Features

Features

• MSP market rides M&A momentum into 2019

  Last year's mergers and acquisitions spree looks set to continue into 2019, as buyers look for geographic reach and skills that span multiple public cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• VMware partners craft managed services for AWS offering

  VMware Cloud on AWS: Partners are stepping up to provide managed services around the hybrid cloud offering that combines VMware's virtualization products and the AWS public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Democratization of AI, 5G nets among top 2019 opportunities

  Channel partners may find opportunities in artificial intelligence, 5G networks and the rise of enterprise 3D printing as 2019 unfolds, according to a Deloitte report.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications market sees demand for customized offerings

  Channel partners can use unified communications APIs to help customers simplify business workflows. Learn about this niche opportunity and what trends will shape the market.  Continue Reading

• Cloud, edge, technology for small businesses top 2019 trends

  From the cloud 'foundation of innovation' to intelligent edge computing, channel partners will have numerous technology developments to consider in 2019.  Continue Reading

• Is the master MSP business model still relevant?

  Master MSPs emerged more than a decade ago as a means for channel firms to develop managed services, but experts are split on whether the traditional model continues to hold sway.  Continue Reading

• Technology trends 2019: Expect AI, blockchain uncertainty

  AI and blockchain uses are on the cusp of expansion. Or are they? IT service provider executives discuss the timing and prospects for emerging technology.  Continue Reading

• Cloud trends in 2019: Cost struggle, skills gap to continue

  IT service providers should have their hands full in 2019 helping enterprise customers deal with cloud cost management in expanding multi-cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Unconventional rivals to challenge IT channel companies

  Channel companies in 2019 may find themselves weighing the merits of ISV partnerships versus the possibility of developing their own software lines of business.  Continue Reading

• Colo vendors, MSPs explore new data center cooling methods

  Unconventional cooling methods, such as evaporative cooling and data center liquid cooling, provide alternatives to traditional computer room air conditioning systems.  Continue Reading

• 2019 channel partner events to mark on your calendar

  When making 2019 travel plans, refer to this list of channel-focused events and conferences hosted by IT vendors, distributors, industry organizations and vendors that cater to VARs and MSPs.  Continue Reading

• Ensure a smooth M&A process with these channel partner tips

  From approaching an acquisition target to dealing with snags at the eleventh hour, M&As are intensive journeys. Experts share their top considerations when buying channel firms.  Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft Open Data Initiative may benefit partners

  Partners responded optimistically to the Open Data Initiative from Microsoft, citing potential opportunities to help customers derive greater value from their data.  Continue Reading

• Professional services automation tools take on integration, AI

  Professional services automation vendors are taking on more integration and incorporating technologies such as AI and machine learning into their PSA tool offerings.  Continue Reading

• MSP cybersecurity concerns may require a business model retune

  Many managed service provider partners consider IT security an important revenue opportunity, but they may have to retool their offerings to address emerging threats.  Continue Reading

• Remote monitoring and management software gets more automated

  Vendors that make business management software for managed service providers are expanding RMM software automation, but partners may struggle to fully exploit the newer features.  Continue Reading

• MSPs highlight 3 top tools for cybersecurity practices

  Managed services providers must navigate a complex market to find the right tools for cybersecurity. Three MSPs discuss products they deem essential to their businesses.  Continue Reading

• GDPR for MSPs: Channel partners question the law's reach

  Channel firms and customers outside the EU are still figuring out what they need to do to comply with GDPR personal data regulations, despite the law's May 2018 enactment.  Continue Reading

• IBM Planning Analytics opens partner opportunities in retail vertical

  Channel firms in the retail sector are uncovering opportunities to modernize customers' analytics processes. Read about eCapital Advisors'work with retailer Allen Edmonds.  Continue Reading

• Remote monitoring and management software: Vendors expand, integrate

  RMM vendors are extending their product lines into areas ranging from documentation to backup, but face an integration challenge when it comes to providing a unified interface.  Continue Reading

• Partners align to bold SAP S/4HANA migration plan

  SAP boldly stated an ambitious S/4HANA migration plan for existing customers. While SAP partners are on board with the transition, they recognize the challenges involved.  Continue Reading

• Marketing for MSPs: How to target SMB customers

  When it comes to targeting SMBs, partners often trip up in their sales and marketing efforts. Channel experts discuss sales and marketing for MSP businesses and the common mistakes.  Continue Reading

• How to develop IT services for healthcare vertical opportunities

  When it comes to vertical markets, healthcare offers a wealth of opportunities for MSPs. IT services providers share tips for building a healthcare-focused practice.  Continue Reading

• Partner opportunity: Biometrics tools expand vertical scope

  Biometrics in healthcare, financial services, retail and the automotive industry will be opening opportunities for IT services companies deploying this layer of security.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions boost channel

  Hyper-converged infrastructure technology has become a core part of channel partners' technology portfolios, but customer requirements still call for traditional storage gear.  Continue Reading

• Digital marketing partnerships key to vendors' channel strategies

  Rackspace, Salesforce and Progress Software explain how digital marketing agencies factor into their overall channel partner ecosystems and strategies.  Continue Reading

• Drone services market requires vertical skills

  Commercial drone services are in high demand across such vertical markets as agriculture, construction and telecommunications, requiring service providers to specialize.  Continue Reading

• Liability insurance policies: Tips for covering MSP businesses

  With the IT landscape growing more complex, liability insurance policies may be a necessity for MSPs. But MSPs should ensure they get the right coverage for their business model.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based storage options open channel opportunities

  Industry giants such as Amazon Web Services and startup solutions such as Qumulo QF2 are taking file storage to the cloud. Partners can advise clients on platform adoption.  Continue Reading

• White-label cloud marketplaces become valuable tool for MSPs

  MSPs are tapping cloud-based commerce platforms to bolster sales and marketing. Find out about using white-label cloud marketplaces and popular online shops run by AWS and Google.  Continue Reading

• Mobile management services offer SI, reseller opportunities

  Mobile lifecycle management services offer opportunities for a range of companies, including resellers, systems integrators, outsourcers and communications service providers.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes consulting: Helping with the basics, security issues

  The Kubernetes container management system has become a source of growing consulting opportunities for IT service providers such as Accenture and Sapient Consulting.  Continue Reading

• Public sector technology: New FY brings IT uncertainties

  State government IT could run into shifting priorities with 36 governorships in play this fall, but areas such as cloud are expected to see public sector technology investment.  Continue Reading

• AI and data analytics trailblazers: Accenture, DXC and Wipro

  Accenture, DXC and Wipro are among the AI and data analytics services providers highlighted in Gartner's Magic Quadrant. Learn about their market visions and business challenges.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing market: Far-reaching opportunities for channel partners

  The confluence of edge computing and IoT are generating a broad range of partner opportunities. Learn about the scope of the edge computing market and skills needed to pursue it.  Continue Reading

• DRaaS solution: US Signal makes rounds in healthcare market

  A DRaaS solution from US Signal provides an additional level of data protection and remote replication for its client, a regional health system in western Massachusetts.  Continue Reading

• HTG Peer Groups unlike other support options for channel businesses

  HTG stands out among peer group organizations by giving members the resources for both personal and professional growth. HTG is set to expand under ConnectWise's ownership.  Continue Reading

• Early-stage companies reach out to channel partners

  Bigleaf, CloudZero, Rescale are among the early-stage companies investigating alliances with channel partners as they seek help with sales and support.  Continue Reading

• Succession planning strategy: MSP execs consider the channel's future

  Have a succession planning strategy in place? If not, you're hardly alone. Get tips on why and what you should consider when planning for the future of your business.  Continue Reading

• Device as a service set to expand for channel partners

  The device-as-a-service market is poised for growth as customers look to trim Capex, but channel partners may need to recast themselves if they want to serve as a DaaS provider.  Continue Reading

• Container adoption: Startup, enterprise giant tap partners

  Startup MadHive and Yahoo Japan may not share much in common, but both hired channel partners to take on container tasks such as linking Kubernetes and OpenStack.  Continue Reading

• Bug bounty service offerings unlock new channel revenue

  Channel firms like security consultant NCC Group are pioneering vulnerability management service offerings that target bug bounty programs.  Continue Reading

• ERP-EDI integration: Partners rely on speed, flexibility

  BAASS Business Solutions is partnering with trading partner connectivity specialist TrueCommerce to support customers who need core ERP-EDI integration.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications as a service: The next generation

  New-look UCaaS solutions are opening opportunities for channel partners that can navigate differing customer needs, regulatory environments and the security landscape.  Continue Reading

• Expect 5G infrastructure to generate new wave of channel opportunities

  It's time to think about 5G. The widespread rollout of 5G infrastructure is likely to create new prospects for channel-provided solutions and services, industry experts say.  Continue Reading

• AWS MSP partners weigh impact of AWS Managed Services

  The launch of AWS Managed Services was met with speculation over whether the offering might encroach on channel business opportunities, but partners report the service hasn't hurt them.  Continue Reading

• Digital transformation for insurance firms drives IT business

  IT service firms are finding new opportunities as insurers pursue digital transformation initiatives and deploy emerging technologies such as robotic process automation.  Continue Reading

• Cloud GDPR compliance: Partners note lack of urgency among clients

  Cloud firms work busily to align their businesses with Europe's data protection legislation, but many observe a lack of urgency among clients in face of the hefty GDPR penalties.  Continue Reading

• From VAR to IT managed service company: NSI's journey

  In hindsight, NSI would have done a few things differently during its transition from a reseller to an MSP. NSI president Tom McDonald shares lessons learned from the journey.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN market growth sparks new channel services

  SD-WAN services are growing in popularity and IT solutions providers are looking to boost their revenue in the rapidly expanding managed SD-WAN market segment.  Continue Reading

• MSP business model transformation: Five tips for navigating change

  MSP business model transformation: Channel partners face challenges as they cultivate as-a-service offerings, seek dollars for investment and promote their new offerings.  Continue Reading

• Cloud services offerings: Partner investments on the rise

  Managed service providers and other channel firms are upping their investment in cloud services but must confront the challenges of cloud profitability and revenue contribution.  Continue Reading

• SAN storage devices: MSP finds new business in tech upgrade

  Evercom, a managed services provider, was able to both upgrade its storage and find a new business opportunity when it purchased new gear from Reduxio Systems.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud cost optimization an ongoing opportunity for partners

  For all its virtues, the hybrid cloud model can create a number of cloud cost optimization and management headaches for customers. Learn how partners can step in to help.  Continue Reading

• Premier BPO gains cloud infrastructure in DinCloud buyout

  Premier BPO has purchased DinCloud, a cloud services provider, in a move that acknowledges the increasing importance of scale in the highly competitive IT service market.  Continue Reading

• Robotic process automation software unites vendors, partners

  RPA solution vendors are gearing up for the next wave of software robot deployment, cementing alliances with channel partners to extend market reach.  Continue Reading

• MSP pricing: How to compete without slashing prices

  Experts share strategies for battling price erosion in the competitive managed services market. MSPs shouldn't bow to pricing pressures without trying these approaches first.  Continue Reading

• ZeroStack sees future in channel partners

  ZeroStack, a private cloud platform startup, aims to grow its customer base through distributors, service providers and resellers such as Morris Technology Partners.  Continue Reading

• Cloud for healthcare: What is the role of IT channel firms?

  Healthcare providers are under greater pressure to pursue digital transformation this year. Learn how partners can aid cloud for healthcare initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Database DevOps: Channel partners land implementation projects

  Datical and Redgate Software, vendors in the database DevOps space, are teaming with systems integration and consulting partners to help customers deploy the technology.  Continue Reading

• Primary and secondary storage combos attract channel partners

  Nontraditional storage vendors, such as ClearSky Data and Reduxio, are attracting resellers and managed service providers with technology, simplicity and business partnerships.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack private cloud deployments spell channel opportunity

  Customers across a broad range of industries are growing increasingly interested in deploying OpenStack private cloud technology but often lack the in-house expertise required.  Continue Reading

• Container consulting: Channel can help deploy technology

  Channel partners may find new business opportunities in container consulting as customers grapple with container adoption and how to achieve competitive advantage.  Continue Reading

• IT channel explores finer points of DevOps consulting

  DevOps challenges are creating demand for IT consultancies such as Nebulaworks and Entisys, which both cite cultural changes as a significant customer pain point.  Continue Reading

• Facebook collaboration tool leans on channel partners

  Facebook Workplace, a collaboration platform targeting the enterprise, is tapping channel partners for help in deploying the system and integrating it with other applications.  Continue Reading

• Federal IT budget: Look for security, cloud spending in 2018

  Industry executives cited an uptick in federal IT procurement activity during the government's fiscal fourth quarter and expected FY 2018 to feature security and cloud investments.  Continue Reading

• Google cloud migration: Agosto helps e-commerce firm retool

  A Google channel partner's cloud adoption project used migration as a springboard to modernize a customer's core application via multi-tenancy and containerization.  Continue Reading

• Dell and EMC merger poses a challenging transformation

  The Dell and EMC merger presents a multitude of opportunities for market domination -- if the integrated companies can modernize a highly complex portfolio.  Continue Reading

• Big data application development: An introduction to Hadoop

  Getting into the big data market? Hadoop offers a platform for dealing with very large data sets and the technology's vendors offer training and support for channel partners.  Continue Reading

• Find your niche in big data: Consulting, software, platforms

  Channel partners looking for a niche in big data may find opportunities in consulting, predictive analytics system deployment and software implementation.  Continue Reading

• How to start a cloud business: A channel partner guide

  Channel companies entering the cloud computing business must prepare for a subscription-based revenue model, cultivate partnerships and differentiate their services.  Continue Reading

• Recruitment techniques for IT channel companies

  Channel firms must rethink their recruitment techniques to win in today's competitive job market. Get tips for updating your channel recruitment strategy and retaining talent.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined storage solutions: A channel primer

  Channel companies have an opportunity to help their customers deploy emerging software-defined storage technology, a pursuit that may also boost a partner's consulting revenue.  Continue Reading

• Partners: Citrix hyper-converged tech opens VDI to midrange clients

  The Citrix Ready HCI Workspace Appliance Program, coupled with the company's Citrix Cloud, will open VDI opportunities among midmarket customers, Citrix channel partners said.  Continue Reading

• Unclouding projects: Service providers weigh in on reverse migrations

  The rise of cloud computing adoption has given way to a countertrend: reverse cloud migrations. Service providers discuss the factors driving their customers' unclouding projects.  Continue Reading

• The Trump economy: IT channel weighs business opportunities for 2017

  What's ahead for channel businesses? According to industry experts, the channel should prepare for significant changes.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning projects fuel new lines of channel business

  Machine learning projects are creating a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for partners. Get ready with the right range of skills and experience to take part.  Continue Reading

• Managed mobility services market: Complexity fuels channel growth

  The complex nature of enterprise mobility opens service opportunities for channel companies, but also makes for a challenging and competitive environment.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN: Providers could see strong growth, but face hurdles

  The SD-WAN market beckons with high-growth potential, but channel partners must confront incomplete feature sets, training requirements and market consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce telehealth system lets channel add real-time video, audio

  Salesforce's telehealth tool, built on top of its Health Cloud platform, offers partners the ability to add real-time video and audio to their healthcare vertical offerings.  Continue Reading

• Business influencers: What guides your IT channel decisions?

  Channel executives are responsible for making tough decisions that impact the fates of their companies. We asked a few company chiefs to name the top influencers that shape their leadership.  Continue Reading

• Credentialing process helps IT service providers differentiate

  MSPs and other channel partners are pursuing rigorous audits and credentialing regimens as a way to stand out from their competitors in the IT services market.  Continue Reading

• Channel partner marketing: Offloading the work to specialists

  Channel partners, who have long bemoaned the challenges of marketing themselves, turn to outside specialists for help optimizing their website design and content.  Continue Reading

• MDF funds: How MSPs can get their cut of the marketing money

  Market development funds are there for the asking. Learning the details of individual programs -- and demonstrating sales and technical strength -- can help you get your share  Continue Reading

• 2016 channel trends: Digital transformation to alter relationships

  A look ahead: Digital transformation trends will persist into 2016, impacting channel shops, their vendor partners and end clients. Notable techs will include cloud, security and IoT.  Continue Reading

• VMware's NSX: Integrator deploys SDN tech at CBOSS

  CBOSS, a payment processing service provider, hired integrator AdvizeX to deploy NSX, the VMware network virtualization platform, as part of a software-defined networking project.  Continue Reading

• Oracle: Partners can find work in engineered systems, cloud

  Oracle's recently appointed channel sales vice president emphasizes 'Oracle on Oracle' engineered systems, the company's cloud portfolio and midmarket accounts.  Continue Reading

• The legal vertical isn't for every IT services provider

  The legal services market isn't every service provider's cup of tea. Learn about one company that embraced the vertical and another that decided to walk away from it.  Continue Reading

• Partners: Big data software revs data warehouse projects

  Channel partners find revenue -- and a fair bit of complexity -- at the intersection of big data and traditional data warehouse systems.  Continue Reading

• Managed services business model relies on careful client acquisitions

  When it comes to customer acquisitions, MSPs have to be particularly selective. Learn best practices to steer clear of bad clients and wasted time.  Continue Reading

• Inside a DaaS service pact: EarthLink teams with IndependenceIT

  EarthLink, a cloud service provider, and IndependenceIT, a DaaS vendor, provide an example of partnering in the emerging hosted desktop space.  Continue Reading

• The tradeoffs of partnering with managed mobility services providers

  The increasingly complicated world of enterprise mobility spells opportunity for channel partners, and partnering with a large managed mobility services provider may be the best way to overcome the high barrier of entry.  Continue Reading

• Vendor relationship management: Best practices for solution providers

  Vendor relationship management is no less important than customer relationship management for solution providers looking to unlock business growth. Learn best practices and why small solution providers especially should make VRM a top priority.  Continue Reading

• Outmoded insurance agency software gets customer-oriented upgrade

  Insurance customers' demand for more personalized services results in an industry-wide movement to modernize outdated company software and systems.  Continue Reading

• White labeling cloud services pros and cons

  The decision to white label a vendor's cloud services requires careful consideration. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if it's right for your firm.  Continue Reading

• Managed services pricing models: Per-device vs. SLA-based approach

  A per-device and per-user pricing model is easy for MSPs, but experts caution it carries business risk and leads managed services to commoditization.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft managed partner designation: What it takes, what it's worth

  A Microsoft managed partner designation can get you a warm body within Microsoft whose job it is to help you. Get info on how partners are selected.  Continue Reading

• How to sell a small business in the IT services, VAR space

  Get advice on how to sell a small business in the MSP and VAR space, including determining the business valuation and finding a potential buyer.  Continue Reading

• How to mitigate risk associated with a customer's potential data breach

  Find out what steps to take to protect your business and reduce the risk associated with the inevitable data breach at a customer site.  Continue Reading

• Verticalization of cloud applications: Channel play

  Channel companies are seeing potential in the verticalization of cloud applications, in which cloud ERP, CRM services are adapted for verticals.  Continue Reading