent operations field promises to shake up how companies do business. But customers need not start from scratch to get the benefits, IT consultants noted.  Continue Reading

• AI applications in government: Virtual assistants could see uptick

  Conversational AI in the form of intelligent virtual assistants and chatbots could player a bigger role in government agencies' citizen service initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Asigra calls out the perils of cloud brokerage model

  Cloud backup vendor Asigra shed light on the negative aspects of brokering cloud services. Find out about three potential business issues inherent in the brokerage model.  Continue Reading

• Launching an AI project calls for careful scoping

  AI implementation may benefit from a handful of steps and a common set of patterns, according to speakers at the AI World Government conference in Washington, D.C.  Continue Reading

• Partners seek to elucidate intelligent operations vs. AIOps

  Consultants and integrators have differing views on intelligent operations and AIOps, but partner executives agree that the approaches require a well-defined customer journey.  Continue Reading

• New Fidelis Cybersecurity channel VP ups partner focus

  Eddie DeWolfe, who became Fidelis Cybersecurity's channel vice president earlier this month, said the company is pursuing a more focused and strategic approach with partners.  Continue Reading

• MDR services evolve into distinct security service offering

  MDR services are developing into a new category of cybersecurity offering for channel partners. Learn how MDR providers take a different approach from traditional MSSPs.  Continue Reading

• Data center infrastructure spending gets AI boost

  IT solutions providers are finding a role in helping clients create the artificial intelligence infrastructure they need to handle emerging technology requirements.  Continue Reading

• DXC enables speedier autonomous vehicle development at BMW

  Channel firms are playing a role in visionary initiatives that could redefine customers' products and services. Read how DXC is helping BMW drive autonomous vehicle development.  Continue Reading

• Kaseya software expansion, sales support targets MSPs

  Kaseya has had a busy few weeks, launching and acquiring products, unveiling a $500 million investment and setting up a program to boost MSP sales readiness.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning consultants explore use cases

  Machine learning consultants and developers are among the IT channel partners discovering AI-driven business opportunities across a range of vertical markets.  Continue Reading

• No-code app development vendor Crowd Machine bets on channel

  Crowd Machine is enlisting help from channel partners as it bids to differentiate itself in the growing no-code app development platform marketplace.  Continue Reading

• Wipro evolves AI capabilities to maintain competitive edge

  Wipro continues to invest in an AI-first approach to data and analytics. Learn about Wipro's strategy, which includes a framework for using AI across the data and analytics value chain.  Continue Reading

• Business-driven security: Consultants help clients play catch-up

  Digital transformation projects and other sophisticated tech initiatives call for integrated security. IT service firms are addressing the gap between security and business teams.  Continue Reading

• Robotic process automation vendor teams with Tech Mahindra

  Service desk automation is the focus of a recently launched joint offering from digital transformation firm Tech Mahindra and robotic process automation vendor UiPath.  Continue Reading

• Digital inheritance project unites startup, consultant

  The second phase of a project to create an ecosystem for transferring blockchain assets is getting underway as Synechron contributes technical resources to Swiss startup PassOn.  Continue Reading

• How to grow your AI services business

  Getting to the next stage of AI growth calls for IT service providers to consider security, marketing and ROI. A talent for demystifying technology also helps.  Continue Reading

• Assured DP partners with Rubrik, Equinix in DraaS twist

  Assured DP is putting its own stamp on the disaster recovery-as-a-service market, creating a DRaaS offering through a partnership with Rubrik and Equinix.  Continue Reading

• Why SOAR platforms are gaining attention from the channel

  The cybersecurity skills gap and demand for process automation are powering the growth of the SOAR market. Learn how partners can benefit from these multifaceted platforms.  Continue Reading

• ITSM software market: Insight for channel partners

  Need advice on how to approach the IT service management market? This article aims to help channel firms refine their strategies around ITSM technology.  Continue Reading

• Green House Data on becoming a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP

  The task of becoming a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, under a Microsoft partner program launched in 2018, is rigorous and time-consuming. Just ask Green House Data.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing AI projects open partner opportunities

  IT consultants and integrators could see increased business in manufacturing AI, but they will need to overcome data quality problems and cultural issues along the way.  Continue Reading

• Google Cloud partners back company's industry shift

  Google Cloud Premier Partner companies view the company's newly articulated vertical market strategy, which targets six industries, as a positive development.  Continue Reading

• Hackers target MSPs, but not all are prepared

  Managed service provider security is being put to the test as hackers target MSPs with increasing frequency. Even a relatively simple attack can compromise a service provider.  Continue Reading

• How to start an AI service business

  Building an AI practice may seem like a daunting endeavor. Fortunately, channel partners can learn from other companies that have found ways to apply AI models to customer challenges.  Continue Reading

• Generations in the workplace and how to manage them

  Managing different generations in the workplace calls for a clearer understanding of their characteristics, which will then help shape recruitment and retention strategies.  Continue Reading

• 5 Microsoft Azure managed services to grow your channel business

  Andy Syrewicze, a former MSP engineer and current Microsoft MVP, detailed five Azure solutions that service providers can offer their clients. The packages run from the simple to the visionary.  Continue Reading

• Managed services companies upbeat despite economic signals

  At MSPWorld, managed services executives expressed guarded optimism regarding MSP market prospects and growth potential, despite some economic concerns.  Continue Reading

• How the channel can help fight bias in AI applications

  Customers' AI applications pose the risk of producing prejudiced results. Channel firms, however, can step in to educate organizations and reduce harmful biases within AI systems.  Continue Reading

• Accenture adds Google to multi-cloud strategy

  Accenture IT is embracing a multi-cloud management approach, providing an example for clients exploring the use of more than one public cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• 6 AI applications in finance spark partner opportunity

  AI in financial services is opening channel partner prospects, from building customer service chatbots to creating a better customer onboarding process.  Continue Reading

• Hosted private cloud speeds Epic EMR system rollout

  A healthcare firm faced the daunting deadline challenge of deploying an Epic EMR system in eight months. US Signal's hosted private cloud helped the client beat the clock.  Continue Reading

• Big Blue drives collaboration among IBM business partners

  IBM business partners run the gamut of skill sets and focus areas. Learn about an initiative that aims to facilitate alliances within IBM's complex channel ecosystem.  Continue Reading

• Data erasure software makes channel inroads

  Data erasure, which may be sold as a software product or as a service, is a security-oriented offering channel partners can present to their clients.  Continue Reading

• CodeObjects taps Watson AI capabilities to develop chatbot offering

  When a Florida-based insurance firm needed help handling surges in call-center volumes, it piloted InsurBot.ai, a chatbot that employs IBM Watson technology.  Continue Reading

• Reseller business model transformation pivots on cultural change

  MNJ Technologies, a once fast-growing VAR, found its sales were stagnating. Here's how it got back on track with its effort to push beyond the reseller business model.  Continue Reading

• How to succeed at managed services marketing

  The marketing formula at service provider DynTek includes executive briefings, messaging around innovation and transformation, and a blend of traditional and digital techniques.  Continue Reading

• AWS APN program changes spark partner reaction

  AWS partners said they support the new requirements established for the AWS APN program, noting the higher bar helps them rise above rivals in a competitive market.  Continue Reading

• AI applications in healthcare grow, opening channel prospects

  The hype around AI applications in healthcare spans decades, but the latest wave of AI tech suggests real-world traction. Firms like Perficient are using AI in their offerings.  Continue Reading

• Where to find gigs in artificial intelligence consulting

  From AI analytics to AIOps, consulting opportunities in the fast-growing artificial intelligence technology sector could spark new business for IT service providers.  Continue Reading

• How an MSP enlisted Webroot for ransomware prevention

  Platte River Networks is using Webroot technology, which includes endpoint protection software and a phishing simulator, to shield its clients from ransomware.  Continue Reading

• Tech skills gap gives rise to IT apprenticeship programs

  In the highly competitive tech labor market, channel partners are formalizing IT apprenticeship programs to cultivate the next generation of IT talent.  Continue Reading

• IT channel M&A: First steps for selling a company

  Ready to sell your channel business? M&A veterans Arlin Sorensen and Michael Corey offer their advice on how to get your ducks in a row and protect your interests.  Continue Reading

• How to sell your channel partner business to the right buyer

  Experts discuss the first steps of the M&A process, which includes identifying and qualifying potential buyers. Here's advice on negotiating the best deal.  Continue Reading

• What makes for a true MSP partner?

  Serving as a customer's partner requires more than a marketing label. David Kaszowicz of Aventis Systems discusses how channel companies can become managing partners.  Continue Reading