MSP technology services
Tips on IT service delivery approaches and features on building lines of business to meet customers' digital transformation needs.
Top Stories
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Feature
11 Oct 2024
For Sharp HealthCare, cloud technology comes with autonomy
Sharp HealthCare's cloud strategy spans public, private and SaaS platforms to reduce vendor dependency and emphasizes knowledge transfer with its deployment partner. 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
26 Apr 2019
Acronis Cyber Platform APIs to spark new channel business
Acronis aims to broaden the services and product integrations available to its partners, thanks to new developer APIs for the Acronis Cyber Platform; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2019
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
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2019
Single board computing distributor OKdo debuts
Electrocomponents has launched OKdo, a global electronics distributor that focuses on single board computing and IoT products. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
NetApp partner strategy hinges on channel enablement
NetApp will continue to invest in channel sales enablement resources to help partners embrace its full portfolio; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2019
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
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News
26 Mar 2019
Violin Systems revamps partner program amid company reboot
Violin Systems' new channel program offers three tiers of participation for partners in the storage market. The company named former X-IO executive Tim Cullen to head the effort. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2019
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
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Feature
08 Mar 2019
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
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Feature
21 Feb 2019
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
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Tutorial
14 Feb 2019
How to manage Windows 7 user accounts and groups
Whether your customers operate in a workgroup or a domain/Active Directory environment, user account setup and group memberships control their rights, permissions and roles. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Sale of Avast Managed Workplace sharpens vendor's security focus
Following Barracuda Networks' purchase of Avast Managed Workplace, an RMM-free Avast plans to build out its SMB security portfolio; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya partners at forefront of vendor's cloud transformation
According to Avaya, the business communications vendor will reward partners that help build out Avaya cloud business; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2019
Microsoft Azure migration: Accenture team supports Carlsberg
A more agile infrastructure was among the benefits of an Azure migration at brewer Carlsberg Group. An Accenture-led team assisted with the cloud transition. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2019
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
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Feature
03 Jan 2019
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
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
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
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Feature
10 Dec 2018
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
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Answer
05 Dec 2018
Tactics for selling MSP backup services
A sales approach that illustrates the potential of ransomware threats to disrupt small business operations could help managed service providers sell backup and recovery offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
Network design checklist: How to design a local area network
Local area network design considerations for IT consultants range from IP default gateway redundancy to device standardization. Browse these tips iIf you are building a LAN. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
Network documentation checklist: 10 steps for channel partners
Network documents can provide service providers with valuable insight when it's time to troubleshoot problems. Follow these 10 steps for a smooth documentation process. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2018
Rackspace managed VMware service provides AWS steppingstone
A new multi-cloud platform from Rackspace seeks to take advantage of customer experience with VMware technology and the need to tap public cloud services, such as AWS. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
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
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News
15 Nov 2018
Cisco strategy revolves around multi-domain architecture
Cisco aims to interconnect various networking domains -- from the data center to the cloud -- in an approach it has dubbed multi-domain architecture. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Cisco partners view Catalyst 9200 as service opportunity
Channel executives at Cisco Partner Summit 2018 say Cisco's new Catalyst switches offer the ability to wrap software and services around hardware sales. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
Cisco Partner Summit 2018 continues software emphasis
The Cisco software strategy is accelerating, according to a company official who cites growth in recurring revenue, enterprise agreements and Lifecycle Advisors as evidence. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
IBM business partners mull benefits, risks of Red Hat buyout
The success of the $34 billion Red Hat buyout would rely on Big Blue's handling of the open source software vendor's portfolio and culture, according to IBM business partners. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Rackspace retools managed public cloud business
Rackspace's managed public cloud business is packaging services to help customers at different phases of their cloud journeys; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2018
hosted services
Hosted services are applications, IT infrastructure components or functions that organizations access from external service providers, typically through an internet connection. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2018
ISV (independent software vendor)
An ISV (independent software vendor) makes and sells software products that run on one or more computer hardware or operating system (OS) platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2018
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
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News
19 Oct 2018
Array Networks pursues virtualized network services channel
Array Network's new ASAP program looks to enable VARs and MSP partners to offer services around its AVX Series Network Functions Platforms, and other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Hardware makers discuss tariff effects at channel event
Hardware vendors aim to mitigate the effects of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported Chinese goods, using such strategies as tariff engineering. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Microsoft Ignite 2018: Channel eyes Azure products, virtual desktops
Channel companies cited Azure Data Box offline and inline data transfer products and Windows Virtual Desktop as among the interesting developments at Microsoft Ignite. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Small business Wi-Fi market heats up for channel partners
An Adtran offering for service providers, Linksys Cloud Manager and Meraki Go are among the new Wi-Fi options available to partners seeking wireless tech for small businesses. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Sep 2018
Ensono data center readies for Hurricane Florence
The Ensono data center in Kings Mountain, N.C., is designed and maintained to withstand events such as Hurricane Florence, according to a company official. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Meraki Go offers channel new small-business Wi-Fi market
Cisco Meraki's small-business Wi-Fi offering, Meraki Go, opens opportunities for channel partners among a new set of customers; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
4 tips for MSPs building a cloud backup services business
Getting started as a cloud-based backup services business requires a grasp of the target market, a solid mix of backup vendors and a sound pricing formula. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Aug 2018
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
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Opinion
21 Aug 2018
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
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Feature
09 Aug 2018
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
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Blog Post
31 Jul 2018
SMB business security: MSPs could be doing more
A recent study of small and medium-sized businesses by IT management software firm Kaseya found growing trepidation and investment around cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2018
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
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News
19 Jul 2018
Microsoft Azure platform sparks partner offerings
Microsoft Inspire 2018: Channel partners are rolling out products and services to take advantage of Azure's market momentum and its status as a pivotal Microsoft platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2018
managed hosting
Managed hosting is an IT provisioning model in which a service provider leases dedicated servers and associated hardware to a single customer and manages those systems on the customer's behalf. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jul 2018
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
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Feature
09 Jul 2018
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
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News
06 Jul 2018
Unitrends revamps enterprise backup solutions program in wake of merger
Unitrends revised its channel partner program, adding new tiers and benefits for its legacy partners, as well as incentives for Kaseya MSP partners to join; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
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
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News
29 Jun 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions: Scale, Nutanix tap channel
Channel partnership strategy: Scale Computing and Nutanix have launched partner programs in the hyper-converged solutions market; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Jun 2018
DattoCon 2018 attendees get a glimpse of the future
At DattoCon 2018, company executive Ian McChord shared his views on emerging trends and opportunities for managed service providers. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
Aruba partners urged to target traditional branch office routers
The new Aruba SD-branch offering, unveiled at the HPE Discover conference, gives channel partners a way into the SD-WAN space, Aruba said; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
DattoCon 2018: New storage features, development schedule
Datto partner companies got a slew of new data protection features, a cloud storage product beta and updates on business management software at the recent DattoCon event. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2018
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
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News
19 Jun 2018
HPE GreenLake targets channel with on-premises consumption opportunity
HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity is a central piece of the HPE Partner Ready channel strategy and a plan for capturing the anticipated growth of the consumption-based procurement. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2018
Cisco Live 2018: Vendor opens management console to partners
In Cisco's latest nod to software, the company has opened its Cisco DNA Center to developers, including a number of IT services providers and consultancies. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2018
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
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Answer
07 May 2018
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
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Opinion
30 Apr 2018
Cloud migration planning: Assess workloads now to avoid trouble later
Organizations that take the time to assess workloads, identify dependencies and educate themselves on cloud security tools can set a smooth path for a public cloud deployment. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
IBM business partners see incentives for storage systems, software
IBM is spurring partners to win more deals in the storage market, specifically around its software-defined storage and all-flash array products. The company this week introduced a new set of sales ... Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Apr 2018
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
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Feature
20 Apr 2018
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
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News
13 Apr 2018
HPE Pointnext adds Azure expertise with RedPixie buyout
Hewlett Packard Enterprise said its acquisition of RedPixie will round out its purchase of Cloud Technology Partners last year; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
GuardiCore on the hunt for managed security services providers
Data center security vendor GuardiCore recently enhanced its partner program to attract managed security services providers as it looks to grow its reputation in the channel. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2018
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
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Feature
22 Mar 2018
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
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News
06 Mar 2018
Managed service provider security: Bad clients put your business at risk
Speakers at MSPWorld 2018 sparked new discussions about MSP security, such as how companies need to avoid entanglement with customers' security lapses. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2018
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
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Feature
20 Feb 2018
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
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Feature
08 Feb 2018
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
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2018
Cisco HyperFlex update may open partner opportunities
Cisco HyperFlex gets an upgrade that the company said offers multi-cloud integration and a sales opportunity for channel partner companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2018
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
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News
17 Jan 2018
Partners plan for AWS Solution Provider Program launch
Channel partners look forward to differentiating through new AWS competencies around IoT, containers, machine learning and blockchain. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2018
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
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Opinion
05 Jan 2018
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
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Definition
29 Dec 2017
Apple Authorized Service Provider (Apple AASP)
An Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) is a business that provides repair services for Apple products. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2017
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
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Blog Post
08 Nov 2017
Three takeaways from Cisco Partner Summit 2017
Cisco Partner Summit 2017 is over, but the event's messages regarding software and multi-cloud will influence partners in the coming months. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2017
Riverbed SteelCentral update bodes well for partner Teneo
Riverbed unveiled enhancements to its SteelCentral technology, which forms the basis of partner Teneo's managed visibility-as-a-service offering; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2017
Cisco Partner Summit 2017: Vendor highlights Google pact
Cisco and Google Cloud executives took the stage at Cisco Partner Summit to talk about the companies' collaboration on hybrid clouds, containers and Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2017
New P.180 connectivity service not a Panasonic partner play
Panasonic introduced a global connectivity service, while Cisco unveiled Business Critical Services and High-Value Services, and other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2017
Aruba security fabric signals new partner strategy
Through Aruba 360 Secure Fabric, partners can tap into the network security capabilities of the vendor's portfolio, which features IntroSpect UEBA and ClearPass technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2017
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
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News
11 Jul 2017
Azure Stack hardware bundles emerge for channel
Microsoft Azure Stack, the company's hybrid cloud platform, could provide channel partner opportunities among customers who need an on-premises instance of the Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2017
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
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News
30 Mar 2017
Panasas, Promark pursue scale-out NAS storage market
In the scale-out NAS market, Panasas is partnering with Ingram Micro's Promark value-added distributor subsidiary to boost government and commercial channel sales. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Feb 2017
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
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Feature
03 Feb 2017
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
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News
09 Dec 2016
BlackBerry partners tapped for role in new mobile security platform
BlackBerry is enabling channel partners to play a consulting and integration role with its newly announced BlackBerry Secure mobile security platform; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Nov 2016
HPE Aruba ups investment in the IoT market
Enhancements to Aruba's IoT-focused portfolio look to help customers identify, profile and secure IoT devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2016
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
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Feature
15 Nov 2016
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
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News
15 Nov 2016
SonicWall partner strategy: Respect the past, but don't be burdened by it
SonicWall reflects on the benefits of spinning out of Dell and how it's reengineering its channel focus and product roadmap to match the speed of the security market. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2016
Cisco collaboration tools: Partners can offer clients new pricing
Cisco discussed a new per-user, per-month pricing approach for its cloud-based and on-premises collaboration services and products at the company's partner summit. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2016
Armor cloud partnership highlights compliance opportunity for MSPs
A new alliance between Armor cloud security and Cogent Co. speaks to channel opportunities around compliance, according to Armor's chief of operations and security. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Oct 2016
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
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Blog Post
15 Aug 2016
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
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News
25 Jul 2016
ZeroStack taps channel partners to host private cloud appliances
ZeroStack has entered partnerships with T5 Data Centers and Colovore, which will host the company's cloud appliance technology in their colocation facilities. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2016
Why VMware partner program chief Frank Rauch chose Cohesity
VMware partner program executive Frank Rauch said he will lend his expertise to secondary storage vendor Cohesity as it reshapes its channel strategy. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2016
Barracuda's Intronis brand launches firewall for MSPs
Managed service providers can now sell a channel-oriented firewall from Intronis MSP Solutions by Barracuda, Barracuda Networks' MSP brand. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2016
Brocade/Ruckus buyout: No impact on partners for now
Today’s news that Brocade Communications Systems Inc. has made a $1.2 billion bid for Ruckus Wireless will impact channel partners of both companies, but don’t expect details until the deal closes ... Continue Reading