Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How to thrive in the platform economy

  Leading companies need to build dynamic ecosystems and deploy next-generation platforms to gain a competitive edge, says Ramadurai Ramalingam, managing director at Accenture.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• CDO role: What's keeping chief data officers up at night?

  Get to know your clients' CDOs: Their challenges include building a strong data foundation, getting the most out of data investments, transforming talent and migrating legacy data.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

• The NVMe spec: A channel partner primer

  The NVMe spec has taken hold in storage systems and servers and is now targeting network connections via the NVMe over Fabrics spec, opening partner opportunities.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

• Security questionnaires: How to prepare your SMB clients

  SMBs working with regulated clients may need to complete detailed security assessment questionnaires. Managed service providers can help with data security tools and capabilities.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

• 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

• Business continuity solution: How should MSPs price an offering?

  A backup offering, when packaged as a business continuity solution, can pique your customers' interest and provide attractive margins if positioned and priced appropriately.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

• 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

• A cybersecurity self-assessment helps IT teams, partners flag risks

  IT teams, partners and vendors can benefit from an internal checkup when it comes to reducing the risk of a cybersecurity breach. This approach can help document security efforts.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

• Enterprise network market: Key trends partners should monitor

  Key networking trends channel partners can expect to navigate include a shift in WAN design, developments in network microprocessor tech and rising demand for automation.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

• Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions to set 2018 pace

  In 2018, channel partners can expect to see continued demand for hyper-converged infrastructure solutions and greater traction in the flash storage market.Continue Reading

• 2017 in review: Top stories highlight IT industry trends

  Before embarking on a new year of reporting on IT industry trends in the channel, we wanted to take a moment to review some of our 2017 coverage that struck a chord with readers. Not surprisingly, ...Continue Reading

• IT channel partners: A look ahead at 2018

  Here's a look at the most popular Channel Marker blog posts of 2017 and what they might say about 2018 trends for IT channel partners.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

• 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

• 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

• A retrospective on IT: Technology 'trends' of 2016 revisited

  Contributor Stanley Louissaint revisits the predictions he made last year regarding tablets, the internet of things, cloud computing and near field communication.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

• 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

• Softchoice: Windows 10 adoption elusive among customers

  With Windows 10 having celebrated in July its first year on the market, service provider Softchoice has found a scant presence of the OS within its client base. Softchoice's recent study of its ...Continue Reading

• Trace3 grows its innovation research program

  Trace3 is growing its innovation research program, which aims to help CIOs obtain early access to emerging technologies.Continue Reading

• IT channel sales and marketing strategy for the digital era

  Every channel partner should have a sales and marketing strategy if they hope to reach their true potential in the industry. Here's a guide to develop and put a plan into action.Continue Reading

• State CIOs may call on channel partners for cloud advice

  As the role of the state CIO evolves, IT service providers have an opportunity to provide assistance as government agencies consider their cloud computing options.Continue Reading

• UC technology: Tips for channel partners

  In this Tech Buyer Snapshot installment, we examine purchasing priorities for unified communications technology. UC expert Stephen Tong weighs in.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

• 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

• 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

• Technology advertisements that cross ethical, legal lines

  It's hard to tell fact from fiction in technology advertisements, says technology and security consultant Kevin McDonald. These irresponsible claims about a product's compliance or security capabilities can have ethical and legal consequences.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

• Sophos partner program revamped with higher incentives, deal registration

  Sophos is rolling out a major revamp to its partner program, with four tiers, higher incentives, deal registration, lead generation and training.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

• 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

• VCE coalition: A one-year retrospective

  A year after the Virtual Computing Environment coalition launched, interest in the group's Vblocks is growing, but sales and staffing issues have arisen.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and Hyper-V licensing FAQ

  Knowing the capabilities of all Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and how they pertain to Hyper-V licensing will prevent issues from popping up when selling Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• SAS-2: Benefits and drawbacks of the newest Serial Attached SCSI version

  Learn about the latest version of Serial Attached SCSI, SAS-2, including which segment of the market it holds advantages for, how it compares with Fibre Channel and SATA, and its key drawbacks.Continue Reading

• VSphere virtual machine migration tools: vCenter converter

  Using virtual machine migration tools such as vCenter Converter will make converting customers' virtual machines to vSphere a smooth process for solutions providers.Continue Reading

• Resolving a Windows 7 crash or freeze

  This FAQ helps solutions providers give users the best assistance when Windows 7 issues arise, such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), crashes and random freezes.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 errors

  Use this FAQ when troubleshooting Windows 7 to get answers to commonly asked questions on Windows 7 errors and dealing with hardware problems.Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows 7 system maintenance tools

  Our expert answers commonly asked questions about maintaining Windows 7 using Remote Assistance, determining which maintenance tools are most useful and how often they should run.Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows 7 hardware requirements and compatibility

  Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture.Continue Reading