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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Definition
13 Aug 2024
What is hardware as a service (HaaS)?
Hardware as a service (HaaS) is a procurement model that's similar to leasing or licensing. Hardware that belongs to a managed service provider (MSP) is installed at a customer's site and a service level agreement (SLA) defines the responsibilities of both parties. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is professional services automation (PSA)?
Professional services automation (PSA) is a type of software application suite that provides a service business with the functionality it needs to manage core business processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is Infor?
Infor is a New York-based vendor of ERP and other enterprise business software. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is a headless server?
A headless server is a computer without a local interface to interact with. Headless means that it does not have a monitor or other peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2024
Generative AI upskilling demands multiple methods, partners
Global IT consultancies take a multilayered approach to GenAI training by developing in-house programs, partnering with tech vendors and tapping online training platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2024
Partners' generative AI training plans aim for 1M+ employees
IT service providers are upskilling a large portion of their workforces on the emerging technology. The campaign seeks to boost GenAI credibility with customers and tech vendors. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
remote office/branch office (ROBO)
A remote office/branch office (ROBO) is a corporate business site located at some distance from the organization's headquarters or main office. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
Gartner's IT services forecast calls for consulting uptick
IT service providers could benefit from a less-constrained tech purchasing climate as enterprises seek to bolster in-house skills with consulting services. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2024
What is SD-WAN (software-defined WAN)? Ultimate guide
Software-defined WAN is a technology that uses software-defined networking concepts to distribute network traffic across a wide area network, or WAN. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2024
Use of AI in business drives increase in consulting services
The slice of businesses using external providers for AI uptake is set to more than double, according to U.S. Census survey data. Industry leaders say that tracks with their outlook. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2024
Ukraine IT services firms target new markets as exports drop
Ukrainian IT services firms are eyeing new geographic markets and exploring digital transformation as the war and a difficult economy shrink international sales. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2024
AWS partner competency asks for GenAI tech, business skills
The cloud provider's generative AI certification takes months to complete, involves numerous technical and operational demands, and requires four detailed customer case studies. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2024
AWS CloudFormation (Amazon Web Services CloudFormation)
AWS CloudFormation is a free service that provides Amazon Web Services customers with the tools they need to create and manage the infrastructure a particular software application requires to run on AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
Google App Engine
Google App Engine (GAE) is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) product that enables web app developers and enterprises to build, deploy and host scalable, high-performance applications in Google's fully managed cloud environment without having to worry about infrastructure provisioning or management. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
Digital transformation spending rides on CX, AI
Spending on digital transformation could get an increase this year from businesses seeking to improve customer experience and boost efficiency through automation and AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2024
What is BCDR? Business continuity and disaster recovery guide
Business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) are closely related practices that support an organization's ability to remain operational after an adverse event. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2024
RMM software (remote monitoring and management software)
RMM software (remote monitoring and management software) is a type of application that information technology (IT) service providers and departments use to maintain their clients' and business organizations' IT assets, infrastructure and systems. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2024
Integration of AI, legacy IT opens partner opportunities
Core in-house applications running on client-server systems and mainframes are candidates for a generative AI update, according to IT service provider executives. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2024
Partners: Businesses enlist AI in business model reinvention
IT services executives believe the most digitally advanced companies will embark on business model reinvention projects highlighting AI as a key technology for managing change. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2024
Strategic benefits of managed UC services
Managed UC services offer several benefits for businesses, including improved network connections, communication software integrations and support for remote work. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
Cybersecurity market trends, from AI to post-quantum crypto
Service executives list generative AI, the growing attack surface at the edge and post-quantum crypto standards as among the key security developments in 2024. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2024
IT services market demands grow, complicating staffing
Gartner forecasts IT services spending will reach $2.1 trillion in 2027, nearly double 2021 spending. Service providers will pursue a mix of talent strategies to meet demand. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jan 2024
cloud provisioning
Cloud provisioning is the allocation of a cloud provider's resources and services to a customer. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
business process outsourcing (BPO)
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2023
Cloud consulting deals revolve around ServiceNow, Google
Cognizant's pending purchase of Thirdera and Insight Enterprises' acquisition of SADA reveal the global systems integrators' preference for pure-play cloud consulting firms. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2023
Technology outlook: Service providers cite four key trends
What's on tap for 2024? The partner ecosystem expects to help customers scale generative AI projects, work with smaller models and play a bigger role at the edge. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2023
5 IT services industry trends on tap for 2024
The top IT services industry trends for 2024 should sound familiar, with cost optimization and guarded innovation among the trends expected for the coming year. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Nov 2023
OpenFlow
OpenFlow, an open source standard supported by many vendors, is the first software defined networking (SDN) control protocol. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Nov 2023
x86-64
x86-64 (also called x86_64, x64, or amd64) is the 64-bit CPU architecture that is used in Intel and AMD processors. It is an extension to the 32-bit x86 (i386) architecture. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2023
mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)
A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a reseller of wireless communications services. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Sep 2023
vertical SaaS (software as a service)
Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2023
Veeam leads funding round for SaaS backup provider Alcion
Analysts say that while both Alcion and Veeam offer Microsoft 365 backup, there is enough difference in the products and enough need in the data protection market. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Sep 2023
Third-party support a new option for SAP S/4HANA Cloud users
Rimini Street CTO Eric Helmer explains how the company provides tech support and maintenance for SAP and Oracle ERP systems and where on-premises ERP fits in SAP's cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2023
Google Cloud Next enlists partner ecosystem for AI push
Google Cloud Next rallied consultancies, systems integrators and other service provider partners to help customers effectively deploy generative AI in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2023
Ukraine IT outsourcing dips, but startups bring new energy
Ukrainian IT services exports declined 9.3% in the first half of 2023 amid war and global economic slowdown. Resilient infrastructure and AI startups offer bright spots, however. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
Generative AI adoption to grow with economic confidence
A PwC survey is the latest data point signaling a return to innovation spending, with generative AI adoption in the C-suite's plans. But business leaders remain sensitive to risk. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2023
Snowflake partner network takes on optimization
Snowflake optimization spans cost reduction, infrastructure rightsizing and query reengineering. But will partner demand endure or decline as customers mature? Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2023
Google Cloud partner ecosystem ramps up for generative AI
Companies such as 66degrees and Capgemini aim to build generative AI tools using Google's platforms, offering enterprise customers industry and process expertise. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2023
AI, cloud trends shape next-gen managed services offerings
Service providers are launching new services, capabilities and delivery models to meet the needs of customers grappling with AI and complex cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2023
network fabric
'Network fabric' is a general term used to describe underlying data network infrastructure as a whole. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2023
Partners make zero-trust assessment a core security service
Service providers have made zero-trust assessments a key part of their emerging zero-trust offerings. Those evaluations create a roadmap that guides the clients' security journey. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS
COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
Partners: IT investment balances innovation, optimization
IT service executives expect to see customers pursue the transformative potential of AI and cloud in the second half of 2023 -- while keeping a close watch on costs and results. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2023
7 ways service providers drive lasting transformation success
Attention to people, process, organizational culture and reward systems preserve digital change over the long haul. Here are seven approaches to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
IT services firms seek growth in generative AI services
Partners launch specialized offerings and practices to address enterprise customer demand, citing generative AI's innovation and optimization potential. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2023
IT service execs point to 5 core zero-trust questions
A partner-customer dialog around zero trust should focus on the basics of organizational awareness, upskilling, funding, technical tooling and user experience. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2023
Partners could see enterprise AI rekindle tech innovation spend
New surveys suggest that generative AI is sparking interest among customers and optimism among partners. Is a resumption of forward-looking tech investment on the way? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2023
Startup partnerships play bigger role in challenging market
Channel allies become more valuable as startups look for cost-efficient routes to market and vie to stand out in crowded sectors such as cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2023
Acronis adds EDR to endpoint security
Acronis EDR uses Intel threat detection technology to uncover sophisticated attacks, such as fileless malware, but it also has to compete in a crowded market. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2023
Partner ecosystem upbeat on market prospects, generative AI
Service providers express optimism despite the continuing economic uncertainty, looking to emerging technologies and services stalwarts such as cyber and cloud. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2023
AWS partner ecosystem changes involve ISVs, generative AI
The cloud platform provider makes matches among ISVs and systems integrators as it cultivates AI relationships and simplifies its global partner programs. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2023
Zero-trust consulting opportunities abound amid tech confusion
Ten years on, tech buyers still find zero trust bewildering. Consultants aim to help them get a handle on -- and deploy -- this multifaceted security model. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2023
IT services market size expands amid mixed economic signals
Market watchers forecast continued growth in the tech services sector, while U.S. payrolls expand, albeit at a slower pace. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Mar 2023
Beyond metrics, network SLAs should measure business ops
Enterprises need to ensure network service-level agreements provide a comprehensive view of network service performance to support business operations. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
VMware Partner Connect reboots with accent on SaaS
VMware's partner program gets a new look as the company invests in the subscription model; Endor Labs, Graphiant and TrueFort also launch or update channel efforts. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
Cloud cost management takes center stage
IT shops appear ready to focus on cloud costs amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Service providers expect clients to invest more in FinOps and optimization tools this year. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Mar 2023
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) tool that aims to help organizations manage the mobile devices employees use to access corporate data and applications, such as email. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2023
Health of digital transformation: Consulting firms list issues
Digital transformation can take too long and fail to deliver. Root causes include lack of focus, cultural barriers and technical challenges, according to IT services executives. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
pizza box server
The term 'pizza box server' refers to the shape of a computer server enclosed in a rectangular and horizontally- arranged chassis and often installed in a rack with similar servers. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2023
Ukrainian tech companies persist as war passes 1-year mark
Software and services companies are adding personnel and expanding their offerings, as venture funds invest in tech startups with an eye toward building 'Ukraine 2.0.' Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Mixed news for enterprise network infrastructure upgrades
Businesses working with aging network architectures could use a tech refresh. While the easing of equipment backlogs works in their favor, budgets could hold them back. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2023
FinOps, co-innovation could unlock cloud business benefits
Industry studies underscore businesses' continuing struggle to obtain cloud computing benefits. A greater focus on strategy, financial management and co-innovation could help. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2023
ServiceNow partner program ups standards, differentiation
Program participants believe the SaaS provider's updated program offers greater clarity around expectations and a path toward greater partner differentiation. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
27 Jan 2023
How to kickstart 2023 with effective automation systems
Technologies such as robotic process automation, generative AI and collaborative robots can help organizations reduce risk and improve results in a range of industries. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2023
IT services industry looks to cyber, cloud consulting for growth
Service providers are looking to cybersecurity and cloud consulting services -- particularly those that optimize clients' existing resources -- to sustain their growth in 2023. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2023
Service providers explore 2023 technology trends
The uncertain economy influences the technology developments service providers expect to see in 2023, with customers likely to optimize and integrate existing assets. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
New year, new partner go-to-market strategy
The partner ecosystem continues to evolve as companies deal with emerging technologies and business models. Here's what SoftwareOne, Johnson Controls and IBM are pursuing. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2022
Cybersecurity outlook 2023: Consultants cite 6 trends
IT services executives predicted greater focus on user training and protection, supply chain security and machine learning. And digital transformation could spark zero-trust projects. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2022
Ukrainian software developers deal with power outages
IT services providers use a mix of diesel generators, portable power stations, Starlink and creative work scheduling to press on when the power is off. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2022
8 IT services industry trends to watch in 2023
Economic uncertainty complicates the business outlook for professional services firms MSPs. The environment could reinforce cloud projects but curtail large-scale transformation. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2022
Top AWS cloud consultants earn 6-to-1 revenue multiplier
AWS ecosystem research suggests partners generate more services dollars when they invest in a broader portfolio of offerings; other partner developments at re:Invent. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2022
MSP platforms show resiliency as valuations rise
Interest in managed services as an investment opportunity continues as larger private equity funds enter the market, seeking attractive here-and-now cash flows. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
VMware partner ecosystem tapped to accelerate cloud projects
VMware is expanding ties with global systems integrators and other partners as it looks for resources to help customers ramp up the adoption of its cloud technology. 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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Definition
19 Oct 2022
direct inward dialing (DID)
Direct inward dialing (DID) is a method organizations use to route incoming calls to specific private branch exchange (PBX) systems without an operator. 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
default password
A default password is a standard preconfigured password for a device or software. 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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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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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
30 Aug 2022
IBM, VMware to jointly develop services for hybrid clouds
IBM and VMware expanded their long-held partnership with a deal to provide hybrid cloud services and consulting to IT pros in regulated industries. 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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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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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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News
26 Jul 2022
Microsoft partner ecosystem revved up, riled by 2022 event
A contact center product launch, a space industry community and an upcoming partner program revamp topped the list of Microsoft Inspire developments; 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
21 Jul 2022
Microsoft industry clouds hover over partner event
At Microsoft Inspire, industry-specific cloud offerings emerged as a key FY 2023 direction for the technology company and one in which it enlists partner ecosystem support. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2022
Partners see growth in maturing on-premises cloud technology
Colocation, data-center-as-a-service offerings and cloud-like consumption models offer customers alternatives -- or adjuncts -- to public cloud platforms. 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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Feature
13 Jul 2022
Partners weigh OEMs' private cloud options for clients
Dell Apex, HPE GreenLake and NetApp Keystone are among the pay-per-use hardware platforms partners can offer clients considering alternatives to the public cloud. Continue Reading