MSP business strategy
News and features on all aspects of running a service provider business, from executing an MSP business model to automating operations.
Top Stories
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News
27 Sep 2024
Hyperscalers' mass, AI role dominate partner ecosystems
Seemingly saturated, the massive partner networks of the top cloud vendors still attract service providers and often serve as their top ecosystems, according to a new survey. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2024
FinOps consulting grows as IT cost management efforts expand
IT service providers pursue advisory, training and automation opportunities as customers adopt FinOps and apply its cost optimization principles across more IT resources. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2022
Cloud economy cools, but IT services deals continue
Cautious customer spending is slowing the growth of the broader cloud market. But IT service providers continue to pursue M&A for scale and skillsets. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2022
IT services market size set to grow 7.9% in 2023
CIOs next year are likely to summon service providers, once more, into the breach as they look to overcome the skills gap and accelerate digital transformation. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2022
EY consulting bets on Nexus platform for rapid transformation
The Nexus platform seeks to help clients modernize IT and could fit into EY consulting's emergence as a separate entity; other service firms move to update customers' tech stacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
barcode reader
A barcode reader, also called a price scanner or point-of-sale (POS) scanner, is a hand-held or stationary input device used to capture and read information contained in a barcode. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Partners bet on tools for accelerated digital transformation
Propriety tools for fast-tracking change are sweeping the industry, with offerings from professional services giants such as Accenture and Deloitte to specialized consultancies. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Oct 2022
Pliancy shuns MSP label, grows $30M business
The managed services business model may be an investor favorite at the moment, but Marcus Olson has avoided that term, emphasizing a consultative approach instead. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2022
cloud service provider (cloud provider)
A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS). Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2022
Channel partner programs evolve amid digital transformation
A series of channel partner program relaunches that will continue into early 2023 reflect a shift to business outcomes, varied business models and subscription-based selling. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
distributor
A distributor is an intermediary entity between a producer of a product, or manufacturer, and a downstream entity in the distribution channel or supply chain. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2022
New go-to-market strategy key to selling HPE GreenLake
Read about a trailblazing Canadian service provider's journey with the as-a-service hardware and software platform -- and the insights it gleaned along the way. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2022
Slack, Workday build partner ecosystems for industry clouds
Cloud providers are tapping consultants and integrators -- and their vertical market knowledge -- to spark digital transformation through industry-specific cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
MSP software landscape shifts amid consolidation, new tools
An evolving MSP software market offers service providers wider choices for running their businesses. Will they embrace platform consolidation or consider other options? Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2022
Channel partners explore RPA for MSP, client use cases
MSPs can tap robotic process automation for a multitude of applications, but they must consider the challenges of change management and multi-vendor environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2022
3 essential aspects of MSP automation
Tools such as robotic process automation and cloud-based services help service providers relieve employees of mundane work, but adopters must navigate deployment challenges. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2022
Cloud consultants attract investors, grow revenue
Money keeps pouring into the cloud consulting and professional services market as industry executives cite steady demand for their services in an uncertain economy. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Sep 2022
Framing cybersecurity as a tax on businesses
MSPs struggling to sell cybersecurity might consider positioning such offerings as a necessary expense akin to taxes -- and acknowledge clients would prefer to invest elsewhere. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2022
Change ahead for VMware partners amid ecosystem revamp
The virtualization company's channel allies can expect new business models, metrics and specializations -- along with a new owner in chipmaker Broadcom. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2022
private sector
The private sector is the part of a country's economic system that is run by individuals and companies, rather than a government entity. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Aug 2022
Atlassian partners cite cloud migration, ITSM growth
The software company offers a range of partner opportunities as it pursues digital transformation and transitions from server products to cloud-based offerings. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
Partner ecosystem economy bucks market turbulence
A key index reports unexpected service sector growth, while digital services M&A could overtake 2021 deal volume and value levels; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Aug 2022
Low-code/no-code platforms for MSPs' in-house, external use
Service providers gain agility and efficiency benefits when using these emerging development platforms, and also land consulting opportunities with clients. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2022
Will cloud, IT services prove recession-resistant businesses?
Partners expect demand for their offerings to endure through economic turbulence and, to some extent, because of the unsettling times; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Jul 2022
Recruiters look for range of qualities in MSP job candidates
It's hard to hire employees with technical experience and an MSP background, but recruiters who understand what motivates potential employees can find good candidates. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2022
Microsoft Inspire 2022 points to 'digital imperative'
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella encouraged partners to push beyond digital transformation, while the company's channel executives updated the company's industry push. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2022
Consultants, software developers in Ukraine find ways to grow
Partners in the Ukrainian custom software and consulting sector continue to expand customer projects and win new business despite the war; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jul 2022
The benefits and drawbacks of co-creating innovation
Collaborating ecosystem partners can access a broader range of talent and accelerate time to market, but they must closely manage their relationships. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2022
Managed services industry remains investor magnet
The high-tempo transaction pace continues as investors cite recurring revenue, attractive cash flows and favorable IT trends as reasons to pursue MSP deals; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2022
Measuring innovation success in co-innovation partnerships
Profits are an obvious way to measure business success, but to measure co-innovation partnerships, parties must also identify intangible benefits, such as knowledge acquired. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Jun 2022
Tuning enterprise architecture to cope with accelerating change
In the realm of enterprise architecture, real agility starts with architectural simplicity. Learn how businesses can reduce complexity -- and boost organizational dexterity. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2022
A guide to MSP patch management best practices
As software patch management challenges mount, industry experts offer advice to MSPs on prioritizing system risk levels, selecting proper tools and testing patches internally. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2022
Logically MSP acquisition grows geographic reach, MSFT skills
The managed services transaction fuels growth for Logically, which is also expanding through strategic consulting services and cybersecurity offerings. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Jun 2022
MSP growth requires additional tech offerings
Managed infrastructure services alone will not drive dramatic growth for MSPs. Providers must create offerings in technology spaces such as RPA and cloud computing. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2022
AWS partner ecosystem finds bigger deals in Marketplace
An economic analysis suggested channel companies benefit when they conduct transactions on the hyperscaler's online selling platform; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jun 2022
The cloud is changing the channel, and customers win
The Ingram Micro Cloud Summit called for channel partners to develop intellectual property around cloud offerings and emphasize customer success to boost retention. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
Keeping pace with different types of manufacturing processes
It's horses for courses in the industrial sector as partners look to help various kinds of manufacturers run on the emerging technologies that track with their needs. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2022
IBM Ecosystem plans to expand sales lifecycle support
The technology company plans to address training and benefits as it looks to help partners earlier on in the sales process as well as during a project's implementation phase. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2022
Early-stage companies at MIT Sloan event tap partners
Companies participating in the business school's Innovation Showcase work with service provider partners, continuing a trend among tech startups; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
19 May 2022
OS players move on managed services, bring competition
Major players announced significant developments in the IT services industry with Apple managed IT services, new Microsoft hybrid work solutions and Kaseya's acquisition of Datto. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2022
Digital transformation in manufacturing melds emerging tech
Partners work with customers to absorb a mixture of AI, IIoT, hyperautomation, 5G and cloud computing, while dealing with the challenge of highly distributed organizations. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2022
Partners become central to SAP industry cloud business
At SAP Sapphire 2022, the software company highlighted partnerships with consulting firms that emphasized their vertical market acumen; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2022
reinforcement theory
Reinforcement theory is a psychological principle suggesting that behaviors are shaped by their consequences, and that individual behaviors can be changed accordingly through reinforcement, punishment and extinction. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 May 2022
Understand online marketplaces, SLOs for providers
Service providers can engage in online marketplaces and use service-level objectives to understand their application's behaviors and its effect on customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2022
Explore unfolding managed IT services for manufacturing
MSPs are exploring opportunities to help manufacturers navigate digital transformation challenges, including integrating legacy systems and staying competitive. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2022
How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains
Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
AWS partners get skills-building, co-selling investment
The cloud platform provider aims to address the challenging labor market, which it views as the primary obstacle to partner growth; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 May 2022
5 steps for MSPs to retain employees
Managed service providers must apply these steps to make it through the Great Resignation and create a stronger company and better working environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2022
Partner ecosystem strategy: Co-innovation and other variants
Co-innovation, generative partnering and co-creation describe alliances among customers, service providers and tech vendors. But what do the terms mean and what are the benefits? Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2022
Kaseya commits to product investment in Datto acquisition
The software company aims to invest in a product portfolio that preserves MSP choice, but the industry has mixed feelings on the deal; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
02 May 2022
Russia-Ukraine war prompts security best practices refresher
The Russia-Ukraine war hasn't led to major cyber attacks affecting MSPs, but IT services providers should review cybersecurity best practices, including hardening and response. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2022
Co-innovation partnership model emerges as best practice
Digital transformations have pushed technology to evolve rapidly, sparking co-innovation as a partnership model to drive change among vendors, channel partners and customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Apr 2022
Partners cite reinforcement learning use cases, gradual uptake
Consultants view reinforcement learning as a tool for decision-making at scale and a way to solve optimization problems, but its capabilities remain a mystery for some customers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2022
Consultants ramp up vertical cloud development
Changing customer needs have prompted partners such as TCS, PwC and EY to pursue industry-specific strategies around cloud computing; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Apr 2022
How to navigate M&A in the MSP space
MSP M&A can feel like a chess match: Each party wants to win with little, if any, consideration for their opponent. Here are tips to approach information gathering for an M&A. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2022
Consultants see retail payment systems adapt to pandemic
A mix of consulting and integration opportunities could drive partner business, as retailers look to adopt omnichannel technologies and hybrid sales models. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
19 Apr 2022
Subscription models shape future of IT services providers
Forrester researcher Jay McBain discusses how subscription models work, how to look at customer behaviors in a trusted way and where IT services providers should invest. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2022
Web consulting project helps users prep for language test
Computools created a website for users preparing for the International English Language Testing System exam, which helps people study in, or migrate to, English-speaking nations. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
not for resale (NFR)
Not for resale (NFR) is a designation for products that vendors give to their channel partners for testing and educational purposes with the understanding that the channel partner will not resell those products to the end user. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2022
Gartner forecast points to IT services pricing increase
Service providers look to offset rising employee compensation as the demand for IT skills continues to grow and utilization rates climb; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2022
SD-WAN project covers security, latency and cloud
PM Pediatrics, an urgent care provider, hired service provider Vandis to improve branch security, but the project transformed into something much broader. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2022
Digital transformation in oil and gas sector set for growth
Kyndryl's large-scale, multi-cloud technology deal with refinery operator Motiva Enterprises underscores a broader industry trend; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2022
Mission's machine learning consulting gig boosts image
E-card platform JibJab sought a better way to crop images for a new physical book product. Mission improved the process's accuracy in an effort that won a 2021 Top Projects Award. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2022
CompTIA MSP survey shows pandemic reshapes MSP outlook
Some MSP perspectives of the market may be pessimistic for the next year; however, new CompTIA research shows that most feel recent changes have positively influenced business. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2022
Colocation services companies bank on hybrid IT
Providers expand capacity and global presence as enterprise customers build data center services into multi-faceted infrastructure strategies; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2022
Aruba partner equips facility with managed network solutions
To build room to grow, Wiptec established a new distribution center with Aruba Edge Service Platform. See how channel partner CPU ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2022
MSPs set up IT services for retail transformations
MSPs can help the retail industry digitally transform in six areas, including customer and employee experience, and emerge stronger after the unique challenges of 2020 and 2021. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
3 IT services partners win top projects awards
Computools, Mission and Vandis captured SearchITChannel's 2021 Top Projects Awards, which recognize innovation and business benefits in partner-customer engagements. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2022
5 ways to improve MSP marketing and sales
Review these tips to get a better understanding of the people, process and tools you'll need to bolster what has been a traditional weakness among service providers. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Microsoft Cloud Partner Program resets channel focus
Partner executives called the makeover, which creates new tiers and revises qualification criteria, the first major program update in more than 15 years; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2022
solution provider
A solution provider is a vendor, service provider or value-added reseller (VAR) that comprehensively handles the project needs of their client from concept to installation through support. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
line card
A line card may be a modular electronic telecommunications switching component on a printed circuit board, or a printed brochure or document that contains the names, descriptions and products that are sold by a third party. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2022
Partner ecosystems build IP with Cisco, SAP
Channel companies collaborate with technology providers, creating differentiated offerings that address customer demand for business outcomes; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2022
Technology service providers enter a golden age
The good -- the digital transformation project is now a priority. The bad -- IT is short staffed, equipment is back-ordered and everyone is burnt out. Who will do the work? Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2022
Kaseya MSP survey cites security, cloud management growth
The software company's annual service provider poll also found revenue expansion amid COVID-19 and nagging supply chain issues; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
03 Mar 2022
Channel partners must understand the cybersecurity market
COVID-19 and consolidations have reshaped the cybersecurity market. Channel partners and customers must keep up with the market and best practices, including insurance policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
MSPs find soft-skill, tech challenges in help desk ticketing
Service provider personnel must work through automation, staffing and software challenges when they deploy help desk ticketing central business management systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2022
Dell Technologies Partner Program
The Dell Technologies Partner Program is an international channel partner program that provides partners with business development, sales and marketing resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2022
Deloitte software engineering gets global boost
Recent acquisitions help the consultancy pursue 24/7 software sprints to meet customer demand for digitalization and faster product delivery cycles. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2022
value-added reseller (VAR)
A value-added reseller (VAR) is a company that resells software, hardware, and other products and services that provide value beyond the original order fulfillment. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Feb 2022
Federal cybersecurity funding creates MSP opportunities
Despite federal funding for cybersecurity, many state, local government and education organizations don't know how to get it. But IT providers can step in and help. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2022
proxy hacking
Proxy hacking is a cyber attack technique designed to supplant an authentic webpage in a search engine's index and search results pages to drive traffic to an imitation site. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2022
Keeping talent may call for apprenticeships, training
Service providers struggling with conventional employee hiring and retention approaches may need to pursue alternate routes, industry executives said. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Feb 2022
Diversity, equity and inclusion tips for small companies
HR departments might make diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives easier, but SMBs can still develop diversity in-house and throughout the supply chain with these tips. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
31 Jan 2022
2022 predictions include more cloud offerings, more breaches
Service providers must stay abreast of the forces shaping the market. Dave Sobel revisits his 2021 predictions to assess how accurate they were and dives into predictions for 2022. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jan 2022
Cybersecurity outlook 2022: Consultants cite 5 trends
What's in store for IT security? Consultants and MSPs point to zero trust, cryptographic governance and a more targeted approach to education as among the key developments. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2022
Gartner: Global IT services market to grow 7.9%
Market research firm suggests MSPs and consultants will find the fastest-growing opportunities at the low and high ends of the $1.3 trillion market; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2022
Partners launch managed cloud services to spark uptake
Ensono, SADA and NWN Carousel target mainframe modernization, Google Cloud adoption and cloud-based unified communications, respectively; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Dec 2021
Reframing cybersecurity in the 'golden era' of ransomware
Ransomware attacks have targeted hospitals, critical infrastructure and government agencies in recent months. But do cyber events provoke the same response as a physical assault? Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2021
4 key managed services trends to watch in 2022
Service providers should prepare to navigate industry consolidation, an uneven vertical market landscape, rising digital transformation demand and new partnering models. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
23 Nov 2021
MSP resistance to Windows 11 exposes business problem
Microsoft's Windows 11 release received relatively little fanfare in the MSP industry. The lack of enthusiasm points to a problem among IT services firms. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2021
Consultants promote sustainability in technology industry
IT advisors aim to boost green practices, assessing everything from air travel to service delivery methods. Their efforts influence the sustainability services they offer clients. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2021
ConnectWise platform aims to unify MSP software portfolio
With Asio, the software company ConnectWise aims to boost service provider efficiency through a single view and with greater scalability; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2021
Co-innovation shakes up partner-client relationships
The emerging partnering approach creates closer ties between clients and service providers, but also has implications for risks and rewards; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2021
SearchITChannel 2021 Top Projects Awards
We're recognizing channel partners that have supported a client's groundbreaking IT initiative. Nominate your company for the SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards below. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2021
SMB cybersecurity challenges create new roles for MSPs
SMB cybersecurity challenges have caused MSPs to become their clients' go-to security experts. Here are tips for becoming a security-focused MSP. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2021
Sustainability consulting services on the rise
Partners' offerings for sustainability initiatives range from technical services and tools to leadership advice. Supply chain concerns and regulatory duties could boost demand. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2021
Local government ransomware attacks and how MSPs can help
State and local government ransomware attacks will persist unless agencies put stronger security measures in place. MSPs offer a cost-effective means of support. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2021
MSP cybersecurity client conversations get easier
Convincing customers to invest in cybersecurity has become less like pulling teeth, according to MSP executives; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Oct 2021
What modern SMBs can teach managed service providers
As new SMBs lay the groundwork for their IT operations, cloud offerings will factor into many business owners' decisions. Find out what this means for MSPs. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2021
Kaseya security initiative includes new CISO
Kaseya appointed a former FBI agent as its top security executive as part of an effort to boost cybersecurity after a ransomware attack earlier this year. Continue Reading