Channelnomics

News

  • Fortinet WAFW, OS Spurs Enterprise Foray (0)May 23, 2013Fortinet debuted the latest iteration of its Web application firewall OS and three new related appliances, a move that gives it more relevance and credibility with large scale customers as the firm continues its upmarket journey.
  • Weak PC, Win8 Sales Hit Global Chip Market (0)May 23, 2013Weak sales of PCs, mobile phones and digital televisions (DTVs) have led to declining revenue in the worldwide semiconductor market, according to IDC.
  • Dell Helping Partners With Social Skills (0)May 23, 2013Dell announces a revamped channel partner training program it calls Social Media 2.0 that’s designed to give participants more practical, functional strategies for putting social media to work in their day-to-day marketing efforts.
  • Time to Rethink the PC Sales Model (0)May 23, 2013The three big PC vendors continue to try to reinvent themselves as unit sales of conventional desktops and notebooks continue to fall. While PCs are less and less profitable for vendors and solution providers alike, they remain an irreplaceable commodity.
  • HP ‘Encouraged’ Despite Q2 Revenue Drop (0)May 23, 2013Despite Q2 results showing hefty declines for both sales and profits, HP's share price posted a double-digit spike in after-hours trading as Meg Whitman's turnaround plan begins to bear fruit.
  • VMware Unveils Hybrid Cloud Service to Channel (0)May 23, 2013Virtualization vendor VMware claims its hybrid cloud offering will simplify users' journey to the cloud.
  • Kaspersky Security Debut Propels Virtual Strategy (0)May 22, 2013Kaspersky Lab is once again revving to move further into virtualization markets with the launch of its Kaspersky Security for Virtualization-Light Agent geared for Citrix XenServer and XenDesktop, a move that, among other things, opens doors for the firm's upmarket ambitions.
  • 900 Out at NetApp as Profits Fall (0)May 22, 2013Storage vendor NetApp hails its FlexPod growth despite an annual and Q4 profit dip.
  • VMware Welcomes Top Channel Chief (0)May 22, 2013Dave O'Callaghan joins the virtualization behemoth following a 12-year stint leading Cisco's sales and distribution.
  • SolarWinds Acquires RMM Stalwart N-able (0)May 22, 2013The IT management software specialist announces plans to buy the Ottawa-based RMM vendor in a $120 million cash deal. N-able says it will retain its brand and channel-focused strategy.
  • Intel Shaken Up, Reorganized by New CEO (1)May 22, 2013After just 30 days on the job, new Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has shaken up the chipmaker with a sweeping reorganization that emphasizes new products, innovation and, perhaps, leapfrogging troublesome competition in the mobility market.
  • Azlan Denies Disties Will Be Locked Out of Cloud Era (0)May 22, 2013Distributors will have a valuable function to play if they can prove value, according to Azlan cloud boss Joel Chimoindes.
  • Earning and Keeping the ‘Trust’ in ‘Trusted Advisor’ (0)May 22, 2013A trusted advisor survives and thrives because of the aura of confidence they’ve developed one successful engagement at a time. Come hear channel experts discuss the vital and fickle nature of trust and how CompTIA's Trustmark can open market opportunities and help win new business.
  • Dell Sheds VMware, Pushes IaaS to Channel (0)May 21, 2013Dell is shedding its IaaS vCloud Datacenter service for its own IaaS offerings delivered by its channel -- a move that aligns with its stated strategy to leverage partners as the catalyst to drive its software and service ambitions.
  • LenovoEMC Storage Products Come to Channel (0)May 21, 2013Network-attached storage offerings from the Lenovo/EMC joint venture are available through Lenovo’s partners and integrated into its channel program, furthering its push into the SMB server market.
  • Fortinet Fills Channel Gaps in Enterprise Push (0)May 21, 2013Fortinet fills major channel gaps left by executive departures, signaling rejuvenated channel effort and increased reliance on partners as it revs for an enterprise expansion.
  • Huawei Shows Ambition at First Partner Summit (0)May 21, 2013Embattled hardware vendor Huawei is putting its ambitions on full display at its first North America partner conference. The three-day event treats solution providers to a cavalcade of Huawei-based opportunities in data centers, mobility, Big Data and cloud computing. The underlying message: Huawei isn’t retreating.
  • BlackBerry Leads on Software to Woo IT Channel (0)May 21, 2013UK channel leaders talk up the credentials of BlackBerry's mobile device management kit in bid to deepen its ties with VARs.
  • Mimecast Stands by 100 Percent SLA Promise (0)May 21, 2013Mimecast vows to stick to its 100 percent availability promise and offer compensation after coming under fire following outage.
  • Microsoft Sweetens Office 365 Partner Incentives (1)May 21, 2013Microsoft is stepping up efforts to get more partners and customers adopting its cloud-based Office 365 productivity suite by expanding commissions on referred accounts. The goal: Stop Google Apps in its tracks and recapture lost customers.
  • Avnet Builds Practice+ Around HP Analytics (0)May 21, 2013The distributor will offer services and resources to help solution providers build their own businesses around Big Data and augment partner benches when going after analytics-heavy opportunities.
  • Cisco’s McCool Lands at Firetide as CEO (0)May 21, 2013Wireless mesh network vendor Firetide scored a corner-office coup this week, naming veteran Cisco executive John McCool as its new CEO. The move is part of Firetide’s push into high-growth government, commercial and industrial applications with its high-bandwidth mesh software and hardware technology.
  • Citrix to Build MDM-Ready Channel (0)May 20, 2013With its acquisition of Zenprise, Citrix is looking to build a partner community for its new MDM product lines, starting with a mobility boot camps for 48 partners at its Citrix Summit conference this week.
  • Websense to be Acquired by Vista Partners (0)May 20, 2013Like many of industry peers, security software firm Websense is headed toward private status after inking an almost $1 billion deal to be acquired by equity firm Vista Equity Partners.
  • Sourcefire Raises Advanced Security Profile (0)May 20, 2013Sourcefire is upping the stakes in the advanced threat security race with the launch of an appliance touting file- and device-trajectory capabilities, additions that give partners new paths for high-margin forensic services.
  • BYOD Isn’t Just About the D (1)May 20, 2013Recent data from CompTIA shows 66 percent of companies are allowing or mandating the BYOD trend in their organizations -- but IT departments and solution providers are finding the devices are only the beginning.
  • AccessData Ploughs $6M Into Channel (0)May 20, 2013E-discovery and cyber-forensics vendor AccessData is injecting $6M into its channel this year as it ramps up its indirect business.
  • Partners Have Stake in Yahoo’s Tumblr Buy (0)May 20, 2013Channel partners are wondering if they should care about the Tumblr acquisition. In fact, there’s a few good reasons for solution providers to acquaint themselves with with the blogging and social media platform and keep tabs on its progress should it fall under Yahoo’s control.
  • Gartner: BI Could Solve Most IT issues (0)May 20, 2013The analyst's research shows 15 of the top 19 business processes that need upgrading can be addressed with business intelligence.
  • 5 Things to Know About Channel Profitability (0)May 20, 2013Despite marketplace challenges and shifting business models, solution providers remain exceedingly profitable, as services fill their wallets with cash. The 2112 Group’s 'Profitability in the Channel' report reveals key trends about solution provider profitability. Here are five things you need to know.
  • Barracuda Firewall Release Spurs Upmarket Push (0)May 17, 2013Barracuda debuts a Web application firewall that defends against DDoS attacks, taking the firm further in its upmarket journey. And it's hoping the security and storage channel will recognize its enterprise efforts.
  • Brocade Unveils Channel Finance Offer (0)May 17, 2013Subscription Plus aims to drive more customer acquisition through the channel with new flexible offers.
  • Dell’s Bigger Problem Is Acceleration (0)May 17, 2013Dell remains mired in the battle over who will control its future and what roll the PC will play in its restoration to profitability and growth. The real issue, though, is how Dell can accelerate the revenue and profitability of its enterprise products.
  • Adobe Cloud-only Model Comes Under Fire (4)May 17, 2013Adobe is being accused, via an online campaign, of milking SMBs as it pursues cloud-only model on future Creative products.
  • Sophos to Boost Partner Profits With Utility Billing (0)May 17, 2013Sophos claims this new scheme will allow partners to rake in more profits.
  • RSA: IAM Will Require Paradigm Shift (0)May 16, 2013RSA says that the future of identity and access management solutions will be contingent on its ability to adapt to shifting technological tides and advanced threats. That means that with the infusion of analytics and security intelligence, the IAM market is far from stagnant.
  • Cisco Earnings Reveal Shift in Priorities (0)May 16, 2013Cisco Systems surprised the market yesterday by posting a 14.5 percent jump in profits on a 5 percent increase in sales. The spurt came from substantial shifts increases in non-switching and routing products, showing there is a shift in hardware buying priorities.
  • Logicalis Gain, Westcon Pain for Datatec (0)May 16, 2013Strong top- and bottom-line growth from Logicalis offset declining profits at Westcon as channel giant Datatec endured a mixed FY13.
  • Cisco Rolls to Ninth Straight Revenue Jump (0)May 16, 2013Cisco Systems Inc. is hailing a ninth consecutive quarter of record revenue as it hints at "good signs" in certain parts of the global economy.
  • Troubled Times for PCs Abroad (0)May 16, 2013The PC market across western Europe shrank by more than a fifth in this year's first quarter, according to analysts – the worst results since they began tracking the region.
  • Samsung Still Leads Cooling Mobile Market (0)May 16, 2013Global mobile phone sales increased slightly in the first quarter of the year, with Asia-Pac the only region to show real sales growth. But Samsung is still dominating the vendor leaderboard according to Gartner.
  • Netsuite Targets Manufacturing with New Release (0)May 16, 2013The Cloud-based ERP vendor goes after manufacturing, a sector CEO Zach Nelson calls “the last industry that hasn’t moved to the cloud” with new functionality in its flagship business management suite.
  • Core Security Ups Ante In Security Management (0)May 15, 2013Core Security is bulking its vulnerability assessment flagship with a spate of new high-end tools that include security analytics, penetration testing and threat simulation, among other things. For the channel, that means a new springboard from which to launch unique combinations of high margin services.
  • NetSuite: We’re Still in Early Days for Cloud (1)May 15, 2013The cloud-based ERP vendor has been working with the channel for more than a decade, but the full shift to the cloud has yet to be felt, the company’s channel chief says.
  • Survey: 1 in 4 VARs Fired Their Vendors (3)May 15, 2013A new survey by networking and communications vendor Enterasys finds that one-quarter of solution providers have fired a technology supplier in the last 12 months over lead generation, profitability and channel conflict. In reality, the problem and consequences are probably much worse.
  • HP Brings Partner Help for New SMB Storage (0)May 15, 2013Hewlett-Packard Co. this week is taking aim at the growing storage needs of cash-strapped smaller businesses with a new SMB-focused storage system and an updated channel program to help resellers get the wares into the hands of their clients.
  • Triumfant Service Expands Threat Security (0)May 15, 2013Security firm Triumfant is immersing itself further into a growing advanced threat market with the launch of a new monitored service, a release that will likely give solution providers a few more high-margin service opportunities as advanced threat trends continue to accelerate.
  • Kaspersky Lab Fills Enterprise Leadership Gap (0)May 14, 2013Kaspersky Lab is filling in some crucial channel leadership gaps with the appointment of Bill Cunninghmam, vice president, enterprise sales, North America, a necessary move that will be fundamental to its upmarket ambitions.
  • HP Denies Trying to Flog Autonomy to SAP (1)May 14, 2013HP stamps on a Times article alleging the two chief executives had discussed a sale.
  • Dell Accuses Drive Vendors of Price-fixing Scandal (0)May 14, 2013Dell seeks damages as it claims it paid over the odds for optical disk drives from Samsung, Sony, Hitachi and others.
  • Avnet Introduces Ruggedized Mobile Data Center (0)May 14, 2013Avnet is hoping to capture the imagination of its channel partners with its VSPEX-based offering, which promises a converged architecture to work in harsh environments.
  • Rackspace Tells of Cloud Commoditization (1)May 14, 2013Rackspace remains profitable, but growth and margins are rapidly shrinking. The cost of expansion is part of the issue, but so, too, is pricing pressure by stiff competition. It’s a sign of commoditization in core cloud computing services brought on by the expansion of existing players and the entry of more formidable contenders.
  • Survey: Bright Outlook for Business and Tech (0)May 14, 2013A survey by Dell and Intel finds startups and small businesses in the U.S. that harbor a bright outlook for sales and finances in the coming year are looking to technology investments to fuel their continued growth.
  • Sophos Broadens Endpoint in UTM Release (0)May 13, 2013Sophos is expanding endpoint security, wireless and VPN features in its latest UTM release -- additions to keep the company on top of a crowded and and competitive race in UTM.
  • EMC, VMware, GE Launch Big Data Pivotal Arm (0)May 13, 2013The 'billion-dollar business in the making,' which is focused on addressing Big Data challenges, will be opened up to the channel.
  • RSA CEO Coviello on Future of Security (0)May 13, 2013Security bigwig Art Coviello opens up about the challenges facing the security market and how resellers are coping.
  • Icahn Presses Alternate Plan for Dell’s Future (0)May 13, 2013Activist investor Carl Icahn and partners plan to present a competitive slate for the Dell board of directors to take over the company and implement a plan that could include merging with another PC company, like Hewlett-Packard.
  • Westcon Collaboration Targets BYOD (0)May 13, 2013Westcon is attempting to fill the needs gap in BYOD solutions to help partners take advantage of the burgeoning mobility market with a subscription-based, easy-to-deploy package that aims to take some of the complexity and risk out of BYOD initiatives. Is this a glimpse of the future of distribution?
  • Webroot Boosts Security in XRoad Alliance (0)May 13, 2013Webroot is once again partnering to make an entrance into new markets, this time forming an alliance with bandwidth and unified management firm XRoad Networks, a move that gives partners a bit more exposure in network security arenas.
  • ShoreTel CEO Blackmore to Resign (0)May 10, 2013The executive rumblings that shook up channel leadership at unified communications stalwart ShoreTel Inc. are apparently reverberating all the way to the corner office as CEO Peter Blackmore announces he'll retire as soon as a successor can be found.
  • Managed Services Growing at Double-Digit Rates (0)May 10, 2013The managed services segment will continue to grow at a double-digit rate over the next four years, as businesses turn to service offerings to fulfill their IT and telecommunications needs rather than expanding staffing and fixed overhead.
  • Picture Brightens Slightly for Flat Panel Sales (0)May 10, 2013Flat panel sales to the professional market rose in Q1 although market conditions remain difficult for many display vendors and developed markets continue to struggle for more traction.
  • How Well Does Mom Know Technology? (2)May 10, 2013Just in time for Mother’s Day, the good folks at Trend Micro surveyed 1,037 folks online to find out how moms use (and misuse) technology and devices. Here’s what they discovered.
  • WatchGuard Hyper-V Support Targets Enterprise (0)May 9, 2013UTM firm WatchGuard launched support for Microsoft Hyper-V customers, who will have access to the firm's spate of network security functions in virtual environments. It's a move that also gives WatchGuard a bigger foot in the door when targeting enterprise markets.
  • McAfee Touts Power in Network Security Push (0)May 9, 2013On the heels of the Stonesoft acquisition that will position it better against next generation firewall competitors, McAfee has launched a power-driven IPS platform that it hopes will expand its reach amid a concerted network security push.
  • Huawei CEO: We’re Not a Security Threat (0)May 9, 2013The latest move by China-based Huawei to remediate its image as a security threat to governments and enterprises comes straight from the top.
  • Business Intelligence Market on Upward Curve (0)May 9, 2013This fastest-growing tech sector has more room to expand, and an analyst predicts a 7 percent annual rise.
  • Symantec to Raid Tech Giants for Top Talent (0)May 9, 2013Symantec plans to cut up to two in five management roles, but will unveil a fresh batch of 'senior-level talent' soon.
  • MSP Branches Out With New App Store (0)May 9, 2013Powersolution.com was an early adopter of a relatively new platform from SaaS Markets purpose-built for launching and running an app store available to clients of its growing practice.
  • Dell Targets Cisco With SonicWall NGFW Debut (0)May 8, 2013Dell SonicWall is eyeing an upmarket push with the latest next generation firewall release, a move that it hopes put it more on par with legacy rivals Cisco and others.
  • Barracuda Vies for Virtual Networking Market (0)May 8, 2013Barracuda Networks is once again reaching beyond its comfort zone, debuting a virtual-networking platform it hopes will further its upmarket expansion.
  • Gates Like Tablets, Taxes; Dreads China (0)May 8, 2013Despite rampant software piracy abroad and withering competition and market churn at home, Bill Gates remains bullish on the technology industry in general and, in particular, Microsoft’s tablet and operating system efforts.
  • Acer Back in Black Despite Revenue Drop (0)May 8, 2013Acer Inc.'s revenues shriveled by almost a fifth in 2013's opening quarter but the embattled Taiwanese PC maker did manage to post a small post-tax profit after two years of losses.
  • Pivotal to Build Enterprise-Focused Channel (0)May 7, 2013Chief executive Paul Maritz says the EMC’s Big Data-focused spinoff will roll out its own channel program once its cloud platform debuts later this year, will target enterprise SIs and ISVs.
  • Check Point Eyes SMB With Appliance Launch (0)May 7, 2013Check Point Software Technologies made a departure from the enterprise to launch an appliance line geared for specifically for the SMB, a move that expands channel reach and fulfills a company pledge to make greater inroads into lower markets.
  • Huawei Turns on Charm With ICT Nation (0)May 7, 2013Huawei, the controversial Chinese hardware vendor accused representing a national security threat to the U.S., is looking to win friends and influence the industry with ICT Nation, a collaborative community of IT vendors, solution providers and CIOs.
  • Microsoft Preps Course Corrections for Win 8 (0)May 7, 2013Breathless reports in the media notwithstanding, the changes due for Redmond’s struggling flagship OS amount to more of a veer to the right than a U-turn, and are nowhere near a concession of “New Coke” proportions.
  • Avaya Smooths Quotes, Orders With One Source (0)May 7, 2013Resellers of Avaya Inc.’s business communications and collaboration wares may finally be getting some relief from navigating thousands of price groups and hundreds of catalogs as the vendor moves to streamline and simplify the ordering process for its channel partners.
  • Sophos MDM Push Takes on Rivals (0)May 6, 2013Sophos is asserting a bigger presence in MDM, a move that it hopes will give it more leverage to take on bigger challengers as the mobile security space heats up.
  • GFI Debuts Scripting Site, Bolsters MSPs (0)May 6, 2013GFI Software is once again ramping up its managed services prowess with the launch of a community scripting site, which gives MSPs the ability to share scripts and solutions that better resolve SMB IT challenges.
  • Dell Snaps Up Enstratius for Cloud Management (0)May 6, 2013Dell is going even deeper into cloud management with the acquisition of Enstratius Inc., whose products should mesh well with similar capabilities in Active System Manager.
  • BlackBerry: Tablets Have Clear Expiration Date (0)May 6, 2013BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins believes the age of tablets will be short lived. He has a point, but it’s based on faulty reasoning. Here’s why.
  • Dell Reseller in Dutch Over Sales to Syria (0)May 6, 2013Dell is scrambling to explain how one of its largest Middle East resellers managed to sell hundreds of Dell laptops, tablets and desktop PCs to the embattled Syrian government in violation of long-standing trade embargoes.
  • McAfee Taps Stonesoft for Next-Gen Firewalls (0)May 6, 2013McAfee, an Intel subsidiary, announced the acquisition of Finland-based Stonesoft to rekindle efforts to penetrate the next-generation firewall market.
  • Fortinet, FishNet Partner In MSSP Services (0)May 3, 2013Unified threat management firm Fortinet and FishNet Security are partnering in a managed security services launch that will provide a slew of service options around management and security analysis for partners. The release is also another step in Fortinet's sustained foray into the MSSP space.
  • New Schumer Bill Takes Aim at Patent Trolls (0)May 3, 2013We already know what companies like Google Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. think of patent trolling. Turns out, some politicians aren’t particularly fond of the questionable practice, either.
  • Cuts Continue at Arrow as Profits Slump (0)May 3, 2013Distributor Arrow Electronics has vowed to shave another $35 million off its annual expense bill as it announced a quarterly profit slump of nearly a third.
  • Perficient Acquires IBM Content Specialist (0)May 3, 2013Proficient is expanding its IBM content management and business process management capabilities through the acquisition of TriTek, an IBM software specialist. This is a reflection of the larger trend of solution providers evolving to business services rather than IT implementation.
  • Samsung Gains Ground on Apple in Tablet Wars (0)May 3, 2013The market share gap between Apple and Samsung in the tablet space has narrowed by 25 points in the last year. But whatever the name on the label, the tactile devices continue to fly off the shelves at an incredible rate, IDC data reveals.
  • Microsoft: We’re Winning the Cloud War (0)May 3, 2013Microsoft claims ts competitors are "dwarfed" by the progress it's making in the cloud space as it announces it has signed its 125,000th Cloud Essentials (CE) reseller.
  • Want to Charge More? Get in Your Client’s Head (0)May 3, 2013Fascinating research from Columbia University reveals that understanding and leveraging 'motivational focus' leads buyers to put a higher value on your products and services, and leaves them more satisfied with their purchase in the end. Here’s how human nature can sweeten a solution provider’s sales pitch.
  • Carbonite’s Channel Efforts Showing Results (0)May 3, 2013In the crowded backup market, Carbonite – a company best known for its consumer backup services – is seeing growth and profitability accelerate by small business sales driven by its fledging channel.
  • SolarWinds Targets Firewall Management (0)May 2, 2013IT management firm SolarWinds is launching two free tools that aim to ease partners' burdens around firewall rules. But it's also a move that likely aims to better position the company in a nascent, but potentially lucrative, firewall management market.
  • Boosting MSP Sales With Security Services (0)May 2, 2013A good way for MSPs to turbocharge their practices is by introducing security as an attached sale to other products and services that they’re already selling.
  • Intel COO Krzanich to Succeed Otellini as CEO (0)May 2, 2013For only the sixth time in its 45-year history, Intel has a new CEO. The company tapped 31-year veteran Brian Krzanich to succeed Paul Otellini who is set to retire later this month.
  • Dispelling the Mystery of Calculating Growth (0)May 2, 2013Vendors and solution providers say it all the time: the objective for the channel is growth. Defining growth is often elusive, as it’s difficult for solution providers to align goals to actual growth. Channelnomics now has a tool that helps solution providers to truly understand what it takes to reach growth goals.
  • After Missing Goals, IBM Looks to Get Lean (0)May 2, 2013IBM is looking to shed underperforming business units and products, trim jobs and cut expenses to reach its earnings goals. In the process, Big Blue will likely turn to channel partners for more support in selling and supporting cloud computing, Big Data and data protection products.
  • Dim Outlook for Projector Sales (0)May 2, 2013The worldwide projector market had a tough Q1, with sales down 7.5 percent year over year, though bright spots remain in larger units and ultramobiles.
  • Obama’s FCC Nominee Likely Good for Channel (0)May 2, 2013Tom Wheeler may be better known to wonky Beltway insiders than to those in technology, but his appointment Wednesday by Pres. Obama to head the FCC should be good news for the channel.
  • Tech Data Bulks Security Services Enablement (0)May 1, 2013Tech Data is arming partners with a comprehensive enablement tool that eases all functions and businesses processes associated with a managed security services businesses -- but several competitors are reaping the rewards of a strong head start in this space.
  • Citrix Tunes Channel Programs to Enhance Value (0)May 1, 2013For the better part of the last decade, Citrix Systems’ channel program was a well-working yet highly subjective affair. That’s changing with two initiatives that formalize processes, increase certification requirements and impose objectivity. The goal: Provide partners with transparency, consistency and predictability in their Citrix practices.
  • Fortinet Dims Outlook Amid SP Deal Losses (0)May 1, 2013Fortinet brass points to softened services provider markets and uncertain global macroeconomic shifts that led it to miss Q1 projections -- representing an about-face for the UTM firm that had experienced double-digit growth since its 2009 IPO.
  • For Many, It’s BYOD or the Highway (1)May 1, 2013Gartner finds 38 percent of companies worldwide say they expect to stop providing mobile devices to their staff by 2016.
  • Juniper Taps New VP of Americas Partner Sales (0)May 1, 2013Juniper Networks this week made public its choice of a new head of partner sales for the Americas, introducing Christopher M. Jones to replace well-known channel executive Frank Vitagliano.
  • Avnet Combines Services in New ATS Unit (0)May 1, 2013Avnet's evolution from traditional technology distributor to complete IT solutions and services provider continues with today’s unveiling of Avnet Services, a segment withinits rapidly growing Avnet Technology Solutions unit.
  • Barracuda Makes Application Controller Foray (0)April 30, 2013Barracuda Networks is making forays into the application delivery controller market, a move that positions the firm at the precipice of a burgeoning, and potentially profitable, niche for its partners.
  • New Channel Chief Points Sophos at Cloud (0)April 30, 2013Kendra Krause, the company’s new channel sales chief for the Americas, says Sophos will invest in new products and programs to support a cloud business model and an appeal to managed security service providers.
  • IndependenceIT Is Taking Partners to School (0)April 30, 2013The cloud services management platform provider this week introduced its iIT University which is up and running for all VARs, ISVs and MSPs enrolled in the company’s three-tiered partner program who are looking to make more money in the cloud.
  • Google Glass May Have Channel Appeal (0)April 30, 2013At first blush, Google Glass isn’t exactly what you would expect. Its applications are limited and it immediate marks the user as uber geek. While the jury is still out whether this cyborg-like device is truly marketable, there are a few practical applications that may find their way into the channel.
  • China Tops U.S. as Largest PC Market (0)April 30, 2013China has overtaken the U.S. as the global leader in PC sales – but desktops are just as popular as notebooks in the Asian giant.
  • Microsoft Azure Sales Surging Past $1B (0)April 30, 2013Microsoft may be struggling in mobility and operating systems, but its cloud strategy is taking root as Windows Azure sales topped $1 billion for the first time and is expected to keep growing. This is good news for the cloud market, as well as the vast Microsoft channel community.
  • Symantec, Kaseya Plug-Ins Renew SMB Effort (0)April 29, 2013Symantec is upping the value of its managed services offerings with Kaseya plug-ins for its flagship Backup Exec and Symantec Endpoint Protection products. The goal: making a bigger dent in growing SMB markets.
  • CompTIA Pitches In to Help Vets Land IT Jobs (0)April 29, 2013A number of technology training and certification organizations like CompTIA are working with President Barack Obama’s administration to get military members trained and up to speed for good-paying careers in IT before they are discharged.
  • CA Pursuing a Bifurcated Channel Strategy (0)April 29, 2013CA Technologies is in a renascence as it presses into cloud management and service provider automation solutions, looking to its core group of partners to drive success. On the other end, CA’s backup business -- ArcServe -- is pursuing a volume business in the midmarket. The question: Can the two coexist?
  • 2112 Appoints Mirakaj as Chief Operating Officer (0)April 29, 2013The 2112 Group, the leading channel professional services firm, expanded its executive team by adding Diana L. Mirakaj as its first chief operating officer. The firm also promoted Amber Plante to managing editor of 2112 and Channelnomics.
  • HP Betting Big on Simplifying Partner Relations (0)April 29, 2013Hewlett-Packard is investing in a unified partner-ordering and communications system designed to break down barriers between vendors' internal divisions, better facilitate horizontal system-ordering and provide easier access to product information.
  • Salesforce Takes Top CRM Spot From SAP (1)April 29, 2013Last year, Salesforce's worldwide CRM software annual revenue grew 26 percent to $2.5 billion, overtaking SAP's CRM sales figure of $2.3 billion, which only grew by 0.1 percent over the same period. The pair's market share for 2012 stood at 14 and 12.9 percent, respectively.
  • GFI Bolsters Cloud With Patch Management (0)April 29, 2013GFI Software is leveraging patch management as a differentiator in its GFI Cloud platform. It's a move intended to give its channel greater SMB traction -- and profitability -- and bolsters its management prowess.
  • McAfee Embarks on IAM Foray (0)April 26, 2013McAfee is making forays into the IAM space -- or rather, the burgeoning cloud IAM space -- with new single sign-on and one-time password authentication tools that take aim at legacy players.
  • Low Tablet Margins Punish Ingram Micro Profits (0)April 26, 2013Ingram Micro has become the latest channel player to see its profitability hit by low margins in the tablet space, as its net income fell more than 40 percent despite a big sales hike in Q1.
  • Samsung Saw 42% Profit Jump in Stellar Q1 (0)April 26, 2013The South Korean technology conglomerate today announced record profits of $6.5 billion for the past quarter, a 42 percent rise over the same period last year.
  • Blue Coat Distributor Fined for Sales in Syria (0)April 26, 2013The security vendor today issued a statement acknowledging that Dubai-based Computerlinks ZFCO has been penalized for the "unlawful diversion of Blue Coat ProxySG appliances to Syria" in 2011.
  • Dell Unites Channel Amid Software Push (0)April 25, 2013Dell -- calling itself a software and service company -- has come out swinging with releases around BI, mobility and productivity. But Round Rock underscores that its transformation wouldn't be complete without a unified channel.
  • Lenovo to Partners: Get in Touch with Touch (0)April 25, 2013Lenovo North American channel chief Chris Frey tells a group of resellers that those who build a practice around touch will be at a competitive advantage a year from now.
  • VTN International Group Could Arrive This Year (0)April 25, 2013There are no firm timelines in place for the expansion of Ingram Micro’s reseller community group into the UK and Latin America, but the distributor says trial members could start showing up as early as this fall.
  • More Cuts at Avnet After Flat Q3 (0)April 25, 2013The distributor announced plans to lop a further $40 million off its cost base to counter margin erosion in North America and western Europe.
  • A View From the Trenches at Infosec 2013 (0)April 25, 2013Our partners at CRN UK are all over the action in London at the annual Infosecurity Europe extravaganza. For an exhibitor's-eye view, check out their conversation with reps from Palo Alto Networks.
  • Windows Inches Closer in Tablet Race (0)April 25, 2013According to data from Strategy Analytics, Windows has gone from a dead stop last year to nearly 7.5 percent market share on the strength of 3 million units shipped worldwide last quarter.
  • Amazon Looks to Channel for Growth (0)April 25, 2013Amazon Web Services will use the channel -- rather than direct sales -- as the engine of its growth in the enterprise market.
  • Mergers on the Mind at VTN (0)April 24, 2013Over 2012, 15 members of the reseller community sold their businesses, and judging by the main-stage content at this week’s Spring Invitational, that trend isn’t slowing down in 2013.
  • HP NGIPS Launch Fills Networking Gaps (0)April 24, 2013HP is building out a comprehensive security stack, and the latest installment is the release of a TippingPoint next-generation IPS line. But the real channel value will be in how well the solution integrates with other security offerings in HP's portfolio.
  • Apple Eyes Innovation Amid Weak Q2 (0)April 24, 2013Despite banking $9.5 billion in net profit and growing its cash pile, CEO Tim Cook acknowledges how Apple's results -- and the manner in which the company's share price has fallen -- has disappointed some market watchers.
  • Gartner: Mobile Fuels Chip Market Gains (0)April 24, 2013The analyst firm notes that 2012 marks the first time that semiconductor revenue for mobile devices surpassed that of PCs and notebooks.
  • Huawei No Longer Interested in U.S. Market (0)April 24, 2013After months of allegations and denials regarding its potential as a threat to U.S. national security, Huawei officials say they are giving up efforts to expand into the U.S. market and will instead focus on 'the rest of the world.'
  • HP Web Inspection Tool Boosts Security Play (0)April 23, 2013HP is upping its burgeoning security prowess with the launch of an updated URl inspection tool, WebInspect, indicating the PC manufacturer is building out its software stack to create opportunities for its security channel.
  • Ingram Goes Digital With Office, Windows 8 (0)April 23, 2013Ingram Micro’s new Digital Locker creates a role for distribution in electronic software delivery and could make software licensing accessible to more solution providers focused on small-business customers.
  • AlgoSec: Insiders Biggest Management Threat (0)April 23, 2013An AlgoSec security survey cited insider challenges and BYOD issues as the biggest threats to network security management. Nothing new there. But the study does highlight the fact that complexity isn't going away any time soon, and will only spur a burgeoning firewall management market for the channel.
  • Egnyte, NetApp Ink Channel Sales Deal (0)April 23, 2013Fresh off the launch of its channel program and a bump in venture capital funding last month, Egnyte announces a deal with NetApp that will see the file-sharing and synchronization specialist’s services sold through NetApp’s legion of resellers.
  • Xerox, Lexmark Misses Reflects Printer Decline (0)April 23, 2013Xerox’s quarterly financials are dampened by declining printer sales, while Lexmark sees a 43 percent decline in sales revenue. The reports reflect continuing decline in printer sales and the inability of managed print to stem the outflow.
  • Coder, System Analyst Among Best Jobs for 2013 (0)April 23, 2013Several technology careers worked their way onto the CareerCast.com ranking of best jobs for 2013, a list dominated by financial services, health care and biomedical engineering jobs. Being a newspaper reporter, meanwhile, has gone from awful to absolute worst.
  • Channel Differentiation Isn’t About Programs (0)April 23, 2013A channel account manager recently asked, “If all the vendors have basically the same channel program structure, how do they differentiate?” The answer has nothing to do with the channel program.
  • VentureTech Eyes International Expansion (0)April 22, 2013Ingram Micro’s main reseller community is looking to expand beyond the confines of North America, kicking off its 15th year with executives from the distributor’s U.K. and Latin American operations looking on.
  • The Decision-Maker Is Not Just IT (0)April 22, 2013When it comes to technology sales and professional services, your target audience is changing. As more and more end users continue to change their focus from back-office IT to front-office IT, the IT decision making process is shifting from IT to various business units.
  • GFI Updates Boost Managed Services Prowess (0)April 22, 2013GFI Software may be in throes of redefining itself, but the firm is staying true to its SMB core customer base with a slew of feature tweaks to its managed services platform that take into account mobile and Mac OS X environments.
  • Dell Hosted E-mail Bolsters Services Push (0)April 22, 2013Dell is ramping up its security services with the latest version of its SonicWALL hosted e-mail security product, a launch that gives partners renewed entrance into a wide open SMB market.
  • CA CEO Looks to Channel to Accelerate Change (0)April 22, 2013At the annual CA World conference, CA Technologies unveiled a number of new products and strategic initiatives under its theme “Go Big.” For solution providers, CA is strutting new channel bravado, as it’s acknowledging the need for partners to take its cloud products to market.
  • Gap in PC Market Affects Channel (0)April 22, 2013With consumers seizing buying power and margins vanishing from a shrinking PC market, can channel firms continue to support sales of desktop and data center infrastructure in the same business model?
  • Blackstone Quits Bid to Buy Dell (0)April 22, 2013Private equity firm Blackstone Group is no longer a contender to take Dell private. Its withdrawal makes CEO Michael Dell’s bid stronger and his future as head of the company more secure.
  • 2112 Maps Channel Services Evolution (0)April 22, 2013The 2112 Group in collaboration with CA Technologies today announced findings from a recent study highlighting how IT and business services will change the value and composition of the IT channel for vendors and customers.
  • CA Boosts IAM With Cloud, Mobile Refresh (0)April 22, 2013CA Technologies is refreshing its identity and access management portfolio with a new cloud and mobile look and feel. CA's rejuvenated IAM investments indicates that the market is likely primed for an upsurge in growth,, propelled by compliance and the cloud.
  • Cisco Affirms Commitment to Boston (0)April 20, 2013Despite the terrorist attack and deadly manhunt, Cisco told partners it’s confident that Boston remains a safe city for business travel and is making no plans to change the venue for the upcoming Cisco Partner Summit.
  • Insight Warns of Weaker Q1 Sales, Profits (0)April 19, 2013The global reseller is blaming faltering sales at home and shrinking profit margins in Europe for its weaker-than-expected Q1 results.
  • Microsoft Earnings: Cloud Sails, Windows Flails (0)April 19, 2013Cloud offerings helped boost Microsoft's Q3 results, but senior management admits there is still "an immense amount of work to do" in the Windows division, where revenues stayed flat.
  • Report: Lenovo in Talks to Buy IBM Server Unit (0)April 19, 2013Published reports indicate Lenovo is in talks with IBM to buy its underperforming Series X low-end server business. If the deal comes to pass, it will fundamentally reshape the server market and channel.
  • Ponemon: Passwords Deter Web Access (0)April 19, 2013A Ponemon Institute study finds the vast majority of users tiring of usernames and passwords as authentication solutions. Passwords are often forgettable and easily hacked, which leaves a wide-open playing field for the channel to introduce replacement solutions.
  • Symantec Cloud Strategy Slow But Steady (2)April 18, 2013Symantec has been criticized by partners as being late to the cloud. Now the Mountain View, Calif., security firm is revving its cloud prowess with a bigger and more strategic entrance into cloud markets. The going will be slow for a while.
  • Otellini Recounts 40 Years of Change at Intel (0)April 18, 2013Exiting CEO Paul Otelleni’s walk down memory lane encapsulates the evolution of the tech giant from innovator and market dominator to a company forced to scrap and claw with more nimble rivals in the highly mobile, post-PC world.
  • DDoS Attacks Getting More Aggressive (0)April 18, 2013DDoS expert Prolexic Technologies revealed the average attack bandwidth totaled 48.24 Gbps in Q1 2013, with the average packet-per-second rate reaching 32.4 million.
  • Services Evolution Reshaping the Channel (0)April 18, 2013Cloud computing is forcing solution providers to rethink and reshape their business models. However, a new study by The 2112 Group and CA Technologies show cloud computing isn’t the end goal of services transformation. It goes much deeper.
  • Check Point Deal Reg Aims to Thwart Cynics (0)April 18, 2013Check Point has finally joined the fray with a formal deal registration program that guarantees partners of all levels an extra margin of 20 percent, which officials say will help partners generate new business.
  • Bad Malwarebytes Update Leaves VARs in Bind (0)April 18, 2013The Malwarebytes update definition, released on Tuesday, marked legitimate files as malware code, leaving many of its millions of customers with crippled machines.
  • Synnex Looks to Create Varnex Unity (0)April 17, 2013For the reseller community to get to the next level, it really needs to find its own personality and go beyond being a group of like-minded solution providers to become a true entity unto itself, says Synnex CEO Kevin Murai.
  • Targeted Attacks Spike Against SMBs (0)April 17, 2013The latest Symantec security threat report revealed that targeted attacks were honing in on SMBs -- representing 31 percent of all attacks -- indicating that the SMB channel will have little room to be complacent about the security of their smallest customers in the near future.
  • Symantec: A Company In Transition (0)April 17, 2013Most opening keynotes generate excitement and pump up the audience with a "let's go get 'em" team spirit. But at Symantec Vision Conference 2013, CEO Steve Bennett laid it out in no uncertain terms that the company is in a state of transition and has a long ways to go before it gets back on…
  • Zenith Wins Short Repreive From Regulators (0)April 17, 2013Zenith Infotech has a little more time to come up with the money it needs to satisfy India regulators. The Securities Appellate Tribunal, the stock market regulatory equivalent to an appeals court, granted the cloud computing company a temporary stay until the next hearing in May.
  • Tegile Distribution Pact Packs GSA Goodness (1)April 17, 2013Hybrid-storage specialist Tegile Systems has inked a new distribution deal that could make the vendor’s critically-acclaimed storage wares more broadly available to resellers, particularly in public-sector deals.
  • PC Malaise Punishes Intel Profits in Q1 (0)April 17, 2013Battered by the same forces withering most of the technology giants, Intel suffers a 25 percent drop in its Q1 profits as it attempts to adjust to the rapidly changing face of IT. But it could have been worse.
  • Microsoft Taking on Amazon With Azure IaaS (0)April 17, 2013Microsoft launched its IaaS Azure platform in preview mode last summer, but claims today's full release will propel the product into a wave of new customers, which it hopes to lure away from nearest rival AWS.
  • AVG, Infrascale Union Spurs Backup Foray (0)April 16, 2013AVG is branching out with a new alliance: cloud data protection firm Infrascale. The union will give partners a stronger value-add and indicatesthe company will likely break out of its antivirus iron cast by forming more cloud-based partnerships.
  • Lenovo Brings Underdog Mindset to Server Market (0)April 16, 2013Lenovo’s server business is small but growing, and the company has big plans for the SMB server market. But to get there, it needs to move the channel community from being aware of its offerings, to being engaged.
  • Symantec Security Refresh Bodes Well for MDM (0)April 16, 2013Symantec is remaining true to its stated mobility ambitions with a series of security updates to its mobile device management suite. It plans to invest further in MDM, indicating partners can breathe easier when placing bets in this space.
  • Immigration Reform Could Roil IT Workforce (1)April 16, 2013Proposed changes to the immigration laws could be a boon to talent-starved American tech companies, but could punish foreign firms – particularly the large Indian service providers with operations in the U.S. -- who currently employ large numbers of foreign IT specialists.
  • Return to Germany: Only Change Is Permanent (0)April 16, 2013More than a quarter century ago, I arrived in Germany as a young soldier prepared to defend Europe and democracy from the Communist hordes. In my first trip back in 23 years, I found a thriving Germany littered with empty American installations. It’s a sign that change comes to us all, and it’s often a…
  • Security Resellers Urged Toward Cloud (0)April 16, 2013Gartner urges security resellers to supplement their on-premises revenue with cloud-based alternatives in order to retain large customers who might otherwise spend with competitors.
  • Dell’s Vitagliano Looks to Build Strategic Partners (0)April 16, 2013On his first day as Dell’s new vice president of channel sales for North America, Frank Vitagliano says his plans include building profitability, increasing ease of doing business, and streamlining co-ordination between Dell’s field and the channel, all parts of an effort to make Dell a more strategic vendor to its top partners.
  • Xerox Rewards Customer Loyalty with Points (0)April 16, 2013Printer and document management vendor Xerox is looking to keep customers in its fold by rewarding with redeemable points for purchases of its products. While the channel is incorporated in the program, it could also create problem for Xerox resellers.
  • IndependenceIT, N-Able Join Hands for MSPs (0)April 15, 2013IndependenceIT has an additional integration feather in its cap, thanks to a new collaboration deal with RMM and services automation specialist N-able Technologies.
  • Kaspersky Lab Ramps Up Public Sector Profile (0)April 15, 2013Kaspersky Lab is eyeing federal and education verticals with the formation of a new State Local and Education (SLED) team. While its new public sector push will give the company some leverage against Top Two competitors Symantec and McAfee, the company will likely have to fight long and hard to capture market share from its…
  • Software-Defined Storage Needs More Clarity (0)April 15, 2013The software-defined storage (SDS) market is suffering "constrained growth" because suppliers are confused about what it actually means, according to IDC.
  • Dell Adds Heavy Hitter to Channel Lineup (0)April 15, 2013Channel veteran Frank Vitagliano becomes Dell's newest vice president of channel sales, a move sure to give the company even more channel credibility for what has already become a formidable partner program at the traditionally direct-sales vendor.
  • ICANN Ruling Protects ‘.cloud’ for the Masses (0)April 15, 2013The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) has welcomed a decision which could see the exclusive sale of new Web domains such as ".cloud" scrapped.
  • Study: Cloud Requires Infrastructure Management (0)April 15, 2013A CA Technologies study found that despite the mad rush to adopt cloud and Big Data infrastructure, many organizations still lack converged infrastructure solutions necessary for its management and support. That gives partners a lot of room to provide behind-the-scenes services amid accelerating cloud trends.
  • Cloud Trends Put Accelerator on GRC (0)April 12, 2013Few can deny the area of governance, risk and compliance has experienced a revival over the last year, indicated by a dearth of new start-ups and legacy players touting innovative offerings. One of the biggest catalysts driving GRCs growth is the cloud.
  • ISVs Say Partners Vital to SaaS Success (1)April 12, 2013Survey: The majority of ISVs report their channel partner program will play a strategic role in growing SaaS revenues, and most say partners are vital to growing revenues from their SaaS products.
  • Continuum Beefs Up MSP Marketing Resources (0)April 12, 2013Hosted MSP Continuum is looking to accelerate growth by providing its partner MSPs with Marketing Advantage, an array of materials and tools designed make more effective use of sales leads and shorten sales cycles.
  • IBM Sinks $1B Into Flash Storage Technology (0)April 12, 2013Big Blue said it would spend the nine-figure sum on research and development to design, create and integrate new flash solutions into its servers, storage systems and middleware.
  • Synnex Making Big Push Into Mobility Market (0)April 12, 2013Synnex is joining other distributors in enabling solution providers to capitalize on the mobility trend by forming a new division that will give resellers products and support in selling devices, transport services and complementary technologies.
  • Whitman Says HP Firmly Committed to Autonomy (0)April 12, 2013It’s easy to imagine a list of words Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman might have used to describe Autonomy, the U.K. software firm HP claims it was duped into paying several billion dollars too much for in 2011, but would “magical” have come to mind?
  • Check Point Launch Makes Small Branch Foray (0)April 11, 2013Check Point Software Technologies is ramping up its presence in small branch and remote office markets with the release of a dedicated appliance line. And a $599 price point indicates the firm is serous about going after lower market competitors.
  • IDC: Worst PC Sales in Recorded History (0)April 11, 2013This year's first quarter saw the steepest decline in PC shipments since records began, according to IDC, which partly blames Microsoft’s Windows 8 for slowing the market.
  • Aging POS Systems Points to Compliance Lag (0)April 11, 2013A McAfee study indicates the retail sector needs to address aging and outdated POS systems or face compliance penalties and security risks created by advanced threats. It might behoove the channel to revisit retail customers in order to rebuild security strategy from the ground up.
  • 7-inch Surface Smacks of Microsoft Desperation (1)April 11, 2013Microsoft's rumored plans to dive into the 7-inch tablet fray have been interpreted as a last-ditch attempt by the software giant to remain relevant in the post-PC world.
  • Weak Fortinet Numbers Latest in Security Slide (0)April 11, 2013Fortinet Inc. has become the latest security vendor to suffer a sharp decline in its share price after posting below-expectation first-quarter numbers.
  • Gartner: IT Spending at ‘Turning Point’ (0)April 11, 2013This year is set to be the first in the past decade in which business decision-makers plan to significantly increase their IT investment, according to Gartner.
  • Dropbox Inches Toward B2B With Single Sign-On (0)April 11, 2013Henceforth, Dropbox for Teams shall be known as Dropbox for Business. While the title change probably isn’t enough to convince the skeptical that the traditionally consumer-focused service is enterprise-grade, the company’s latest step in a series of security enhancements might do the trick.
  • Ingram Adds Cloud Marketing, Technical Supports (0)April 11, 2013The distributor’s “Seeding the Cloud” program aims to help solution providers build their marketing around building their cloud practices, while its Cloud Desk looks to deepen VARs’ technical benches.
  • Ingram Bets On Hardware-as-a-Service (0)April 10, 2013Ingram Micro is launching a hardware-as-a-service program aimed at bolstering recurring channel revenue and broadening partners' service options. Partners, on the other hand, balk at the potential financial risks.
  • Ingram Micro Deepens Cloud Channel Push (0)April 10, 2013Ingram Micro is putting weight behind its services and cloud channel push with new hardware and telecom service programs, coupled with a slew of new cloud alliances. Why? More organizations are dealing with increasing cloud complexity, and they're looking to the channel for help.
  • Investor: Dell Buyback Plans Don’t Make Sense (0)April 10, 2013One of Dell's largest shareholders has reiterated its opposition to Michael Dell's attempts to regain ownership of the company, claiming the eponymous CEO has provided "no sound reasoning" for the deal.
  • Ovum: End of Windows XP Support No Big Deal (0)April 10, 2013Analyst Ovum has hit back at industry encouragement to migrate from Microsoft’s Windows XP by declaring it does not think life after the operating system's support ceases will be any different.
  • Aruba Adds App Controls to ClearPass MDM (0)April 10, 2013The new Aruba WorkSpace component extends current ClearPass capabilities for provisioning and managing mobile devices by adding network-aware applications controls, which can limit the apps allowed on the corporate network, enforce network prioritization policies for work applications and change security profiles on the fly.
  • Study: Poor User Profiling Threatens UCC Growth (0)April 10, 2013IT decision-makers charging full speed toward UCC with visions of greater organizational efficiency and improved worker productivity are skipping a key step in the process: Most haven’t bothered to ask what their employees need or want.
  • Mobile App Downloads Continue to Climb (0)April 10, 2013Canalys found that app downloads from the four leading stores worldwide – Apple's App Store, Google Play, Microsoft's Windows Phone Store and BlackBerry World – shot up 11 percent sequentially to 13.4 billion.
  • Kaseya Bolsters IT Management, Revs Channel (0)April 9, 2013Kaseya International launched a set of free and paid tools that equip MSPs to build out IT management capabilities around auditing, reporting and patch management. That said, the automation solutions specialist will also be building out its channel, who will also be leveraging these tools to edge in on a growing managed services space.
  • Managed Security Growing, Morphing to Cloud (0)April 9, 2013Increasing threats by hackers and malware pushed the managed security services marketplace to a record high of $13 billion in 2012, according to research firm Infonetics. Over the next five years, managed security will grow 69 percent, but the source of those sales will look much different thanks to cloud computing.
  • Heavy Hitters Team Up on Open-Source SDN (0)April 9, 2013The OpenDaylight Project, founded by the non-profit Linux Foundation, aims to overcome the disjointed and increasingly stagnant development of SDN with the tried and true method of developing a community-led meritocracy around an open-source framework backed by the resources on the deepest pockets in the industry.
  • IM Network Revamp Boosts Channel Services (0)April 9, 2013At the Ingram Micro Cloud Summit 2013, the distributor debuted IM Link, a new professional online services tool that gives partners a boost in building out service portfolios, while setting the stage for future business transition.
  • Dell Chats Up Channel With New TechCenter Link (0)April 9, 2013The Round Rock, Texas vendor this week linked their PartnerDirect platform to the well-established Dell TechCenter to give registered partners a new online community space for sharing and discovering more technical information on Dell-based solutions.
  • HP Looks to Shake Off Funk With Moonshot (0)April 9, 2013HP's release party for their hyperscale Moonshot servers was filled with references to HP’s desire to help save the planet. The real question for partners is whether Moonshot can help save the struggling vendor.
  • Pace of Mobile Device Shift Increasing (1)April 8, 2013A new Gartner estimate shows conventional desktop and notebook PC shipments falling by one-fifth over the next four years, while tablets and smartphone sales skyrocket. The change will mean new opportunities and challenges for vendors and solution providers.
  • Advanced Malware Prompts Security Refresh (0)April 8, 2013A FireEye study indicated that organizations are being hit with advanced malware on average once every three minutes. For solution providers, its a statistic that likely will herald the need to rethink security approaches and retool portfolios with an advanced solutions makeover.
  • Firms Sticking with XP May Pay Hefty Price (0)April 8, 2013One in five businesses plan to keep using Windows XP after Microsoft Corp. halts support for the OS next year, according to new research, which claims that the firms could end up paying an extra $500,000 a year for additional support.
  • Cloud Pushing Managed Security to New Heights (0)April 8, 2013The managed security services (MSS) market continued to grow nicely last year, with stellar growth of cloud-based offerings set to fuel further expansion in the years ahead.
  • Tech M&A Surge Fueled by Fire Sales (0)April 8, 2013Struggling businesses taking part in quick deals have led to a surge in merger and acquisition activity in 2012, according to IDC, which claims that while sales of firms rose, valuations dropped.
  • Huawei Riding Stellar Wave of Growth (0)April 8, 2013For the 2012 calendar year the Chinese giant's revenue rose to $35.52 billion, up from $32.87 billion in the prior year. Net profit jumped 32 percent to $2.48 billion, equating to net margins of about 7 percent.
  • Five Steps In Managing BYOD Impact (0)April 5, 2013While BYOD is gaining traction within all market segments, onboarding and managing a slew of personal devices onto a network still represents a formidable challenge for organizations. Here are a few tips for solution providers when getting BYOD under control.
  • Acronis Cloud Backup Targets Remote Workers (0)April 5, 2013Cloud backup and disaster recovery firm Acronis launched its Small Office: Cloud Server Backup product, aimed squarely at the smallest of the small SMBs -- the home office worker. It's a release that signals a mental channel shift around security and data protection as the number of remote workers continues to grow.
  • Study Shows Value of Telecom-IT Partnerships (0)April 5, 2013New research indicates that partnerships between telecom agents and solution providers are growing both in number and in strategic importance as customers look to get all of their communications and technology services from a single, trusted source.
  • Sophos’ Valentine Eyes Commitment, Distribution (0)April 5, 2013Four weeks into his new role as worldwide channel chief at the security vendor, Michael Valentine is focusing on getting partners selling across the product portfolio, and building up the company’s distribution coverage worldwide.
  • IP Video Surveillance Missed Channel Opportunity (0)April 5, 2013Indicated with everything from research reports to a groundswell of vendors emerging with products, the IP video surveillance market is set for a revival. But that means the channel will have to get out of its network security comfort zone and take calculated risks if it wants to see profitable returns.
  • Xerox Picks Clayton-Hine to Lead Marketing (1)April 5, 2013After serving as head of global channel marketing at CA Technologies for more than two years, Toni Clayton-Hine is moving on to Xerox to oversee channel marketing and value proposition. Her appointment is part of a wider initiative to strengthen Xerox’s channel operations.
  • Ray Lane Out as HP Board Chairman (0)April 5, 2013Ray Lane, who rose to prominence at HP in the wake of the scandal surrounding former CEO Mark Hurd and was seen as connected to such disastrous initiatives as the hiring of subsequent chief executive Leo Apotheker and the $12 billion acquisition of U.K. software firm Autonomy, said he would remain on the board but…
  • sTec Seeks Channel Help for SSD Push (0)April 5, 2013sTec officials said this week they will make their full line of solid-state storage solutions available directly to enterprise customers as well as through reseller partners in a newly-minted channel program.
  • Meteoric Tablet Sales to Top 200M in 2013 (0)April 5, 2013Tablet shipments will reach nearly 200 million in 2013 and not far off 500 million by 2017 as more consumers settle on the touchy-feely form factor as their main computing device, according to Gartner.
  • SAP Reaches $1B in the Channel (0)April 4, 2013The business software giant blows past internal marks for channel business, and its new North American channel chief outlines plans to keep growth going through 2013.
  • Arbor Networks Revamps Partner Program (0)April 4, 2013Arbor Networks is refreshing its channel program with a new tiering structure aimed at better servicing a broader and more diverse range of partners. Among other things, the network security firm is revving to take on other major challengers in the growing DDoS prevention space.
  • HyTrust Makes Federal Push (0)April 4, 2013Policy management and access control firm HyTrust is making greater inroads in government markets by partnering with government IT solution provider Carahsoft Technology Corp., a move that will open channel doors to cultivate strategic relationships and build out services aimed an an expansive new customer base.
  • Logicalis Looks to Bolster Small MSPs (0)April 4, 2013Global systems integrator Logicalis is wadding into the SMB managed services market by offering smaller MSPs with assistance in technology delivery, finance and marketing. The program may signal a change among large integrators, recognizing the need to form multitier relationships to facilitate growth.
  • Dell Aims to Overtake HP in Servers (0)April 4, 2013While Dell grapples with the challenges of becoming a private company, its management is setting sights on overtaking rival Hewlett-Packard in the server segment and expanding enterprise capabilities.
  • Cisco Bolsters Mobile Wares With Ubiquisys Buy (0)April 4, 2013The Swindon-based firm supplies service providers with 3G, long-term evaluation (LTE) and small-cell technologies, and is set to be integrated into the networking giant's Service Provider Mobility Group in Cisco's fourth fiscal quarter which begins at the start of next month.
  • AvePoint Launch Indicates Cloud GRC Growth (0)April 3, 2013Governance risk compliance and management firm AvePoint is cultivating its own niche around the growing GRC market wit the launch of a solution geared for Microsoft Office 365 -- SharePoint Online users. Among other things, the launch represents the mammoth revival of GRC that is now causing the once stagnant market to fragment into more…
  • D-Link Camera Expands Surveillance Niche (0)April 3, 2013D-Link is edging further into physical security arenas with the launch of a new video surveillance camera, a release that furthers the industry's burgeoning, and potentially profitable, revival and opens new service add-on opportunities for SMB and mid-market partners.
  • Semiconductor Market Hits the Skids (0)April 3, 2013Global semiconductor spend dropped 2.6 percent in 2012, with vendors that lost market share outnumbering those that grew, according to Gartner.
  • Microsoft Surface in the Channel Just Rumors (0)April 3, 2013Microsoft is starting to sell its Surface tablets in bulk to business through a direct sales model, similar to its consumer strategy. Rumors persist that the Windows tablet will be released to the B2B channel in July, but there’s little supporting evidence.
  • Dataguise Ups GRC Prowess With Big Data (0)April 3, 2013Dataguise is blending Big Data and compliance with the latest release of DG for Hadoop, a move that follows in the footsteps of IBM, HP and others looking to make a rejuvenated push into GRC markets by leveraging Big Data analytics capabilities.
  • Lexmark Sells Inkjet Technology, Plant to Funai (0)April 3, 2013Funai has agreed to shell out $100 million for more than 1,500 Lexmark foreign patents as well as a series of related output and imaging technologies and Lexmark’s manufacturing facility in the Philippines in hopes of launching their own expanded peripherals line.
  • Centrify Adds Certs In Security, Privacy (0)April 2, 2013Centrify has onboarded two new cloud security and privacy certifications to its list of accolades. For the channel, that means security is a little less of a barrier to entry when engaging customers to cloud identity services sales.
  • PHD Adds DR With VirtualSharp Buy (0)April 2, 2013Virtual backup firm PHD Virtual just bolstered its capabilities with the acquisition of VirtualSharp Software, which now adds virtualized disaster recovery to channel portfolios as a relevant differentiator in a market experiencing explosive growth.
  • Sage Hooks Partners Up With Big Data (0)April 2, 2013Sage says it will help its partners get greater access to data on the company’s two million customers in North America, part of an effort to build partners’ business by upselling the existing base on a variety of wares.
  • Intronis Names Tech Vet Rick Faulk New CEO (0)April 2, 2013Intronis named technology industry veteran Rick Faulk to lead the company as its new CEO, an important move toward executive stability at a cloud BCDR player that has crafted an aggressive channel program and seen double-digit annual growth despite a rash of leadership maneuvers over the past two years.
  • Organizations Struggle To Find Big Data Value (0)April 2, 2013A Cisco survey underscored that Big Data represents a glaring opportunity for organizations. That said, few organizations are equipped to adequately process Big Data to extract business value and achieve a competitive edge, representing an imminent frontier for the channel in the not too distant future.
  • Carbonite Database Backup Keeps SMB Focus (0)April 1, 2013Cloud backup firm Carbonite is maintaining its competitive edge in its core SMB market with the launch of its database backup product touted as an add-on to its existing solutions. The move is likely one of many differentiating measures for the Boston-based firm as cloud backup markets heat up
  • Modern Threats Outsmart Standard Antivirus (0)April 1, 2013A Palo Alto Networks review indicates modern malware is consistently evading standard antivirus and other security solutions. What does that mean for the channel? A chance to up the ante by adding more layers to a multi-layer security strategy -- even if the solution still works.
  • U.S. Pressures Sprint, SoftBank to Ditch Huawei (1)April 1, 2013Sprint and SoftBank are prepared to promise that if the $20 billion buyout is approved, they will rid their systems of telecommunications gear made by Chinese manufacturer and perceived espionage threat Huawei Technologies Ltd. and give U.S. authorities – including national security officials -- unprecedented visibility into any future network improvements.
  • Level Platforms Beefs Up Symantec Backup (0)April 1, 2013Level Platform’s updated Symantec Backup Exec service module now gives MSPs the added ability to monitor backup status across all of the sites they manage from a single Managed Workplace dashboard.
  • DataCore Focuses on Core Partners for Growth (0)April 1, 2013DataCore Software, a specialist in storage virtualization solutions, is revamping its Americas channel program to engage with select partners focused on building value-oriented practices.
  • Dell Filings Reveal Pressure of Transformation (0)April 1, 2013Dell’s regulatory filings reveal the company is forecasting a steady revenue decline in core PC business and that enterprise acquisitions haven’t yielded strong returns. Dell is fast becoming a case study of how challenging change is to implement.
  • Cisco’s Liebo to Head Global Partner Marketing (0)March 29, 2013Sherri Liebo, who takes over the post vacated last summer by popular global channel marketing chief Amanda Jobbins, brings a host of experience working with partners in Cisco's $10 billion-a-year services business.
  • Web Threats Still Channel Opportunity (1)March 29, 2013A Webroot study says eight out of 10 organizations have suffered Web-borne attacks. That statistic isn't surprising until you realize almost half of those attacked didn't apply any Web protection to their networks, pointing to an easily missed channel opportunity .
  • Panda Refreshes Console With Management (1)March 29, 2013Panda Security refreshed its cloud security console with management capabilities, giving partners a new crack at mixing and matching services that will represent a differentiator amid a fiercely competitive cloud market.
  • Is Korea’s Samsung Safe From Threat of War? (0)March 29, 2013As governments on both sides of the border ratchet up the war rhetoric, the perceived vulnerability of the biggest information technology company in the world is a concern that stretches well beyond the borders of the Land of the Morning Calm.
  • Gartner Lowers 2013 IT Spending Forecast (0)March 29, 2013Doubts over U.S. fiscal policy and the unresolved European debt crisis will likely cause corporations to curtail IT spending in 2013, analyst firm Gartner says. The good news: IT spending is still expected to double over 2012.
  • Time to Kill Those Annoying Sales Pitch Terms? (3)March 29, 2013Gartner Distinguished Analyst Rolf Jester takes issue with the language of IT vendor sales pitches. Here's why in channel-speak, he's mostly right... and a little wrong.
  • Red Hat Revenues Up but Short of Expectations (0)March 29, 2013For the three months to Feb. 28, Red Hat's profits rose 19 percent to $43 million annually on sales which jumped 17 percent to $348 million over the same period – just shy of Wall Street expectations of $349.4 million, causing a share price slump of up to 11 percent in after-hours trading.
  • BlackBerry Claws Its Way Back Into Black (0)March 28, 2013The company formerly known as Research In Motion Ltd., which has lost ground to rivals – particularly Apple and Samsung – in the smartphone space over recent years, saw Q4 revenue hit $2.7 billion compared with $4.2 billion in the same quarter of 2012.
  • Study: Neglecting Security Opens Doors For PIM (0)March 28, 2013A survey conducted by Lieberman Softtware indicates that as many as 80 percent of employees regularly ignore security policies and directives, even if issued from executive management. No surprises there, but it does open doors for a few highly specialized differentiators, including privileged identity management, that represent a profitable alternative to commoditizing IAM solutions.
  • Oracle Not Letting Sun Set on Hardware (1)March 28, 2013Oracle is betting on high-performance servers integrated with database software as it seeks to reverse the slide in hardware sales and take market share away from rivals IBM and HP.
  • Smartphone Surge Buoys Global Device Sales (0)March 28, 2013A surge in spending on premium mobile phones has driven Gartner to increase its predicted annual growth for the worldwide devices market this year from 6.3 percent to 7.9 percent.
  • Oracle’s Althoff Defects to Microsoft (0)March 28, 2013Oracle’s longtime channel leader is heading to Microsoft to become president of North America sales and marketing, opening more questions about where Microsoft is going next.
  • Supreme Court Ruling a Victory for Channel (0)March 28, 2013By a vote of 6-3, the justices ruled that the so-called “First Sale Doctrine” applies to all copyrighted material regardless of where it was created. The case held the potential for chilling and dire implications for the resale of anything that includes protected components including software and multi-sourced technology equipment.
  • Intermedia Tool Eases Exchange Migrations (1)March 28, 2013Intermedia is hoping to help partners deliver a smooth transition for their SMB customers from one flavor of Exchange to the next with a onboarding tool that eases account and object creation, data migration and cutover.
  • Emulex Program Refresh Spurs Market Expansion (0)March 28, 2013Network connectivity, management and monitoring firm Emulex is upping its market presence with a channel program refresh that better equips partners to build out a small, margin-rich niche market.
  • Webroot Alliance Expands MSP Presence (0)March 27, 2013Webroot has partnered with Xari Group for its endpoint security solution on Labtech's RMM platform. The move gives Webroot greater visibility in an explosive managed service market that could open doors for channel revenue opportunities.
  • Zenith Infotech Stock Value Plummets (0)March 27, 2013Shares of embattled Zenith Infotech fall to new lows after India exchange authorities barred the company’s principals from engaging in stock trades amid allegations it improperly diverted funds away from creditors and shareholders.
  • Tablet Envy: Weathering the Post-PC Era (0)March 27, 2013Warnings of the post-PC era shone a little brighter this week with new figures showing traditional computing devices floundering, while tablet sales are set to overtake desktop shipments this year and laptops by 2014.
  • What’s Ahead in Best Buy’s Future? (0)March 27, 2013Big-box retailer Best Buy has finally put its leadership and ownership issue in the past. The question remains: What does the future hold for a company that’s largely dependent on a declining retail model? Will it become more of a channel company?
  • Intel’s PC Renaissance Vision Is Flawed (2)March 27, 2013Chipmaker Intel has a vision in which new tablets and all-in-one machines proliferate for different uses and reverse the ongoing slide in PC sales. What could actually happen is further cannibalization in the PC market that stalls even tablet adoption.
  • Kaspersky Lab Bolsters Mobile Security Effort (2)March 27, 2013Kaspersky Lab updates its mobile security product, indicating it plans to hold its ground in the tightening MDM race.
  • TraceSecurity Channel Program Bolsters GRC (0)March 26, 2013TraceSecurity is launching a channel program, a sign that GRC is gaining traction in the channel, particularly with the SMB and lower market segments.
  • Cisco Buys Services Firm SolveDirect (0)March 26, 2013Cisco is acquiring Austria-based SolveDirect, a specialist in service platforms that enable partners to provide scalable oversight of service delivery across multiple platforms. The acquisition provides Cisco with a valuable tool for expanding its cloud and service management capabilities.
  • Dell Concedes Rival Bids May Be Better (1)March 26, 2013Two rival bids for control of the IT company are said to be better than the one proffered by founder and CEO Michael Dell and, ironically, could result in the ouster of the founder from management.
  • Palo Alto Study Shows Shortcomings of AV (0)March 26, 2013Palo Alto Networks says the majority of today’s malware is simply relocated and repackaged versions of the same code. The company urges security teams to think beyond traditional AV and employ a multi-pronged security-policy approach to identify and block bad actors on the corporate network.
  • Zenith Officers Banned From India Exchange (0)March 25, 2013Debt-roiled cloud computing vendor Zenith Infotech has suffered another major setback as its directors and key shareholders have been barred from the India stock exchange after being accused of misappropriating funds for personal gains.
  • Cisco Leads 2012 Security Appliance Pack (0)March 25, 2013The rise of unified threat management (UTM) technology was one of the key drivers as the global security appliance market finished 2012 in style.
  • Acer Chief Sees Tablet Market Maturing (0)March 25, 2013Speaking outside an Acer-sponsored corporate social responsibility conference in Taipei last week, Wang told reporters he sees "a turning point" in the coming year with lower retail prices and rapidly growing popularity pushing global tablet sales toward a "magic number" of 200 million units, and perhaps even improving the fortunes of the beleaguered Windows 8…
  • Rival Bids for Dell Could Disrupt Channel Sales (0)March 25, 2013Dell’s bid to go private faces a new challenge as rival bids were reportedly received from Blackstone Group and activist investor Carl Ichan. The implications for the company are serious, and some are concerned that the bidding war could disrupt channel sales.
  • Fortinet Snaps Up Coyote Point for ADC (1)March 25, 2013Security vendor Fortinet said it would make no immediate changes to Coyote's offering, customer support or channel programs – or any of its existing ADC products.
  • Cisco Hit With $70M Fine for Duping Partner (0)March 25, 2013XpertUniverse claimed it was teased with the prospect of becoming part of Cisco SolutionsPlus, a reseller program designed to augment Cisco's advanced technology products to create complete solutions by placing select products on the Cisco price list and allowing them to be sold by Cisco sales teams and channel partners.
  • Lawyers Probe Tech Data Accounting Dust Up (0)March 25, 2013Multiple law firms are investigating whether Tech Data or its executives violated any state or federal security laws in light of the accounting imbroglio it admitted to late last week.
  • Kaspersky, INTERPOL Join Hands to Fight Crime (1)March 22, 2013After years of goading international law enforcement officials over the need for a global effort to fight cybercrime, noted security expert turned software mogul Eugene Kaspersky is throwing his company’s efforts into a new joint project with INTERPOL aimed at thwarting cybercriminals.
  • Report: CRN to Shutter Print Magazine (6)March 22, 2013International tech publisher UBM is reportedly preparing to shutter the print versions of CRN and InformationWeek and layoff as much as 50 percent of the editorial staff in a restructuring of the entire company.
  • UK ‘Improprieties’ Force Tech Data Numbers Fix (0)March 22, 2013The adjustments – which could see it lop up to $33 million off its previously reported net profit – will be made to "correct improprieties primarily related to how the company's U.K. subsidiary reflected vendor accounting", the distributor said.
  • Dell, IBM, HP Losing Ground in Storage Wars (0)March 22, 2013For the final three months of 2012, worldwide ECB market revenue grew 1.9 percent to $6 billion annually – a figure described by analysts as "anemic" and a reflection of the "dour macroeconomics" in Europe and North America.
  • Kaspersky Execs: Content Key To Channel Success (0)March 22, 2013Kaspersky's Chris Doggett and Gary Mullen sit down with Channel Marketer Report's Alicia Fiorletta to discuss how partner program enhancements will drive further success for the digital security solution provider in 2013.
  • The Taxman Cometh for Your Cloud Services (1)March 21, 2013If you think cloud computing services can seem amorphous and hard to define, just wait until tax auditors start to dig into sales and income derived from them, experts warn.
  • Intel Wants to Stimulate Massive PC Refresh (0)March 21, 2013Intel believes there may be more than 500 million PCs more than 4 years old, open for refresh with new, touch-screen computers. The chip vendor says its new products are designed to stimulate innovation so PC vendors and solution providers can capture this potentially high opportunity.
  • Most IT Pros Will Plug In a Found USB Drive (0)March 21, 2013South Korean security firm AhnLab this week released the results of a survey it conducted of 300 IT professionals at the RSA Conference showing a whopping 78 percent of us admit to picking up and plugging in USB flash drives found abandoned or lying around.
  • HP Board Members Survive Ouster Attempt (0)March 21, 2013Chairman Ray Lane and longest-serving duo Thompson and Hammergreen narrowly survive shareholder vote following calls for their dismissal
  • Dell Deal on Rocks, Mark Hurd in Mix (0)March 21, 2013Michael Dell’s plans to quietly take his namesake company private have hit another snafu after being dealt a blow by private equity firm Blackstone Group.
  • Symantec CEO: Altiris Is Not for Sale (1)March 21, 2013Symantec's CEO has written to top partners and customers to reassure them that the company remains committed to its solutions across endpoint encryption, endpoint protection, enterprise mobility and endpoint management
  • Microsoft to Sell Surface Direct to Businesses (1)March 20, 2013The channel will be left with "raised eyebrows" following Microsoft's reported plans to sell its Surface tablets in bulk to business users directly, according to some resellers.
  • Juniper Weathers Downgrade With New Products (0)March 20, 2013Juniper is touting the release this week of two new routing products aimed at service providers working with converged networks even as financial analysts pummel the vendor for its lagging competitive stance.
  • Tackling Biz Value in the Channel Partners Zone (0)March 20, 2013For the fourth consecutive year at their annual Conference & Expo, Channel Partners brought together big-name players in the channel community -- including Channelnomics and 2112 Group President and CEO Larry Walsh -- for an unscripted conversation about hot topics in a casual forum they call the Channel Partners Zone.
  • Microsoft Hit With Foreign Bribery Allegations (0)March 20, 2013Two federal agencies are investigating allegations that Microsoft representatives and reseller partners bribed foreign government officials to drum up software sales in China, Italy and Romania.
  • Videoconferencing May Be on the Rebound (1)March 20, 2013The sector failed to live up to its billing as an industry great white hope last year after potential customers kept their wallets shut and revenue tanked badly in the first two quarters.
  • Critical Hadoop Data Spurs Risk, Concern (0)March 19, 2013Dataguise releases a survey indicating a critical mass of concern around protecting sensitive information in Hadoop environments. With Big Data trends on the rise, the ability to secure and protect data will represent a bigger channel opportunity, especially in light of compliance regulations.
  • Citrix Brings Big Data to NetScaler (0)March 19, 2013The new NetScaler Insight Center aims to increase visibility and real-time insight into data center activity and provide a 360-degree view for all mobile, Web and virtual desktop traffic.
  • HP: Partners Don’t Know Everything We Do (1)March 19, 2013Hewlett-Packard is pitting its future on innovations in security, Big Data and cloud computing, all while retaining its core businesses in personal computing, printing, networking, servers and storage. Despite everything the channel knows about HP, the vendor doesn’t believe partners know enough about what it does or has to offer.
  • IDC: PC Market Slips Further on Soft China Sales (0)March 19, 2013Factors contributing to the sales logjam include the timing of the Chinese new year, governmental budget cuts and anti-corruption measures, according to the market watcher.
  • Cisco Upgrades Boost B2B Video Performance (2)March 19, 2013The new set of improvements should also give partners more options for packaging and managing value-added services for clients looking for better face-to-face communications in their daily business routines.
  • Cisco Tops as IP PBX Penetration Rises (0)March 19, 2013IP PBX extensions continue to increase their share of an overall PBX market that is shrinking fast, according to analyst firm MZA.
  • Report: IBM Considers Rackspace Acquisition (0)March 19, 2013Both EMC and IBM are said to covet entree into the white-hot cloud hosting market, though neither company is anxious to build out their own, homegrown offerings.
  • FireEye, Bradford Partnership Expands MDM (0)March 19, 2013FireEye is the latest security vendor to add mobile device management capabilities by partnering with NAC firm Bradford Networks, a move that gives partners in both camps new reach and cross-sell opportunities. The union also indicates that Bradford is seizing a market opportunity to extend BYOD capabilities to vendors otherwise on the fringe of the…
  • GFI Spins Off Security, Debuts ThreatTrack (0)March 18, 2013GFI is spinning off its security business, honing its former offerings into ThreatTrack, a new firm that aims to swipe at larger, more lucrative advanced threat markets. But how it will develop its channel to be competitive with larger and more established players remains to be seen.
  • Bloodbath in IT Services at Historic Levels (0)March 18, 2013Declines in total contract value and deal volume made 2012 the worst year for IT services since 2002, according to Ovum.
  • Linksys Brand Survives Cisco Sale, Belkin Buy (1)March 18, 2013Peripherals vendor Belkin says it plans to let Linksys operate separately with its own brand and channel. The strategy means one of the more popular channel brands will not just survive, but be revived after being owned by Cisco for the last 10 years.
  • The Age of the Global Partner Is Upon Us (0)March 18, 2013Vendors have traditionally organized their channels by region in the hope of optimizing local performance, but a new study finds solution providers are acutely aware of channel activities on a global level and are already collaborating and selling with peers abroad.
  • Microsoft’s Surface Damages Channel Relations (4)March 18, 2013Microsoft released its Surface tablets nearly six months ago. In that time, not one unit has been sold through the B2B channel, and Microsoft remains reticent to reveal its plans for expanding tablet sales to the channel. The Surface go-to-market strategy and other awkward moves have solution providers questioning Microsoft’s commitment to the channel.
  • AVG CloudCare Additions Boost Cloud Presence (0)March 18, 2013AVG is upping the ante for SMBs by adding services into its CloudCare security platform. The move indicates the Amsterdam-based security firm has little room to get comfortable as more competitors vie for SMB business.
  • Webroot Debuts Per-User Licensing Program (0)March 18, 2013Smartphones, tablets, eReaders --these days BYOD trends seldom stop at one device per person. Webroot is attempting to make the road a little bit easier. The Broomfield, Colo.-based SaaS security firm officially launched a flexible user-based licensing model, a move that gives partners a bit of a leg up in mobility markets as they face…
  • Insiders Say Microsoft Surface Sales Lagging (0)March 15, 2013Sales of RT version thought to have reached one million, while only 400,000 Surface Pros have been shipped.
  • Check Point Pins Report Gaffe on Contractor (1)March 15, 2013The security vendors claims an outside contractor blacked out portions of an NSS Labs report while rushing to get ready for the recent RSA security conference in San Francisco.
  • Report: IBM, EMC Eying SoftLayer for Acquisition (0)March 15, 2013The battle for cloud dominance is heating up between the super-vendors, as IBM and EMC are reportedly looking to buy hosting provider SoftLayer. If a deal goes through, the big vendors could suddenly find themselves operating cloud hosting and application services that permeates the channel.
  • 10 Best Tech Versions of the Harlem Shake (3)March 15, 2013We all know technology is a work-hard, play-hard business. To prove it, some of our favorite industry folks let loose with their artistic renditions of the global dance sensation. Or something. Con los terroristas!
  • Gadget Overload Opens Channel Doors (0)March 14, 2013Users are carrying more gadgets these days, according to a Sophos study. For users, that means more devices to track, more passwords to remember and more operating systems to keep secure. And the channel will be called upon to help them do so.
  • Trend Micro Folds MDM in Data Protection Suite (1)March 14, 2013Trend Micro is taking another stab at mobile security by rolling MDM into a more comprehensive data protection suite of solutions. The move could give channel partners a new way to introduce MDM to an established base of customers, but Trend Micro will have to stay focused on mobility strategy if it wants to gain…
  • Samsung Gets a Boost from Smartphone Surge (0)March 14, 2013Anticipating is building that the lunch of the fourth-generation Galaxy 4S smartphone will put Samsung on par with mobility rival Apple. Surging Samsung smartphone sales is lifting the company’s brand preference and marketability, making it easier for solution providers to sell its other products.
  • IT Skills Shortage Wounds Health Care Initiatives (0)March 14, 2013The Health IT skills shortage is a bitter pill for hospitals and medical facilities, but it could be the perfect prescription for specialized solution providers who understand the needs of providers, insurers and drug and device makers and can step in to fill the talent void.
  • The Age of Antivirus Nears End (4)March 14, 2013Antivirus is a commoditized product that, though a necessity, provides little return to vendors and solution providers who sell it. Is it time to rethink antivirus sales and look to a replacement security technology?
  • Analyst: VMware, Yammer, Google, Citrix Driving IT (0)March 14, 2013Ovum's Enterprise 2020 report claims that in the next seven years, the technology landscape will change more than it has done in the past 30 years, and said businesses must act now to adapt, or risk being left behind by their own employees and markets.
  • Schneider Electric Debuts Data Center Services (0)March 14, 2013Schneider this week introduced a new division to provide support services for all types of data centers, from specialized facilities for health care, retail, and financial companies to the fundamental underpinnings for cloud and managed hosting services providers.
  • Fortinet E-Mail Security Launch Drives MSSPs (0)March 13, 2013Fortinet is hoping to further build out its growing managed services business with the latest version of its FortiMail 5.0 OS and additions to its e-mail security appliance line that equip MSSPs with a few new service options. The objective? A greater entrance into large enterprise markets as it revs to take on Palo Alto…
  • Competition Rising in Channel for Cloud Sales (2)March 13, 2013Cloud computing is maturing in the channel as more solution providers mature their services practices. Consequently, competition between solution providers for cloud sales is increasing.
  • MDM Offers Choices For Security Channel (0)March 13, 2013Security firms can enter rapidly growing mobile device management markets one of two ways -- by partnering with MDM players or becoming one themselves. Both approaches come with their share of channel benefits and drawbacks. It will be up to solution providers to decide what's best for their practices.
  • VMware Sets Out to Sell Pivotal Plan (0)March 13, 2013With virtualization sales slowing and competition increasing, VMware and its partner, EMC, are placing growth hopes on Pivotal, a plan to spinoff strategic assets to form a new company focused on cloud computing and Big Data. These plans will go on display today as VMware executives meet with analysts in New York.
  • Brisk IT Job Growth Outpaces Rest of Economy (0)March 13, 2013Riding the same wave that’s been fueling a Wall Street rally and restore shaken confidence in the U.S. economy, IT employment set another all-time high last month with an increase of 16,500 jobs, the TechServe Alliance reports.
  • U.K. Agency Probes Alleged Autonomy Fraud (0)March 13, 2013Britain’s Serious Fraud Office has opened an investigation into the alleged accounting scandal at the former Autonomy Corp., now a unit within Hewlett-Packard.
  • Trio of Vendors Plan for Future Growth (0)March 12, 2013AMD, Western Digital and Seagate are all making strategic moves to solidify their futures in a post-PC world.
  • IDC: Android Tops iOS on Tablets, Windows Lags (0)March 12, 2013The proliferation of smaller and cheaper devices will drive the tablet market to even greater heights this year, but's decision to sell two devices running on discrete operating systems has "yielded poor results so far.”
  • MessageOps Solves Office 365 Profit Riddle (0)March 12, 2013Solution providers complain they can’t make money on the sale of Office 365. MessageOps, a spinoff of systems integrator Champion Solutions Group, has developed a cloud-based platform that makes deploying and managing the Microsoft suite easier and provides a substantial ongoing value-add opportunity for solution providers.
  • Lenovo Eying Buyout of Troubled BlackBerry (0)March 12, 2013Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing says the PC manufacturer may be interested in buying BlackBerry -- if the deal made sense. If it happens, Lenovo will enhance its competitive threat against rivals Hewlett-Packard and Dell and provide a formidable challenge to Apple and Samsung.
  • Ingram Micro Debuts Hosted Cisco Collab Wares (0)March 12, 2013The distributor this week rolled out a new Cisco Systems Inc.-powered hosted collaboration offering for partners looking to deliver standardized and easily repeatable cloud-based unified communications services.
  • Study: Special Safeguards Vital for Virtualization (0)March 12, 2013Virtualization may be all the rage in the data center, but protecting the data that accumulate on virtual systems is becoming costly, complicated and time-consuming, a new study finds.
  • Sophos Bolsters Encryption for Next-Gen OS (0)March 11, 2013Sophos updated its flagship encryption solution with next-gen OS functions, a move that powers the security fundamentals that drive partner value and profitability in increasingly specialized compliance markets.
  • TriCore, Alert Logic Up Management Security (0)March 11, 2013TriCore Solutions and Alert Logic have partnered to infuse security mechanisms into application management. For the channel, that means new differentiators and expanded reach into enterprise circles that could give a crowded application management market a swift boost.
  • McAfee Embeds Android Application Control (1)March 11, 2013McAfee is taking steps to fulfill old promises with the launch of an embedded application control solution targeting the Android platform. This gives solution providers a new way to crack into increasingly competitive enterprise mobility markets.
  • Ruckus Makes Noise With Mobile WLAN Apps (0)March 11, 2013Ruckus Wireless is promising to make the planning and testing of Wi-Fi networks a bit easier with a set of free mobile apps to fine-tune and monitor WLAN environments.
  • AVG Technologies Searches for New Chief (1)March 11, 2013Security software vendor AVG Technologies is looking for a new chief executive officer after long-time leader J.R. Smith last week announced his resignation.
  • Samsung Signals More Trouble for Windows 8 (3)March 11, 2013Microsoft positioned Windows 8 as the cornerstone of a major refresh of its entire product portfolio, intended to propel the company into the mobile market and recapture lost momentum among consumer and business customers. Critics say the exact opposite is happening, and they’re calling for change.
  • Logicalis, MobileIron Join Forces for MDM (0)March 11, 2013Global systems integrator Logicalis has rounded out its BYOD strategy by forging a partnership with MDM vendor MobileIron
  • Top Takeaways From HIMSS 2013 (1)March 11, 2013It wasn’t exactly Mardi Gras, but the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, the industry’s premier health care IT organization, did manage to attract close to 35,000 attendees to its 2013 event in New Orleans last week. Here’s some of what show-goers heard and saw about the state of technology in medicine.
  • SolarWinds Mapping Tool Evolves Market (0)March 8, 2013IT management firm SolarWinds launched a dedicated network mapping tool, giving partners a leg up with added topographical visibility and insights and allow them to remain competitive amid a slowing network management market.
  • Accellion Partner Program Expands Mobile Niche (0)March 8, 2013Mobile file sharing firm Accellion launched a new partner program. a move that represents the inevitable growth of mobility niches that will ultimately be leveraged as a competitive value-add to channel portfolios.
  • Domain Name Change Could Lock Out Channel (0)March 8, 2013The channel could be left out of pocket if a controversial move to sell a new set of online domains is passed, according to an opposition group led by the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF).
  • F-Secure Developing Secure Dropbox Alternative (1)March 8, 2013Finland-based security software firm F-Secure is reportedly developing a cloud-based file-sharing and backup service similar to Dropbox. The key selling point: security. Consumers will be able to move their business documents between personal devices and corporate systems with ease. It’s a great concept that hasn’t worked out well before.
  • Sage Using Big Data to Enable Partner Sales (0)March 8, 2013Sage North America is bringing the power of Big Data and business analytics to offer solution providers tools that micro-target existing customers for horizontal sales opportunities.
  • Report: CDW Going Public, Again (2)March 8, 2013Reuters reports CDW is taking the first steps toward becoming a publicly traded company again, more than five years after being taken private. The new CDW looks much different than the last public version, and this has important implications for the overall channel.
  • Remote, Mobile Trends Spur Channel Innovation (0)March 7, 2013A study conducted by data governance firm Varonis indicated that half of workers have lost a mobile device with important company information. Going forward, accelerating remote and mobile trends will prompt the channel to think beyond standard BYOD policies and solutions to secure their customers.
  • Dell Response Service Rounds Security Stack (0)March 7, 2013Dell SecureWorks refreshed its security services portfolio with a series of incident response offerings -- a move that rounds out its concerted and sustained effort to build out its security services stack.
  • Check Point Chided for Altering Report (1)March 7, 2013According to various sources, Check Point whited out some of the competitors clustered around it in NSS Labs' 2013 next-generation firewall (NGF) report when presenting the results in a PDF on its website.
  • Microsoft Reverses Office 2013 License Call (0)March 7, 2013Microsoft bowed to pressure from small business resellers and consumers by reversing its decision to make Office 2013 licenses non-transferable.
  • Study: Pirated Software Hiking Security Costs (0)March 7, 2013Businesses across the world will have to spend some $114 billion this year dealing with security issues caused by piracy – more than $312 million every day – according to a new report.
  • Top 10 Sights From Mobile World Congress (0)March 7, 2013More than 72,000 mobile technolphiles from 200 countries packed Spain’s Fira Gran Via last week for GSMA’s Mobile World Congress. If you couldn’t make it to Barcelona for the event, here’s some of what attendees saw and heard at the show.
  • Microsoft Cutting Windows 8 Prices for OEMs (0)March 7, 2013Days after analysts pinned at least part of a global slump in PC shipments on weak adoption of Windows 8,Microsoft is reportedly taking steps to jumpstart uptake of its flagship operating system on some systems.
  • Panorama9 Debuts MSP Partner Program (0)March 6, 2013Web IT management firm Panorama9 debuted a managed service provider program, a move that expands channel reach to a market increasingly demanding a wider array of cloud-based options.
  • Check Point Compliance Blade Expands GRC (0)March 6, 2013Check Point Software Technologies Ltd added a compliance to its list of capabilities, indicating renewed channel opportunities that could facilitate a revival for once stagnant GRC markets.
  • PC Sales Still in the Tank, May Get Worse (0)March 6, 2013Weak holiday sales, a stubbornly stagnant global economy, the growing trend toward tablets, and “an underwhelming reception” to Windows 8 conspired to drive down PC shipments by more than 8 percent last quarter.
  • Rackspace Eases Private Cloud Deployments (0)March 6, 2013The hosting company updated its free, OpenStack-powered private cloud platform, adding new features and a unified interface to ease the configuration and ongoing operation of private clouds in enterprise data centers.
  • Dell Shareholder Demands Look at Books (0)March 6, 2013Eight percent shareholder is not happy with Michael Dell's plans to take company private.
  • WLAN Sales Soar, Routers Stagnate (0)March 6, 2013Infonetics Research finds global WLAN sales bulged by more than 20 percent to $4 billion in 2012 as enterprises continued to bolster their wireless capabilities.
  • Autonomy’s Lynch Lawyers Up for HP Fight (0)March 6, 2013Lynch has hired Reid Weingarten of Steptoe & Johnson, whose list of previous defendants include director Roman Polanski and Enron executive Richard Causey.
  • Why IBM Gets the Channel’s Future (0)March 6, 2013At last week’s PartnerWorld conference, Big Blue rolled out several initiatives around services, Big Data mobility and hardware to enable partners to build and support better smarter systems. In reality, IBM set the stage for making itself a channel platform, on which solution providers can build next-generation value-add businesses.
  • CA: Cloud Security Still Needs Improvement (0)March 5, 2013A study commissioned by CA Technologies indicates that most organizations have improved security best practices and awareness over the last three years. That said, only about half of respondents expressed confidence in their cloud security mechanisms, indicating that the channel still a long ways to go.
  • FireMon: Channel Origins Influenced Growth (0)March 5, 2013Firewall management and risk mitigation firm FireMon identified a unique market opportunity, got in on the ground floor of a burgeoning niche and is now reaping the benefits. But its channel origins had a lot to do with that.
  • Microsoft Buys Cloud Automation Firm MetricsHub (0)March 5, 2013Bob Kelly, corporate vice president of strategy and business development at Microsoft, revealed the firm would make the technology freely available to all Windows Azure customers.
  • Salesforce Surge Foretells Cloud Evolution (1)March 5, 2013Saleforce.com, the software-as-a-service pioneer, posted stronger than expected earnings and profits for the last quarter as demand for and sales of its new business applications increased. Saleforce’s growth shows where cloud computing is going, as opposed to the price-cutting of hosting companies such as Rackspace and Amazon.
  • Tablet Boom Can’t Buoy Tech Data Profits (0)March 5, 2013The world's second-largest IT distribution company moved $2 billion worth of tablets last quarter but profits still fell short of both expectations and last year's total.
  • Lynch: HP Culture Drove Out Autonomy Talent (0)March 5, 2013former Autonomy boss claimed HP's "flip-flopping" over its hardware strategy had changed the outlook for the "trajectory" of the company he founded.
  • Dell Raises the Bar for Premier Partners (0)March 5, 2013If you want to climb to the highest level of Dell Inc.’s partner program – and stay there – be ready to bring your A-game. The company is boosting Premier Partner enterprise gear revenue requirements by 33 percent in the U.S. and 50 percent in Canada.
  • PCI Mobile Guidelines Adds Channel Value (0)March 5, 2013Last month, PCI DSS was updated yet again to incorporate mobile transactions, boding well for solution providers wanting to build out portfolios and deepen compliance prowess.
  • McAfee Scores Sandboxing With LynuxWorks (0)March 4, 2013McAfee hopes to take a swipe at growing threat detection markets with the acquisitions of LynuxWorks, which brings sandboxing to the table as a means of tackling advanced persistent threats.
  • Fortinet Threat Services Boost MSP Presence (0)March 4, 2013Fortinet is giving managed service ambitions a little bit more traction with the launch of sandboxing and IP reputation services, a debut that gives its networking security partners a few more ways into managed service markets and better positions it against rivals Check Point and WatchGuard Technologies, which are getting more serious about their presence…
  • Challengers Beware: Cisco Back on Track (0)March 4, 2013Cisco accounted for more than one of every two dollars spent across the six main segments of the enterprise networking market in 2012, according to Synergy Research.
  • Groupon CEO’s Lesson in Accountability (0)March 4, 2013Too often, the channel community is handed whitewashed excuses when things go wrong. IT vendors and solution providers can learn a lot about accountability from the resignation of Groupon’s Andrew Mason, who penned the most honest departure letter ever.
  • Security Services Give SMBs Scale (0)March 4, 2013Malware volumes continue to climb and spam is an increasingly effective means for distributing data-stealing code. The sheer volume of viruses, worms and Trojans is overwhelming to the average small business. The solution: managed security services that are cost-effective for providers and customers alike.
  • VMware Helps Partners Monetize the Cloud (0)March 4, 2013The virtualization vendor reveals its Cloud Credit Purchasing Program (CCPP) and extra incentives in the hope of making the channel more money from the cloud.
  • Whitebox-Makers Rock Incumbent Server Boat (0)March 4, 2013Numbers from analysts at IDC and Gartner highlight the ongoing trend among Big Data center owners to design their own servers and push manufacturing to lesser-known generic whitebox server builders, mostly in Asia.
  • Top 10 Customer Cloud Objections (2)March 4, 2013Businesses spent more than $100 billion on cloud products and services in 2012. While cloud adoption is increasing, customers still have concerns and objections. The CTTA State of the Cloud Channel 2013 study ranks the top concerns solution providers encounter in cloud sales.
  • Yes, West Virginia, Cisco Does Give Refunds (8)March 1, 2013After being sharply criticized by a state auditor for selling West Virginia high-priced routers and support services it didn’t need, Cisco has agreed to allow the state of West Virginia to return routers it doesn’t need for a full refund.
  • F5, Websense Team In Security Expansion (0)March 1, 2013F5 Networks and Websense have launched a partnership that aims to combine unified access, firewall and Web gateway solutions with DLP, e-mail and Web security offerings with the aim of covering a much larger security footprint. For now, it's a solution that gives partners a ready-made differentiator while expanding cross-sell opportunities into new markets.
  • Barracuda Eyes Mid-Market With Cloud, Storage (0)March 1, 2013In a highly commoditized firewall market, Barracuda Networks is adding storage and cloud functions into its network security appliances that enable a multitude of features at a digestible price point. The result? The ability for partners to better target mid-market opportunities.
  • Rackspace Buys MongoDB Firm ObjectRocket (0)March 1, 2013The San Antonio, Texas cloud hosting and services provider will make ObjectRocket’s NoSQL technology available to clients in the next few weeks beginning with its Chicago facility and rolling out across Rackspace’s Open Cloud portfolio soon after, officials said this week.
  • Change the Conversation, Change the Sale (0)March 1, 2013Solution providers have traditionally sold to other techies, but the buyer is increasingly not a techie --they are business people with different needs and objectives. Success is often a result of changing the conversation and the language you speak.
  • Can HP’s Big Vegas Bet Win? (0)March 1, 2013HP turned up in a gambler's paradise to stake its future on chief executive Meg Whitman’s turnaround plan. What are the key parts of this big bet, and do partners believe it can pay off?
  • IT, Telephony Channels Increasingly Clashing (0)March 1, 2013For years, convergence was the watchword for the IT and telephony channels as VARs and telephony agents started coming together to sell complementary carrier and data solutions. In reality, convergence is more a myth; the trend is more of competition as each channel takes on qualities of the other.
  • Cloud Sherpas Ease Google App Dev With Ferris (0)March 1, 2013Ferris is less about letting developers play hooky, and more about allowing them to eliminate redundant coding to connect common application components in custom Google App wares.
  • Invest in Cloud or Perish, Analysts Warn (1)March 1, 2013Not even the largest technology firms can continue to sustain market leadership without investing strongly in the cloud, according to a new report from IDC.
  • Symantec: APTs Elicit Big Data Channel Opportunities (0)February 28, 2013Advanced persistent threats have created an environment that has elicited the need for detailed forensics and Big Data threat analysis. And Symantec plans to rise to the occasion with future Big Data platforms while increasingly relying on an increasingly specialized channel to take related solutions and services to market.
  • HP, TaaSERA Unleash Advanced Threat Service (0)February 28, 2013HP is partnering with TaaSERA for another security services launch that better positions it against competitors Dell, RSA and others in the security services space.
  • Roskill: Microsoft Not Forcing Office 365 on You (0)February 28, 2013Microsoft's corporate vice president for the worldwide partner group insists the vendor is not forcing customers over to Office 365 by making on-premise Office 2013 licenses non-transferable between machines.
  • Doctors Love Mobility, CompTIA Study Finds (0)February 28, 2013Healthcare providers are anxious to take technology to the next level in their practices, particularly with mobile devices, but a lack of requisite concern for persistent security risks could slow potential growth for IT service providers in the vertical space, a new study finds.
  • IBM: Mobile is Platform of Future Opportunities (0)February 28, 2013IBM is pushing a broad agenda with its MobileFirst initiative. Going beyond mobile device management, IBM sees a tremendous need for partners to deliver integrated mobile systems. Those who delay mobile capability will miss on billions of dollars in opportunities.
  • Box Gets Serious With Security Adds (0)February 28, 2013Anxious to shake off a nagging reputation as a mostly consumer-grade service, cloud storage and content sharing provider Box this week introduced a number of security features and product integrations that show it’s ready to play in the enterprise.
  • Zscaler: “Where Is The Cloud Security Channel?” (0)February 27, 2013Cloud security firm Zscaler is on a set course for growth -- so much so that company leaders maintain that it's likely the firm will cross the IPO threshold in the next two years. So where are the armies of cloud security channel partners?
  • Juniper Reportedly Explored Selling Assets (0)February 27, 2013Reuters reported yesterday that Juniper Networks unsuccessfully floated the idea of selling off some assets, such as its enterprise firewall group, as well as selling the whole company.
  • Tegile Hybrid Storage Now All In for Channel (0)February 27, 2013The company’s laser focus on the channel – they have no direct sales force -- along with the launch of its new Tegile Channel Partner Program promises higher margins and better support for partners and along with a host of new sales opportunities.
  • Dell, VMware Join Forces for VDI Bundle (0)February 27, 2013The pair’s pre-engineered VDI packages are built around Dell’s DVS Enterprise - Active System 800 and VMware Horizon View 5.2 and include integrated server, storage, networking, thin clients and infrastructure management software for channel partners looking to take advantage of growing demand for midmarket VDI solutions.
  • Microsoft Opens Office 365 to All Resellers (0)February 27, 2013After years of restricting the full resale of cloud versions of the popular Office productivity suite, Microsoft is making all the products available to solution providers to resell, support and administer independently. Microsoft says the policy change is in response to evolving market demand; but some competitive issues with Google likely influenced the switch.
  • Check Point Touts Prevention In Threat Release (1)February 27, 2013Check Point Software Technologies latest release addresses advanced threats from a prevention standpoint, but the real value will likely be in upsell service opportunities, as well as affordability that will give the solution more sway in lower market segments.
  • Verizon Revs Partner Program in Midmarket Push (0)February 27, 2013Verizon is wringing much of the complexity out of its disparate business channel programs, consolidating partner efforts in an effort to marshal reseller efforts for an all-out assault on the midmarket.
  • Investors Call for HP Board Heads to Roll (0)February 27, 2013An activist investor group has called for Hewlett-Packard's two longest-standing directors to be removed from a boardroom set-up "hobbled by years' worth of poor judgment".
  • Sophos Names Valentine to Lead Channel Efforts (0)February 26, 2013Sophos appointed Fortinet channel vet Mike Valentine to head global channel and sales teams, a move that likely heralds big plans for the Boston-based endpoint security firm
  • HP Broadens Security Reach, Revs Channel (0)February 26, 2013Hewlett Packard is revving its channel for a security push. And it's ramping up street credibility with mid-market and enterprise product releases and the launch of a comprehensive threat research center brings together its numerous security acquisitions under one roof. HP has a lot going for it, but its ultimate success will be determined by…
  • IBM Urges Partners to Transform Models (0)February 26, 2013IBM tells partners changes in technology, buying habits and non-IT buyers should compel businesses to transform their business models to address new needs and markets, as well as build value based on productivity outcomes.
  • Study: Stock Rising for IT Security Pros (0)February 26, 2013If the avalanche of recent hacking and malware incidents hasn’t emboldened you to trumpet the value of your IT security services, a new study shows your expertise is in high demand, short supply and worth more than ever before.
  • SMB Cloud Tops $45B and Keeps Climbing (0)February 26, 2013A study by cloud software vendor Parallels finds SMBs spent $45 billion on cloud products and services in 2012, and the tally will more than double by 2015.
  • Microsoft, Cisco Still Big Dogs in UC Market (0)February 26, 2013Cisco remained the world's leading telephony vendor for the sixth consecutive quarter in Q4 2012 and was one of only three players – alongside Mitel and ShoreTel – to post revenue growth.
  • LG Snaps Up WebOS From HP (0)February 26, 2013The Korean consumer electronics giant yesterday announced an agreement to snap up the source code, engineering talent and related websites associated with webOS to support its next-generation smart TV technology.
  • Cisco Overcharges and Sales Responsibility (0)February 26, 2013The state of West Virginia accuses Cisco Systems of selling it equipment it didn’t need, resulting in millions of dollars in unnecessary spending. The state’s audit report says Cisco had a “moral responsibility” to not oversell them. The incident has two conflicting forces at play, and a lesson for solution providers.
  • Global IT Spending Topped $2 Trillion in 2012 (0)February 26, 2013Global spending on smartphones exceeded that of PCs for the first time in 2012, according to the market watcher, which claims that the popularity of mobile devices is continuing to reshape the IT landscape, according to IDC.
  • Samsung Set to Launch New Galaxy in NYC (0)February 26, 2013The vendor sent out invitations to the Samsung Unpacked 2013 Episode One event set to take place at New York's Radio City Music Hall on March 14, with invitees asked to "come and meet the next Galaxy."
  • Microsoft, Barracuda Team On Azure Security (0)February 25, 2013Microsoft Corp. and Barracuda Networks Inc. are joining forces to to boost data protection for Web applications hosted in Windows Azure cloud, a union that will extend channel reach while slowly but surely raising the bar on the cloud security paradigm.
  • Trend Micro C&C Detection Raises Market Stakes (0)February 25, 2013Trend Micro is once again raising security stakes by infusing its Custom Defense product with C&C detection capabilities -- a sign that advanced threat detection markets are rapidly filling with competitors vying for share.
  • Avnet Adds Some Flash to IBM Storage Wares (0)February 25, 2013Avnet today said it had inked an agreement with IBM TMS to resell a broad portfolio of flash-optimized storage arrays and flash optimization software to value-added resellers in North America.
  • HP Launches Android Tablets, Sells WebOS (0)February 25, 2013Hewlett-Packard is upping its game in tablets by launching a low-cost 7-inch tablet running Google’s Android operating system. At the same time, it’s shedding the last vestige of its failed 2011 foray into the tablet market.
  • HP Refreshes Security With Big Data Makeover (0)February 25, 2013Hewlett Packard Co. is making a reinvigorated push into security with Big Data launches integrating technologies from ArcSight, Hadoop and Autonomy, a move that could help right the company's ship and steer it toward its stated turnaround. That said, HP has some catching up to do, now battling Dell, IBM and others that have long…
  • CommVault Simpana 10 Eases Data Chores (0)February 25, 2013Data protection and archiving software maker CommVault today released a significant upgrade to its flagship Simpana data management platform with 20 million new lines of code and more than 300 new features designed to improve backup performance and reduce storage, administration and support costs.
  • Experience Matters in Success, Profitability (0)February 25, 2013Many solution providers believe success comes their technical prowess and the sweat of their brow. That’s true, but greater success comes from having experience in business development and management. Three charts tell the whole story.
  • Dell Takes On iPad With Biz-Focused Security (0)February 25, 2013Dell is making a concerted effort to target its Microsoft Windows 8-based mobile computing devices at vertical industries and is counting on channel partners to champion updated functionality and security improvements to specific users in healthcare, education, government and financial services.
  • Aerohive, AirWatch Gearing Up for IPOs (0)February 25, 2013Wireless networking startup Aerohive and mobile device management vendor AirWatch are making moves that will eventually lead to an initial public offering. Both companies provide unique insights into two burgeoning channel opportunities.
  • Rackspace Slashes Prices by One-Third (0)February 25, 2013Hosting pioneer Rackspace is reducing prices on content delivery by one-third and implementing new pricing for its cloud services as it looks to lure customers away from rivals, such as Amazon. Could this be the first sign of coming rapid commoditization?
  • Google Pixel Signals a Shift in PC Market (0)February 22, 2013Google is challenging Microsoft and Apple with its latest Chromebook, Pixel, a premium PC with touch-screen interface and high definition display. No, it won’t be sold in the channel, and that may be a signal of things to come in the PC market.
  • Cisco Rethinking SMB Strategy (2)February 22, 2013Cisco has been racing to shed its consumer and low-end products from its portfolio, in favor of its more traditional enterprise offerings. If the telegraphs from its SMB sales director are any indication, Cisco is not giving up on the SMB market when it comes to networking, cloud computing and mobility.
  • IT Resellers Flocking to Lenovo, Fleeing Acer (0)February 22, 2013The 1,725 resellers that took part in Context's ChannelWatch research were asked which of the major IT brands they are planning to add to their portfolios over the next three months, and which they are thinking of dropping.
  • HP Struggles Continue as Q1 Profits Fall 16% (1)February 21, 2013While the company narrowly bested the pessimistic outlook of Wall Street analysts, the news was mostly grim across the board for HP, which saw revenues fall 6 percent from a year ago to $28.4 billion.
  • Barracuda Takes Aim At File Syncing Market (0)February 21, 2013Barracuda Networks is immersing itself further into the cloud storage arena with the launch of a file-syncing service that goes toe-to-toe with DropBox and YouSendIt. The move gives partners the ability to look beyond network security appliances and ride a rising tide of cloud storage growth.
  • CA Expands Virtual In ARCserve Backup Refresh (0)February 21, 2013CA Technologies is pushing virtual capabilities with the latest version of its ARCserve backup and recovery platform. The goal? A deeper push in the managed services space that takes on competitors Symantec, EMC Corp. and others.
  • Bull Brings High-Performance Servers to U.S. (0)February 21, 2013French IT giant Bull Information Systems launched a formal channel program with the help of VMware to bring its high-performance, virtualized Bullion servers to the U.S. market. The new program is part of a gradual global expansion for the server line that competes with IBM, Oracle and Hewlett-Packard.
  • European VARs See Brighter Days Ahead (0)February 21, 2013The channel is defying the gloom that has descended on the UK and eurozone economies, with more than twice as many resellers believing 2013 will be better than 2012.
  • AT&T Opens Doors to New Channel Program (0)February 21, 2013AT&T relaunches its channel program to enable resellers and OEM partners to reach new market opportunities, as well as attract solution providers to integrate and resell AT&T products. The revamped AT&T Partner Exchange is reflection of carriers becoming less hostile toward the channel to maintain relevancy and profitability.
  • Analyst: Surface Pro Will Be Dead in Six Months (5)February 21, 2013Context analyst Salman Chaudry said he does not think Microsoft will consider the channel in its tablet go-to-market strategy, and that would be "suicide" for the device.
  • HP Calls Software $10B Channel Opportunity (0)February 21, 2013George Kadifa, executive vice president of HP Software, told assembled hardware and services partners that "we would like to see HP software being the third arrow in your quiver".
  • IBM Looking Beyond MDM in Mobility Enablement (1)February 21, 2013IBM unveils MobileFirst, its strategy for addressing the total mobile enablement and support, in which it will provide tools for managing, secure and enhancing tablets and smartphones. The vision goes beyond what most mobile device and applications vendors are doing today and could change the mobile landscape.
  • Infosys Gets Analytical With BigDataEdge (0)February 21, 2013The company’s new BigDataEdge promises to help enterprises and the solution providers that serve them reduce the time taken to extract information from both structured and unstructured data by up to 40 percent and generate insights up to eight times faster.
  • FireMon Adds Context to Security Manager (0)February 21, 2013FireMon is maintaining its presence in the risk management space with the latest version of its security manager, which combines continuous assessment and best practice modeling that aim to give partners leg up against a sea of contenders.
  • VCE Talks New VBlocks, Partner Relationships (0)February 21, 2013The VCE launches two new systems and a specialized platform with SAP HANA. D Martin, vice president of global channels for the VCE discusses how the VCE has been building out its channel presence.
  • New Threats Indicate Mobile Security Uptick (0)February 20, 2013McAfee released a report indicating a rise of increasingly sophisticated mobile malware that will increasingly be leveraged by organized cybercriminals in black market trends. Going forward, that means battling mobile attacks will become an even more significant component of channel MDM portfolios.
  • VMware Horizon Suite Targets ‘Multi-Device Era’ (0)February 20, 2013VMware launches a comprehensive mobility and virtualization suite, VMware Horizon, encompassing key areas on application, security, data management and virtual desktop access for a "multi-device era."
  • dinCloud Taps IT Veteran Weber as New CTO (1)February 20, 2013Cloud services firm dinCloud Inc. today tapped an IT industry veteran to lead its infrastructure engineering and technology development with the stated goal of creating “a heavenly experience” for partners.
  • Gartner: Age of ‘Cognizant Computing’ Upon Us (0)February 20, 2013Consumers' reliance on personal cloud-driven devices has marked the coming of a new era of "cognizant computing" according to Gartner, which claims that the trend will drive innovation in sensor-enabled devic
  • Dell’s Q4 FY13 Losses Transitional Mixed Bag (0)February 20, 2013Dell's Q4 FY 2013 showed declining revenues among some segmented high notes, suggesting the company is facing turbulence as it restructures its overall business model and heads into privatization.
  • HP Readies Formal Autonomy Partner Program (0)February 20, 2013Conceding there may have been too many logistical and financial barriers preventing resellers getting involved with selling its wares, HP officials say the new Autonomy channel scheme is very similar to HP's existing PartnerOne program.
  • Whitman Vows an Insider as Next HP Head (0)February 20, 2013At a Vegas Q&A, Whitman expresses her admiration for "the HP Way" and explains her replacement will be the vendor's first new leader since Lew Platt in 1992 to be appointed from within.
  • Huawei Invests Globally in Empowering Partners (0)February 20, 2013The Dandelion Empowerment Program is the latest initiative by Huawei to train and mobilize partners in information and communications technologies. The global program is designed to help Huawei reach its goal of becoming a $100 billion vendor.
  • Citrix’s Zenprise Now XenMobile MDM Suite (0)February 20, 2013Citrix turns around its Zenprise acquisition with the introduction of XenMobile, an end-to-end MDM suite that addresses pain points like application security, identity management and secure remote access.
  • HP’s Whitman Thrills VARs With Channel Stance (0)February 19, 2013To an enthusiastic response from the thousands of partner representatives gathered, the HP CEO outlined a hard stance on any reseller business being taken direct by the vendor's sales force.
  • AlertLogic Gives Log Management Cloud Spin (0)February 19, 2013SaaS security provider AlertLogic released a Log Manager that gives a fresh spin to reporting and log management with a new spate of deployment options. That said, the release propels compliance trends that are increasingly taking to the cloud.
  • HP PartnerOne Program sees $1.5B Overhaul (0)February 19, 2013Hewlett-Packard Co. kicks off the Global Partner Conference 2013 with a $1.5 billion investment to overhaul the PartnerOne program, aligning Autonomy and Vertica to be more partner friendly and opening new certifications and revenue opportunities for specialists.
  • Eager Mobile Adopters Face More Risk, Benefits (0)February 19, 2013A Symantec State of Mobility survey indicated that organizations eager to adopt mobility face greater risks but reap higher rewards. No surprises there. But for the channel, it indicates a narrowing window for mobile implementation services that will inevitably transition to increased opportunities in mobile security and optimization in the near future.
  • Gates Hits Microsoft Innovation, Mobile Strategy (0)February 19, 2013Looking tanned and relaxed in a recent CBS interview, Gates, who still holds the role of chairman of Microsoft, said he and chief executive Steve Ballmer were "two of the most self-critical people you can imagine".
  • F5 Networks Takes New Approach with BYOD 2.0 (0)February 19, 2013F5 Networks kicks off "BYOD 2.0" with the F5 Mobile App Manager, a specialized SaaS suite that compartmentalizes app management and security on each device, eliminating traditional BYOD issues by focusing only on data and content.
  • BI Software Sales Continue Slow, Steady Growth (0)February 19, 2013The market will reach $17.1 billion by 2016, as CIO appetite for BI is complemented by more tactical buying for departmental and workgroup analysis and demand for data-as-a-service continues to grow.
  • VARs Slam Microsoft Office License Lock-in (0)February 19, 2013Small business partners are concerned that the vendor is forcing their customers toward Office 365 by making licenses for its fully packaged product suite non-transferable.
  • Apple Has Post-Innovation Dilemma (0)February 19, 2013Apple has stunned the tech market with its ability to not just grab huge chucks of sales and profits, but also to completely win the hearts and minds of customers and control the innovation conversation -- but many fear Apple is at the end of its innovation limits. There are lessons for finding and sustaining…
  • Connectivity Consultation Is Next Specialization (0)February 19, 2013Channel partners have an opportunity to become connectivity specialists, offering consultation practices that help create custom-designed cloud solutions for industry-specific purposes. A connectivity specialist will be less concerned about offering a specific set of services and instead, more focused on ensuring all needed services and solutions are properly deployed and connected.
  • PCI Deficiencies Enable Compliance “Remodeling” (0)February 18, 2013Research by SecurityMetrics indicate that despite the widespread acceptance of PCI DSS, many retail organizations fail to be compliant. The number indicate that disruptive technologies such as mobile and cloud have changed PCI dynamics. But it also indicates that partners have a chance to rebuild customers' programs from the ground up.
  • Vigilant Bulks Risk Management Offering (0)February 18, 2013Vigilant has bundled its application risk management and monitoring into a comprehensive suite of services, indicating a continued trend toward risk management that parallels growth trajectories in GRC and advanced threat analytics.
  • Brocade Tech Data Deal has Competitive Focus (0)February 18, 2013Brocade's partner training deal with Tech Data is part of a larger channel enablement strategy for Brocade, as it seeks to drive its networking portfolio deeper into the market and compete against rivals like Cisco, HP and Dell.
  • Pertino Offers Cloud Networking-as-a-Service (1)February 18, 2013Pertino, a growing networking startup, seeks to redefine the SMB networking space with an networking-as-a-service platform, allowing any IT pro to spin-up a network operation in the cloud and connect disparate devices -- and cloud resources -- like they were local.
  • Sage Sheds Some CRM Offerings (2)February 18, 2013Sage Group officials last week insisted the global software maker remains committed to its CRM business despite announcing the sale of a number of its CRM products.
  • A10 Networks Plans Post-Lawsuit Products (0)February 18, 2013A federal court denied A10 Networks request to postpone the imposition of a permanent injunction for selling products that use pilfered source code from Brocade Communications. Undeterred, A10 says it will soon release lawsuit-compliant products and continue to appeal the damages awards to Brocade.
  • Sex Won’t Sell at InfoSec, Organizers Vow (1)February 18, 2013Organizers of Europe's largest IT security event implemented a dress code crackdown following a storm of negative feedback relating to the attire – or lack thereof – worn by exhibitors at last year's show.
  • Brocade Blames CA Tax Switch for Q1 Loss (0)February 18, 2013The San Jose, Calif.-based storage and networking vendor says a change in its home state's tax laws resulted in a first-quarter loss of $21 million.
  • Cisco UC Offensive Attacks Microsoft Lync (0)February 18, 2013Cisco Systems Inc. launches a full-on assault against Microsoft Corp.'s Lync communication strategy, arguing that a single-vendor multi-device approach is more aligned with future needs than the Windows and PC-centric approach Microsoft has taken with Lync.
  • Microsoft Misses Billions Without Office for iPad (0)February 18, 2013A new analyst report estimates Microsoft is missing out on as much as $2.5 billion annually by not marketing a version of its popular Office productivity suite for Apple’s iPad. The loss actually could be much more substantial if Android tablets and channel value-add sales opportunities are taken into consideration.
  • Dell Exec Dishes on Marketing, Enablement (0)February 18, 2013Dell is striving to establish itself as a key provider for all things related to Cloud, security, networking and data centers/servers. And Dell is turning to its channel partners now more than ever to become more recognized as an all-in-one solution and service provider.
  • ESET MSP Program Begins Service Foray (0)February 15, 2013ESET is making services forays with the launch of an MSP channel program. The launch is still a good move for the endpoint security firm, but comes well behind many of its competitors.
  • Vendors Need Differentiation in Antivirus Game (3)February 15, 2013F-Secure launches its latest endpoint protection solution coupled with a central management console touting elevated detection powered by heuristics and behavior-based technologies to nab advanced threats. While a market differentiator, F-Secure's release speaks to the challenge that antivirus vendors face to keep their products competitive as cloud and mobility continually change threat dynamics.
  • GENBAND Streamlines Portfolio for MSPs (0)February 15, 2013Communication and services company GENBAND kicks off its "Making Networks Smarter" program, compartmentalizing its technology portfolios to enable a growing service-provider community with the latest solutions.
  • AWS Redshift Is All-in-One Data Warehouse (0)February 15, 2013Amazon Web Services makes Amazon Redshift globally available, bringing scalable and easy-to-use data warehousing capabilities to the cloud. With major business analytic vendors like SAP and IBM on board, AWS continues to grow into a powerhouse cloud provider.
  • Symplified Channel Launch Expands IDaaS (0)February 15, 2013Symplified has rolled out a new channel program, indicating identity and access management markets are getting a second wind from the cloud.
  • 3D Printing Hype: ‘Egg Cups and Sex Toys’ (0)February 15, 20133D printers available to the channel today are only capable of producing cheap plastic items, according to Citron Research, which calls the 3D craze a "bubble" set to burst.
  • The Biggest Cloud Challenge in the Channel (0)February 15, 2013Solution providers are wrestling with issues in adopting and operationalizing cloud computing as part of their product and services portfolio. A number of issues stymie cloud channel efforts, but a few are standing out asbig obstacles.
  • Is Microsoft Losing Its Grip on the OS Market? (3)February 15, 2013HP is reportedly planning a high-end Android tablet to sell alongside premium Windows tablets and ultrabooks -- on the heels of HP announcing it would develop a Chromebook. Are these signs Microsoft is losing its grip on the OS and mobility markets?
  • Polycom Makes Federal Case With Microsoft Lync (0)February 15, 2013Polycom announces three Microsoft Lync-enabled IP phones available for federal agencies via GSA Schedule. With Polycom's acquisition of Microsoft Gold partner Sentri, is it possible Polycom and Microsoft are building a tighter partnership for the future of Lync?
  • Cybersecurity Order, Bills Could Reignite Channel (0)February 14, 2013With a presidential executive order, a newly proposed cybersecurity bill and the return of the controversial CISPA, noise around cybersecurity is reaching a crescendo. The ending remains to be seen, but the resulting paradigm shift bodes well for the channel.
  • Cisco Credits Partners as Q2 Profts Swell (0)February 14, 2013Cisco claims its channel partners have helped it almost double its UCS (unified computing system) customer base annually in its second quarter as it announces a profit swell of 44 percent and an eighth consecutive quarter of record sales.
  • AppSense’s DesktopNow is Now For Enterprise (1)February 14, 2013AppSense reboots their flagship suite with the introduction of DesktopNow, a holistic approach to virtualization management in the enterprise, encompassing everything from Windows 7 Migration, BYOD and to per-user VDI management.
  • BrightPoint Buoys Ingram Micro, Profits Dip (0)February 14, 2013he acquisition of Brightpoint helped Ingram Micro Inc. post double-digit sales growth in the final quarter of 2012, but restructuring expenses led to a decline in profitability.
  • FlexPod Fuels Stellar Q3 for NetApp (0)February 14, 2013NetApp claims it has seen the biggest-ever customer uptake in its FlexPod technology in its Q3 as it announces a profit spike of nearly a third.
  • The Best (and Worst) Vendor Partner Portals (1)February 14, 2013How do your vendors’ portals stack up? Channelnomics subjectively rated some of the most popular partner portals on a scale of one (worst) to five (best) based on design, ease of use, relevance of search criteria and usefulness of the results. Here’s what we found.
  • CA Sweetens MSP Pot With ARCserve Additions (0)February 14, 2013CA has launched a new sales incentive to mark the revamp of its ARCserve managed service provider program, in the hope of attracting new MSP partners.
  • Cisco’s Soaring Profits a Sign of Better Times (0)February 14, 2013Cisco quarterly profits jumped 44 percent, bolstered by increasing demand for networking gear and a one-time tax incentive. All said, the financial report beat analysts’ expectations and potentially foretell better times ahead for the IT market.
  • Why Apple’s iWatch Makes Mobile Security Easy (0)February 14, 2013Apple's iWatch has the potential to be the only mobile device that needs management, linking up with connected iOS devices and sharing authentication configurations. With iOS a regularly used platform in the enterprise, Apple's latest consumer device could have a profound affect on mobile security.
  • Zscaler Infuses Cloud With Big Data Analytics (0)February 13, 2013Cloud security firm Zscaler is the latest to join the ranks of those adding Big Data analytics into its set of offerings. However, the cloud security firm will likely be looking over its shoulder in the not too distant future as competition stiffens and the Big Data market continues its path toward saturation.
  • Symantec Expands SSL With Offerings, Services (0)February 13, 2013Symantec is hoping to give new life to the SSL industry with new code signing techniques, algorithm options and a slew of service offerings that promise to expand the market while giving partners new tools to carve out new inroads in SSL with security-focused customers.
  • ViewSonic’s Thin Clients Foresee Post-PC Era (0)February 13, 2013ViewSonic's new thin and zero clients broaden its reach in the virtualization space and offer a complement to ViewSonic's growing portfolio of connected display devices -- a critical market strategy as ViewSonic leverages the post-PC era to expand its core display business.
  • Dell’s Technology Program Has Future Focus (0)February 13, 2013Dell talks up growth within the Technology Partner Program, potentially part of a larger strategy to advertise the service and solution provider community as Dell sets course for a new focus on enterprise and infrastructure in a post-privatized world.
  • Channel Duo Departs Webroot (0)February 13, 2013EMEA channel manager Richard Daly and account manager Liam Comiskey join rival Total Defense.
  • Dell Faces More Resistance in Privatization Plan (0)February 13, 2013The first buyout against Dell Inc. has already been filed, and now powerful investors are lining up to vote against the leverage buyout plan to take the IT vendor private.
  • Alicia Keys Can’t Save BlackBerry (8)February 13, 2013Despite strong reviews for the BlackBerry 10 OS and enterprises support tools, the newly branded BlackBerry Corp. continues to slide. The reason: continued market share erosion and a chaotic rollout of new devices. Can the channel save BlackBerry?
  • Xerox ConnectKey Is More Than Managed Print (0)February 13, 2013Xerox brings streamlined managed print services to a wide audience with ConnectKey, a specialized software suite targeted at service providers looking to manage multi-function printers, documents in the cloud, mobile print privileges and much more.
  • Dropbox, Box: A Tale of Two Biz Dev Strategies (0)February 13, 2013The cloud-based file-sharing service is renewing efforts to expand beyond its massive consumer base and capture more SMB and enterprise accounts. The move comes as rival Box expands its channel efforts to grow market coverage and sales. The two companies could provide a laboratory for the future of direct and indirect sales.
  • Wave Cuts Passwords From Tablet Authentication (0)February 12, 2013Wave Systems introduces an authentication mechanism for Windows 8 tablets. The biggest hook? No passwords.
  • SafeNet: Confidence Lags in Network Security (0)February 12, 2013A SafeNet study indicates that customers are disheartened with their organization's perimeter defenses and other security infrastructure and not regaining confidence any time soon.
  • Sophos UTM, RED Appliances Boost Throughput (0)February 12, 2013Sophos launches the UTM 525 and 625 alongside an updated RED 50 appliance, offering improved throughput capabilities for branches managing wide-scale LAN operations and remote branch offices. Services providers looking for a two-step process on branch management may find a UTM/RED pairing appealing.
  • McAfee Steps Up SIEM, Intelligence Game (0)February 12, 2013McAfee appears to be filling in where competitors have left off by infusing its ePO management platform with security intelligence capabilities and transforming its SIEM offering to an automated incident response solution.
  • VMware Boosts vSphere Management & Backup (0)February 12, 2013VMware unveils VMware vSphere with Operations Management and VMware vSphere Data Protection Advanced, bringing a more cohesive and efficient management and backup solution to mid-sized virtualization environments -- part of VMware's ongoing commitment to enhancing its solution portfolio.
  • Does Cool Matter? Yes, in the Consumer World (0)February 12, 2013Apple remains the dominant smartphone and tablet vendor, but it’s beginning to slide as Samsung starts to catch up. Some are even suggesting that Apple lost its “cool” factor and Samsung is a worthy “cool” successor. Does being cool matter? It does in the consumerization world.
  • Cisco Calls on Midmarket Collaboration Partners (0)February 12, 2013Cisco Systems rolls out a new set of perks and incentives to help bring partners of all sizes into the midmarket space, delivering right-sized solutions that promote workspace collaboration in a BYOD world. Cisco attests midmarket collaboration represents a a potential $7.1 billion opportunity.
  • Microsoft Gives Partners Cloud Billing Control (0)February 12, 2013Microsoft finally lives up to pledge made last summer by making cloud suite available through Open licensing beginning March 1.
  • Autonomy’s Founder Brushes off UK Probe (0)February 11, 2013Autonomy founder Mike Lynch has welcomed the decision by the UK's accounting watchdog to investigate his former firm's accounts in the period running up to its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard.
  • Unitrends Channel Program Heavy On Reward (0)February 11, 2013Backup and recovery firm Unitrends Inc. is upping its market presence with the launch of a partner rewards program, a move that is a testament to rejuvenated growth and expansion of backup to lower markets with the rise of Big Data and other disruptive technologies.
  • CA Touts Cloud as IAM Differentiator (0)February 11, 2013CA Technologies is upping its presence in the identity and access management arena by enhancing its CloudMinder service in a move that speaks to the intensifying competitiveness in IAM markets as cloud technologies gain traction.
  • F5 Networks’ LineRate Buy Is SDN Grab (0)February 11, 2013F5 Networks acquires SDN startup LineRate Systems as it seeks to broaden its portfolio and focus on software-defined architectures -- critical in delivering next-gen networking services around app management and cloud orchestration.
  • MSPs Can Check Pulse With Client Heartbeat (0)February 11, 2013ConnectWise welcomes the integration of Client Heartbeat, a customer service survey tool that gives MSPs actionable feedback on their own services and how they stack up against competing MSPs. In a growing IT services industry, this information is critical for maintaining differentiation and quality of service.
  • CES Cracks Down on ‘Booth Babes’ (2)February 11, 2013In the face of opposition from protesters, CES is revising its guidelines for 2014 to discourage exhibitors from using "booth babes" -- although it has stopped short of imposing an outright ban.
  • Microsoft Sells Out of Surface Pro (0)February 11, 2013The Surface Pro, running Windows 8 Professional, debuted and immediately sold out last Friday from both direct and indirect sales channels. Many analysts and tech observers are questioning Microsoft’s supply chain strategy. Perhaps the sellout is a clue to why Surface isn’t in the B2B channel.
  • IBM Not Giving Up on Power Servers (0)February 11, 2013Big Blue is making a statement with the introduction of lower-cost Power Systems servers: It will not concede the server market to rivals despite steady declines in revenue and market share.
  • ADTRAN Nixes Partner Hurdles, Adds Rewards (0)February 11, 2013ADTRAN channel chief Ted Cole offers a deep dive on ADTRAN's partner program amid the company's program changes, which seek to bring more partners into the fold, especially as managed services take off.
  • AWS Earns SAP Certs, Offers Cloud Tagging (0)February 8, 2013Amazon.com's AWS platform earns full SAP certification, bringing the whole of SAP Business Suite to the AWS platform. Additionally, AWS providers can now tag S3 and RDS instances, helping them keep track of resources and costs.
  • Aggressive Kaspersky Lab Powers Up Partners (1)February 8, 2013Kaspersky Lab unveils channel incentives and support initiatives to help partners uncover and close more security software deals. The Russian security company wants North America partners to expand its business-to-business sales and take share away from rivals.
  • Security Fears Still Stymie Cloud Adoption (0)February 8, 2013A Lieberman Software survey indicated that fear of government surveillance and legal issues prevented almost half of respondents from embarking on cloud projects. That means there's still an untapped -- if shrinking-- critical mass of users the channel can target with their own combination of cloud security and compliance solutions.
  • NetApp, SAP Deepen Database Commitment (0)February 8, 2013NetApp and SAP promise an expansion their partnership to bolster the development of SAP solutions that leverage SAP's in-memory database capabilities, enhanced by NetApp's focus on accelerated storage management and data delivery solutions.
  • Struggling Fujitsu to Cut 5,000 Jobs in Reorg (1)February 8, 2013Fujitsu is to undertake "full-fledged structural reform" and shed thousands of staff after posting third-quarter results that show a stuttering PC business and a tough sales climate for infrastructure solutions.
  • Radware Acquires Optimization Firm Strangeloop (0)February 8, 2013Application security and delivery firm Radware just onboarded Web performance and optimization vendor Strangeloop, a move that promises to build out solution provider portfolios in burgeoning optimization niches.
  • Dell Boomi Talks Middleware, Wipro Partnership (0)February 8, 2013Dell Boomi's Rick Nucci talks about the growing success of AtomSphere integrations, a new global alliance with Wipro Technologies and the future of middleware.
  • Arrow Rides Enterprise Sales Hike to Decent Q4 (0)February 8, 2013The Englewood, Colo., firm this week reported a net profit of $174.7 million for its final quarter ended Dec. 31, flat on the same quarter last year but well ahead of expectations.
  • Which Vendors Are Failing Their Resellers? (0)February 8, 2013For the past nine months, our European partner, CRN UK, has been gathering detailed yet anonymous information from nearly 300 top resellers to obtain detailed scores and rankings on the region’s 40 highest-profile vendors. Find out who made the grade.
  • Dell Slams Buyback Doubters in Open Letter (0)February 8, 2013Dell hit back at his doubters in an open letter to customers, arguing that they would do better with Dell away from the prying eyes of the stock market.
  • High Price, Bad Channel Plan Doomed Surface (0)February 8, 2013Analyst firm Canalys Ltd. has labeled Microsoft's move into the hardware space "a non-event,” as Q4 figures reveal Apple strengthened its position as the world's leading client vendor.
  • Avanade Buys Opstera in Managed Cloud Play (0)February 8, 2013Avanade, a Microsoft MSP, scoops up Opstera, a software specialist focused on Azure public cloud management. While small in scale, this move represents the ongoing trend of M&A in the MSP space as providers seek a wider audience with more solutions to enable customer stickiness and accelerate growth.
  • Backupify Releases SaaS Backup Accelerator (0)February 7, 2013Backupify rolled out a developer platform that enables ISVs to rapidly inject the firm's backup and recovery functionality into their applications. For the channel, the release could result in a handy channel value-add in light of cloud backup's growing market appeal.
  • Bamital Botnet Spells Remediation Opportunities (0)February 7, 2013Symantec and Microsoft once again joined forces to shutter the Bamital botnet and disrupt the cybercrime ring behind the operation. And for the channel, the dearth of advanced threats such as Bamital will inevitably give rise to deeper remediation niches.
  • Microsoft says Google Will “Scroogle” GMail Users (0)February 7, 2013Microsoft promotes Outlook.com as the sensible alternative to a nosy Google that "goes through every Gmail," and invades your privacy with targeted ads. But Microsoft's sensationalism falls falt and belies a larger effort to promote its cloud applications, like Office 365.
  • HP Must Prove Stability to Partners (0)February 7, 2013Hewlett-Packard is gearing up for its annual Global Partner Conference in Las Vegas with a series of new product releases and channel initiatives. Not on the agenda is HP renovation project and how it will restore confidence in the eyes of partners and customers.
  • Symantec Rolls Out SSL Specializations (0)February 7, 2013Symantec rolled out new specializations around SSL certification, a move that signifies the firm is more proactively and aggressively going after SSL business as cloud and other technologies make the space more competitive.
  • Dell Parries Cisco With SDN, Cloud Networking (0)February 7, 2013Dell launches a new top-of-rack switch, networking blades with gigabit connectivity and the official availability of OpenFlow SDN capabilities baked into the Force10 OS (FTOS). Dell's networking focus targets both the enterprise and Cisco's own recent offerings.
  • Losses Mount, CEO Out at Alcatel-Lucent (0)February 7, 2013Alcatel-Lucent chief executive Ben Verwaayen has stepped down from his post just as the vendor posted a fourth-quarter net loss of almost $1.9 billion.
  • Lenovo Wants Euro Partners to Target Midmarket (0)February 7, 2013The effort, which includes the promise of a two-hour SLA turnaround on opportunities and dedicated account management, is designed to help partners target business among firms with 100 to 999 seats.
  • Bright Spots for Some in Projector Sales (0)February 7, 2013A total 9.5 million projectors were sold worldwide in 2012, according to a research roundup from specialist analyst PMA.
  • VMware: DRS Won’t Increase License Needs (0)February 7, 2013VMware has silenced criticism of its Dynamic Resource Scheduler (DRS) solution after License Dashboard claimed it could increase user license requirements by up to six times.
  • Mobile Growth Portends Channel Opportunity (0)February 7, 2013Cisco's predictions about the incoming wave of mobile traffic and mobility demands paints a picture of what the channel will look like in the next coming years. If partner's aren't gearing up for the cloud services market, the infrastructure technology space will be the next big space to demand trusted advisors.
  • Lax IP Policies Herald DLP Strategies (0)February 6, 2013Employees are increasingly putting organizations at risk by absconding with intellectual property once they're laid off or leave an organization, according to a Symantec IP survey, giving partners an open door to step up efforts around risk management and data loss prevention solutions with enterprise customers.
  • Will HP’s Turnaround Include Security Overhaul? (0)February 6, 2013PC manufacturer Hewlett Packard Co. is on a path to increase its security presence. But it still lacks a comprehensive security strategy that would integrate its offerings into end-to-end solutions and give partners greater traction and credibility in enterprise markets.
  • Samsung Cloudant Investment an Apple Offensive (0)February 6, 2013Samsung Ventures makes a strategic investment into Cloudant, a specialist in database-as-a-service capabilities and mobile data replication and synchronization. While Samsung attests Cloudant's technology is key for large enterprise businesses, Cloudant's capabilities would uniquely complement Samsung's mobile agenda and help it compete with Apple.
  • SAP Links to SuccessFactors BizX With RDS (0)February 6, 2013SAP unveils a new rapid deployment solution (RDS), linking together SAP ERP to SuccessFactors' Business Execution Suite. It's likely SAP will unveil more RDS solutions as SuccessFactors partners roll into the expanding cloud portfolio of the SAP PartnerEdge program.
  • Sobel to Lead New CompTIA Mobility Group (1)February 6, 2013The community already boasts a roster of thought leaders from vendors, solution providers and others active in the fast-growing market for mobile technology and mobile apps, according to CompTIA officials.
  • Webroot Targets Network Security Partners (0)February 6, 2013Webroot is edging into the network security space with the launch of its Intelligence for Networks Suite, a release that gives partners the ability to service a broader markets and compete with the growing number of industry rivals incorporating both networking and endpoint security into their portfolios.
  • Judge Sides With Wi-Fi Patent Troll Over Cisco (2)February 6, 2013The federal case that was supposed to bring a halt to patent troll Innovatio’s ongoing shakedown of hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops took a strange turn when a federal judge threw out racketeering allegations brought by Cisco, Motorola and Netgear.
  • User Ire Spells Trouble for Internet Economy (0)February 6, 2013End users are beginning to tire of their personal data being collected online by the increasing range of applications and analytics offerings, according to global research by market watcher Ovum.
  • AWS Loves SPs: Cheaper EC2, RDS Notifications (0)February 6, 2013Amazon Web Services continues its commitment to service providers with cheaper instance offerings and new notification updates for database managers. As cloud technology becomes more simple and inexpensive, the benefits to both partners and the end-users will accelerate.
  • HP Rolls Out Application Management Duo (0)February 5, 2013HP is making good on its services ambitions with the launch of two application performance SaaS tools, that put it more on par with Oracle, Dell and other established players in this space.
  • Rivals Take Shots at $24B Dell Buyback Deal (1)February 5, 2013Even before the ink is dry on a $24.4 billion leveraged buyback aimed at taking Dell private, rival vendors are taking shots at the deal, which includes a significant $2 billion investment from mutual partner Microsoft.
  • RIM, Trend Micro Partner In BlackBerry Security (0)February 5, 2013Research In Motion is infusing Trend Micro's Mobile Application Reputation Service into its BlackBerry platform, indicating that it plans on playing the security card to gain customer trust and credibility that could help fuel a rejuvenated market push.
  • IBM PureSystems Offer MSPs Cloud, Big Data (0)February 5, 2013IBM unleashes PureSystems big data and cloud solutions designed to simplify the addition of big data practices, streamline the move into the cloud, simplify desktop and application management and make it easier for MSPs to capitalize on it all. IBM continues to play a strong hand in the fast-changing IT world.
  • Box Sees Channel as a Growth Catalyst (0)February 5, 2013Box isn’t a company easily defined, as its cloud services go by many names – collaboration, content management, backup and file synchronization. Regardless of what Box’s services are called, it’s one of the hottest companies in Silicon Valley, flush with more than $125 million fresh funding and a goal of becoming the next billion-dollar company.
  • WatchGuard Ramps Up XTM Line (0)February 5, 2013WatchGuard ramped up its XTM line with seven new models and a slew of performance enhancements, a move that indicates that it intends to make a bigger entrance in enterprise markets in 2013.
  • Dell Goes Private With Help From Microsoft (0)February 5, 2013After weeks of speculation about taking the Round Rock, Texas vendor private, Dell Inc. officials announced Tuesday morning it had reached a definitive deal to be acquired by founder and CEO Michael Dell and the ventured firm Silver Lake Partners in a deal estimated at $24.4 billion.
  • EMC Changes Up Velocity Channel Program (0)February 5, 2013EMC is implementing sweeping changes to its Velocity Channel Program, including separating professional services from its qualification requirements, expanding the availability of rebates and opening benefits to Isilon partners. The intent is to stimulate partner productivity and profitability in storage, cloud computing and Big Data.
  • HDD Market, Margins in Freefall (0)February 5, 2013According to projections from IHS iSuppli, HDD global market revenue will decline about 12 percent this year to $32.7 billion, with margins taking a hit as average selling prices fall 7 percent.
  • Retail Bank IT Set for Growth, Asia Leads Pack (0)February 5, 2013Ovum analysts say the overall global growth in IT for retail banks is due, in part, to increased emphasis on customer satisfaction and revenue growth instead of on saving money through cutbacks.
  • Cisco Overhaul Includes SDN, Cloud Connectivity (0)February 5, 2013Cisco continues its infrastucture overhaul with new switches designed for high-throughput environments and virtual appliances that link together disparate cloud services, private clouds and service provider environments. Cisco also expands its SDN efforts with a workshop for the Cisco Open Network Environment.
  • SilverSky Expands Services With Channel Uptick (0)February 4, 2013SilverSky, a rebrand that combined Perimeter E-Security and USA.NET, is on the cloud services warpath underscored by a series of recent product launches, and is now embarking on an active channel recruitment capping to bring its ambitions to fruition.
  • HP’s Chromebook a Competitive Test Balloon (0)February 4, 2013Hewlett-Packard launches the HP Pavilion Chromebook, marking HP's first entry into the Chromebook arena. With a looming Dell-Microsoft relationship and questionable demand for Windows 8, HP could be sending up a trial balloon for new competitive efforts in both the consumer and education space.
  • IBM Makes Makes Big Data Security Push (0)February 4, 2013IBM is no stranger to Big Data analytics. It also has no qualms about taking its prowess to new levels.  This time, the Armonk, N.Y. hardware provider is adding security intelligence to that equation. And it's launch that could bolster its already well-established security play, but pit it strongly against security players RSA, the security…
  • F5 Networks Rewards Partners with GUARDIAN (0)February 4, 2013F5 Networks seeks to bolster its partner community with the GUARDIAN professional services partner program, offering consultation partners more advanced tools, training, support and certifications as F5 seeks to bring a higher caliber of partner to both its customer and its partner community.
  • Cloud Revenue Increasing in the Channel (0)February 4, 2013A forthcoming CTTA study finds the number of solution providers earning no revenue or profit from selling and support cloud computing products and services is expected to drop by half in 2013.
  • Oracle Snaps Up Acme Packets for $2B (0)February 4, 2013The acquisition of the Bedford, Mass. based next-gen voice, data and unified communications solutions firm is expected to bolster Oracle’s ability to deploy all-IP networks, particularly across mobile devices, in a variety of vertical applications.
  • Juniper Buys DDoS Tools From UK VAR (0)February 4, 2013Juniper forked over $10 million for a set of DDoS mitigation tools from UK security specialist VAR Accumuli’s Webscreen Systems subsidiary.
  • Sophos Makes Stronger MDM Push (0)February 4, 2013Sophos kicked off the New Year by bolstering the latest version of its mobile device management solution with an array of Google Android malware defenses, indicating that MDM will likely be a focal point for the endpoint security firm going forward.
  • 10 IT Certifications That Still Matter (0)February 4, 2013For much of the past decade, there’s been an ongoing debate in the channel about the value of IT certifications. Here are 10 certs that continue to prove their merit in 2013.
  • Tech Data Gives Partners a Marketing Boost (0)February 4, 2013Tech Data launches TDEngage, a specialized marketing program for resellers and partners needing a fast-track way to enable new business growth.
  • Incapsula Combats Malware With Backdoor Tool (0)February 1, 2013Incapsula is taking a new angle in combatting APTs -- blocking off critical access points by eradicating malicious backdoors -- a tool which could represent a valuable channel add-on to burgeoning advanced threat portfolios.
  • CA, SAP Partner in GRC Release (0)February 1, 2013CA Technologies and SAP are partnering with a GRC solution that reduces company risk and blocks unauthorized user access. The partnership indicates that CA is still committed to the compliance space, paving the way for other collaborative partnerships down the road.
  • Cisco Delivers the Big Game to Your Phone (0)February 1, 2013Cisco launchesStadiumVision Mobile, a live wireless video delivery platform that links into the Cisco Connected Stadium platform, providing live interactive content to sports fans in large-scale stadium environments. Cisco's efforts reveal a larger story about the growing need for advanced wireless infrastructure.
  • SAP SuccessFactor Partners Get PartnerEdge (0)February 1, 2013SAP boosts its partner community by inducting 500 members of the SuccessFactors partner team into the SAP PartnerEdge program -- part of a larger strategy to accelerate the deliver of SAP's newly expanded cloud solution portfolio.
  • ESET Release Heralds Uptick of Mac Security (0)February 1, 2013ESET issued a pair of security releases aimed at the Mac OS X platform. While the cybersecurity solution doesn't vary dramatically from PC-security products, the launch indicates an anticipated uptick in Mac security releases aimed at combatting a rising tide of threats this year.
  • Study: VARs Care About International Trends (0)February 1, 2013Vendors organize their channels by regions, and each has different channel programs and policies based on this localization. However, a new study by The 2112 Group and Incisive Media finds solution providers are paying attention to and are influenced by trends outside their domestic regions.
  • Symantec to NYTimes: Hack Not Our Fault (0)February 1, 2013Symantec is getting roundly criticized for the reported failure of its antivirus software from detecting and neutralizing malware allegedly used in the security breach of The New York Times. In response, Symantec says – in a polite, roundabout way – the iconic newspaper should have bought more security products. In large part, Symantec is right.
  • Cisco to Partner, Buy Its Way to Cloud Success (0)February 1, 2013In a keynote speech, Cisco CTO Padmasree Warrior singled out the five biggest technology trends she believes will shape the industry in the coming years: mobile, cloud, a new breed of apps, the Internet of things, and data and analytics.
  • Who’ll Win the Super Bowl? The Channel Knows (3)February 1, 2013With more than $100 million expected to be officially wagered on the outcome of this weekend’s Super Bowl XLVII and countless more bet in office pools, bar grids and private party games, any edge at all in gauging the outcome is bound to be helpful. The channel may have the answer.
  • Microsoft: Business Adoption of Office 365 Rising (0)February 1, 2013In a blog post, Steve Ballmer claimed that since its business launch 18 months ago, one in five of its global enterprise customers uses the Office 365 service, up from one in seven this time last year.
  • iOS 6 Adoption Proves Cloud Readiness (0)February 1, 2013Apple's rapid adoption of iOS 6 and subsequently, iOS 6.1 prove that the cloud is more than ready for prime time use. In a consultative setting, partners can leverage these real world examples to help wary customers understand how cloud services can provide direct and instant benefits to business productivity.
  • Zscaler Boosts Cloud Security With SSO (0)January 31, 2013Cloud security provider Zscaler is vying for a bit of a market edge with the addition of single sign-on capabilities garnered from RSA, Okta and a host of other identity and access management players. Going forward, Zscaler will likely be one of many providers seeking strong competitive differentiators as cloud security markets continue on an…
  • Kaspersky Lab Adds MDM to Endpoint Launch (0)January 31, 2013Kaspersky Lab is bulking up its endpoint prowess by adding mobile device management to the mix, a move that will give partners more leverage with customers. That said, the firm is not straying far from its SMB or endpoint security expertise.
  • Oracle Virtual Desktop Goes Android, Windows 8 (0)January 31, 2013Oracle Corp. brings Android support to its mobile virtual desktop client, alongside an overhaul the desktop client for USB peripheral support and full Windows 8 compatibility. With BYOD commonplace now and a must-have in the future, Oracle effort's to improve productivity at the end-user level is a small part of a larger cloud strategy.
  • RSA Analytics Tool Makes Big Data Push (0)January 31, 2013RSA, the security division of EMC is carrying out its big data plans with the launch of a security analytics tool, a move that gives partners entry into competitive markets and pits it against IBM and other major analytics players.
  • GFI FaxMaker Online Is Instant Value-add (0)January 31, 2013GFI Software offers FaxMaker Online, a cloud-based solution that integrates with e-mail and allows users to send and receive faxes without a fax machine. With faxes still a key communication method in health care and financial institutions, VARs and managed print providers could add considerable value to UC sets with this simple add-on.
  • Samsung Bites Into Apple Tablet Market Share (0)January 31, 2013Samsung was the big winner as the tablet market continued its seemingly unstoppable upward trajectory in 2012's closing quarter, according to IDC figures.
  • Best Year Ever at EMC Capped With $6B Q4 (0)January 31, 2013EMC's services revenue for its fourth quarter rose 13 percent to $2.3 billion, while product sales crept up five percent to $3.7 billion. The vendor upped its investment in research and development by 18 percent to $663 million over the same period.
  • Support Trumps Security as Cloud Concern (0)January 31, 2013One in five IT decision makers see a lack of support from their cloud service provider as the main problem when migrating to the cloud, according to new research, which suggests that cloud data security worries are now a thing of the past.
  • Apple Heading for a Dell-Like Channel Epiphany (0)January 31, 2013Apple had a monster holiday season, generating record revenues and selling tens of millions of iPhones and iPads. But the company Steve Jobs built is showing signs of innovation and market fatigue, as evidenced by the forthcoming expanded-memory iPad. Chances are Apple will come to the same point in the crossroads as Dell and be…
  • Polycom Picks Sentri for Advanced Collaboration (0)January 31, 2013Polycom picks up Microsoft Gold partner Sentri Inc. in an effort to expand its partner community readiness in deploying complex unified communication and advanced collaborative solutions, which Gartner attests will become a $2 billion industry by 2016.
  • Cisco: BYOD, Privacy Top Gen Y Issues (0)January 30, 2013Cisco Systems released a series of security reports, indicating new trends around BYOD and privacy for Generation Y workers. When taken with recent product launches, the studies could possibly provide a glimpse into the networking firm's future security investments.
  • McAfee, Subnet Partner In Substation Security (0)January 30, 2013McAfee is teaming with Subnet to equip substations with security mechanisms designed to stave off APTs and other advanced cyber threats. The move could position Intel's security division well in light of a proposed legislation that once again attempts to mandate critical infrastructure security protections.
  • RIM’s Gamble: All-in on BlackBerry 10 (0)January 30, 2013RIM unleashes BlackBerry 10 with two new devices, the BlackBerry Q10 and Z10, and a few surprises: RIM has changed its corporate name to "BlackBerry" as it seeks to refocus its efforts on flagship products that will be its namesake in the smartphone battleground. But is BlackBerry 10 ready to do battle?
  • EMC’s Greenplum Appliance Is Pivotal Move (0)January 30, 2013EMC launches the Greenplum Data Computing Appliance (DCA) Unified Analytics Platform (UAP), an appliance designed to conquer the most difficult Big Data tasks faster than the competition. With Big Data needs set to dominate the IT landscape in the next 3 years, this launch is highly strategic.
  • Panda Adds Anti-Exploit to Cloud Solution (0)January 30, 2013Panda Security has introduced advanced threat detection in the latest version of its cloud endpoint security solution. The security firm faces stiff competition from industry peers as elevated threat analytics and security intelligence transition from differentiator to status quo.
  • HP ElitePad Needs a Partner Push (0)January 30, 2013Hewlett-Packard's well-equipped ElitePad 900 promises to be a "true" tablet for businesses, but if HP wants to be successful, it may want to push the tablet through a wide base of channel partners and resellers to creating a strong link between partner, product and demand.
  • F5 Targets Enterprise In Firewall Launch (0)January 29, 2013F5 Networks is revving to hit enterprise markets with an application firewall that differentiates by streamlining management and adding high-end security functions.
  • IBM Hosting Strategy is SmartCoud Enterprise+ (0)January 29, 2013IBM launches SmartCloud Enterprise+, a complete enterprise-ready public cloud hosting solution with a heavy focus on security. IBM also deepens its alliance with SAP by hosting SAP Business Suite and BusinessObjects on IBM's SmartCloud platform.
  • HP Services Target Breach Aftermath (0)January 29, 2013Hewlett Packard is taking the stance that customers are likely to get hacked and is giving them the right tools to clean up the mess.
  • Microsoft’s Office 365 Home a Cloud Catalyst (1)January 29, 2013Microsoft unleashes Office 365 Home Premium to the consumer market, giving users access to Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype and Skydrive on up to five devices for $99 a year. With more competitive pricing for students, Microsoft may be looking to create consumer demand that catalyzes the business world. Success is critical, as Office may…
  • VMware Shuffles Workforce After Decent Q4 (0)January 29, 2013VMware Inc. is set for a strategic staff reshuffle this year, which will see 1,000 new workers welcomed to the vendor, while 900 existing employees face into redundancy.
  • For Channel It’s Think Global, Market Local (0)January 29, 2013To truly succeed at reaching specific audiences in particular geographic areas, vendors must empower partners to go-to-market, but multiple industry studies point out that national brands and vendors are missing out on the localization opportunity.
  • Unified Access Is Cisco’s Next-Gen Strategy (0)January 29, 2013Cisco unleashes updates to the Cisco Unified Access architecture, bringing new switches and infrastructure capabilities that enable software-defined networking and sweeping device policy management capabilities, making it likely that CUA will be the backbone of Cisco's networking strategy.
  • Dell SonicWall Swells Security Channel Ranks (0)January 28, 2013Dell SonicWall is making a concerted push to bolster its channel ranks by onboarding traditional resellers who have yet to dip their toes in security. The effort comes as yet another testament to Dell's enterprise security ambitions that have manifested as part of a massive enterprise software overhaul.
  • TaaSERA Bolsters Advanced Threat Detection (0)January 28, 2013A new security firm TaaSERA is introducing advanced malware behavior detection to combat a new wave increasingly stealthy and sophisticated threats. The firm joins a chorus of new security vendors touting advanced threat detection capabilities, which for the time being, remains a strong channel differentiator.
  • Meetrix Augments IBM Sametime with Polycom (0)January 28, 2013Meetrix, a cloud communications integrator, makes a strategic alliance with Polycom, bringing Polycom's RealPresence backbone and cloud capabilities to the IBM Sametime as-a-service environment. The relationship is symbiotic, as it marks another effort for Polycom to promote a more open and interoperable cloud-based UC platform.
  • Lyatiss: Application Defined Networking Hits AWS (0)January 28, 2013Lyatiss introduces CloudWeaver, a specialized application-defined networking platform that centralizes resource management and provisioning around application requirements and application-specific virtualized environments. ADN has the potential to compliment SDN, especially in the cloud service brokerage space.
  • Study: 25 Percent Lack DR Plans (0)January 28, 2013A study commissioned by remote IT management firm Solar Winds indicated that around a quarter of users fail to have a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan in place, opening a window for the channel to hit up old customers with more affordable and less prohibitive DR solutions.
  • Happy Holidays for Apple, Tablets at Large (0)January 28, 2013With tablets dominating tech spend in the run up to Christmas, it's no surprise sales of the touchy-feely form factor more than doubled in final quarter of 2012.
  • Partners Wary of Microsoft Exam Freebies (0)January 28, 2013Resellers say Microsoft's offer of free exams towards achieving the new Small Business competency indicates low levels of interest in the accreditation since it changed last year.
  • Symantec 4.0 No Easy Road to Recovery (3)January 28, 2013Symantec's massive overhaul, detailed in last week’s product and channel strategy unveiling, will be instrumental in turning around the vendor suffering from stagnation, increased competition, product deficits, questionable mergers and acquisitions, and an unclear go-to-market strategy. Is the plan bold enough to succeed?
  • Gartner Predicts Rising Big Data Demands (0)January 28, 2013Gartner predicts that, by 2015, many major vendors will incorporate natural language capabilities and Hadoop technology to create more viable and powerful Big Data analytical engines.
  • Report: Lenovo Eyes BlackBerry Maker RIM (0)January 25, 2013Growing PC-manufacturer Lenovo has enterprise ambitions as it ponders a buy of BlackBerry maker RIM in search of a solid post-PC mobile strategy. But RIM will likely have to prove itself before any true new alliances can be made.
  • Rackspace Servers May Shake Up Channel (0)January 25, 2013Rackspace's decision to go with home-grown server farms instead of buying from mainstream manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard and Dell may require a new strategic approach for traditional channel partners that once supported service providers.
  • Microsoft Posts Mixed Quarterly Earnings (0)January 25, 2013Microsoft took in nearly $21.5 billion in the last quarter, up 3 percent from the same period last year. Profits were slightly down, mostly due to the costs of taking new products such as Windows 8 to market. The big surprise is a decline in Office sales and increase in non-OEM sales.
  • Wireless Google Signals Secure Cloud Services (0)January 25, 2013Hints that Google may be experimenting with its own wireless network should have cloud service providers thinking about how to more securely deliver software and services to users across the public cloud, especially as the reliance on public cloud infrastructure ramps up in a few short years.
  • Cisco Selling Off Linksys Unit to Belkin (1)January 24, 2013Cisco is selling off the consumer and networking gear unit it acquired a decade ago with the purchase of Linksys to Belkin for an undisclosed sum and will work with the buyer on distribution and merketing, according to company officials.
  • RSA Launches Business Continuity, Mobile App (0)January 24, 2013RSA, the security division of EMC Corp. launched a new business continuity solution and related mobile app. Thus far, mobile GRC and backup solutions are still a fledgling and nascent market, but could accelerate as users demand the ability to customize GRC solutions to meed their own needs.
  • ShoreTel Sky Gets Cloud Dashboard (0)January 24, 2013ShoreTel launches Call Flow editor for its ShoreTel Sky cloud VoIP system, giving IT admins and customers the ability to change many business VoIP settings in real time. But will a focus on advanced management, will ShoreTel expand its cloud VoIP capabilities to include a solution provider model?
  • Avnet Upbeat Despite Q2 Profit Fall (0)January 24, 2013The distributor has saluted a "stronger than expected performance " in its second fiscal quarter, despite profits suffering another double-digit year -on-year decline.
  • Cisco and NetApp Seek Cloud Unity in FlexPod (0)January 24, 2013Cisco and NetApp continue to improve the FlexPod system as each company recognizing the rising need for FlexPod to become a unifying tool in the management of private infrastructure and public cloud environments.
  • 5 Lessons from Apple’s ‘Disappointing’ Earnings (0)January 24, 2013Apple set new records in its last quarter for units sold and revenues generated, but failed to meet Wall Street’s profit expectations. The financial report and reaction provide lessons for business planning.
  • Symantec to Cut Staff, Trim Product Lines (1)January 24, 2013Symantec has announced a new strategy to streamline its product offerings, remove middle management positions and refocus its direct sales force on new business.
  • Webroot Partners to Boost Mobile Prowess (0)January 24, 2013Webroot is entering the mobile security space by partnering, not developing, MDM capabilities.
  • RIM Readies Rebound With BlackBerry 10 EMM (0)January 24, 2013RIM launches BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, the latest enterprise mobility management suite from the once-ubiquitous handset maker. Could RIM's laser focus on enterprise management help spring it back to relevancy when BlackBerry 10 devices launch at the end of Q1 2013?
  • VMware Puppet Labs Partnership Is Software Play (0)January 23, 2013VMware invests $30 million in a strategic partnership with Puppet Labs, an automation specialist in the software-defined data center space. Amid the promise of software-defined IT, this alliance is a smart move to help VMware gain a strong foothold in this evolving space.
  • Channel to Symantec: Keep Security Focus (0)January 23, 2013Partners will be watching with great interest as Symantec executives outline a product roadmap and comprehensive strategy that will set the channel's course.
  • Cisco’s Intucell Buy Mobilizes Future Plans (0)January 23, 2013Cisco Systems acquires network optimization company Intucell as Cisco captures new capabilities to help it capitalize on the next wave of networking technology that prioritized which is focused around software-centric solutions.
  • Samsung Tops Apple for Global Chip Lead (0)January 23, 2013The latest Gartner research shows this South Korean vendor overtook its rival to become the top global customer.
  • KineticD Launches Mobile Cloud Backup (0)January 23, 2013Cloud backup provider KineticD is launching a cloud-based mobile backup solution. While the space is still in infancy, accelerating cloud backup and mobile security trends could give the market a boost.
  • CA Admits Need for Improvement as Profits Dip (0)January 23, 2013CA Technologies has admitted that it needs to do more to gain market share following a 5 percent drop in Q3 revenue, despite narrowly beating Wall Street expectations.
  • Telco Service Providers Face Difficult Future (0)January 23, 2013Ovum has forecast just 2 percent growth per year from 2012 until 2018 for telecoms services providers, as carriers struggle with increased competition and limited customer demand.
  • SMB 500: EMRs Open Doors for Health Care VAR (0)January 23, 2013Under the HITECH Act, doctor offices and medical facilities are required to migrate patient data to EMRs, or face stiff financial penalties. This directive means opportunity for Auxano Solutions, which has found a niche in easing EMR and compliance woes for health care industry customers.
  • Surface Pro Coming, But Still Not to the Channel (0)January 23, 2013Microsoft announced Surface Pro, the version of its tablet that runs the full X86 version of Windows 8, will hit the market Feb. 9. While the enhanced unit will be sold direct and through select retail partners, Microsoft remains mum on whether Surface Pro or RT will ever come to the B2B channel.
  • Dell Survey Says BYOD Changes IT Culture (0)January 23, 2013A new survey from Dell Quest reveals IT executives are warming up to BYOD and touting its productivity benefits. Partners leading with BYOD and mobility specializations may soon find themselves in high demand -- and customer stickiness -- if solutions are well placed.
  • Microsoft AV Test Bears Little On Channel (1)January 22, 2013For the second time in a row, Microsoft's Security Essentials failed to pass muster with independent evaluator AV-Test in protection categories. While it may be a blow for Redmond, solution providers say that security was never the company's strong suit.
  • Amazon Goes All-In on In-Memory Instances (0)January 22, 2013Amazon Web Services continues its expansion of high-end cloud instances with a specialized in-memory environment featuring both solid-state storage and large amounts of RAM. With the advent of in-memory computing databases like SAP HANA, Amazon is readying for next-gen cloud computing -- the channel should take note.
  • Intermedia Exchanges $55 Million for Telanetix (0)January 22, 2013Intermedia acquires hosted communication company Telanetix as it seeks to enhance its communication offerings and deliver a wider breadth of solutions to its partners and the always-growing SMB space.
  • Microsoft May Help Dell Go Private (2)January 22, 2013Dell may be enlisting an unlikely investor in its quest to go private: Microsoft. Reports are circulating the software giant may throw as much as $3 billion to the massive buyout effort.
  • Fortinet Targets MSPs With NGFW Debut (0)January 22, 2013Fortinet is taking on larger rivals with the debut of a next generation firewall that takes aim at larger rivals Check Point Technologies and Palo Alto Networks. It's a move that likely sets the tone for a larger enterprise and managed service push throughout 2013.
  • Are Chromebooks Really Channel-Friendly? (1)January 22, 2013Lenovo is releasing a ruggedized Google Chromebook purpose-built for the lucrative education market, a segment that’s traditionally channel friendly. The new Chrome ThinkPad shows the growing appeal of Google’s alternative operating system and sales model, but it also raises questions about the Chrome ecosystem’s channel-friendliness.
  • Cisco Could Look to Dell for Security Strategy (0)January 21, 2013Cisco has lost its way when in the security space and is reportedly pulling out the list of acquisition candidates to reestablish itself as a credible player. But instead of pulling out the check book quite yet, Cisco might do well to learn from others who are reinventing themselves with a security makeover.
  • EMC Takes a Stab at PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ (2)January 21, 2013In case you haven’t had enough of South Korean rapper PSY’s “Gangnam Style” and the endless parade of tribute and parody videos it has spawned, a technology vendor has finally gotten into the act.
  • Tech Data Partners for Extended Warranties (0)January 21, 2013The distributor has joined forces with after-market warranty provider SquareTrade to offer channel partners new options for protection plans when selling a variety of end-user gear.
  • Axcient Funding Bodes Well for Cloud Backup (0)January 21, 2013Hybrid-cloud backup pioneer Axcient secured $20 million in new funding to fuel growth. The fresh investment reflects how well the company is performing, but also the promise of the whole cloud backup segment.
  • HP Cloud Chief Exits, Leaves Troubled Skies (1)January 21, 2013Hewlett-Packard Cloud Services chief Zorawar Biri Singh departed last week after two years building the vendor’s cloud strategy. This could signal trouble in one of the core pillars of HP’s restoration strategy.
  • Ex-Ingram Mobility Exec Lands at Angie’s List (0)January 21, 2013The former BrightPoint executive who came to Ingram by acquisition last summer and ended up heading the distributor’s North American mobility efforts has landed a new gig as the COO of the consumer review site.
  • CompTIA Names Community Leaders for 2013 (0)January 21, 2013The IT advocacy and training organization unveiled a list of industry luminaries to head up the Downers Grove, Ill., group’s member communities in various disciplines for the coming year.
  • SmartMetric Reader Opens Biometric Market (0)January 21, 2013SmartMetric launched a biometric solution that replaces passwords with fingerprint technology for transactions. Biometrics have never skyrocketed, but the solution could extend to retail, health care and other verticals beholden to PCI requirements.
  • RSA: Big Data Will Transform Security Paradigm (0)January 18, 2013RSA released a brief indicating Big Data will transform security paradigm to one that centers around security intelligence. The data protection firm is committed to the security intelligence space, heralding a greater investment in threat intelligence and analytics-based solutions.
  • Core Boosts Assessment With Password Cracking (0)January 18, 2013Core Security is giving partners a few more ways to create added value in compliance niches by equipping its vulnerability assessment tool with password cracking and a host of advanced threat features.
  • A10 Seeks New Trial in Patent Infringement Case (0)January 18, 2013A defiant A10 Networks continues to appeal convictions that it infringed upon Brocade’s application load-balancing technologies. Despite a multi-million-dollar judgment and permanent injunction, A10 says the latest legal setback will not affect existing customers and reseller partners.
  • Weak PC Market Hammers Intel Profits (0)January 18, 2013Intel spluttered into the new year, with weak PC sales in 2012's closing quarter contributing to a big drop in profit
  • Microsoft Deepens Cloud OS Pitch (0)January 18, 2013Microsoft launches System Center 2012 Service Pack 1, complete with new tools for its Cloud OS platform -- and linkage between Microsoft Windows 2012 and Windows Azure.
  • Webroot’s Tomeo Takes Channel Chief Role (1)January 17, 2013SaaS security firm Webroot likely has a bit more direction after naming Charles Tomeo as vice president of worldwide channels and technical sales, heralding a rejuvenated channel focus for the year ahead.
  • Cisco’s Nick Adamo Now VP of Americas (0)January 17, 2013Cisco Systems appoints Nick Adamo as senior vice president of worldwide field operations for the Americas region. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Adamo will could increase Cisco sales across the board – but is the company cooking up plans for a post-Chambers future?
  • Cisco Extends Jabber With VDI (0)January 17, 2013Cisco is extending its Jabber enterprise unified communications suite with virtual desktop infrastructure, a move that makes good on some of its video and UC ambitions, while giving partners greater reach into financial, government and other privacy-wary enterprise verticals.
  • LabTech Advances RMM with Intel vPro (0)January 17, 2013LabTech links up with Intel's vPro technology, allowing MSPs to remotely manage without requiring access to the operating system layer. MSPs can also access pre-boot environments, including navigating BIOS settings, providing a deeper level of troubleshooting without on-site technicians.
  • Report: $15 Billion Dell Buyout Imminent (0)January 17, 2013Private equity firm Silver Lake Partners is rumored to be edging closer to wrapping up a buyout of Dell with reports suggesting the private equity house has lined up $15 billion in funding.
  • VMware to Help Fund Start-ups With Ex-CTO (0)January 17, 2013Steve Herrod announced he is leaving the virtualization vendor after 11 years to become managing director of the venture capital firm General Catalyst, but will remain as a technical adviser to VMware.
  • So Much for HP Putting All Options on the Table (1)January 17, 2013Reports indicate Hewlett-Packard won’t sell troubled Autonomy, EDS or other major units to restore the company to sound footing.
  • Symform Lands Investment Windfall (0)January 16, 2013Cloud storage and backup provider Symform is reaping the benefits of a new round of investment funding that will direct new funds into product development and market reach. The infusion of cash is a likely testament to the success of its distributed approach, heralding a bright future for cloud storage in the year ahead.
  • Che: Storage, Openness Drive Hybrid Cloud (0)January 16, 2013Red Hat's Bryan Che offers a look into Red Hat's future roadmap, which includes a focus on an open hybrid cloud with an eye on storage flexibility. As cloud methods evolve and change, Che says Red Hat wants to be an enabler of all cloud visions.
  • A Private Dell Would Be a Better Channel Friend (0)January 16, 2013Dell is again floating the idea of going private, giving it the ability to make decisions and move quickly without Wall Street meddling. If this happens, the channel will become even more important to Dell’s viability.
  • SAP Still Optimistic Despite Q4 Profits Miss (0)January 16, 2013SAP officials claimed that "continued investments in key innovations as well as the expansion of global go-to-market activities" are to blame for the vendor's missed quarterly targets, but still deemed 2012 "an outstanding year."
  • Continuum Adds Project Outsourcing for MSPs (0)January 16, 2013Dubbed Continuum Tech Advantage, the program provides access to more than 200 certified engineers and technicians from the platform provider’s Mumbai, India operations who can be called on around the clock for the specialized work.
  • Rogues, Costs, Inefficiencies Mar Cloud Benefits (0)January 16, 2013While cloud adoption is associated with many benefits, a Symantec survey reveals organizations struggle with rogue clouds, inefficiencies and compliance issues. For the channel, this heralds a shift to troubleshooting and optimization services that emerge in later phases of cloud adoption.
  • Juniper Making Big Bet on SDN (0)January 16, 2013Juniper Networks has used its Global Partner Conference in Las Vegas to outline its strategy to lead the software-defined networks market and unveil services and cloud accreditations for partners.
  • Partner Enablement Heart of Red Hat Agenda (0)January 16, 2013Red Hat's Jerry Lumpkin offers a look at how driving the latest cloud capabilities deeper into the IT space is linked with educating its partner community. With a plan to enable a "core group of partners," Red Hat hopes to accelerate enablement with partners that can show how its done and lend a helping hand.
  • Facebook Graph Search a Channel Boon (0)January 15, 2013It’s time for the channel to think about what Facebook's new Graph Search could mean to business and marketing efforts. Short answer: quite a lot. Here's how.
  • Kaspersky Lab’s Doggett Steps Into SVP Role (0)January 15, 2013Kaspersky Lab's Chris Doggett is being promoted to the role of senior vice president of corporate sales, North America, filling a void open since October.
  • Tracking Trans-Atlantic Channels (0)January 15, 2013If the world is flat economically, the channel must be a global system for bringing goods to market. Yet most channels are operated regionally. 2112 and Incisive Media are studying how channel policies and practices in different regions influence solution provider development.
  • Fortinet Revamps Architecture, Targets Retail (0)January 15, 2013UTM vendor Fortinet is aiming for the retail sector with six new appliances that target distributed enterprises. The move gives partners a market advantage with the ability to deepen compliance niches while catering to the networking needs of retail customers.
  • Whitehurst: Open Red Hat Still Best Advantage (0)January 15, 2013Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst says the company's competitive advantage is still its open-source nature, which allows continued collaboration and innovation through flexibility. Amid IT convergence, Whitehurst alluded to Red Hat becoming the glue that builds out a new world of IT, which is valuable for both Red Hat its partners.
  • Striving for Compensation Neutrality (0)January 15, 2013A substantial source of channel conflict is the way vendors compensate their direct sales teams for selling to named accounts. Vendors should do more to uplift or neutralize compensation and incent sales against competing with partners. One way of doing that is giving them credit for partner-registered deals.
  • Webroot, SOTI Partner in Mobile Security (0)January 15, 2013Webroot just got a leg up in mobile markets with a partnership that weaves its security intelligence and secure Web browsing technologies into SOTI's MDM solution. The move will broaden partners' reach and customers-base while paving the way for entrance into mobile markets.
  • Brocade Taps Former Xsigo Chief Carney as CEO (0)January 15, 2013Brocade has unveiled former Xsigo and Micromuse leader Lloyd Carney as its new chief executive, five months after predecessor Michael Klayko's resignation
  • Dell Jumps on Rumored Talks of Going Private (0)January 15, 2013Dell shares jumped by 13 percent following reports that the world's third-largest PC vendor is in buyout talks with two private equity firms.
  • Red Hat Looks to Future of Collaboration (0)January 15, 2013The Red Hat Partner Conference kicks off in sunny San Diego, Calif. with a focus on community and collaboration. Amid the increased popularity in open source standards and Linux, Red Hat partners are in place to help drive the wave of next-gen data center technology.
  • FireEye Bulks Security Prowess (0)January 14, 2013Security firm FireEye is kicking off its New Year with $50 million in venture funding, new leadership and a strategic partnership with Imperva, indicating a bright future around advanced threat services for its fledgling channel.
  • CAs Boost Security Efforts, But Still Vulnerable (0)January 14, 2013Many vendors are placing rejuvenated emphasis on bolstering security around their SSL certificate products, which can give the channel a bit of a leg up in a market with remaining misgivings around security. That said, SSL certificates remain vulnerable and the channel still need to proceed with caution.
  • HP Regains Top PC Spot, But at What Cost? (0)January 14, 2013HP retook the PC crown from Chinese rival Lenovo, but may have taken a margin hit in the process, says Gartner.
  • SMB 500: ITG Prescribes Virtualization (0)January 14, 2013Information Technology Group (SMB 500 #39) discusses what it takes to serve the health care community and explains why virtualization is actually a complement -- not a compliance issue -- when it comes to outfitting medical practices.
  • ProfitBricks Stacks Its IaaS Channel Program (0)January 14, 2013The infrastructure-as-a-service startup, with a with a strong German pedigree in the global Web hosting space, is readying an aggressive, three-pronged channel program as it brings its hosted data center technology into the U.S. market and prepares to take on IaaS heavyweights such as Amazon and Rackspace.
  • Microsoft Azure Floats Open Cloud With VM Depot (0)January 11, 2013Microsoft launches the VM Depot under the Microsoft Open Technologies division, offering a one-stop shop for Azure images that includes popular open-source Linux distributions -- a smart move that can increase the adoption of the Azure cloud platform amid the popularity of open-source options for servers and virtualization.
  • Data Loss Calls for Better Vulnerability Detection (0)January 11, 2013A Kaspersky Lab study indicates more than a third of organizations have lost data due to flawed IT security, while software vulnerabilities will continue to be a significant threat vector in 2013. The net-net for partners: a call for vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, in addition to better antimalware solutions.
  • HP’s Center of Excellence Has HANA Foucs (0)January 11, 2013Hewlett-Packard accelerates its efforts to develop in-memory computing with a new Center of Excellence based on SAP HANA and real-time application testing, engineering and development. Amid the move to Big Data practices in 2013 and 2014, HP is smart to capitalize on that momentum.
  • Study: Most Unprepared for eDiscovery Requests (0)January 11, 2013A Symantec survey shows most organizations have data retention policies that have yet to be fully implemented or tested, and are ill-prepared for an eDiscovery request. This means growing channel opportunities to ramp up related consulting and solutions aimed at keeping customers in the clear.
  • McAfee, LockPath Expand GRC Reach (0)January 11, 2013GRC firm LcckPath and security vendor McAfee have partnered in a solution that meshes GRC technologies with McAfee's Vulnerability Manager, a move that promises to expand GRC's reach to a broader customer base and breathe new life into compliance markets with refreshed channel service opportunities.
  • Brutal Year for Channel Insolvencies in UK (0)January 11, 2013Last year saw the second-highest number of channel insolvencies in nine years, according to new figures from credit risk firm Graydon UK.
  • Office 365 to VARs by April, Microsoft Vows (0)January 11, 2013Business SKUs of Microsoft's cloud-based e-mail and productivity suite will be added to Open price this quarter, according to distributors.
  • Channelnomics 2012 Influencers Awards (0)January 11, 2013All this week we've been highlighting the channel’s most influential people -- those forces in the industry who inspire, stimulate and make a powerful impact on the reseller and solution provider ecosystem. Here's a recap of all 12 of our category award winners.
  • Leading With Speed a Potential Differentiator (0)January 11, 2013With SAP leading the charge in in-memory database systems, could the need for speed in business processes be a more concrete differentiator partners could take up?
  • SAP Brings Business Suite to HANA, Eyes Future (0)January 10, 2013SAP unveils SAP Business Suite on HANA, bringing the real-time analytical capabilities of the HANA in-memory database platform to SAP's entire suite of business applications. With real time information helping drive critical business decisions, this platform is set to be the foundation for SAP through the next 5-10 years.
  • Continuum Tool Challenges Backup Players (0)January 10, 2013Continuum is playing the part of a disrupter with the launch of a re-imaging tool that upgrades existing backup and disaster recovery solutions into its flagship Continuum Vault. The move signifies the PBBA space will attenuate as competition heats up.
  • Redspin Debuts Mobile Assessment Service (0)January 10, 2013Penetration testing firm Redspin is launching a derivative of its security assessment services for the mobile platform, a move that promises to create differentiation and deepen channel niches in compliance and increasingly competitive mobile security markets.
  • Good Technology Bulks Secure Productivity Line (0)January 10, 2013Good Technology is bulking up its portfolio of productivity offerings with the biggest differentiator: security. For the channel, that indicates security will be an inherent value-add as the MDM race becomes increasingly competitive.
  • Channelnomics 2012 Influencers Awards – Part 4 (2)January 10, 2013Our Second Annual 2012 Channelnomics Channel Influencers Awards honor those who have earned praise through deeds and actions, no matter how big or small their organizations or job titles. Today, our winners in Business Software; Professional Services; and Storage.
  • IDC Sees Boom in Big Data Market (0)January 10, 2013The market watcher expects the technology and services market for big data to swell by 31.7 percent a year until 2016, when it will hit $23.8 billion.
  • Nirvanix Offers Mainlined Storage With CoreSite (0)January 10, 2013Nirvanix teams up with CoreSite to provide a cloud storage solution that creates a direct connection between a customer and a data center, circumnavigating ISPs to provide a faster, more robust and more secure connections to critical cloud-based data.
  • CA Promotion Forwards Upstream Push (0)January 9, 2013CA Technologies is preparing to oust industry rivals with a displacement program that offers the ability to purchase an unlimited-use Managed Capacity license for the next three years for customers who replace competing products with the firm's ARCserve backup and recovery software. The promotion is part of a larger effort to push the software firm…
  • AirWatch App Management Module Flies Solo (0)January 9, 2013AirWatch rolls out a standalone application management module and SDK, allowing internal app developers to quickly outfit apps with management and security code that natively integrates with on-site MDM. This solution may be idea for providers looking for customizable management options that meet stringent enterprise demands.
  • Microsoft, Trend Micro Partner in Server Release (0)January 9, 2013Trend Micro and Microsoft have partnered to integrate Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security solutions into the Windows Server 2012 Essentials dashboard, heralding a concerted SMB push over the coming year.
  • Tech Data Gives Partners Marketing Package (0)January 9, 2013Tech Data launches resellerCONNECT under the TDAgency platform, giving its partner community a single place to generate a successful marketing campaign that includes event logistic management and web site development.
  • Windows 8 Sales Continue to Climb (0)January 9, 2013At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft announces Windows 8 sales have surpassed 60 million units. What remain unclear are where those licenses are going and whether the touch-oriented operating system will be a rainmaker for PC vendors and solution providers.
  • Tech Sector May Have Gone Over Fiscal Cliff (0)January 9, 2013Next week’s earnings reports for the fourth quarter may confirm what many suspect: The tech sector went over the fiscal cliff, as businesses across the board cut spending in the final months of 2012 in anticipation of higher taxes and uncertain monetary policies.
  • Microsoft VARs Vexed by Office 365 Renege (0)January 9, 2013Microsoft's partners are scratching their heads after plans to give them control over Office 365 billing have still not materialized.
  • Channelnomics 2012 Influencers Awards – Part 3 (0)January 9, 2013Our Second Annual 2012 Channelnomics Channel Influencers Awards honor those who have earned praise through deeds and actions, no matter how big or small their organizations or job titles. Today, our winners in Systems; Distribution; and Networking.
  • HP Gives Partners Big Data Training, Certs (0)January 9, 2013Hewlett-Packard offers a new series of training and certifications for the HP Vertica platform, as the company seeks to increase its own efforts -- and respond to partner demands -- by providing an enhanced ability to attack Big Data needs.
  • AhnLab Beefs Up USB Security (0)January 8, 2013Security and services firm AhnLab rolls out a USB device with array of elevated malware detection and storage capabilities, a release that likely signals renewed security efforts around portable media.
  • Dell Wyse Cloud-Enables Displays for VDI (0)January 8, 2013Dell Wyse unleashes "Project Ophelia," a specialized display dongle that can turn any desktop monitor into a virtualization thin client. Mobile connectivity options like these are driving the move to a modernized workplace and data center.
  • Sophos Combines Endpoint Security, MDM (0)January 8, 2013Sophos is pushing into the MDM space with its Sophos Enduser Protection, a solution that protects devices by securing every user on the network. The solution represents a big step for Sophos in its overarching MDM strategy, but will it be enough of a differentiator to keep competitors at bay?
  • Marvell mPrint Mobilizes Wireless Printing (0)January 8, 2013Marvell releases a new USB dongle that can turn most printers into wireless printers, bringing the benefits of wireless and mobile printing capabilities to the workplace with minimal effort. Designed for use by OEMs and solution providers, any partner specializing in mobility or managed print may find this useful.
  • Tablets to Rule 2013 as Dominant Form Factor (0)January 8, 2013The tablet will usurp the notebook as the world's dominant PC form factor in 2013, driven by a surge in sales of the new class of 7-inch to 8-inch models.
  • Horizontal Sales Aren’t Always Good (0)January 8, 2013Vendors and distributors often prod solution providers to engage in horizontal sales, or the upselling of products and services to existing customers. In practice, this often results in more sales. It also has a high probability of losing money, according to a new study.
  • Dell SecureWorks Launches Threat Service Duo (0)January 8, 2013Dell SecureWorks is staying true to its security focus with the launch of two new vulnerability scanning services, representing another brick in the wall in its comprehensive security strategy and greater services makeover.
  • Falling Short of Software Licenses in Virtual World (1)January 8, 2013Businesses using certain virtualization technology could need up to six times as many licenses as they think they do, according to software asset management (SAM) vendor License Dashboard.
  • Channelnomics 2012 Influencers Awards – Part 2 (0)January 8, 2013Our Second Annual 2012 Channelnomics Channel Influencers Awards honor those who have earned praise through deeds and actions, no matter how big or how small their organizations or job titles. Today, our winners in Cloud; Managed Services; and Security.
  • Acer Offers Storage Sync With AcerCloud (0)January 8, 2013Acer rolls out AcerCloud, a file synchronization service akin to Dropbox. With another major computing company getting behind cross-platform file synchronization, channel partners should ready themselves for enterprise-level needs of data synchronization both within their portfolios and business practices.
  • Good Technology Names Apple Vet Wyatt CEO (0)January 7, 2013Enterprise mobility firm Good Technology names Motorola and Apple vet Christy Wyatt to the role of CEO, signaling a new direction for the firm and expanded channel opportunity as it seeks creative ways to differentiate in the hot MDM space.
  • AVG CloudCare a Strong Channel Sell (0)January 7, 2013Since its launch in October, AVG's CloudCare service has signed on more than 1000 partners and counting -- and it hopes to make a bigger dent in the SMB space with upgrades that entice customers with affordability and ease-of-use options.
  • Lenovo Unveils Windows 8 Tablets and Tables (0)January 7, 2013Lenovo launches the IdeaPad Horizon, a new 27-inch sharable desktop table tablet, and the ThinkPad Helix, a Microsoft Surface-like ultrabook with a detachable keyboard. Armed with an additional fleet of all-in-one units focused on optimizing the Windows 8 experience, Lenovo is offering a massive portfolio of post-PC era PCs.
  • Fortinet Boosts MSPs With Security Blade Debut (0)January 7, 2013Fortinet is hoping to expand its managed security services presence with the launch of a high-performance security blade for its FortiGate-5001C. The launch paves the way for MSPs to boost margins and stay on par with UTM security rivals.
  • AirTight Networks Offers MSP-Friendly WLAN (0)January 7, 2013AirTight Networks offers wireless access points that include embedded security, analytics and controller-less cloud manageability targeted for the enterprise or retail space. AirTight is on track to ride the wave of mobility-driven business while giving solution providers areas for value-added management.
  • Microsoft, Partner Score Big Defense Dept. Deal (0)January 7, 2013Microsoft has inked a major contract worth $617 million to supply the U.S. Department of Defense through one of its biggest partners, Insight Enterprises.
  • Webroot AV Breaks Windows 8 (0)January 7, 2013Webroot is playing down a bug in its antivirus software that saw some users locked out of new Microsoft Windows 8 machines last month.
  • Resellers to Microsoft: Give Us Surface Pro (0)January 7, 2013VARs call for Microsoft to make its business-oriented tablet available to the channel straight after its rumored launch at end of January.
  • Forrester Predicts Optimistic 2014 (1)January 7, 2013Forrester Research offers an optimistic outlook for 2013, calling it a transitional year to 2014, where IT budgets will loosen up and major spending on mobility, cloud and Big Data-style solutions will spur considerable growth.
  • SMB 500: Lone VARs Share Unique Challenges (0)January 4, 2013Being the lone wolf can garner market dominance, yet despite being the top solution providers in their geographies, these five solution providers on Ingram Micro's SMB 500 list face challenges in competitive online sales and staff recruitment.
  • N-able Help Desk Alliance Offers NOC Upgrade (0)January 4, 2013N-able teams up with Live Virtual Help Desk to provide help desk NOC integration to MSPs and solution providers that don't have the resources or time to implement their own advanced help desk capabilities.
  • Mobile Viruses Set To Rise In 2013 (0)January 4, 2013Security firm Trend Micro forecasts mobile viruses to rise significantly in 2013, and if history is any indication, they probably will. But the anticipated rise of mobile threats sets the stage for Trend Micro's continued push into mobile security and MDM markets.
  • IndependenceIT’s New Biz Dev Targets MSPs (0)January 4, 2013Former Thrive Networks brass, Jim Lippie, is appointed to vice president of business development for independenceIT. Lippie is expected to deliver a more focused channel-enablement program as indepdenceIT seeks to grow its provider base and offer a true partner-frist approach to IT management.
  • Twitter Value Spikes on Apple Interest, IPO Soon? (0)January 4, 2013Reports hint the firm may go public in 2014, as its value leaps after Apple interest.
  • MSPs Make Inroads in Federal Markets (0)January 4, 2013The FedRAMP program authorized its first cloud security vendor, Autonomic Resources, indicating channel MSPs and solution providers might have a better shot at federal and other public sector markets in the not-too-distant future.
  • CES No Longer Dismissible in B2B Circles (0)January 4, 2013The massive Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas next week, showcasing the latest and forthcoming gadgets and digital devices for 2013. Ordinarily, this is an event given token status in business tech circles, but no more. Consumers are increasingly leading the technology purchasing discussion.
  • Extreme Networks Slips, Plans Cuts, Restructuring (0)January 4, 2013Extreme Networks in cost-cutting mode again after announcing its quarterly results will come in behind expectations due to customer spending delays.
  • Analysts: Future Looks Bright for Projector Sales (0)January 4, 2013Projector sales globally are forecast to expand 18 percent to 11.4 million units this year, driven by several especially strong emerging technological areas.
  • Ingram Taps U.S. Consumer GM to Head UK Ops (0)January 4, 2013Dell veteran Brent McCarty arrives in the new post from a U.S.-based role as general manager of Ingram Micro's Consumer Electronics unit.
  • Lenovo Plays Offense with EMC Venture (0)January 4, 2013Lenovo and EMC officially launch LenovoEMC JV, a joint venture platform designed to expand Lenovo's storage presence in the enterprise and boost EMC's market reach in the storage space. Amid ventures like the VCE, Lenovo's partnership has powerful implications.
  • 2112, Incisive Media Form Trans-Atlantic Pact (0)January 4, 2013The publishers of Channelnomics and CRN UK combine resources to provide IT vendors and distributors expanded reach in enabling channel programs and reseller growth in North America and Europe.
  • RiverMeadow Migration Pack Gets VMware Love (0)January 3, 2013RiverMeadow delivers its cloud migration SaaS package to the VMware Service Provider Program, enabling VMware service partners to quickly migrate any server or existing cloud environment to a brand new VMware-based cloud environment.
  • RSA: Strategy Key in Tackling IT Disruptors (0)January 3, 2013RSA, the security division of EMC, issued a report outlining strategies for implementing security mechanisms and failsafes when assimilating emerging technology trends. While it's nothing that partners haven't heard before, the report gives solution providers some insights into where to put their energies around Big Data and threat intelligence services going forward.
  • Imation Swipes Nexsan in Storage Strategy (0)January 3, 2013Imation scoops up channel-centric storage company Nexsan as Imation looks to expand its own capabilities while capturing more marketshare in the quickly evolving storage space.
  • Avnet Stays on Services Spree With TSSLink Buy (0)January 3, 2013Avnet Inc. is starting the new year much the way it ended the last: on a focused campaign to strengthen its services muscle through targeted acquisitions.
  • Sorensen Gives Inside Look at HTS Sale (0)January 3, 2013Arlin Sorensen has provided mentorship and advice for scores of solution providers. Through the sale of his own company, Heartland Technology Solutions, the scion of Silicon Prairie provides insights into what makes for a successful M&A and how solution providers can ensure they’re always prepared for an exit.
  • Medical Breaches Portend Channel Opportunity (0)January 3, 2013Identity theft is commoditizing, paving the way for a rise in medical data breaches in 2013 that garner cybercriminals more lucrative returns. For the channel, this heralds opportunities crack into health care markets with advanced security solutions aimed solely at protecting this valuable medical data.
  • Breaking Up Is Hard, But Not Always Bad (0)January 3, 2013Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft are under shareholder pressure to make changes, including breaking their massive organizations up into smaller, agile corporations. Both have resisted such calls, but history shows corporate breakups are often more beneficial than staying whole.
  • Heirloom GOPaaS Offers Legacy SaaS (0)January 3, 2013Application specialist Heirloom Computing offers a way for system integrators and enterprise corporations to fast-track on-premises applications into the cloud, delivering a software-as-a-service solution wrought entirely from legacy applications.
  • Cisco Leads Slowing Security Appliance Market (0)January 2, 2013Cisco Systems still leads a security appliance market that is experiencing a noticeable slowdown, indicating that channel investment in related cloud solutions and services might be required going forward to boost margins and remain profitable.
  • Cisco Updates Unified Wireless Software (0)January 2, 2013Cisco updates its Unified Wireless Network Software to version 7.4, offering a wide range of wireless-centric solutions that enable solution providers to ready themselves for mobile computing needs that are fast overtaking traditional compute paradigms across the SMB and enterprise.
  • Anti-virus Evolving, But Here To Stay (7)January 2, 2013A New York Times article highlighted the fact that anti-virus is falling farther behind when it comes to detecting and eradicating APTs and other advanced threats. No surprises there. But that said, anti-virus will continue to be a crucial component of an overarching security strategy, and thus, is likely here to stay for the foreseeable…
  • Amazon Enhances AWS GovCloud (0)January 2, 2013Amazon.com brings new enhancements to the Amazon Web Services GovCloud platform, focusing on improving compliance capabilities for customers and solution providers providing hosted services for government organizations.
  • Channelnomics Grew 322% in 2012 (0)January 2, 2013The final numbers are in: Audience and traffic expanded threefold in 2012 on Channelnomics, making it the third-largest channel media outlet in North America.
  • The Top 2013 Channel Resolution: Planning (0)January 2, 2013The turning of the calendar brings pledges and resolutions to do better personally. In 2013, no channel resolution should take precedence over business planning, the often talked about but rarely executed activity that, if consistently applied, could make a huge difference in solution provider performance.
  • Chip Sales Indicate Rough Year Ahead for IT (0)January 2, 2013Sales of semiconductors, the underpinnings of most everything in technology and a perennially reliable indicator of IT industry health, are in for a gloomy year after weathering a difficult 2012, new industry data predicts.
  • Mobile PCI DSS Looms Large in 2013 (0)January 2, 2013Credit card swipers on mobile devices expand MDM practices for the channel, and the biggest opportunities will include rejuvenated offerings around mobile PCI DSS and other growing compliance niches.
  • HP Considers Selling Underperforming Units (2)January 2, 2013In government financial reports, Hewlett-Packard acknowledges it may sell business units that fail to meet goals or contribute to corporate strategic objectives. The admission comes as HP struggles with declining sales, the aftermath of poor management decisions and deteriorating channel relationships.
  • VMware Seeks Service Provider Partners (1)January 2, 2013VMware ramps up its efforts to bring more partners into its VMware Service Provider Program (VSPP) with a new promotional video. VMware is preparing itself for the coming demand in hosted services, SaaS and hybrid cloud deployments -- all spaces best delivered via the channel.
  • The 2012 Word of the Year: Transformation (0)January 1, 2013In an industry obsessed with acronyms, inside phrases and overarching terms, there’s one word in 2012 that rises to the top for being the most used: transformation.
  • Biometrics, USB Tokens Grow In Public Sectors (0)December 31, 2012Two new reports indicated that both USB secure tokens and biometrics are set to experience a bit of an uptick, particularly in government and public sector verticals. While growth will likely be modest, partners will still be able to target niche government verticals with new identity related solutions and services throughout 2013.
  • Big Data, Cloud Fuel Enterprise in 2013 (0)December 31, 2012Software AG reveals the results of its customer adoption survey, showing cloud, Big Data and mobility are set for adoption and expansion into the next two years. Partners can use this as an outline on where to specialize for 2013.
  • Fiscal Cliff Failure Means More Uncertainty (0)December 31, 2012Congress and the White House’s inability to reach a compromise and avert the “fiscal cliff” means more than just increased taxes and slashed government spending; it’s about fueling economic uncertainty that saps businesses' ability/willingness to invest growth.
  • Channel Video of the Year: The Smell of Success (0)December 31, 2012London’s centuries-old sewer system is now home to networking cables from Geo Networks that provide enhanced security and quick provisioning for UK channel businesses.
  • Red Hat CEO Says Future Is Open, Hybrid (0)December 31, 2012In a "State of the Red Hat Union" blog, Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst outlines Red Hat's successes in 2012 and paints a picture of openness and choice as the major technological factors that will drive growth and innovation in 2013.
  • Report: Huawei in Deal for HP Gear to Iran (2)December 31, 2012For a company trying to rehabilitate its reputation as a responsible member of the global technology industry, Huawei isn’t doing itself any favors by caught up once again in a proposed sale of embargoed tech gear to Iran.
  • Voltage Targets PCI With Tokenization Debut (1)December 31, 2012Voltage Security debuted a tokenization solution aimed at growing concerns around PCI DSS. The launch will give partners a crack at mature and saturated data protection and GRC markets.
  • Desktop Outsourcing Signals Partner Possibilities (0)December 28, 2012New research reveals the market for desktop outsourcing is set to grow 5 percent into 2015. With virtualization and mobility advancements and the demand for customizable cloud solutions -- and trusted advisors -- the channel is well prepared to take advantage of the evolving market.
  • Vulnerabilities Will Keep Channel Busy in 2013 (0)December 28, 2012Security firms are predicting software vulnerabilities on Java and Adobe platforms will be a thorn in organizations' sides, but for the channel, the anticipated groundswell of exploits portends opportunities to build out patch management offerings and related services.
  • Jenne Delivers Avaya Scopia Training to Partners (0)December 28, 2012Jenne Inc, the value-added distributor of unified communications, is continuing its ongoing commitment to partner enablement with a new course on Avaya's latest Scopia technology. In the past, Jenne Inc has been an Avaya-friendly VAD, which makes the introduction of Avaya Scopia training  at "Jenne University" a natural fit. Partners working with Jenne will have…
  • Windows 9: Metro Tiles and More Stores to Get It (0)December 28, 2012If you’re a fan of the Metro user interface and absent Start button in Windows 8, you’re going to love the next version of the OS, which appears to feature more of the same.
  • Will Open Source Drive CRM Growth? (3)December 28, 2012SugarCRM lauds its open-source underpinnings as the secret sauce behind its success. But it's likely open-source qualities that have helped keep SugarCRM's solutions easy to deploy, easy to use and affordable will be critical factors in CRMs' market growth.
  • Look Back: Top Channelnomics Stories of 2012 (0)December 28, 2012A look back at the most popular news items and Channelnomics features that captured the attention of our solution provider readers and the vendors who serve them in the year gone by.
  • Feds Investigating Autonomy Accounting Issues (1)December 28, 2012HP revealed yesterday U.S. federal authorities are investigating alleged accounting irregularities at Autonomy that led to the $8.8 billion write-off.
  • Nokia Tablet May Reboot Windows RT (0)December 28, 2012Rumor has it Nokia may build a Windows 8 RT tablet based on ARM. But with Microsoft's Surface RT tablet somewhat of a dud, why is Nokia taking up the reigns? Microsoft's OEM partners are all sticking with Intel, but why won't Microsoft?
  • Xtera Offers Edge Optimization for SMEs (0)December 27, 2012Xtera launches the XteraLink 300 edge server appliance, designed to aggregate internal networks and optimize their ability to connect to the Internet. With cloud services constricted by bandwidth and connectivity limitations, tools like these will be critical for solution providers serving burgeoning businesses in the SME space.
  • Tech Data Inks Download Deal With Microsoft (0)December 27, 2012Tech Data and Microsoft expand their existing relationship, bringing the Microsoft Electronic Service Distribution platform to the Tech Data ActivateHere portfolio. Resellers can now instantly sell, download, install, activate and deliver Microsoft software suites in just a few clicks.
  • Kaspersky Lab Boosts Linux Mail Security (0)December 27, 2012Kaspersky Lab updates its Security for Linux Mail Server with a series of security tweaks, indicating it doesn't plan on surrendering its presence in the growing open-source security market.
  • Brocade Plans Aggressive Channel in 2013 (0)December 27, 2012Brocade’s channel chief, Regan McGrath, sees ample opportunity for the networking vendor and its partners in channel enablement initiatives, complementing legacy infrastructure and smart new products.
  • Learning From 2012, Planning for 2013 (2)December 27, 2012Channelnomics.com's Larry Walsh sits down with editor Chris Gonsalves to discuss events in the channel that will guide us in the coming year.
  • Hybrid Cloud Could Evolve to Hybrid Storage (0)December 27, 2012Amid the evolution of cloud apps and cloud storage solutions, a new solution may solve the issue of sensitive data living off-premises. Hybrid cloud could be supplanted by hybrid storage environments, where cloud apps stay hosted in the ether while the data stays safe at home.
  • Public Cloud Leveraged for Critical Apps (0)December 26, 2012A survey by cloud security firm CloudPassage indicates more users are relying on public cloud environments for critical business apps and sensitive data. The study reveals users are letting go of security concerns -- a trend that that could break down barriers-to-entry and precipitate an uptick of cloud adoption.
  • Partners, Not Potatoes, Assess Infrastructure (0)December 26, 2012Boeing's latest in-aircraft WiFi testing included people-like potato sacks to measure signal penetration and quality. Partners have the very same opportunity to deliver penetration services to the marketplace, reshaping the way in which solution providers can differentiate in delivering wireless infrastructure.
  • Webroot Expands Endpoint Channel to MSPs (0)December 26, 2012Webroot is expanding its channel program to MSPs offering managed endpoint protection services. The market is growing for managed services, and traditional managed endpoint security solutions are commoditizing and will represent an uphill climb for partners.
  • VMTurbo Dons Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (0)December 26, 2012VMTurbo boosts its platform-agnostic capabilities with optimization support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.1, expanding its virtual data center management capabilities for another key segment of the market.
  • SMBs Push Consolidation To New Levels (0)December 26, 2012The IT environment is more heterogeneous, which doesn't bode well for cash-strapped SMBs struggling to stay on top of complexity. Fortunately in 2013, there will be a groundswell of industrial strength solutions that house numerous multi-platform features under one roof.
  • Google Wants 90% of Microsoft Office Users (1)December 26, 2012Google believes it can capture 90 percent of Microsoft Office users paying a premium for features they don’t use. The overt goal: a direct assault on Microsoft’s cash generator and potential future business cornerstone, as Windows 8 continues to struggle.
  • Salesforce Integrates Sales Cloud, Work.com (0)December 26, 2012To better connect the dots between sales goals and employee progress, Salesforce.com has announced an integration between Sales Cloud and Work.com. With this development, the provider of cloud-based sales and marketing solutions will improve motivation, alignment and results for organizations.
  • Mobile Device Management a Boon for MSPs (0)December 26, 2012If 2012 ushered in the era of BYOD, the coming twelve months will be the year mobility goes mainstream. Here are some key things for solution providers to consider when crafting an MDM offering.
  • Cloud Storage May Disrupt Backup Appliances (0)December 26, 2012IDC reports the worldwide purpose-built backup appliance market has remained relatively flat year-over-year, pointing to spending on backup and data protection software as the cause for the "temporary" trend. But the emergence of more advanced, cost-effective cloud-based solutions may have an effect, too.
  • Java Bests Adobe With Most Exploited Flaws (0)December 24, 2012A Kaspersky Lab report indicate Oracle Java bested Adobe applications in terms of the highest number of exploited vulnerabilities. The channel will need to arm itself with security tools in 2013 to stave off an wave of attacks.
  • Ex-Windows Boss Sinofsky Heads to Harvard (0)December 24, 2012Where does a talented tech executive with a reputation for smug autocracy go after he leaves Microsoft with a reputation for, among other things, being less than collegial? To Cambridge, Mass., of course.
  • John McAfee: The Non-Story of the Year (4)December 24, 2012In a year full of political, economic and social troubles, tech-dropout-turned-fugitive John McAfee dominated headlines when his bizarre life became global news after being suspected of murder in Belize. The needless attention has distracted scores of tech enthusiasts, solution providers and the company that continues to bear his name.
  • Managed Services Continues to Grow (2)December 24, 2012A new CompTIA study finds managed services is growing in the number of providers and the revenue it generates. Over the next five years, managed services will become the dominant revenue source for most solution providers.
  • Study: IT Workforce Unprepared for Cloud Jobs (0)December 24, 2012Some 1.7 million cloud-related IT jobs went unfilled in 2012 for lack of skilled workers, and the number of cloud positions available will swell 26 percent per year to about seven million by 2015.
  • Cloud Provider Survey Highlights Consultation (0)December 24, 2012With so many budding cloud providers in the channel today, survey findings from KPMG highlight the need for consultation in the continued sale and growth of any cloud-based business.
  • WatchGuard, Artisan Partner in Virtual Services (0)December 21, 2012UTM firm WatchGuard Technologies has partnered with IaaS provider Artisan Infrastructure to enable solution providers and MSPs to spin off services from the security firm's virtual firewall appliances.
  • AWS: New Data Pipeline, High Storage Instances (0)December 21, 2012Amazon launches two major storage-based updates for Amazon Web Services, with AWS Data Pipeline, which removes data siloing issues, alongside AWS High Storage Instances, accelerating cloud apps through high read and write performance for larger data sets.
  • Red Hat: Solid Q3 With Acquisition Adjustments (0)December 21, 2012Red Hat posts sizable revenue gains for Q3 2013 while acquiring ManageIQ, a unified cloud management solution purpose-built to integrate with Red Hat Linux and eliminate cloud tool sprawl.
  • Voltage Partnership Encrypts Cloud Data (0)December 21, 2012Voltage Security and PerspecSys amp up security mechanisms on cloud data in an effort that provides an answer to security as a cloud barrier-to-entry and opens channel opportunities to deepen cloud security practices.
  • Kaspersky Promotes Doggett to Lead Sales (0)December 21, 2012Kaspersky Lab promoted channel leader Chris Doggett to run North America corporate sales, filling the role vacated by Nancy Reynolds in October. His escalation is part of a larger plan for expanding channel capacity in 2013.
  • HP Ups Incentives for SMB Servers, Storage (0)December 21, 2012Hewlett-Packard is trying to stop the slide in server and storage sales with more options and incentives for leading with its hardware and support services. The changes to the PartnerOne channel program come after sharp revenue declines in the last quarter.
  • Cognizant Adds Euro Firepower With C1 Buy (0)December 21, 2012Global IT and business processing services and consulting firm Cognizant Technology Solutions bolstered its position across Europe Friday with the purchase of C1 Group, an independent consulting and IT services firm based in Hamburg, Germany.
  • Toshiba: Ultrabooks Poised for 2013 Takeoff (0)December 21, 2012Toshiba is betting that ultrabooks will finally start flying off the shelves in 2013 as consumers and businesses are tempted with a wider choice of price points.
  • IDC Highlights Top 5 SDN Shakers (0)December 21, 2012IDC highlights 5 major software-defined newtorking vendors shaking up the IT landscape. With 2013 set to be a year of converged infrastructure, SDN's ability to be virtualized makes it a smart, flexible and interoperable solution for burgeoning cloud providers and resellers alike.
  • Acronis Gains Edge With Virtual Backup (0)December 20, 2012Backup and recovery firm Acronis is cracking into virtualization markets with support for Red Hat virtual environments, representing a concerted push toward competitive differentiation in backup arenas by leveraging cloud and virtual technologies.
  • Cloud Sherpas Trail Blazes With CloudTrigger (0)December 20, 2012Cloud Sherpas inks a deal to acquire CloudTrigger, bringing Salesforce.com CRM capabilities to the table with another round of investments, netting Cloud Sherpas $40 million in capital. With Google Apps and Salesforce.com popularizing cloud capabilities, Cloud Sherpas is the poster child for cloud services brokerage.
  • Symantec Names New COO Stephen Gillett (0)December 20, 2012Symantec appointed Best Buy vet Stephen Gillett as its new chief operating officer, rounding out an extensive executive shuffle as the security and storage vendor preps for its comprehensive product and strategy realignment at the end of January.
  • Oracle Nabs Eloqua For Cloud Experience (0)December 20, 2012Oracle nabs cloud marketing company Eloqua as it looks to round out its solution portfolio and maintain its successful climb into the software and cloud space.
  • WatchGuard Targets SMB With Content Security (1)December 20, 2012WatchGuard is aiming for the SMB with a content security appliance launch that touts basic security features at an affordable price point, giving partners yet another way to hit up their smallest, cash-strapped customers before the New Year.
  • EMC Syncplicity Poised for 2013 Data Needs (0)December 20, 2012EMC Syncplicity is looking to give the channel a way to provide save data collaboration and management with flexible reseller options. Leonard Chung, Syncplicity co-founder, talks channel strategy, competition and BYOD.
  • Big Blue Eyes StoredIQ for Big Data (0)December 19, 2012IBM continues its Big Data push with an intent to acquire StoredIQ, a data lifecycle management company. With StoredIQ's ability to ascribe "value" to data across the corporate network, companies can shrink storage usage while meeting compliance standards.
  • DeviceLock Primes DLP For Virtualization (0)December 19, 2012DeviceLock has readied its DLP solution for virtual environments, a move that gives its partners entrance into virtualized enterprise environments while breathing life into the once-cumbersome and costly data protection solution.
  • Dell Buys Credant For Data Protection Prowess (0)December 19, 2012Dell acquires Credant Technologies to provide a deeper layer of data protection and security for its enterprise portfolio. Credant plays directly into Dell's ability to dig deep into enterprise and vertical spaces, competing with rivals like Hewlett-Packard and IBM.
  • Oracle Says Cloud Now a Billion Dollar Business (0)December 19, 2012The software maker topped Wall Street expectations by announcing a 3 per year-on-year rise in sales to $9.1 billion for the three months to Nov. 30, despite currency headwinds.
  • Is Firewall Management Set for Growth Spike? (1)December 19, 2012Thus far, the firewall management space has remained a relatively small and nascent division of the overarching firewall market. However, increasing complexity from multi-platform environments and rapidly evolving security threats could likely change all that, putting market growth on a whole new trajectory.
  • Web-ready Smart Devices to Dominate TV Sales (0)December 19, 2012As market competition intensifies over the next few years, the only way for TV vendors to differentiate themselves will be through multiple-platform connectivity, according to a new report from Gartner.
  • Citrix’s Gallant: Service Triangulation in 2013 (0)December 19, 2012Citrix Systems Inc.'s Cynthia Gallant discusses the fast-growing services segment linking cloud and mobility. With nZenprise under its belt, Citrix is positioning partners for disruption by grouping key services that can become powerful solution sets.
  • SMBs Still Hungry For Cloud Services (0)December 18, 2012A study commissioned by cloud and services provider Cbeyond indicated that the SMB will likely be aggressively adopting cloud services well into 2013, and will be upping their IT budgets to do so. However, for the channel. the biggest challenge will not be so much in finding customers as maintaining a competitive edge in a…
  • VMTurbo Manager Earns VCE Certification (0)December 18, 2012VMTurbo earns VCE Vblock certification, expanding the automation and cloud management capabilities within the VMTurbo Operations Manager. As centralized management capabilities become more critical for solution providers, VMTurbo offers compatibility for the most popular converged infrastructure environments.
  • RSA AntiFraud Center Expands Services Play (0)December 18, 2012RSA is launching the AntiFraud threat center, a move the shows the identity and access management firm is serious about its burgeoning advanced threat security services play.
  • Cisco to Buy Policy Control Specialist BroadHop (0)December 18, 2012The purchase of BroadHop, a long-time Cisco partner as a Wi-Fi service provider, aims to improve the way Cisco customers deliver premium, on-demand network services across mobile, fixed and wireless broadband networks.
  • SAP Afaria Updated for Enterprise MDM (0)December 18, 2012SAP updates its Afaria MDM platform to address enterprise mobiltiy management (EMM) needs, including enhanced security, and network policy management, alongside device-specific features for iOS and Android. Solution providers approaching large corporations want to check out SAP's efforts to satisfy a multitude of complex enterprise demands.
  • Bitdefender Breaks Into Mobile Forensics (0)December 18, 2012Antivirus firm Bitdefender and mobile forensic vendor Celebrite are partnering to ramp up security in products used by law enforcement and military verticals, a union that promises to give partners entry into burgeoning mobile forensic markets that could represent a strong differentiator down the road.
  • Omnichannel: Dell’s Vision for Partner Unity (0)December 18, 2012“Omnichannel is where we are able to merge all of our capabilities to deliver complete solutions,” CEO Michael Dell told partners at Dell World, adding that getting resellers up to speed on increasingly complex solution sets through advanced training is equally important to the success of PartnerDirect members.
  • Blue Coat to Acquire Crossbeam Systems (0)December 18, 2012Blue Coat is joining forces with one of its closely allied siblings to deliver a complete portfolio of optimized and scalable Web and network security for customers with complex and media-rich data access needs.
  • VARs Must Market Up and Down the Channel (0)December 18, 2012By providing vendor sales with a steady stream of information on certifications, qualifications, staffing, market reach and extended partnerships, a solution provider will differentiate themselves from their peers and remain top-of-mind when opportunities arise.
  • Websense Equips SIEM With Threat Intelligence (0)December 17, 2012Websense is partnering with Quadrant Information Security to infuse threat intelligence capabilities into SIEM solutions -- a move that expands the market and create opportunities for high-value channel services. The trend of intelligence with SIEM is rapidly gaining traction and narrowing the window for competitive differentiation.
  • Aerohive’s Kurt Mills Pilots Accelerated Channel (0)December 17, 2012Aerohive's new vice president of channels, Kurt Mills, discusses Aerohive's planned channel growth. With Aerohive earning the number 5 spot on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list, its success is well timed for a company seeking continued channel traction amid a world of growing wireless challenges and mobility.
  • LockPath Compliance Framework Expands GRC (0)December 17, 2012LockPath eases the way for compliance services with a HITRUST framework integration into its cloud-based Keylight GRC platform. The move signals an evolving GRC market, as cloud and mobile technologies continue to threaten the security of health care and other sensitive data.
  • Condusiv Technologies Provides VM Boost (0)December 17, 2012Condusiv Technologies launches V-locity 4, a specialized storage and virtualization technology, speeding VM performance up to 50 perent by removing redundant data I/O, in turn, reducing the need for new storage equipment. Solution providers focusing on private cloud infrastructure may want to bundle V-locity into a larger optimization solutions.
  • SMB 500: Sales Pros Share Secrets of Top VARs (0)December 17, 2012Solution providers on SMB500 aren’t the only rock stars of the channel that stand out from the peers. Hear what the top performing sales rep say sets their accounts apart.
  • Cisco Setting Up Linksys Unit for Sale (1)December 17, 2012Cisco Systems is reportedly exploring the sale of Linksys, the SMB and consumer networking company it acquired nearly 10 years ago. The potential sale is part of a larger realignment in which Cisco is looking to make a major acquisition to bolster its enterprise fortunes.
  • AlgoSec Bulks Channel Leadership, Strategy (0)December 17, 2012Firewall management firm AlgoSec is expanding its channel presence ever outward with the addition of a new North America channel director, rejuvenated partnerships a refreshed channel strategy. Among other things, the expansion is a testament to a rapidly evolving firewall management market that has deepened with increasingly complex IT environment, big data trends and a…
  • Microsoft Reverses Course on LAR Rebate Cuts (0)December 17, 2012Microsoft Corp. has responded to partner "uproar" and performed a U-turn on its decision to scrap its Enterprise Accounts (EA) Management and Deployment rebates.
  • Amazon Web Services Offers Detailed Billing (0)December 17, 2012Amazon expands the billing capabilities for Amazon Web Services, allowing providers and customers to get hourly "unblended" information on resource and instance usage. As service providers expand the cloud services they offer, having a firm grasp on usage information is key to building out sustainable reoccurring revenue.
  • Dell Launch Pushes Security, Mobile Ambitions (0)December 14, 2012Dell made a sweeping product launch that represents significant strides in fulfilling its services ambitions. While pieces of the PC manufacturer's strategy appear to be falling into place, the firm likely has a long ways to go before it can reap the fruits of its labor.
  • Avaya Expands Mobility, Radvision Solution Set (0)December 14, 2012Avaya enhances its mobility and Radvision solutions as it digs deeper into the SME space and competes rivals in the UC and collaboration space. Cloud and mobility have drastically reshaped what is possible in the UC landscape and Avaya is ensuring it can deliver on those innovations.
  • Dell Delivers Enterprise Portfolio Overhaul (0)December 14, 2012Dell unleashes a massive overhaul to its data center solutions as it seeks to position itself for the coming wave of cloud, virtualization and Big Data opportunities that 2013 will bring.
  • Cloud Visibility Gaps Herald ‘Security’ Phase (0)December 14, 2012A SailPoint study indicates most organizations face gaping visibility and security holes created after initial cloud adoption. Solution providers will need to be prepared in 2013 to transition users to more mature phases of cloud implementation by bolstering cloud security, management and strategy services.
  • Ricoh Joins Printer Vendors Offering Pro Services (0)December 14, 2012Ricoh is joining other printer vendors in extending professional services, including non-printer-related IT and networking support, to the market through channel partners. The new ChaMPS program reflects the waning of the once-lucrative printer segment.
  • Intronis Founder Replaces Roller as Channel VP (0)December 14, 2012The executive shake-up continues at Intronis as co-founder Neal Bradbury returns to his channel roots to head up the cloud backup and recovery provider’s partner program development efforts.
  • Oracle Acquires DataRaker for Big Data (0)December 14, 2012Oracle scoops up data analytics company DataRaker as it builds out its Big Data portfolio and extends its reach into the utilities market. Oracle's appetite shows DataRaker technology will be integrated into a larger breadth of Oracle solutions soon.
  • Virtual Backup Takes Partners Upstream (0)December 13, 2012Similar to cloud backup trends, virtual backup seems to be experiencing a strong revival, indicated by a host of recent launches. But its a phenomenon that will likely help get partners out of backup ruts and into break into larger enterprise markets, with higher attached price tags.
  • With Podio & Zenprise, Citrix Should Channelize (0)December 13, 2012Citrix updates the Podio suite with a collaboration module, allowing non-Podio users to access the platform, much like Google Docs. As Citrix seeks to capitalize on the wave of cloud and mobility -- two sides of the same coin -- the question remains whether Citrix will bridge all of its new technology technology to create…
  • WhiteHat Assessment Tool Deepens Mobility Play (0)December 13, 2012WhiteHat Security is entering the mobility space, but foregoing MDM, with the launch of a niche mobile app assessment solution that gives partners a fresh angle in mobile security markets.
  • StorageCraft On-Boards Cloud Services for MSPs (0)December 13, 2012StorageCraft doubles down on its partner strategy, releasing an MSP-enabled Cloud Services program with ShadowProtect 5 and ImageManager 6. StorageCraft hopes to capture a growing base of budding partners to expand its customer base and reach into the storage market.
  • Not All Riding Wave in Growing Storage Market (0)December 13, 2012The worldwide storage market has grown 3.6 percent year over year in the third quarter, according to Gartner, which claims it's the twelfth quarter in a row the market segment has experienced growth.
  • Semiconductor Estimates Revised Downward (0)December 13, 2012Gartner has revised down its forecast for worldwide semiconductor sales next year, saying the market will expand only 4.5 percent to $311 billion.
  • SMB Apple Love Is Fruitful Provider Pursuit (0)December 13, 2012A new survey from Intermedia shows there's a rising preference for Apple's iOS in the SMB space, particularly with the iPad. Service providers and VARs that tweak their solutions to be Apple-friendly may find they have much to gain in terms of value-added attach and customer stickiness.
  • CA Picks Cloud Specialist as New CEO (0)December 13, 2012After a six-month search, CA Technologies selected Michael Gregoire, an executive steep in cloud computing skills, to succeed retiring William McCracken in the chief executive post. The appointment is a break from CA’s legacy of picking executives with conventional mainframe and enterprise experience, and signals a commitment to its cloud transformation.
  • Radware Spurs Cloud Push With New Channel (0)December 12, 2012Application and delivery firm Radware is hoping to break into new markets with the launch of a cloud channel program that equips partners with a host of sales, enablement and marketing tools. The security firm faces stiff and growing competition in the cloud space, but hopes to edge in on competition as the cloud security…
  • FireEye Rolls Out Service Provider Program (0)December 12, 2012FireEye, Inc. is joining a chorus of security competitors with the launch of a Certified Service Provider Program, a roll-out which promises to expand its channel, forge inroads with new customers, and give the antimalware firm a fighting chance at competition in an increasingly cloud-oriented market. Moreover, it indicates that the Milpitas, Calif.-based security firm…
  • EMC Smarts 9.1 Gets Management Overhaul (0)December 12, 2012EMC launches EMC Smarts 9.1, an update to its data center management platform, bringing deeper visibility into network and storage operations. As cloud operations ramp up, from SaaS to PaaS, vendors are gearing up their management offerings so providers can expand their own revenue opportunities.
  • HP FlexNetwork Gives CSPs Jump-Start (0)December 12, 2012Hewlett-Packard Co. rolls out the HP FlexNetwork Utility Advantage program, a pay-per-use platform that communication and cloud service providers can use to deliver HP hardware and software to customers at no cost, jump-starting the process of building reoccurring revenue streams while expanding the reach of HP service partners.
  • ESET Partnership Drives USB Security (1)December 12, 2012Security firm ESET is partnering with Kingston Digital and ClevX DriveSecurity to tackle malware on USB drives, an initiative that could give the channel a leg up with customers challenged to keep portable media under control.
  • Intel’s Microserver Has Macro Challenges (0)December 12, 2012Intel unleashes the Atom S1200 system-on-a-chip processor, 64-bit comptable and designed for use in microserver situations. But it will take more than just a new CPU for Intel to promote the paradigm shift of the microserver era.
  • Microsoft Antivirus Growth Is a Channel Liberator (3)December 12, 2012Microsoft is now the global and North America endpoint security leader, as its Security Essentials suite has overtaken every major vendor’s comparable product in market share. While no security vendor is happy being overshadowed, they say this changing of the guard is an opportunity for solution providers to focus on delivering advanced, quality security products.
  • IT Pros Most Likely to Act Up at the Xmas Party (0)December 12, 2012Telecom company employees are the best behaved, while IT staff are the ones most likely to spill too many beans at the office Christmas party, a survey by Avaya claims.
  • Symantec Certs Deepen Federal Niche (0)December 11, 2012Symantec landed both the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 validation and Common Criteria certifications, an achievement that could serve to put partners in good stead with public sector customers in light of pending federal cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Microsoft Expanding Surface Tablet Distribution (0)December 11, 2012Microsoft is releasing the Surface tablet to third-party retail partners in the U.S. and Australia, breaking its own exclusive direct sales model.
  • Dell Unveils MDM Appliance for BYOD Efforts (0)December 11, 2012Dell announced a new mobile management appliance that aims to simplify support and security for a broad range of corporate and personal mobile devices in the enterprise.
  • PAN Earnings Miss Likely Channel Blip (0)December 11, 2012Palo Alto Networks missed analysts first quarter financial estimates last week. But the application firewall vendor met revenue growth targets, added customers, and still appears to be taking share -- all of which bode well for continued channel investment.
  • Azure Price Drop Reinforces Storage Trend (0)December 11, 2012Microsoft drops the price of Azure storage, a competitive response Amazon and Google, amid the dropping costs of raw data and the increase in sophisticated cloud storage technologies. At this rate, it may become commonplace for cloud storage to become a given, flat-rate unlimited service with all cloud providers.
  • Savvis Links Cloud Services With VMware, EMC (0)December 11, 2012Savvis expands its hosting capabilities by linking its Savvis Enterprise Cloud to VMware's Cloud Application Marketplace, alongside an expanded hosted storage capabilities, built on EMC's Atmos storage APIs. This allows for deeper interoperability with existing EMC-based storage solutions. Savvis's strategic partnerships serve to strengthen its competitive ability in the cloud space.
  • Microsoft Partners Shifting to Big Data (0)December 11, 2012Microsoft introduced new cloud competencies to spur solution providers into adopting business applications and developing advanced technical capabilities. The market is leading vendors to fulfill needs around Big Data. Partners are now beginning to follow, says Microsoft.
  • Samsung Trumps Apple in Smart Device Sales (0)December 11, 2012Samsung has widened the gap between itself and biggest rival Apple in the smart connected device market after almost doubling its shipments over the past year, according to the latest figures.
  • EMC Leads, HP Falters in Q3 Disk Storage Sales (0)December 11, 2012EMC leads the way in external disk storage, taking 30 percent market share, while HP's revenue and market share both slump.
  • Microsoft Surface Spotted in the Channel (0)December 11, 2012Microsoft remains mum on if and when its Surface tablet will hit the channel. Officially, Surface is only available through Microsoft’s retail stores and Web site. However, Surface tablets are on Amazon, being sold through digital storefronts of direct market resellers.
  • ADTRAN Cloud APs Focus on Manageability (0)December 11, 2012ADTRAN unveils the Bluesocket 1900 virtual wireless LAN access point (AP) designed for system integrators and service providers. With built-in cloud management capabilities and advanced security options, these units are ideal for any partner or MSP attacking large enterprise campuses and vertical environments.
  • Sales, Marketing Discord Hurts Channel Efforts (1)December 11, 2012Sales and marketing teams are largely failing to align their goals and activities, thus threatening business success, a new report finds.
  • KineticD Boosts Cloud Backup Enablement (0)December 11, 2012KineticD is among the chorus of cloud backup providers trying to carve out a competitive edge in the rapidly heating market. And it's hoping to gain ground by equipping partners with a comprehensive set of marketing tools.
  • Tackling The Cloud Backup Dilemma (0)December 10, 2012There is no shortage of cloud backup solutions on the market these days. But they're not all created equal. Here are few ways to narrow down your search.
  • Windows Migration Has App Challenges (0)December 10, 2012Quest Software outlines migration hurdles in moving applications and processes to Microsoft Window 7 and Windows 8. Partners that need to build out consultative services or find new customer opportunities can migration an on-ramp to discussing more advanced cloud services.
  • Chambers: Cisco Transition Is Growth Mode (0)December 10, 2012Cisco leverages its history of innovation and successful market transitions to make the case that Cisco is equally poised for the world of cloud, software and services. Cisco CEO John Chambers outlines's the strategies that are making these transitions a reality.
  • Kaspersky: Suites Drive Encryption’s Rise (0)December 10, 2012A Kaspersky Lab study indicates a growing trend around encryption, driven by evolving compliance requirements aimed at addressing IT complexity. Looking ahead, encryption's growth will likely be attributed to its strategic placement in greater security solutions that partners can leverage to simplify customer's security needs.
  • Despite Regs, Finance Firms to Boost IT Spend (0)December 10, 2012Financial services firms expect to spend more on IT in 2013, and the opening wallets have more to do with improving their businesses and gaining competitive advantage and less to do with merely complying with a growing list of regulations.
  • Channel Braces for Going Over the Fiscal Cliff (0)December 10, 2012As the White House and Congressional leaders slog through negotiations to avoid sending the U.S. over the “fiscal cliff,” the channel waits with nervous expectation. Many solution providers are curtailing investments and initiating layoffs as uncertainty forces them to consider how multiple potential government tax and spending policies will affect their businesses.
  • Pica8: SDN Maturing, Fixing OPEX Woes (0)December 10, 2012Steve Garrison, vice president of marketing at Pica8, discusses the open SDN architecture framework Pica8 is sharing while outlining the hurdles to bringing open SDN capabilities into the channel. SDN carries the promise of alleviating operational expenses for cloud solution providers through automation, which places all SDN technology on an accelerated path to maturation.
  • Google Ends Free Apps Service for Small Biz (0)December 10, 2012Google will no longer offer businesses with fewer than 10 employees free Google Apps service. They will pay the same rate as all other businesses subscribing to the online productivity suite. While this opens a huge pool of potential customers to the channel, it does come with the challenge of convincing small business owners they…
  • Unfazed by Critics, UK Firm Inks Huawei Deal (0)December 10, 2012Even as U.S. firms are being cautioned about doing business with Huawei, European solution providers are strengthening their ties to the Chinese telecommunications and networking vendor and expanding profitable partnerships with the firm.
  • Collaboration Opening New Opportunities (0)December 7, 2012Gartner outlines the key steps organizations should take to enhance collaboration capabilities to expand business agility. But while CIO's scratch their heads on how to get it done, the channel can turn confusion into opportunity.
  • Cloud Storage Set for 40 Percent Spike (0)December 7, 2012A MarketsandMarkets research report projected the cloud storage market to reach $46.8 billion by 2018 spurred by the rise of Big Data trends, compelling the channel to re-conceptualize cloud storage as an inherent part of bigger security and data solution portfolios.
  • Avaya Nixes 400 VARs, Seeks Better Resellers (0)December 7, 2012Avaya is planning to add a handful of top enterprise integrators alongside 90 SMB resellers after culling 400 partners from its UK channel roster.
  • U.S. Insider Threat Policy Could Touch Channel (0)December 7, 2012The Obama administration recently issued a memo in anticipation of an impending policy guide outlining the parameters of government insider threat programs, likely slated for public availability some time next year. As such, solution providers with federal and public sector ties might not want to shelve their government Rolodexes just yet.
  • Rapid7 Metasploit Exploits Network Assessment (0)December 7, 2012Rapid7's Metasploit Pro 4.5 can create an "unscrupulous social engineering campaign" within a controlled environment, allowing network assessment and security VARs to simultaneously educate users about phishing attacks while uncovering the most common threat vectors within an organization.
  • FireMon Expands Risk Mitigation Capabilities (0)December 7, 2012FireMon has expanded the features of its risk management platform with the new Access Path, which enables security pros to trace likely avenues of attack and redirect traffic to more secure routes. FireMon’s continued development is opening opportunities for managed security service providers.
  • NComputing Goes End-to-End With vSpace (0)December 7, 2012NComputing overhauls its virtualization portfolio as it seeks to deliver an end-to-end virtualization portfolio and expand the capabilities of its channel partners. With a growing subscriber base and a strategic alliance with Citrix, NComputing is a rising star in the virtualization space.
  • Zetta Targets NetApp With Cloud Backup (0)December 7, 2012Cloud backup firm Zetta announces the channel availability of its three-in-one cloud backup solution for NetApp environments, a release that indicates cloud backup is hitting its stride in the SMB.
  • Samsung, Apple Head Back to Court (0)December 7, 2012The South Korean vendor and bitter rival Apple go back to court so a judge can review the jury's $1 billion decision.
  • HP Getting Heat From Major Financial Customers (3)December 7, 2012Representatives of JPMorgan Chase and Black Rock are expressing concerns about Hewlett-Packard’s management decisions and viability following revelations about the Autonomy acquisition fiasco and ongoing management struggles to return the company to stability and growth.
  • How Effective Is Competitive Displacement? (2)December 6, 2012E-mail security firm Spam Soap is launching a competitive displacement program targeting Google Postini customers. Aerohive Networks is doing the same with Meraki. Like department store sales, these promotions come and go, but how effective are they?
  • Red Hat Virtualization 3.1 SAP and HP Certified (0)December 6, 2012Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization hits version 3.1, enhancing Red Hat's efforts to build extensible, open-source technologies for the cloud. RHEV 3.1 has also received official certification for SAP Business Apps alongside certification for HP's VirtualSystem platforms.
  • IBM SmartCloud Docs Target Google, Microsoft (0)December 6, 2012IBM launches SmartCloud Docs, a new cloud-based office suite complete with social business and collaboration capabilities. The SmartCloud Docs is also a direct competitive effort against Google Apps and Microsoft's Office 365 as IBM seeks to expand into the midmarket.
  • RIM Betting Big on BlackBerry 10 (0)December 6, 2012Research in Motion believes BlackBerry 10, the much anticipated operating system with a new supporting server, will stanch customer defections and revive its flagging fortunes. The strategy has tell-tale signs of channel engagement and opportunity.
  • Study: IT Doesn’t Live Up to Full Potential (0)December 6, 2012Few surprises emerge from a new Juniper Networks study of business and IT executives that concludes technology investments rarely meet their organization expectations or propel business growth. The study is a call to arms, in which solution providers can correct the ills of technology in business.
  • Channel ‘Disarray’ Hurts Microsoft Surface Sales (0)December 6, 2012Microsoft has coyly avoided talk about if and when it will release its Surface tablet to the channel. Now analysts are weighing in saying that the limited sales channels are what’s holding back Microsoft’s tablet strategy. The word they use: Disarray, and this is on top of lackluster Windows 8 sales.
  • Dell Unleashes Social Media Services (1)December 5, 2012Dell is catching up to industry peers with the launch of its own social media services aimed at better understanding customers and assessing market needs.
  • Citrix Acquires MDM Specialist Zenprise (0)December 5, 2012Citrix confirms it will acquire MDM vendor Zenprise for its advanced device management and security capabilities. Citrix's moves solidify its plans to deliver end-to-end mobility capabilities for BYOD and reinforces Citrix mobile-first agenda, critical in the coming wave of workplace mobility.
  • Avaya Virtualizes Aura to Expand UC Capabilities (0)December 5, 2012Avaya's latest efforts to expand upon its UC platform have lead it to virtualize its communication environment. Avaya Aura VE is a VMware ready platform that provides the all the benefits of Avaya's physical Aura platform into an extensible virtualized communication system for the SMB to the enterprise.
  • Sophos: Prepare For Multi Platform Attacks (0)December 5, 2012A newly released Sophos threat report heralds new forms of malware ushered in through security holes that emerge in light of increased complexity and multi-platform environments. Yes, that means an opportunity to introduce impending advanced solutions. But it also means a chance for partners to rethink security holistically, and impart that to customers in new…
  • HP Launches Converged Cloud Campaign (0)December 5, 2012Hewlett-Packard overhauls its cloud solution portfolio with an eye on fast-tracking the deployment of cloud services and streamlining the ability for cloud providers to build out into the SMB space. Updates to HP Cloud Services Automation, Continuous Delivery Automation and HP CouldSystem are just the start a very large cloud agenda.
  • 2013 Resolution: Plan for Growth, Reap Success (1)December 5, 2012The economic indicators are moving in a positive direction. Businesses are spending and hiring, which means more IT work to support expansion. In good times, solution providers enjoy serendipitous success. True success is a result of planning, and not enough solution providers are planning for growth.
  • Sources: Citrix to Buy MDM Player Zenprise (0)December 5, 2012Rumors are circulating that Citrix is poised to leap headfirst into the mobile device management space by snapping up leading protagonist Zenprise.
  • Acer Polishing Chromebooks for the Channel (2)December 5, 2012Acer released its Google Chromebook ultrabooks to online and direct market retailers for consumer sales. While the Chrome-powered devices aren't yet available to solution providers for business-to-business sales, Acer says there’s growing interest in the channel for these Microsoft Windows alternatives.
  • New Site Pits Former Autonomy CEO Against HP (0)December 5, 2012Software maker Autonomy's former management have set up a Web site to counter the accusations made against them by HP.
  • Microsoft Introduces Cloud Deployment Program (0)December 5, 2012Microsoft announces the Cloud Deployment Program, a new on-ramp to deploying Microsoft services built around the Office 365 ecosystem. But will unusual partner requirements make it difficult for Microsoft to recruit a foundational base for truly cloud-oriented partners?
  • Study: Traditional Security Obsolete for APTs (0)December 4, 2012A Frost and Sullivan report indicates most organizations rely on outdated traditional security mechanisms to combat advanced threats, giving the channel a wide berth to start conversations, ramp up defenses and embark on comprehensive security strategies with customers.
  • Enterasys, Meraki Wield WiFi Agendas (1)December 4, 2012Enterasys doubles-down on its wireless strategy with a channel program boost built around its IdentiFi WAN technology. Meraki prepares its access points for wide scalability and more sophisticated BYOD demands. Both vendors are on track to capture the rising demand mobility brings upon company infrastructure.
  • Dell SonicWALL Revamps Live Demo Tool (0)December 4, 2012Dell SonicWALL revamped its Live Demo site to incorporate iOS and Android devices while expanding its global reach and traffic handling capabilities. But refreshing the enablement tool also indicates to the channel that the hardware firm plans to remain true to its stated security strategy with future investments.
  • Thai Floods Gone, High HDD Prices Remain (0)December 4, 2012The Thai flood waters are long gone and HDD manufacturing has recovered to record levels. So, why are hard-disk drives still so expensive? Get used to it, experts say.
  • VMware Spin-Off Is Virtual ‘Pivotal Initiative’ (0)December 4, 2012VMware's much-rumored spin-off is announced as a "virtual organization," dubbed the Pivotal Initiative. Paul Martiz, former VMware CEO and current EMC CSO, will now head up the virtual organization as VMware and EMC seek to realign their efforts and create a focused developmental outlet for the future of cloud technology.
  • CellTrust Launches HIPAA-Compliant Server (0)December 4, 2012CellTrust has introduced a HIPAA compliant server that enables secure communication between health care providers and patients when exchanging sensitive medical information via smartphones, pagers and tablets. It also means that the gap between the health care industry and technology is closing.
  • Channel Helps Dell Defy Server Market Slide (0)December 4, 2012Dell bucked the industry-wide slide in server sales, thanks in large part to its growing and robust channel network for resellers and systems integrators. The 9 percent bump in unit shipments show the power of engaged channel partners.
  • HP’s New Storage Trio Aims for Efficiency (0)December 4, 2012Hewlett Packard launches a trio of storage solutions to automate and streamline the process of storage, bringing enterprise-level technology to SMB budgets. With storage needs continually on the rise -- and HP navigating the Autonomy fallout -- these units may help put HP back on track.
  • vCloud Update Eyes Automation, Management (0)December 3, 2012VMware enhances VMware vCenter Operations Management Suite 5.6 and VMware vFabric Application Director 5.0, bringing next-generation cloud, applications and automation capabilities which are aligned with cloud management needs in the IT channel.
  • EVault Offers Free Cloud Backup (0)December 3, 2012EVault is attempting to make a few waves in in the industry by offering 100 GB of cloud backup free to customers. The move aims to disrupt a heated cloud backup space, but also likely signals an impending commoditization of cloud backup services that could result in more niche and specialized offerings going forward.
  • ManageEngine Drives Data Center Management (0)December 3, 2012ManageEngine launches updates to the IT360 module, bringing deeper integration and monitoring to existing storage solutions. Announced at the Gartner Data Center Conference, ManageEngine's latest efforts are part of a deeper trend in building out "holistic" orchestration platforms for the cloud era.
  • Sandy, Weak EU Sales Pressure Westcon (0)December 3, 2012Weak market conditions in Europe and continued IT upheaval in the wake of Hurricane Sandy have blown Westcon’s parent Datatec's full-year results off course.
  • Centrify’s SSO SaaS Push Centers on Channel (0)December 3, 2012Centrify's new Identity-as-a-Service single sign-on capabilities are paired with an effort to expand its channel presence, as Centrify seeks to recruit providers that deliver a mix of SaaS and mobility solutions. By leveraging Microsoft Active Directory as the base management portal, partners can quickly deploy this solution in almost any workplace environment.
  • Autonomy Foes Circling to Poach Customers (0)December 3, 2012Three data management competitors -- RDS, Recommind and OpenText -- are adding to Hewlett-Packard’s woes by offering rich incentives to customers of the wounded Autonomy to switch to their products. Competitive displacement programs are routine and only moderately effective, yet they do put pressure on targeted vendors and their resellers.
  • Channel Influencers Nominations Extended (0)December 3, 2012You asked, we complied: One more week to tell us who is shaping the channel. Nominate your top Channel Influencers for 2012 now!
  • Videoconferencing Continues Precipitous Decline (3)December 3, 2012The videoconferencing market felt the pain in 2012's third quarter, as the unyielding economic climate saw businesses shun high-end telepresence systems from Cisco, Polycom and others.
  • SMB 500: Lessons Learned by Education VARs (0)December 1, 2012Navigating the education vertical, however, requires special attention to timing and an understanding of budget constraints, the most successful VARs on the Ingram Micro SMB 500 report.
  • Unitrends Expands Displacement Program (0)November 30, 2012Unitrends is expanding its backup and recovery competitive displacement program in an effort to go after Barracuda, Veeam, and AppAssure as well as Symantec Corp., indicating that there might be a wider playing field in the backup and recovery space than one might think.
  • Cisco Eyes Cariden Technologies Acquisition (0)November 30, 2012Cisco Systems Inc announces its intent to acquire Cariden Technologies for its prowess on managing massive converged networks. As cloud and solution provider needs expand, maintaining networks across long distances will be come critical for large service providers and telecom customers.
  • Asigra: Cloud Backup on the Rise (0)November 30, 2012A TechValidate study, commissioned by cloud backup firm Asigra, indicates a rise in demand for cloud backup solutions driven by features such as scalability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
  • GFI, Cloud Services Alliance Signals Hosting Shift (0)November 30, 2012GFI Max inks a partnership with Cloud Services Depot, offloading management for GFI MAX RemoteManagement users to Cloud Services Depot's NOC, allowing service providers to focus on customer service instead of IT. This relationship indicates a growing trend of the hosted managed services model in the channel.
  • Study: Spear Phishing Key in APTs (0)November 30, 2012Research by Trend Micro reveals spear phishing is the tool-of-choice used in APTs and other targeted attacks -- findings that indicate the security firm is clearing a space for e-mail security releases that tout advanced threat capabilities.
  • Blue Coat: Partners OK With Renewal Cuts (1)November 30, 2012Security vendor Blue Coat claims its partners are behind its decision to slash renewal margins in half by the end of next month.
  • Microsoft Announces Pricing for Surface Pro (1)November 30, 2012Microsoft is moving ahead with the planned release of the enterprise version of its Surface tablet running Windows 8 Professional. Unlike the Windows RT model, the pro edition will run legacy apps. The bigger issue is whether the pro tablet will lift Windows 8 sales, and if it will be made available to the channel.
  • SAP’s SME Focus Is Channel Focus With RDS (0)November 30, 2012At the SAP SME Summit, the enterprise software company focused on how rapid deployment solutions (RDS) can help channel partners bring right-sized and customized solutions to businesses of all kinds. With a growing base of channel partners, SAP has gained considerable momentum with its partner community. With the right moves, this will continue.
  • BYOD Adopters Could Be ‘Heading for a Fall’ (0)November 29, 2012The channel could be left picking up the pieces next year as the headlines prompt CIOs to adopt bring-your-own-device schemes before they have shored up their security.
  • Standing by Channel Principles, at Any Cost (4)November 29, 2012Vendors talk about their commitment to the channel, but not everyone has the integrity to stand by those convictions when real dollars are on the line. The test of any channel program is the willingness of vendors to stand by their partners under any circumstance.
  • Ingram Micro Buys Promark in Public-Sector Play (0)November 29, 2012Ingram Micro beefed up its high-end storage and document management chops in the public sector with the acquisition of Promark Technology, a value-added distributor focused on data storage, electronic document imaging, networking, security, ruggedized computers and associated professional services.
  • Ex-McAfee CEO Now Head of FireEye (0)November 29, 2012Dave DeWalt, the former CEO of McAfee, has assumed the chief executive post at innovative anti-malware vendor FireEye. His priority: Build the sales organization and accelerate growth. Does this mean DeWalt will build a bigger FireEye channel?
  • Global Server Sales Down Sharply in Q3 (0)November 29, 2012Dell is the only vendor to enjoy sales growth despite shipments continuing to rise.
  • Dell: Wyse Partners Know We’re Committed (0)November 29, 2012Dell says it did not have to do anything to prove its channel credentials to Wyse's partners following its April acquisition of the thin-client vendor, and plans for the two firms to be fully integrated by April 2013.
  • Red Hat Builds on PaaS With Partner Program (0)November 28, 2012Red Hat expands the OpenShift PaaS Partner Program with new entry-level partner options and the introduction of OpenShift Enterprise for on-premise deployments. With PaaS emerging as a $3 billion battleground, Red Hat is poised to put both open source partners and open source technology at the forefront.
  • VMware May Spin Off ‘Non-Core’ Technology (0)November 28, 2012The rumors about VMware spinning off Cloud Foundry, GemStone and SpringSource into an EMC-based subsidiary are back. If former VMware CEO Paul Martiz heads up the hypothetical organization, it may put VMware and EMC in a much stronger position to compete with rivals in the cloud and virtualization space.
  • Survey: SaaS Attracting More New Users (0)November 28, 2012Businesses are adopting SaaS solutions at a feverish pace and have moved beyond augmenting their existing applications to replacing or adding completely new hosted tools.
  • Final Week for Channel Influencers Nominations (0)November 28, 2012Our 2012 Channelnomics Channel Influencers Awards recognize the contributions and impact of both vendor and solution provider executives and leaders who positively guide channel decisions and play a role in reseller buying habits.
  • Routing, Switching, Voice Markets Falter in Q3 (0)November 28, 2012The core voice and data markets of routers, switches and PBXs endured a tough third quarter, with shipment levels and average selling prices taking a hit, research has found.
  • Microsoft: Windows 8 on Strong Sales Pace (0)November 28, 2012Microsoft reports Windows 8 has sold more than 40 million in the first month of general availability, putting it on a faster sales pace than Windows 7. The actual sales volume and types, though, remain unclear, and it could be Microsoft magic behind these numbers.
  • F5 Networks, Riverbed Hit Amazon Web Services (0)November 27, 2012F5 Networks and Riverbed put BIG-IP and Steelhead into the AWS cloud at Amazon's AWS re:Invent partner conference. As the AWS platform gains momentum, more vendors will flock to the cloud to build and expand their existing technology.
  • Avnet Debuts Amazon-Hosted Cloud Packages (0)November 27, 2012Avnet’s services unit is rolling out integrated cloud computing packages hosted by AWS for solution providers looking to quickly spin-up off-premises offerings with reasonable and predictable fixed monthly costs.
  • Alert Logic Releases AWS Log Management (0)November 27, 2012Security-as-a-service firm Alert Logic releases a log management serviced dedicated to Amazon Web Services, a move that underscores growing alarm around public cloud security while opening doors for the channel to refine cloud services.
  • Black Friday, Cyber Monday and BYOD (0)November 27, 2012How consumers spent money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday never made much of a difference to commercial IT vendors and solution providers. The times are changing though, and the IT purchasing influencers are roaming suburban shopping malls.
  • Dell Mobilizes PocketCloud For Windows RT (1)November 27, 2012Dell delivers an upgraded version of the Dell Wyse PocketCloud suite which is now compatible with WIndows 8 RT tablets. Does the rise in vendor-specific cloud portal applications say something about the marginalization of Windows 8 RT as a differentiated computing platform?
  • Voltage, Informatica Partner On Data Protection (0)November 27, 2012Voltage Security and Informatica have partnered to deliver a solution that protects data and staves off attacks from new crops of multi-platform threats. For the channel, that not only requires finding new ways to secure sensitive data, but shifting to a more comprehensive security paradigm.
  • Meru Schools VARs With Edu-Focused Program (0)November 27, 2012Wireless LAN firm welcomes Cisco-Meraki deal as it looks to increase integrator recruitment with new range of perks.
  • Cisco Merges Cloud, MSP Programs (0)November 27, 2012Under the new Cloud and Managed Service Program, Cisco is consolidating much of the go-to-market, certification and marketing plans associated with the core of its services channels. The consolidation reflects an increasing convergence in the channel between traditional managed services and cloud computing.
  • AppNeta Brings Device-Level Monitoring to MSPs (0)November 27, 2012AppNeta introduces an update to its cloud-based PathView network performance monitoring solution, allowing MSPs and solution providers to see network traffic and performance on a per-device level, even beyond the network edge. With MSP requirements extending into mobility and remote network management, AppNeta is well-positioned to court the services market.
  • HP Hit With Shareholder Lawsuit Over Autonomy (1)November 27, 2012Shareholders filed suit against Hewlett-Packard, alleging the company violated securities regulations by not disclosing the true value of Autonomy when it acquired the Big Data vendor. Who knew what, and when, isn’t the real issue -- the lawsuit should be about what happened after Autonomy was in the fold.
  • Dell Ambition Apparent In Health Care Pitch (0)November 26, 2012Dell makes an effort to promote its health care alliances and capabilities as it seeks to capture a growing portion of solution provider portfolios and enterprise customers.
  • LabTech Integrates Symantec Backup, SEP (0)November 26, 2012Remote monitoring and management firm LabTech Software is integrating Symantec's backup and endpoint protection capabilities, a move that undoubtedly will give its partners new reach into the managed backup and security space. But the partnership could also help Symantec take incremental steps in cloud and MSP markets, and regain share lost in years prior.
  • Panorama9 Releases Mac Patch Management (0)November 26, 2012Panorama9 releases a patch management tool catering to Mac OS X, heralding the growth of the Mac security market and dedicated multi-platform tools that enable the channel to forge new business with customers.
  • Eucalyptus Extends Cloud Capabilities (0)November 26, 2012Eucalyptus launches Eucalyptus 3.2, a new version of the open-source cloud platform designed to streamline the management and provisioning of hybrid and mixed cloud environments -- a well-timed upgrade in an increasingly complex cloud market.
  • Revstream Wrangles Cloud Revenue (0)November 26, 2012Revstream delivers a centralized, cloud-based SaaS management console to help keep solution providers on track with recurring revenue streams, customer SLAs and shifting demands in service delivery. Is this indicative of a larger trend towards cloud management capabilities?
  • Dell Software Chief Nixes Hardware-Only Model (0)November 26, 2012John Swainson, president of Dell’s newly formed software group, is dismissing the notion that any technology company can operate solely through hardware sales. Many vendors are following this train of thought. It’s time the channel starts getting in line, too.
  • ‘New Era’ Dawns for Microsoft Partners (0)November 26, 2012Microsoft detailed partner network changes in an open letter from Worldwide Partner Group chief Jon Roskill, who said the updated network proves partnering with Microsoft is "the best decision you can make for your business."
  • Black Friday Reveals Shifts in IT Preferences (0)November 23, 2012Consumers are racing to the malls in search of bargains for the holiday season. The Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island may prove a laboratory in which consumers will set the pecking order of vendors in the hotly contested PC and mobility market.
  • Autonomy’s Lynch: I Won’t Be Scapegoat for HP (1)November 23, 2012Autonomy founder Mike Lynch has ratcheted up the war of words with HP by asserting, "I'm not going to be HP's scapegoat for the fact that the company is in utter disarray."
  • Eventually, Most Companies Become a Twinkie (2)November 23, 2012The Twinkie, the sponge cake loved by generations of Americans, is destined for oblivion as Hostess Brands opts to shut down. The demise of this iconic brand reminds that no company is guaranteed success or viability in perpetuity; being the exception requires evolving thinking -- particularly in technology.
  • Microsoft Incentives Error Benefits Partners (0)November 23, 2012Microsoft will allow its channel partners to keep mistakenly overpaid incentive payments thought to total around $32 million worldwide, following a calculation error.
  • Cyber Monday: Productivity Loss Top Concern (0)November 23, 2012'Tis the season for online shopping, and naturally businesses have some strong concerns about precious work hours being lost to Amazon.com, eBay and others. In anticipation of Cyber Monday traffic, solution providers might want to dust off productivity apps while ramping up security solutions.
  • Mobile Solution Providers Will Focus on Apps (0)November 23, 2012With the rise of ARM-based CPUs and mobility in the channel, forward-thinking solution providers should outline how to deliver services and software to mobile devices, not just around them. As devices become increasingly more powerful, so too will software application capabilities; thus, it will fall on the channel to sort through the sea of mobile…
  • In 2012, the Channel has much to be Thankful (0)November 22, 2012Another year is almost at its end and the channel has much to be grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day. For us at 2112 and Channelnomics, we’re pausing today with our family and friends, and we suggest the rest of you do too.
  • IDC Survey: Enterprise Needs Cloud Integrators (0)November 21, 2012An IDC survey sponsored by Infosys Ltd. uncovers enterprise are increasingly more willing to adopt private and hybrid cloud deployment models -- the only problem? The enterprise also needs knowledgeable cloud-based solutions providers to help them deploy it.
  • RSA Nabs Trojans With ‘Adaptive’ Authentication (0)November 21, 2012RSA, the security division of EMC, is going full tilt on its security intelligence strategy with the launch of an adaptive authentication solution, leveraging Big Data capabilities to nab advanced threats. The release represents a few more steps in RSA's concerted attempts to gain ground in security intelligence markets, while also promises to give partners…
  • Cloud Takes Hold in High-End Outsourcing (0)November 21, 2012Cloud is becoming increasingly prevalent in big-ticket outsourcing deals, research from Information Services Group has found.
  • Tech Data Blames U.S. Slowdown for Tepid Q3 (0)November 21, 2012Dragged down by flagging sales and margins in the United States, Tech Data posted the latest in a series of muted results for the channel's distribution giants.
  • HP Says Autonomy Stuffed the Channel (1)November 21, 2012Hewlett-Packard’s $8.8 billion writedown of its Autonomy acquisition is turning into a war of words between current HP management and former HP and Autonomy management. HP is accusing Autonomy of, in part, using the channel to embellish revenue.
  • AstuteNET Partner Program Adds Flash Value (0)November 21, 2012Astute Networks launches a three-tier partner program for resellers, solution providers and distribution partners to expand its market reach with the ViSX Flash VM virtualization storage acceleration appliance. Partners specializing in speed, productivity and optimization may find a tight fit.
  • Commtouch Acquires eleven, Adds Security (0)November 20, 2012Internet and cloud security firm Commtouch is bulking up its security portfolio with the acquisition of Germany-based SaaS vendor eleven, which puts a wide array of SaaS-based e-mail security and archiving capabilities at partners' fingertips.
  • Gridstore Partner Program Is Storage On-Ramp (0)November 20, 2012Gridstore launches the Gridstore Accelerate Partner Program, which has a heavy focus on partner incentives and ground-up grooming for delivering high-end storage solutions that are well built to provide reoccurring revenue from midmarket players.
  • ForeScout, IBM Partnership Signals NAC Uptick (0)November 20, 2012A partnership that combines ForeScout's NAC capabilities with IBM's security intelligence will let partners offer deep-dive monitoring and risk assessment services bolstered by real-time visibility and security intelligence capabilities. However, the partnership also heralds an uptick in NAC solutions to extend network visibility, which in turn strengthens security intelligence, reduces BYOD complexity and better detects…
  • Don’t Be Quick to Stop Marketing (0)November 20, 2012The never-ending pursuit of lead generation causes many marketers to stop initiatives that are, in their estimation, underperforming. But what many organizations fail to understand is that marketing encompasses a continuum of activities that result in a strategic outcome. It is a process that demands persistency and consistency in programs that aren’t necessarily geared toward…
  • Windows Server 2012 Arrives on AWS (0)November 20, 2012Microsoft Windows Server 2012 hits the Amazon Web Services cloud, continuing the legacy of Windows Server capabilities delivered through Amazon. There's also renewed focus on .NET and Web application support, as solution providers, internal IT teams and more seek to streamline cloud app provisioning and development.
  • Cloud, Mobile Create Big Security Challenges (0)November 20, 2012A CompTIA study indicates organizations adopting cloud and mobile technologies for productivity and convenience are facing mounting security issues.These days, organizations are demanding a higher level of expertise, clearing a path for partners to hone expertise and beef up skills by investing in related certifications and specializations.
  • The Channel Didn’t Sink Romney Campaign (1)November 20, 2012President Obama sailed to reelection thanks to a masterful Big Data effort that identified votes through micro-targeting. Republican rival Mitt Romney’s hopes were dashed because his campaign's IT relied on a meshing of retail equipment and channel support. But don’t be quick to blame the channel for dashing Romney’s White House bid.
  • HP Writes Off $8.8 Billion Against Autonomy (2)November 20, 2012Hewlett-Packard posted dismal quarterly earnings, with revenue declining in nearly every major operating unit. The results were not as bad as some analyst anticipated and were slightly better than the worse-case scenario. Surprising, though, is HP’s massive write down related to its acquisition of Big Data software firm Autonomy.
  • Red Hat Promotes Linux in Open Cloud Push (0)November 20, 2012Red Hat promotes Linux as the original cloud OS, espousing its portability, consistency and extensibility as key factors that make it more cloud-friendly than other major operating systems. But does Red Hat's evangelizing of Linux have less to do with what it can provide today and more to do with the cloud platforms of the future?
  • Panda Goes Upmarket With UTM Launch (0)November 19, 2012Panda Security is leveraging its cloud prowess to go upmarket with the launch of a perimeter security appliance line geared for larger midmarket and enterprise companies. For partners, ths leaves a wider berth to make the leap from cloud services into the UTM space.
  • Gartner: PaaS a $2.9 Billion Battleground in 2016 (0)November 19, 2012Gartner predicts the platform-as-a-service market to rise to 1.5 billion by 2013 with an adoption rate that will make PaaS a $2.9 billion market in 2016. With all the signs pointing to rapid cloud adoption, system integrators and solution providers should start building and aligning themselves with vendors that can provide the right tools to…
  • Symantec Mobility Specialization Now Official (0)November 19, 2012Symantec officially got the ball rolling on its Mobile Solution Specialization, a move which will paves the way for partners to go deeper and wider with dedicated mobility practices with enablement, tools, training and other resources. But if anything, the move indicates that Symantec is going full tilt on its mobile ambitions and is determined…
  • Riverbed Stingray Stocked at AWS Marketplace (0)November 19, 2012Riverbed expands its optimization footprint by placing the Stingray Traffic Manager into the Amazon Web Services cloud, boosting the reach of its optimization capabilities and providing a more flexible way to deliver its platform.
  • Intel CEO Otellini Will Step Down in May (0)November 19, 2012Add Intel Corp. to the list of tech companies on the hunt for a new chief executive.
  • SMB 500: Sales Growth Not Bound by Age (0)November 19, 2012A common misconception in business is that innovation and growth are games for the young. Five Ingram Micro SMB 500 companies founded before the first transistor hit the market show that they are not only viable, but have the ability to post substantial growth rates.
  • 2013 Enterprise Spending to Hit $2.6 Trillion (0)November 19, 2012Gartner predicts enterprise IT spending will hit $2.6 trillion in 2013. Based on adjustments in budgetary planning, the drive to more efficient IT and demands for modernization, 2013 will offer a sizable opportunity for solution providers and system integrators that know where to look.
  • IBM Retires Lotus, Focuses on ‘Social Business’ (0)November 19, 2012After 17 years under IBM ownership, the iconic Lotus name is being retired, relegated to the long list of tech brands that have gone the way of the dodo, DeLorean and Twinkie. The move clears the way for IBM to make its brand dominant in the rapidly expanding social business segment.
  • Cisco Bets $1.2B on Cloud With Meraki Buy (0)November 19, 2012Cisco made another bold move into cloud-based networking on Sunday with the $1.2 billion purchase of San Francisco-based start-up Meraki, maker of Wi-Fi, switching, security and mobile device management centrally managed from the cloud.
  • Parrish Moves Into NetApp’s CMO Post (0)November 16, 2012Julie Parrish, one of the most recognized channel chiefs in the world, is moving out of the channel ranks to become the new chief marketing officer of storage vendor NetApp.
  • Gale Technologies Helps Build Dell’s Enterprise (0)November 16, 2012Dell acquires infrastructure management and automation company Gale Technologies as it makes strides in delivering end-to-end technology capabilities that meet next generation data center needs for both on-premise and hybrid deployments. To complement the acquisition, Dell has also launched its own enterprise systems and solutions group.
  • LockPath Boosts GRC With Platform Refresh (0)November 16, 2012Governance risk and compliance firm LockPath is upping the ante in the market with a refresh of its cloud-based GRC platform Keylight 3.0, equipping the solution with a slew of advanced reporting, integration and assessment capabilities. At the end of the day, that gives partners the ability to take another hard look at GRC as…
  • SMBs Want More Technology, Fewer IT Workers (0)November 16, 2012Small and midsize businesses expect to spend more for information technology, especially to incorporate mobile devices and cloud computing into their organizations, but they plan on hiring fewer IT professionals to get the job done, a new survey reveals. Can the channel capitalize?
  • London Rocks With CRN UK Channel Awards (0)November 16, 2012The elite of the United Kingdom’s channel turned out last night for a black-tie affair, celebrating the best of technology suppliers, distributors and resellers in the British Isles. 2112 and Channelnomics were there to witness what was nothing short of a spectacular display of channel enthusiasm.
  • Sundaram: Cisco Cloud Plans Are on Track (0)November 16, 2012Cisco's Raja Sundaram discusses the direction Cisco has taken to deliver cloud capabilities to its partners as it reshapes its business model around more software-based partner services.
  • Dell Revenues Plummet With PC Decline (1)November 15, 2012For its third fiscal quarter, PC manufacturer Dell reported sinking earnings that included a 47 percent decline in net income compounded by an 11 percent drop in sales revenues. While grim, the numbers reflect a company in the process of reinventing itself and placing key investments where it hopes will be crucial in its transformation.
  • Ingram Micro Taps Bay to Lead North America (0)November 15, 2012Keith Bradley steps down as president of the distributor's North America unit. He'll be replaced by Paul Bay, currently the executive vice president for the region.
  • Lexmark Enters Security With Content Monitoring (0)November 15, 2012Printing and imaging firm Lexmark is now taking a stab and security and compliance markets with the launch of a security content monitoring solution. The launch will likely give partners servicing industry verticals new ways to expand their practices to include security and compliance, enabling them to become more relevant and competitive in light of…
  • SAP Launches Cloud Apps Partner Program (0)November 15, 2012SAP launches the SAP NetWeaver Cloud Applications Partner Program, creating a developmental community around the NetWeaver platform as SAP seeks to accelerate its momentum into the cloud and mobility space and garner a base of ISVs and solution providers specializing in customization.
  • GFI Targets SMB With Patch Management, MDM (0)November 15, 2012GFI Software is expanding its antivirus offerings by introducing patch management and MDM embedded in a multi-facted security product, targeted squarely for the SMB. The launch speaks to the growing complexity of the threat environment, subsequently indicating that partners will increasingly be required to target the SMB customers on multiple security fronts.
  • Dell Delivers Refresh to Compellent & PowerVault (0)November 15, 2012Dell unleashes updates to its Dell Compellent and PowerVault storage technologies at the EMEA Dell Storage Forum 2012. Dell's focus is on providing end-to-end storage solutions that deliver on speed, reliability and expandability.
  • HP’s Idaho Adventure Reflects Printer High Hopes (1)November 15, 2012HP hosted tech journalists from across the U.S. to its printing research and development center in Boise, Idaho. The event reveals much of what HP believes printers will contribute to its immediate future.
  • IBM Readies $4 Billion in Financing (0)November 15, 2012IBM seeks to start a domino-effect of next-gen technology and cloud adoption by amassing $4 billion in financing to be made available exclusively through its business channel partners. Solution providers working with customers that have modest means may suddenly have a new opportunity to modernize.
  • Microsoft Sued Over Paltry Surface Storage (1)November 14, 2012This probably won’t come as news to anyone who has ever used Microsoft products on any computing device ever, but Windows and all of its accoutrements take up storage space. Lots of it.
  • Netgear Beefs Up UTM Release For SMBs (0)November 14, 2012Netgear is carving out its niche in the fiercely competitive UTM space with the launch of a new appliance that ups the ante for its target SMB market with a several new and advanced features. At the end of the day, that gives partners a greater ability to hit up their smallest SMB customers with…
  • CloudShare Offers SAP HANA Dev Cloud (0)November 14, 2012CloudShare offers pre-configured cloud-based SAP HANA application development environments, allowing wide-scale testing and development of SAP HANA applications with nearly zero infrastructure needed. As the world comes to rely on super-charged cloud apps, in-memory database testing platforms like these will be the staging ground for specialized solution provider offerings.
  • Blue Coat Names New Channel Chief (0)November 14, 2012After a six-month gap in channel leadership, Web security and WAN optimization firm Blue Coat Systems named Barry Davis to helm the company's America's channels. The move fills a crucial gap, but also could serve to help turn around an era of instability at the company defined by executive turnover, acquisition and dramatic channel program…
  • CA Data Center Study: Roadblocks & Opportunity (0)November 14, 2012A new study from CA Technologies has shown that organizations are struggling with new data center technology because roadblocks and existing data center problems are causing setbacks. But these barriers to innovation are perfect channel opportunities.
  • Check Point Makes Security Services Push (1)November 14, 2012Check Point breaks new ground with two managed security services designed to launch the firm squarely into the managed services market. For partners, this means new opportunities -- that is, once they break into the heavily competitive and maturing security services market.
  • Choice, Not Recession Inspires Most IT Solo Acts (0)November 14, 2012A new study from contract tech services facilitator OnForce indicates there may be more to the story than simply adapting to the economic downturn.
  • Cisco Pleases Wall Street Amid Internal Transition (0)November 14, 2012Cisco's earnings beat Wall Street amid lowered expectations, but the company still has a long way to go to maintain a profitable leadership position in the industry. Cisco's earnings show a company still undergoing internal changes.
  • Oracle Cloud Portfolio Gets Padded (0)November 13, 2012Oracle's acquisition of enterprise management vendor Instantis, coupled with its investment into PaaS company Engine Yard, may reveal Oracle is still striving to build more sophisticated cloud technology amid a competitive marketplace of rivals. Is Oracle's cloud environment really ready for prime-time?
  • Wedge Networks Debuts Channel Program (0)November 13, 2012Wedge Networks is breaking out with the launch of a new reseller program, bolstered by a 45-day trial of its security suite for incoming partners. The move signals an industry migration to intelligence-based content security solutions, which are increasingly necessary to battle increasingly stealthy and evasive threats.
  • Big Switch Networks Gives SDN Big Push (0)November 13, 2012Big Switch Networks launches a trio of virtualized networking solutions that bring a robust software-defined networking platform to the market. With SDN opening the doors to more sophisticated networking capabilities, solution providers may find it's a great source of value-add in an increasingly cloud-centric world.
  • Palo Alto Networks Launches Virtual Firewall (0)November 13, 2012Palo Alto Networks is staying a few paces ahead of industry trends with the launch of a virtualized next-gen firewall platform. The release provides a strong value-add for partners, but it also heralds an inevitable paradigm shift toward a more holistic and comprehensive approach to security.
  • Sinofsky Departure: Sign of Microsoft Civil War? (0)November 13, 2012Windows boss Steven Sinofsky's unexpected departure from Microsoft raises new speculation about the health of the company and its flagship Windows operating system. Could his departure be a reflection of internal strife between the old and new guard?
  • Channel Job Market Heating Up (0)November 13, 2012Demand for technical, sales and managerial talent among solution providers is increasing rapidly as the U.S. economy’s foundation firms. But the job market isn’t completely without downsides.
  • Tough Tech M&A Scene Has Trendy Bright Spots (1)November 13, 2012Pressured by a challenging global economy, technology mergers and acquisitions continue their downward, but a few M&A bright spots remain in trending areas familiar to most successful channel players.
  • Synnex Unveils DemandSolv Marketing Program (0)November 13, 2012Two of the toughest channel marketing tasks for solution providers are securing market development funds from vendors, and then figuring out what exactly to do with them once they have them. Synnex aims to help.
  • Network Assessment is Business Enablement (0)November 13, 2012A Cisco Channels blog highlights why channel partners should use network assessments to ensure major technology upgrades are both customized and right-sized before implementation. But Cisco's recommendations can be easily applied to many of the leading spaces that dominate the IT industry. It's not just a smart move, it has the potential to increase a…
  • Beleaguered Huawei Launches $30M Promo Blitz (2)November 13, 2012Accused of spying and IP theft, Huawei is taking its case right to consumers with the universally appealing, two-pronged approach of flashy discounts and free prizes.
  • TITUS Releases SharePoint Security Suite (0)November 12, 2012Data governance and compliance firm TITUS is launching a security suite specifically dedicated to protecting Microsoft SharePoint data. For partners, that means the ability to expand focused security and compliance niches accelerated by mounting concerns around social collaboration and Big Data.
  • Lantronix xPrintServer Simplifies Mobile Printing (0)November 12, 2012Lantronix launches the business-ready xPrintServer, delivering mobile printing to the workplace without any major configuration required by the end-user or network administrator. Solution providers can use Lanronix's portfolio as an on-ramp to managed print or to enhance existing print services.
  • Sophos Expands UTM Play With SMB Launch (0)November 12, 2012Sophos is increasing its presence in the tight UTM space with the launch of an appliance, dedicated to the SMB. The release represents a new competitive angle for Sophos, which has been intent on gaining ground in the heated networking security space.
  • Silver Peak, Dell Compellent Supercharge WAN (0)November 12, 2012Silver Peak Systems brings its easy-to-deploy virtual acceleration architecture to the Dell Compellent storage environment, speeding up replication practices and accelerating data movement across storage sites.
  • IDC Cloud Forecast Predicts Vertical Opportunity (0)November 12, 2012IDC's latest report on the public cloud services market predicts continuing growth and revenue expansion through all cloud industry segments. With many other signs of adoption increases hitting the channel, solution providers should use these market metrics to map out path to cloud prominence.
  • Sourcefire Launch Targets Advanced Malware (0)November 12, 2012Sourcefire, Inc. is going after APTs and other advanced malware with a comprehensive product refresh and updated security software. For now, that gives partners a way to remain relevant and competitive amid the sea of competitors jumping on Big Data analytics and security intelligence in order to gain ground in the tightening security services race.
  • IT Nation: The Other Magic Kingdom (3)November 12, 2012ConnectWise wrapped another spectacular installment of its partner conference, IT Nation. The annual gathering drew more than 2,000 faithful ConnectWise users to Disney World in Florida for three days of business development talks. The magic of IT Nation is how it expands solution providers’ thinking and professional connections.
  • BlackBerry 10 Security Certs Too Little Too Late (0)November 12, 2012If RIM can’t get its latest BlackBerry mobile operating system released in a timely fashion, perhaps touting certifications news about an OS nobody has yet seen is the next best thing. Or maybe not.
  • Microsoft Surface Sales Constrained by Model (1)November 12, 2012Turns out sales of Microsoft Surface, the company’s first tablet, are capped not just because of supply limits, but also the constrained sales capacity. Microsoft is essentially admitting that Surface’s sales are off to a modest start because it doesn’t have the sales capacity without going through the reseller channel.
  • Firms Show Veteran Support With IT Career Help (0)November 12, 2012As Americans celebrate the efforts and sacrifice of the nation’s military veterans on this Veterans’ Day, it’s important to point out some of the worthy efforts of the technology industry that aim to help young heroes transition back to the world of civilian employment.
  • Chinese Official Lashes Out at Huawei Critics (2)November 10, 2012The furor over allegations of Chinese industrial espionage and national security threats reached the highest levels of the Beijing government Saturday when China's commerce minister took time away from his nation’s 18th Communist Party Congress to deride U.S. criticism of technology firms like Huawei and ZTE.
  • Thoma Bravo Acquires Crossbeam Systems (1)November 9, 2012Private equity firm Thoma Bravo is acquiring network security solutions firm Crossbeam Systems for an undisclosed sum. The move indicates a growing network security solutions niche that address security threats and performance issues sourced to increasing complexity, and will likely bolster channel coffers that will pave the way for further market expansion.
  • Amid Enterprise File-Sharing, E-mail Dies (0)November 9, 2012Citrix and NetApp join forces to make enterprise file storage and sharing more secure and ubiquitous, but their partnership may signal a larger trend on the shifting styles of collaboration in the enterprise. Will communication and collaboration technology converge to marginalize e-mail?
  • Intronis Adds Image Backup; Gets New Funding (0)November 9, 2012Backup specialist Intronis is expanding the capabilities of its file and folder backup technologies to include server imaging, filling a significant gap in its capabilities. The company also received $12 million in fresh funding to fuel growth through channel partners.
  • Ingram Micro, Desktone Partner for Cloud VDI (0)November 9, 2012Solution providers looking to augment their cloud portfolios with on-demand virtual desktops available from any client device have new options courtesy of a cooperative effort between Desktone and distributor Ingram Micro.
  • Dell Wyse Cloud Client Manager Wrangles BYOD (0)November 9, 2012Dell unleashes the Dell Wyse Cloud Client Manager, giving solution providers and IT admins an all-encompassing look into the network for virtualization and mobile management needs. With built-in compliance policies and easy-to-use remote software, Dell's solution delivers on its efforts to be an end-to-end vendor.
  • Study: 23% of Users Run Outdated Browsers (0)November 8, 2012A study by Kaspersky Lab shows almost a quarter of users run outdated browsers, a critical mass that opens the door for browser exploits and attacks. The study also highlights security awareness gaps the channel can fill with patch management and back-to-basics user education.
  • Dell Launches Threat Service Trio (0)November 8, 2012Dell SecureWorks is cementing its credibility in the security intelligence space with three threat surveillance services, leveraging intelligence and analytics to combat APTs and other malware. This sets the stage for solution providers to bulk up their own specialized forensic services, offered at a premium.
  • ManageEngine Delivers Granular MSP Billing (0)November 8, 2012ManageEngine delivers a billing integration module for the ServiceDesk Plus platform, allowing MSPs to get a granular look at customer usage while automating the tracking and billing of client resources and services.
  • Will Partners Flee or Flock to Windows 8? (0)November 8, 2012We want to hear what trusted advisors in the channel think. Take our Windows 8 Implementation in the Channel survey now and tell us your plans for pushing or passing on Windows 8 for your clients.
  • Continuum Adds MDM to Hosted MSP Portfolio (0)November 8, 2012Continuum, a leader in hosted managed services, is extending to support mobile devices and the BYOD trend through a technology partnership with FiberLink. The arrangement gives Continuum and its MSP partners a foothold in the growing small business and midmarket MDM segment.
  • HP Overhauls HP-UX, Integrity, Superdome 2 (0)November 8, 2012HP's latest updates boost HP-UX, HP Integrity servers and HP Superdome 2 as HP seeks to provide the a data center foundation that will support next-generation IT workloads well into 2020.
  • Winge Out in Cisco Collaboration Unit Shakeup (0)November 8, 2012O.J. Winge, senior vice president of Cisco’s collaboration technology group is leaving the company, replaced by former Symantec exec Rowan Trollope.
  • Trend Micro MSP Program Eases Cloud Shift (0)November 8, 2012Trend Micro is making some major revisions to its MSP program that attempt to ease the way for solution providers in transition between traditional reseller and managed service models. However, the Tokyo-based security firm likely sees a market opportunity to monetize the entirety of customers' hybrid environments--one which partners can also leverage to expand services…
  • IDC Pinpoints Growing Application Markets (0)November 8, 2012IDC's latest predictions on the software market show that CRM, collaboration applications and virtualization are leading the business software market. For budding solution providers, these figures should provide a solid barometer of where best to specialize in 2013 and beyond.
  • Gap Widens Between Cloud Policies, Practice (0)November 8, 2012A study by cloud storage vendor Symform indicated a widening gap between cloud theory and practice. Not surprising. But that also means that despite cloud's popularity, there is still plenty of room for the channel to clear up misconceptions and put customers on the straight and narrow with their cloud strategies.
  • CA Enhances Service Management Portfolio (0)November 7, 2012CA Technologies enhances the CA Services Management portfolio with updates to the CA IT Asset Manager and CA Service Desk Manager, improving upon automated and intelligent tasks that can streamline work for both MSPs and IT admins.
  • LogicMonitor Connects to ConnectWise (0)November 7, 2012LogicMonitor debuts on the ConnectWise professional services automation platform, bringing a more holistic approach to IT infrastructure monitoring and management while ConnectWise continues to gain vendor support that fuels a growing base of MSPs.
  • Nominate Your Top Channel Influencers for 2012 (0)November 7, 2012Here at Channelnomics, we’re dedicated to recognizing the channel’s most influential people -- those forces in the industry that inspire, stimulate and make a powerful impact on the reseller and solution provider ecosystem.
  • Study: Channel Growth Often Directionless (0)November 7, 2012A new report by The 2112 Group finds that most solution providers want to grow their sales revenue and profits, but many do not engage in formal strategic planning and only have vague ideas for investing in their business development.
  • Apple Dumping Tech Partners, Resellers (1)November 7, 2012Apple is moving away from using Intel processors in Mac computers and Samsung chips in iPads and iPhones -- and, now, word is the company is purging reseller ranks around the world. Is this arrogance, as some charge, or a reflection of a changing channel dynamic?
  • AMD Bets Piledriver Will Drive Up Virtualization (0)November 7, 2012AMD's latest Opteron 6300 Series processors (nick-named Piledriver) set the stage for scalable virtualization systems that can handle large workloads with low power. Solution providers should take a peek at the CPU tech specs, particularly those specializing in virtualization and cloud systems -- or just consolidating data centers.
  • Cybersecurity Top Priority for Federal Verticals (0)November 6, 2012A study commissioned by Lockheed Martin and Cyber Security Alliance partners indicates cybersecurity is a top priority among federal, military and intelligence verticals. Despite previous setbacks, government and other public sector partners might do well to lay a foundation of strategy and policy in anticipation of future federal cybersecurity investments.
  • Oracle Test Services Refine Cloud Apps (0)November 6, 2012Oracle's new testing-as-a-service capabilities seek to help service providers, customers, partners and developers build robust apps for
  • Panda Security Launches Renewal Fee Program (0)November 6, 2012Panda Security launched a renewal fee program for its channel, an effort to entice and reward partners with a tangible commission for online product sales. If anything, the new program serves as an incentive aimed at enticing partner interest by playing upon sensitive subscription renewal issues.
  • HP Mobile Thin Clients Now Cloud-App Ready (0)November 6, 2012Hewlett-Packard launches a new laptop-style mobile thin client alongside a new and improved HP Device Manager, offering a modest boost to its virtualization portfolio with a thin client that is purpose-built to handle intensive mission-critical cloud and virtualized applications.
  • eFolder Gear Meshes Dell On-prem, Cloud BDR (0)November 6, 2012Managed service providers working with AppAssure backup tools from Dell Inc. have expanded options for selling and deploying hybrid BDR systems, courtesy of new appliances from eFolder.
  • 2112 Names Susan Kostbar New VP of Sales (0)November 6, 2012The 2112 Group, publisher of Channelnomics, appoints channel sales veteran Susan Kostbar to lead client relations and operations. Kostbar will oversee all business development and sales activities for the channel professional services firm.
  • Cisco Morphs TelePresence into a Cloud Service (0)November 6, 2012Cisco is accelerating channel enablement plans to push is avant garde TelePresence high-definition video collaboration platform a cloud-based service, freeing customers from deploying expensive infrastructure. It’s a good idea, but the bigger question is whether it will be enough to stave off low-cost rivals already in market?
  • Spiceworks Cloud Program Brings Apps to SMBs (0)November 6, 2012Spiceworks launches the Spiceworks Cloud Program, creating a platform that will help cloud vendors deliver their wares directly to the SMB communities that need them. Solution providers with cloud-based developmental efforts may find this an ideal on-ramp to market.
  • Volume Customers Start Getting Office 2013 (0)November 6, 2012Large Microsoft accounts subscribing to the Software Advantage program can now upgrade to the new version of Office, Exchange, SharePoint and Lync. General availability of Office 2013 may come as early as January. Microsoft may find that Office 2013 is a bigger hit than the release of Windows 8.
  • Researcher Details Serious Holes in Sophos AV (1)November 5, 2012Noted researcher Tavis Ormandy revealed a list of security flaws in Sophos antivirus products Monday, prompting the security vendor to scramble to resolve the vulnerabilities before they fall into the wrong hands.
  • Crossbeam Adds Elite Tier in Channel Expansion (0)November 5, 2012Crossbeam Systems is expanding its channel program to incorporate an Elite tier, aimed at rewarding its top performers with added support, resources, training and marketing materials. But when all's said and done, the moves speaks to the fact that end user environments are becoming more complex, and customers have little choice but to turn to…
  • Enterasys IdentiFi Allows Wide-Scale BYOD (0)November 5, 2012Enterasys continues to bolster its wireless networking capabilities with IdentiFi, a new wireless solution set that is designed for "hyper-dense" wireless deployments that can accommodate any size enterprise environment. With mobility on the rise, wireless infrastructure is a smart place for partners to specialize.
  • Brocade Finds SDN Love in Vyatta Acquisition (0)November 5, 2012Brocade picks up Vyatta as it seeks to expand its software-defined networking capabilities. However, with outgoing CEO Mike Klayko unsuccessful attempts at selling the company, Brocade's latest acquisition could also be an effort to add value to Brocade's bottom line.
  • Barracuda Appoints EMC Vet As CEO (0)November 5, 2012Firewall firm Barracuda Networks named EMC vet William Jenkins as its new CEO, a move that likely heralds a new era of growth, market expansion and a possible IPO. For the channel, that likely means new opportunities to dust off ambitions to tackle yet untapped, larger market segments.
  • NetApp Expands Midrange Storage Products (0)November 5, 2012NetApp rounds out its FAS storage line with two midrange products with Flash memory designed to give solution providers more options for building on-prem, hybrid and cloud storage infrastructure. The launch is sign NetApp intends to remain competitive amid increasingly aggressive rivals.
  • Poor Business Planning Hampers the Channel (0)November 5, 2012The channel is known for its technical capacity. It’s also known for its uneven sales, marketing and business performance. The new 2112 State of Channel Business Acumen report finds a lack of business management skills and strategic planning is hampering solution provider performance. Get the details in this new report.
  • Need Sandy to Teach You a Lesson? You Fail (2)November 5, 2012The media has been barking for a week about how superstorm Sandy should have taught us all a lesson in BC/DR. Nonsense.
  • GFI Software Files $100 Million IPO Plan (1)November 5, 2012Managed services and security vendor GFI Software last week filed plans for $100 million initial public offering. If successful, GFI will have a major war chest to expand its reach among remote monitoring and management tools users. Could this also be a prelude to a major managed services merger?
  • Sharp, Panasonic Lead Japan’s Troubled Techs (0)November 5, 2012A combination of stiff global competition, a difficult currency exchange rate and a perceived lack of innovation has some of the channel’s best-known Japan-based vendor partners on the ropes – and at least one of them may not make it to see 2013 through.
  • Cloud Adoption Sparks Services Spending Shift (0)November 5, 2012Gartner's latest research suggests that, while cloud services are converging and combining, they're always expanding. With organizations shifting budgetary requirements to more external IT services, solution providers should be gearing up to meet the demand.
  • Cisco’s Services Attitude Shows Disconnect (0)November 2, 2012Cisco's own Edison Peres opines that as-a-service consumption models are just starting to evolve and seeks partner feedback on the state of customer discussions. But if Cisco has only recognized this "new consumption model" now, it may mean Cisco is out of touch with the real needs of its partner community, and the IT channel…
  • RSA, FireEye Partner in Threat Monitoring (0)November 2, 2012RSA and FireEye are teaming to provide a new threat monitoring service, leveraging a combination of security analytics and threat detection capabilities garnered from both of their offerings. Among other things, the new service represents RSA's continued investment into the security analytics and monitoring space, which sets the stage for the channel to comfortably expand…
  • Avnet Bolsters HP Ranks With Genilogix Buy (0)November 2, 2012A little more than a week after it purchased its second IBM services specialist this year, technology distributor Avnet made another significant buy for its ATS unit, this time acquiring application lifecycle management firm Genilogix to round out its HP portfolio
  • Intermedia, Ingram Offer Help to Sandy Victims (1)November 2, 2012Cloud application and hosting provider Intermedia is offering businesses disrupted by Hurricane Sandy a month of free email service. The offer comes as other vendors contemplate relief efforts and New York area solution providers pick up the pieces for their impacted clients.
  • Microsoft Woos Developers to Back Windows 8 (0)November 2, 2012At the annual Build conference this week, Microsoft is rolling out the red carpet for application developers to create applications for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. While the new operating systems are getting good reviews, the big shortcoming is the lack of applications. Going forward, apps will make the difference in the success of…
  • HP Targets SMB With New Storage, Networking (0)November 2, 2012HP unleashes a new lineup of storage and networking solutions to bring a more modern data center to the burgeoning SMB. With channelized networking solutions that focus on wireless and mobility, opportunity exists for solution providers to build mobile-centric SMB offerings.
  • Windows Absent From Top Ten Vulnerabilities (0)November 1, 2012A Kaspersky Lab Q3 threat report has Windows curiously absent from the top 10 list of most pervasive vulnerabilities, thanks in part to automatic updates and enhanced security mechanisms. For the channel, that likely means the chance to dust off patch management services elsewhere for a change.
  • Cisco Updates Cloud Automation Platform (0)November 1, 2012Cisco takes to the cloud with version 3.1 of the Intelligent Automation tool for Cloud. Amid disparate cloud and multi-user provisioning environments, Cisco hopes to streamline and automate the use of private infrastructure resources to truly deliver on the promise of a private cloud.
  • Sophos Offers Free UTM Manager (0)November 1, 2012Sophos is offering partners a free UTM manager in a bid to expand channel managed services and drum up business around its UTM offerings. Whether the free offering will allow partners to break new ground in well-established UTM markets, though, remains to be seen.
  • Nirvanix Taps Brocade for Cloud Infrastructure (0)November 1, 2012Cloud storage specialist Nirvanix has tapped networking company Brocade for its networking technology, providing an overhaul to Nirvanix's scalable cloud storage solutions. Enhancements are always a bonus to the channel, but this partnership signals something deeper about technology convergence.
  • EMC Expands Velocity Service Provider Program (0)November 1, 2012EMC wants to capture a greater share of the expanding cloud channel by providing more support to service providers delivering cloud, solution providers building clouds and channel partners developing new cloud capacities. The approach is similar to those taken by other vendors, which raises questions about changing channel dynamics.
  • F-Secure Launches SMB Patching Tool (0)November 1, 2012Finnish endpoint security firm F-Secure has released an automated patching tool to help SMBs overcome patch management hurdles. The tool will likely help partners make greater inroads in SMB markets, while giving them the ability to add patch management services to their portfolio.
  • Cell Carriers Struggling to Restore N.E. Service (0)November 1, 2012Hurricane Sandy knocked out as much as 20 percent of the wireless telephony and data service in New York and New Jersey. At least one major relay station was taken out by surging flood waters. Power outages and downed transmission lines hinder service to stricken areas. Experts say the service disruption reflects the vulnerability of…
  • Citrix Eases VDI Roll Out With Project Accelerator (0)November 1, 2012Citrix launches a new and improved Project Accelerator, giving virtualization solution providers an easy-to-use tool in both the consultative and continuing development stages of virtualization migrations and VDI roll-out.
  • Post-Sandy Dispatch From Long Island (1)October 31, 20122112 Headquarters was disabled by Hurricane Sandy. Fortunately, our team across the region made it through the storm and is back in operations. We have a few observations from the front lines of the biggest disaster to befall the Northeast in a generation.
  • VMware Study Uncovers Cloud IaaS Adoption (0)October 31, 2012A VMware survey uncovers cloud infrastructure-as-a-service adoption has moved beyond initial wariness and into full-on execution. But while customers are eager to adopt, there's qualifications that must be met before trust is fully placed into the cloud. Solution providers: Take note.
  • Study: SMBs Require Security Literacy (0)October 31, 2012A new study indicates the majority of SMBs require new hires to be proficient in security best practices from day one, but most SMB policies lack basic security education and training for existing employees. The channel will likely be called on to bridge some of those glaring security gaps.
  • EMC to Acquire Silver Tail Systems (1)October 31, 2012EMC is planning to add Web intelligence and behavioral analysis to its arsenal with the acquisition of Silver Tail. The move indicates the growing fervor around Big Data analytics and intelligence-based solutions. It also signals a paradigm shift for partners, who will have to rethink their approach to security.
  • Lenovo Introduces Enterprise Product Group (0)October 31, 2012Lenovo eyes the enterprise as it expands its PC-making business with the Lenovo Enterprise Product Group. With ex-Dell brass heading up the new group, Lenovo plans to target cloud, server and storage with new products and a growing channel presence.
  • Ingram Micro Takes Broad Tack in Win8 Promo (0)October 31, 2012Ingram Micro is hitting the ground running in the way only a broadline distributor really can, with a multi-vendor solutions approach to help channel partners position, demo and sell Windows 8.
  • Cisco Vet Fancher to Lead Comstor in U.S. (0)October 31, 2012Distributor Westcon Group scored a bit of a coup today naming a well known Cisco channel veteran to head up its Cisco-centric Comstor business unit efforts in the U.S.
  • Updated Splunk Big Data Tools Speed App Dev (0)October 31, 2012The Big Data tools vendor this week rolled out a new version of its eponymous flagship product giving developers a faster, more resilient and easier to use applications platform.
  • Accountability Is an Essential Growth Element (2)October 31, 2012Vendors and solution providers want to leverage their respective resources for growth. Often lacking in the channel, though, is a sense of accountability. In the coming year, vendors and solution providers need to own up to their commitments and actions to ensure a greater chance of reaching their collective goals.
  • John Chen Steps Down From SAP’s Sybase Post (0)October 30, 2012With his organization now fully folded into SAP, well known technology executive John Chen, who ran Sybase for the better part of two decades, is stepping down from his chief executive’s post.
  • Study: 33 Percent Fail To Apply Full AV (2)October 30, 2012A B2B report based on a study commissioned by Kaspersky Lab indicated that a third of organizations fail to deploy full antivirus, leaving various systems vulnerable to threats. The findings just go to show that there is still room in the channel to carve out new business in antivirus markets with implementation and back-to-basics education.
  • IT Pros Most Confident About Economy, Jobs (0)October 30, 2012A new study out today shows confidence among IT workers is the highest among all of the industries tracked and the rosy mood continues to rise thanks to continued innovations in areas such as cloud computing.
  • HP Revamps Printers With Speed, Integrations (0)October 30, 2012Hewlett Packard revamped its flagship printers with accelerated speed and cloud integration features--a move that makes good on Whitman's pledge to regain profitability in print markets. For the channel, the launch could open a few more doors to customers, while possibly creating new niches that satisfy print needs amid burgeoning cloud and Big Data trends.
  • Marketing Is Quality In, Quality Out (0)October 30, 2012Many vendor channel marketers believe they only get their money’s worth if the programs they manage or invest in generate a certain number of leads. The problem with this mentality is that leads are not a guarantee of a sales conversion. What's needed is a new way of looking at sustained marketing programs that produce…
  • Microsoft Beefs Up Yammer Integrations (1)October 30, 2012Microsoft is expanding capabilities with new collaboration and security integrations for its enterprise social networking tool Yammer. If anything, the integrations suggest Microsoft is dead serious about leveraging its ESN presence -- and the channel should be, too.
  • FireMon Embeds Security in SDN (0)October 30, 2012FireMon has its sights set on the software-defined networking space with the vision of embedding security into the SDN controller. While still on the drawing board, the security and risk management firm's ambitions open management and services opportunities for partners, while setting the stage for a paradigm shift that could take the networking security market…
  • Fortinet, Bradford Team on Mobile Security (0)October 29, 2012Fortinet and Bradford Networks have partnered to offer a joint mobile security solution that will likely allow partners to delve into mobile security practices and compete in the rapidly heating market. That said, Fortinet might be playing catch-up with competitors.
  • CommVault IntelliSnap Brings Storage Automation (0)October 29, 2012CommVault unleashes Simpana IntelliSnap Recovery Manager, bringing a holistic backup and recovery approach to all virtual and physical systems. With granular recovery options, this platform helps solution providers bring storage automation to compliance-heavy industries and burgeoning enterprises.
  • WatchGuard Tweaks MSSP Revenues (0)October 29, 2012WatchGuard Technologies has rolled out changes to its MSSP program that aligns services revenues more closely with subscription models. The program tweaks address profitability and management concerns that were a barrier to entry for service providers transitioning customers to subscription-based services.
  • Riverbed Optimizes Optimization With OPNET (0)October 29, 2012Riverbed expands its network optimization prowess by acquiring OPNET Technologies, bringing an additional layer of network and application performance management, reporting and visibility to Riverbed's solution set. Amid the boom of hosted solutions, Riverbed's acquisition is well timed, especially as MSPs are tasked with ensuring quality-of-service in multi-tenant and multi-cloud environments.
  • China Unicom Bumps Cisco Over Security (2)October 29, 2012In what’s already being described as a “tit-for-tat” move, China Unicom is booting Cisco Systems' switches from its massive Internet backbone network, citing security vulnerabilities and the potential for “backdoors.” It’s basically the same allegations made by the U.S against Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE.
  • Where Presidential Candidates Stand on Tech (0)October 29, 2012As the 2012 presidential election winds down into its final full week, the candidates are scrambling to make sure their message has been heard by a diverse group of voters particularly in closely contested states such as Ohio and Florida. Here is a compilation of statements and positions from the four candidates on technology and…
  • Intel, RSA and AMD Form Security Alliance (0)October 29, 2012AMD, Intel and RSA are among a handful of stakeholders forming the Cyber Security Research Alliance, which, among other things, aims to foster more collaboration between private industry and government regarding cybersecurity issues. Assuming the alliance has the ability to mobilize, that could mean more opportunities for government and other security partners to have a…
  • Microsoft Has a Hit, and It’s Not Windows 8 (1)October 29, 2012After more than a year of waiting, the Windows 8 operating system and the Surface tablet officially hit the market last week to much fanfare. Microsoft needs a hit, but the surprise comes with Surface, which has sold out of its initial inventory. More surprising, there’s more moderate enthusiasm for the new version of Windows.
  • 2013 Tech Trends Are Channel Aligned (0)October 29, 2012Mobility, cloud and advanced computing technologies are taking focus in 2013, painting a bright picture of opportunity for channel partners that are looking to take the next step in delivering next-generation solutions.
  • Doubts About the Future of EMC-Cisco Alliance (0)October 29, 2012EMC is cozying up to longtime collaborator Cisco Systems after ending speculation that it would buy networking challenger Juniper Networks. The EMC-Cisco alliance has been under pressure for more than a year as both companies plied into technologies that created competitive conflicts to their alliance. Stepping back from the brink won’t end the strain, though.
  • New Relic Rolls Out Channel Program (0)October 26, 2012SaaS-based cloud application performance management firm New Relic, Inc launched a new channel program, which aims to bolster partners' capabilities and value by combining New Relic's solutions with their own. Meanwhile, the new partner program is a testament to the expansion of performance management niches, which will likely only continue to grow as organizations bump…
  • Windows 8 May Herald Windows XP Migrations (0)October 26, 2012Windows 8 has arrived, but for many businesses, the road to Windows 7 is just beginning. Cloud provider TerraCloud says the "tip of the iceberg" has arrived for Windows XP migration woes, but channel partners can flip these troubles into opportunities with a few simple steps.
  • M2M Security Expected To Rise (0)October 26, 2012An ABI Research report indicated that M2M security is anticipated to grow -- not surprising considering that more infrastructure is increasingly placed online. And security solution providers need to be ready to expand services into new markets to protect ill-equipped utility and manufacturing industries from the threat of cyberattacks.
  • Surface Tablet a Potential Enterprise Trojan (2)October 26, 2012As of today, the Microsoft Surface tablet is for sale, but only through restricted channels controlled by Microsoft. Few expect Surface to disrupt Apple’s overwhelming tablet market share, but some solution providers believe Microsoft’s first computing device may become a lost-leader to capture enterprise software sales.
  • FatCloud Offers .NET Approach to Cloud (0)October 26, 2012FatCloud offers a way for ISVs and solution providers to build easy-to-deploy cloud and mobile applications by leveraging .NET against the company's specialized cloud backbone and Microsoft's Windows Communication Foundation.
  • Gartner Offers Simple 3-Part MDM Strategy (0)October 25, 2012Gartner outlines a simple 3-step plan that can help both channel partners and customers manage and built a more security mobile device strategy as tablets take hold in the enterprise.
  • Trend Micro Releases Window 8 App Trio (0)October 25, 2012Security firm Trend Micro was one of the first to jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon with a trio of security apps compatible with the new OS. Being first out the gate, the move will likely give channel partners a bit of a competitive advantage--at least for now.
  • McAfee Channel Chief Calls for Focus (1)October 25, 2012McAfee global channel chief Gavin Struthers called on solution providers attending this weeks Partner Summit in Las Vegas to pick fewer vendor suppliers, focus on planning and execution, and leverage profitability tools to accelerate growth.
  • Verizon: Most Health Care Attacks Target SMBs (0)October 25, 2012A Verizon breakdown of cyberattacks by industry reveals cybercriminals launch more sophisticated attacks on financial services, but go after health care data by targeting small doctors offices. This serves as a valuable road map for partners zoning in on prospective customers with relevant security solutions.
  • Box Enterprise Ambitions Expand to Windows 8 (0)October 25, 2012Box Inc. launches their Windows 8 application, providing users with a deep level of integration that can nearly supplant local storage on Windows 8 devices. As Box vies more enterprise customers, this cloud solution is unique way for users to leverage its services and create stickiness. Partners sell storage solutions should take note.
  • SAP Goes Social to Recruit Partners (0)October 25, 2012Looking to greatly expand its base of resellers, business software vendor SAP is drafting its employees to use their social networks to find solution providers to join its channel program.
  • Windows 8 Security Requires Balance (0)October 25, 2012Windows 8 rolls out with a host of security features that promise to pick up where Windows 7 left off. Partners say Windows 8 could ultimately be the catalyst for a more integrated and holistic security approach -- that is, if Microsoft's new OS can learn from past mistakes and effectively strike the right balance…
  • Windows 8 a Transitional Challenge for Partners (0)October 25, 2012Microsoft Partners speak out on Windows 8, discussing the migration challenges and the future of Windows for the business world. Like many Windows refreshes in the past, the latest is likely to be a journey with many challenges, but if the conditions are right, it could be one worth taking.
  • Symantec Showing Signs of Life Under New CEO (0)October 24, 2012Symantec surprised the market with better-than-expected quarterly earnings, which prove an early indicator that new CEO Steve Bennett and his management are making progress in reforming the security and storage software company. The big changes, dubbed Symantec 4.0, won’t come until January 2013.
  • T-Mobile, Lookout Team On Security Service (0)October 24, 2012T-Mobile and mobile security firm Lookout have partnered to launch a mobile security service that aims to stave off the exponential rise of Android malware. For partners, the inclusion of security as standard issue on mobile devices could serve to set the stage for customer migration to more robust MDM solutions as Android threats continue…
  • Cloud, Dedup Spur Backup Frenzy (2)October 24, 2012Backup and recovery appears all the rage right now, made evident by a wave of recent product and channel program launches. So what's the big draw for backup these days? Cloud, compliance and deduplication to name a few.
  • N-able Enables Partner Upgrades at Summit (0)October 24, 2012At N-able's global partner summit, N-able focuses on partner growth with a continuation of their freemium licensing program, in addition to automation integration with Autotask and ConnectWise for improved work flow and network assessments.
  • Whitman to Cisco: HP’s Hand Better Than Yours (3)October 24, 2012Cisco's John Chambers said HP lost its way and might not survive a coming industry shakeout. Now it's Meg Whitman's turn to fire back.
  • Obama, Romney May Ignore EU, but IT Can’t (0)October 24, 2012The presidential candidates may be ignoring the festering economic crisis in Europe, but IT professionals need to stay focused on a deteriorating EU, which is dragging down the entire industry.
  • McAfee Management Tools Close Security Gaps (0)October 24, 2012McAfee launchs a new vulnerability and asset management solution to leverage intelligence and contextual awareness to better locate assets and more accurately identify security holes. This is a boon for partners to more accurately determine value on customers' risk and potentially affected assets.
  • Data Security Is Focus as Apple Eyes Enterprise (0)October 24, 2012Apple's iPad mini sets the stage for an expansion of tablets in the enterprise, likely requiring channel partners to support more devices. But as devices expand, the real focus won't be on the tablets themselves, but the protection of data therein.
  • Riverbed Gives MSPs Virtualized App Monitoring (0)October 23, 2012Riverbed launches Cascade 10, equipped with a full line of network performance tools to monitor virtual appliances. The company seeks to give service providers the ability to deliver application performance management-as-a-service with a layer of optimization.
  • Kaspersky Lab Retools Password Security (0)October 23, 2012Kaspersky Lab is giving a new spin to new password security by introducing a technology that allows users to develop their own special input methods to secure their accounts. The idea has merit, but if history is any indication, getting users to adopt the solution open arms might be easier said than done.
  • Cisco: Cloud Data Set for Six-Fold Rise (0)October 23, 2012A Cisco Systems, Inc. study indicated that data center traffic is set to quadruple, driven primarily by cloud data that is projected grow by a factor of six by 2016. In light of the anticipated barrage of Big Data, partners will need to be standing by to ready and optimize networks to ensure customer performance.
  • Incapsula Unveils Hosting Partner Program (0)October 23, 2012Incapsula launches a new web hosting partner program, bringing a unique virtualized security perimeter to cloud and web-based services. Solution providers that deliver exclusively through the cloud may also find Incapsula's new cPanel plugin useful for security insight and visibility.
  • FishNet IAM Launch Boosts Health Care Security (1)October 23, 2012FIshNet Security has rolled out an identity and access management solution targeting the health care industry. The solution, however, also speaks to the growing channel opportunities around emerging health care security niches.
  • Ingram Micro Names Top Vendor Partners (0)October 23, 2012Ingram Micro Inc. recently gave props to the vendors who supply the gear and the tools that make IT services happen.
  • Xerox Results Mark End of Printers’ Golden Age (4)October 23, 2012Xerox reports a 12 percent decline in quarterly revenue, and demand for printers and associated consumables has slid. Other printer vendors, including Hewlett-Packard and Lexmark, are pushing managed print as the future, but the disruption caused by tablets and smartphones has reached its zenith. The golden age of printing is finally over.
  • SMBs Seek Channel Amid Complexity (0)October 23, 2012A new survey from The NPD Group suggests channel opportunity is still bountiful in the SMB community, particularly with complex storage, server and network infrastructure implementation. What does this say about the future of channel services?
  • Huawei in Mind as Candidates Spar Over China (1)October 22, 2012The U.S. presidential candidates may have avoided naming technology companies specifically, but the specter of Chinese industrial espionage and security threats at the hands of companies like Huawei and ZTE was top of mind during a vigorous foreign policy debate Monday night.
  • Amazon AWS Outage Amps Cloud Concerns (2)October 22, 2012The Amazon Web Services outage that took out several major Web sites earlier today is bound to have ramifications beyond just the millions of users who couldn’t vote up their favorite Reddit post or check in with their friends on Foursquare.
  • CloudLock Firewall Locks-Down Google Apps (0)October 22, 2012CloudLock brings its flavor of firewall technology to the Google Apps ecosystem, providing a simplified way to protect critical Google App data from 3rd party web-apps that live in the Google Apps ecosystem. Google App resellers and cloud solution providers can leverage CloudLock to bring a built-in layer of security to the Google Apps domain.
  • IBM Secures Big Data, Cloud, Mobile Platforms (0)October 22, 2012IBM rolled out a comprehensive serial security solutions that protect cloud, mobile and Big Data environments. The mission? Overcoming security as the primary objection to adoption, which will no doubt give parters a few more cards to play when approaching customers. But the roll-out also indicates an inevitable paradigm shift to holistic, multi-platform security solutions.
  • HP Services Anywhere Is Service Desk Cloud (0)October 22, 2012HP launches HP Services Anywhere SaaS suite, bringing a cloud-based service desk to enterprise corporations looking for a streamlined way to replace ailing help-desk resolution services. With flexible licensing options, solution providers could also use this solution for their own purposes.
  • Android, Mac Threats Expand Security Offerings (0)October 22, 2012A Q3 security roundup reported released by Trend Micro report indicated that Android malware has skyrocketed, driven in part by a groundswell of aggressive adware apps. Among other things, the report indicates the continuation of an Android malware trend that has made mobile security an increasingly necessary part of partner offerings.
  • Business Apps Come Into Focus in 2013 (1)October 22, 2012A Zenprise survey shows more businesses are taking mobile initiatives and developing in-house apps to suit business needs and bring mobility into the workplace. As the trend increases, there's potential for the channel to capitalize on this demand and shape the mobile-first future today.
  • Motorola HC1 is Ahead in Wearable Computing (0)October 22, 2012Motorola Solutions is setting the mark in wearable, hands-free enterprise computing with its new HC1, a headset that’s a fully functional, voice-activated PC designed for labor-intensive and hazardous work environments. It may just be the first entry into a new class of mobile computing.
  • WatchGuard, AVG Ease Security Management (1)October 22, 2012WatchGuard Technologies is releasing a “self-provisioning” firewall, while AVG Technologies is entering the managed services segment with an easy setup and admin antivirus and Web filtering platform. The underlying theme: simplifying security.
  • Avnet’s Latest Buy Continues IBM Services Focus (0)October 22, 2012The acquisition late last week of business analytics and performance management consultancy BrightStar Partners is the latest in a series of buys to bolster professional services capacity at the distributor.
  • HP May Be Gearing Up for Storage Push (0)October 22, 2012Reports indicated Hewlett-Packard is cutting ties with solid-state storage partner Violin Memory and bringing its 3PAR acquisition to the front lines. The move, if proven true, could signal HP is looking to grow its $4 billion storage business into a significant contender against the likes of EMC and NetApp.
  • KeepItSafe Launches Online Backup Channel (0)October 19, 2012Online backup and disaster recovery provider KeepItSafe is attempting to carve a bigger niche in the online backup market with a new channel program rollout that gives partners the ability to expand specialized services for their SMB and other customers. The launch is also a testament to the cloud's rapid momentum in the backup and…
  • Optimization Services Take Focus in 2017 (0)October 19, 2012New reports from ABI Research predict that optimization services will become part of the normal managed services routine, especially as the volume of complex data on networks comes up against the limitations of bandwidth and the ongoing demand for more responsive cloud services.
  • Patent List Grows in Juniper, Palo Alto Suit (0)October 19, 2012The suit brought by Juniper against rival Palo Alto Networks continues its slow plod through the courts and through several unproductive attempts at settling the matter before trial.
  • Canada Bolsters Cybersecurity Coffers (0)October 19, 2012Say what you want about Canada, but they're forking over $158 million (U.S.) to bolster cybersecurity infrastructure and protect critical systems--and that's on top of what they're already spending. That means Canadian solution providers are likely pulling out their government Rolodex's and revving up to help get those projects underway.
  • Distributors Playing More Pivotal Channel Role (0)October 19, 2012Suppliers are beginning to turn to distributors more frequently in an effort to increase brand awareness, market penetration and overall relationships with end-users.
  • Palo Alto Networks Plays Disruptor Role Well (3)October 19, 2012The pioneer of next-generation firewall technology is surging in sales and mindshare as it continues to impress the market with stellar growth, while rival legacy-security companies are seeing shares slump. Is now the time for security solution providers to jump on the Palo Alto Networks bandwagon?
  • Tech Data Offers Credit Through TDPrioritySMB (0)October 19, 2012Tech Data launches the specialized TDPrioritySMB program, bringing new credit and financing options for its community of SMB resellers.
  • Microsoft Needs Windows 8 to be a Big Hit (0)October 19, 2012Pressure is building on Microsoft to make Windows 8 a hit as sales of its Windows division fell 33 percent in the last quarter as businesses and consumers hold off on buying new PCs. While there are high hopes for Windows 8, the latest Microsoft earnings numbers and those of strategic partners’ shows success isn’t…
  • Fortinet Launches OS, Product Revamp (0)October 18, 2012Fortinet has come out with another comprehensive product refresh, revamping its FortiOS and series of security appliances with tweaks that include support for virtual platforms, intelligence capabilities and advanced security mechanisms. That bodes well for partnersl, which can leverage the capabilities to diversity their portfolio and further hone practices in virtualization and mobile management.
  • Windows 8 Tablet-Ready, Desktop Not So Much (0)October 18, 2012Mike Romp of SWC Technology talks about his experience with Windows 8 and where Windows 8 tablets fit in to the workplace. The bottom line? Windows 8 is a complement -- not a replacement strategy -- for existing Windows deployments.
  • Check Point Boosts Appliance With Power (0)October 18, 2012Check Point Software Technologies gave its new security appliance a bit of a power boost, giving partners a means to start upsell conversations with customers. Meanwhile, amid rapidly evolving technology trends, the security appliance market is also experiencing a bit of a metamorphosis, and the firm will likely have to find new ways to stay…
  • Carbonite Zmanda Acquisition Afirms SMB Focus (0)October 18, 2012Carbonite acquires backup and recovery company Zmanda, bringing a wealth of enterprise-level storage prowess to the Carbonite portfolio. Considering Carbonite's efforts to grow its new channel program, this acquisition should give a considerable boost to partner portfolios as they reach out into the SMB space.
  • Most Dell EMEA Sales Now Go Through Channel (0)October 18, 2012It’s the kind of milestone that might have seemed hard to imagine just five years ago. Dell, a vendor that made its bones selling directly to end-users, now makes the majority of its sales in EMEA though the channel.
  • Seculert Service Adds Big Data Forensics (0)October 18, 2012Cloud security firm Seculert has launched a new cloud service, which applies a Big Data analytics to detect Advanced Persistent Threats. For now, that gives partners a competitive advantage in tackling sophisticated malware for customers. But increasingly evasive and complex threats will likely make analytics turn into a security necessity in the not-too-distant future.
  • Tablet Tsunami Will Drive MDM Demand (0)October 18, 2012Before the end of the month, Microsoft will release its long anticipated Surface tablet, PC manufactures will debut at least 20 Windows 8 tablets, and Apple and Best Buy are coming out with new tablets of their own. All these tablets will pressure businesses to control BYOD devices entering the workplace.
  • SAP HANA One Hits AWS Marketplace (0)October 18, 2012SAP launches SAP HANA One for the Amazon Web Services cloud, allowing customers and service providers to quickly launch and deploy both 'forward facing' and internal HANA applications that use SAP HANA's in-memory database capabilities.
  • White House Finds No Evidence Huawei Spies (0)October 18, 2012A security review by the White House found no evidence China-based Huawei Technologies and ZTE intentionally spy on the U.S. government or engage in corporate espionage, contradicting an earlier report by a U.S. House committee. However, Huawei products are entirely free of security concerns.
  • HP Debuts Concierge Portal for SMB Partners (0)October 17, 2012Finding more and better ways to engage the potential partners in the small and midsize business strata is the driving force behind a new online resource portal dubbed the HP Partner Concierge
  • ’10 Month’ Zero Days Renew Focus on Heuristics (0)October 17, 2012Symantec released a report indicating that zero-day exploits have an average shelf life of around 10 months before being detected, indicating that antivirus vendors are failing to adequately protect their customers. While not surprising to the channel, the research underscores increased opportunities for them to continue migrating customers to heuristics and behavior-based solutions.
  • Kaspersky Parts With Sales VP Reynolds (1)October 17, 2012Kaspersky Lab has parted ways with Nancy Reynolds, a longtime fixture in the security channel, after nearly three years as head of sales for the security software company.
  • Level Platforms Offers Automation Overhaul (0)October 17, 2012Level Platform's introduces Managed Workplace 2012 R2, featuring enhanced cloud connectivity, new automation tools, refined device provisioning and reporting capabilities, all designed to give MSPs more overhead to breathe and more room to grow.
  • CA Updates ARCserve, New Licensing for MSPs (0)October 17, 2012CA Technologies overhauls ARCserve to offer high-availability, cross-platform, cloud-based backup capabilities, in addition to new licensing options for MSPs which should make adopting recovery capabilities a more simplified and manageable process.
  • The Death of Big Data As We Know It (3)October 17, 2012Big Data is its final days, a victim of its own white-hot fame. Enjoy it while it lasts.
  • Poor IBM Earnings Reflect Uncertain Tech Market (0)October 17, 2012IBM yesterday reported down third quarter earnings that barely beat Wall Street expectations. A number of reasons contributed to the miss, most notably the continued weakness in the global economy and the poor near-term outlook.
  • Waning Low-Hanging Fruit Driving Vendor Feuds (0)October 17, 2012Chatter about increasing tensions between Cisco, VMware and EMC are only scratching the surface of what’s really fueling these vendor spats from competitive skirmishes to full-blown wars. They’re a reflection of the low-hanging fruit going away and the need to capture more wallet share with fewer products.
  • Avaya Partner Gets Plug in Presidential Debate (0)October 17, 2012President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney rumbled over a litany of foreign and domestic policy issues in last night’s second presidential debate. Through the political barbs and policy challenges, one Long Island solution provider, Global Telecom Supply – the “brain trust” of Mineola – got a small mention in the discourse.
  • Microsoft Buying Cloud Storage Ace StorSimple (0)October 16, 2012Whatever traction solution providers were seeing developing hybrid storage systems as an adjunct to Azure cloud services was dealt a stiff blow when Microsoft announced it was acquiring StorSimple.
  • Sophos Tweaks Free Virus, Mobile Security Tools (1)October 16, 2012Sophos is once again updating its free mobile security and virus removal tools. The move has merit for partners, who can leverage raised brand awareness and free apps for services, but also indicates that the anti-virus and endpoint security firm means business in the fiercely competitive MDM space.
  • Two-Factor Authentication Set For Revival? (1)October 16, 2012The New York Times recently heralded two-factor authentication as a means to reduce Web site hacks for major services such as Google and Amazon. While the security solution has been slow to gain momentum in most market segments, cloud and mobile technologies could serve to rekindle growth and allow the channel to reach a wider…
  • Cisco Shows New Cloud Collaboration Wares (0)October 16, 2012Cisco is looking to come at collaboration from all conceivable cloud angles -- and to take their partners along for the ride -- with new enhancements to its telepresence, Web conferencing, unified communications and contact center solutions portfolio.
  • Selling Backup and Recovery: Fear Vs. Comfort (0)October 16, 2012How do you convince clients they need backup or dissuade them from free consumer storage options? Strike a little fear in their hearts, then bundle it in a service they love.
  • What Declining Search Says About Selling Services (0)October 16, 2012Research shows overall web search traffic is in decline as users flock to more relevant and personalized ways to get at information. What does this trend in search tell us about how solution providers should target their own apps, solutions and services?
  • Rackspace Validates Private Cloud Partners (0)October 15, 2012Rackspace launches a new set of certifications built around private cloud technologies, giving its partner community the ability to specialize and differentiate themselves in the private cloud marketplace while validating their designs and solutions against the Rackspace Cloud.
  • McAfee Releases Spate Of Database Suites (0)October 15, 2012McAfee released a slew of database security suites aimed at protecting both physical and virtual environments, heralding an era of multi-platform threats and channel opportunities to bulk up cross-platform expertise.
  • Study: SMBs Unconcerned About Security (0)October 15, 2012A joint study by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Symantec Corp. indicates the vast majority of SMBs believe themselves to be secure, but don't have any kind of security plan in place. And while there are opportunities for partners to educate customers and break new ground with SMBs, they face an uphill battle in…
  • SAP’s Mobile Apps Strategy Slow But Steady (0)October 15, 2012SAP's Mobile Apps Program spurs new enterprise-ready apps, alongside a renewed focus on the company's mobile strategy. But what can SAP's efforts tell us about the evolution of the mobile-first landscape?
  • HP Enhances ServiceOne Tools, Resources (0)October 15, 2012Watching products sales slump and competition increase, Hewlett-Packard sees professional services delivered by solution providers as a means for protecting its install base and extending value to end users.
  • Channel Warms to Maturing Video-as-a-Service (0)October 15, 2012Video collaboration technology is becoming more interoperable in the cloud. With it, the channel has an ideal opportunity to capitalize on both the tech convergence and the coming wave of demand.
  • Channel Goal: Be More Valuable Than a Toilet (0)October 15, 2012The channel often speaks about the value it delivers in technology solutions, integration and support. At the same time, it’s constantly fighting competitive and economic forces that drive down prices and profitability. Buyers want value, and it’s incumbent upon solution providers to prove it. A simple test: Is your solution more valuable than a toilet?
  • Jail, Hard Lessons in Cisco Gear Resale Scam (0)October 15, 2012While Cisco and Verizon battle to get their court-ordered restitution after being bilked out of $2.8 million in equipment by a rogue employee, at least one channel reseller has been left holding the bag.
  • Looming AMD Layoffs Another Sign of PC Slump (0)October 15, 2012The world’s number two chipmaker could lay off 10 to 30 percent of its global workforce to cut costs amid a continuing slowdown in conventional PC sales.
  • Study: E-mail Biggest Data Loss Vector (0)October 12, 2012A study released by security and governance firm Axway indicates e-mail -- even excrypted e-mail -- is the biggest vector for data loss. For partners, this means more opportunities to introduce solutions that provide better visibility into data ingress and egress, and perhaps throw in some back-to-basics training that reinforces adherence to e-mail security policies.
  • Dell’s Windows 8 Lineup Revealed (0)October 12, 2012Dell launches its first fleet of Windows 8 PCs custom-built to be sleek, stylish and functional for the business world. With a heavy nod to the BYOD trend and consumer needs, Dell's units are well-equipped for Microsoft's new operating system.
  • Verizon Expands MDM With Mobility-as-a-Service (0)October 12, 2012Verizon has significantly expanded its mobile device management solution with the launch of Enterprise Mobility-as-a-Service, an end-to-end release bolstered with security and management capabilities that aims to take territory in the MDM space while curbing MDM efforts by security industry peers.
  • China Blames Cisco for Huawei’s U.S. Woes (1)October 12, 2012Analysts and government officials in China are rising to the defense of Huawei, saying its chief American rival, Cisco, is to blame for fanning the flames of suspected security risk of U.S. companies using Chinese-made telecommunications equipment. For its part, Cisco is using the controversy to rekindle Huawei's intellectual property theft record.
  • Avaya’s Scopia Specialization Targets Polycom (0)October 12, 2012Avaya rolls out its Radvision Scopia video solution certification for all Avaya Connect channel partners. With more partners gearing up to deliver video solutions, Avaya is positioning itself against rivals like Polycom, which have been dominating the video-conferencing space.
  • Datto Revamps Partner Program (0)October 11, 2012Backup and recovery firm Datto is giving its partner program a makeover, complete with new tiers, marketing materials, and lead-sharing and training opportunities. The program's expansion signifies a strong and viable niche for hardware-based backup and recovery solutions, even as cloud and virtualized BDR trends gain traction.
  • Simpana 9 Now Ready for Windows Server 2012 (0)October 11, 2012CommVault's Simpana 9 now arrives with full integration into Microsoft's upcoming Windows Server 2012 system. With hooks into the Azure Cloud, solution providers can automate advanced data migration, protection and archiving capabilities for the underlying data driving mission-critical cloud applications and VMs.
  • Amid Huawei Row, CTIA Wants More Info Sharing (0)October 11, 2012Despite allegations that two of its members pose a threat to U.S. national security, the world’s largest wireless networking advocacy group is urging vendors and carriers to share more information with each other and the government in pursuit of safer networks.
  • Rapid7 Adds MRM With Mobilisafe Buy (0)October 11, 2012Rapid7 is adding mobile risk management with the acquisition of Mobilisafe, a move that allows partners to hone mobile security expertise but indicates the market is also becoming more specialized.
  • Google Launches Google Apps Reseller APIs (0)October 11, 2012Google launches a set of reseller APIs that allow customizable access to Google Apps, alongside streamlined abilities to view customer information and bring new customers into the Google Apps ecosystem via self-service portals.
  • Lenovo King of PCs; Does It Matter? (0)October 11, 2012As predicted, the third quarter PC market share numbers show Lenovo edged out Hewlett-Packard to become king of the desktop and notebooks. But does it matter as conventional PCs commoditize and the market shifts to mobile devices?
  • As U.S. Rejects, U.K. Embraces Huawei (0)October 11, 2012The U.S. government labeled Huawei a security risk, prompting businesses to rethink working with Chinese tech giant. The U.K., though, is embracing Huawei as the networking company invests $2 billion in a new headquarters outside London.
  • Amazon Brings AWS Features to GovCloud (0)October 11, 2012Amazon's surge of government customers has promoted updates and expansions to the Amazon Web Services GovCloud platform, which now supports many AWS features and has an expanded base of compliance capabilities. With many government agencies moving to the cloud, the proliferation of this platform is well timed for AWS partners.
  • IBM, AT&T Partner on Secure Cloud Service (0)October 10, 2012IBM is attempting to raise its cloud profile, partnering with AT&T to offer a joint “network-enabled” cloud service that provides access to IBM’s backend infrastructure over AT&T’s secure network. The duo is playing the security angle, a move that might be crucial in differentiating against Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle and other major competitors.
  • SAP: Channel Maturing, Says Gilroy, Wilkinson (0)October 10, 2012SAP provides an update to the growth channel program, which outlines how SAP is mobilizing its channel presence as it seeks to gain a competitive edge against rivals like Oracle in business intelligence space.
  • Trend Micro E-mail Security Combats APTs (0)October 10, 2012Trend Micro is beefing up security features in its e-mail products with DLP, sophisticated scanning and heuristics to thwart spear phishing and other targeted attacks. This allows partners to offer new value and rejuvenate demand in the saturated e-mail security market.
  • ExpressPod Brings FlexPod to the SMB (0)October 10, 2012Cisco and NetApp team to expand the FlexPod ecosystem to the SMB with a streamlined ExpressPod system. With boosted partner support for the new solution set, Cisco may be looking to capture more of the private cloud market, especially as Oracle attempts similar feats.
  • Huawei Faces Fallout From Security Report (1)October 10, 2012A Channelnomics poll finds a majority of solution providers don't believe their customers will want to work with suspect foreign vendors or their distributors. The continuing controversy is threatening to escalate tensions that could lead to a trade war between the U.S. and China.
  • Symantec Prepping for January Reboot (2)October 10, 2012Security and storage software vendor Symantec is looking to evolve and drive at least 5 percent year-over-year organic growth. And just how Big Yellow will achieve this goal will be unveiled in January 2013.
  • CA Folds Nimsoft Into Larger Portfolio (0)October 10, 2012Nearly two and a half years after acquiring Nimsoft, CA Technologies is ending the autonomy of the managed services enabling unit and will bring it into closer alignment with the rest of the company’s broader services portfolio.
  • Cloud Choice Today Matters Tomorrow (0)October 10, 2012As the cloud matures and solution providers partner up with vendors, deciding which cloud vendor to align with will become important to the overall outcome of success in the cloud services space. Currently, open source solutions have come up against vertically integrated cloud stacks, but which solution platform is right for the future?
  • Former Cisco VP Amanda Jobbins Lands UK Job (0)October 9, 2012Cisco's former vice president of global partner marketing Amanda Jobbins, a popular member of the channel community, has landed a new job as chief marketing officer for U.K.-based software and services firm Sage Group.
  • RSA Fills Gaps With Authentication Release (1)October 9, 2012RSA, the security division of EMC, released an authentication solution designed protect sensitive information from being exposed and to fill in crucial database security gaps. For partners, this means a new tool to prevent customers from falling victim to password-hacking shenanigans.
  • Windows Server 2012 Essentials Hits RTM (0)October 9, 2012Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Essentials released to manufacturing has arrived. The official replacement and successor to Windows Small Business Server still carries some hiccups, but the platform still remains a true on-ramp to Microsoft's new cloud services and its cloud-centric direction.
  • Symantec Revs Mobility Program, MDM Suite (1)October 9, 2012Symantec is letting it be known that its serious about MDM, with a new mobility channel specialization, an app ready program and the launch of a comprehensive MDM Suite. If anything, the launch aims to give partners a concerted boost and cement their standing in the growing mobile security space, as the company plays catch…
  • VMware Expands vCloud Management Suite (0)October 9, 2012VMware expands its vCloud Management Suite to support multiple hypervisors, allowing the management and provisioning of heterogenous cloud environments, including the Amazon EC2 ecosystem.
  • IBM Delivers Big Data in a Box (0)October 9, 2012Just in time for Halloween, IBM cooked up a series of new PureSystems offerings designed to make transactions management and Big Data a lot less scary. And they are definitely looking to the channel to hand out the goodies.
  • SMB 500: New Normal in Networking Is Growth (0)October 9, 2012Findings from Ingram Micro and The 2112 Group’s SMB 500 study show that, despite the growth of cloud and connected services, there's still one section of hardware that continues to pay dividends in the cloud era -- networking technology.
  • 15 Friendly Foreign Tech Companies (1)October 9, 2012Since U.S. officials labeled Huawei and ZTE as hostile to U.S. security and economic interests, there's been talk about what constitutes a trusted foreign vendor. It's a specious question, as the U.S. channel has many deep and longstanding relationships with foreign companies. The following are a few good examples.
  • WebPlatform Pushes Open Web Agenda (0)October 9, 2012WebPlatform.org has been established, designed to become a one-stop shop for all developmental information on open web technologies. With backing by Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google, HP, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia, and Opera, is the shape of web-based apps and services about to change?
  • Cisco Breaks With ZTE Over Iran Sales (1)October 9, 2012A day following the release of a Congressional report critical of Chinese tech companies, Cisco Systems is cutting ties with Shenzhen-based telecommunications equipment manufacturer ZTE after discovering the company is reselling Cisco products to Iran firms in spite of economic sanctions.
  • Trend Micro Adds Analytics To “Custom Defense” (0)October 9, 2012Trend Micro has infused its latest threat detection solution, dubbed "Custom Defense," with a slew of intelligence, analytics and advanced security tools designed to combat Advanced Persistent Threats. The release is among several to leverage intelligence to tackle the rising tide of APTs, but will likely still prove profitable for partners, setting the stage for…
  • McAfee Joins Chorus of Tech Layoffs (0)October 9, 2012McAfee, a subsidiary of Intel, is preparing to lay off a small number of employees in what many analysts are already calling a sign the ripple effect of slowing PC sales. It may be also a sign of tech vendors preparing for a more general economic slowdown expected at the end of the year.
  • VMware Aims To Ease Virtualization Compliance (0)October 8, 2012VMware has released a set of resources and guidelines aimed at helping partners build and deploy cloud infrastructures that simultaneously meet PCI and other compliance mandates. The move is intended to help partners overcome objections to virtual migration, but also highlights an opportunity for the channel to secure GRC niches by keeping cloud and virtual…
  • Government Agencies Covet the Cloud (0)October 8, 2012A new survey reveals that federal agencies, while open to cloud technology and adoption, are finding the actual transition to cloud daunting. With security, compliance and private cloud needs rising, channel partners have a unique opportunity to deliver the remedy that ails federal agencies.
  • Rising Cyber Attacks, Costs Drive SIEM (0)October 8, 2012A study conducted by Hewlett Packard and the Ponemon Institute indicate that cyber attacks have more than doubled while the financial impact has increased by almost 40 percent during the last three years. That means the real opportunity partners will be in deploying solutions and services that provide insight into those threats and create a…
  • Polycom CloudAXIS Is Video-Conferencing Ally (0)October 8, 2012Polycom launches CloudAXIS, a unique video-collaboration-as-a-service technology that delivers interoperable HD conferencing to the Polycom RealPresence platform by leveraging Skype, Google Talk and Facebook clients as the on-ramp to Polycom's browser-based collaboration portal.
  • U.S. Resellers Wary of Huawei’s Risk (1)October 8, 2012CBS news magazine 60 Minutes detailed U.S. government allegations that China-based Huawei is a security and economic threat. A Channelnomics spot survey finds the vast majority of solution providers are wary of companies labeled threats, and are unlikely to work with them and their distribution partners.
  • U.S. Reps Call Huawei a National Security Threat (0)October 7, 2012Members of the House Intelligence Committee urge U.S. companies to avoid doing business with Huawei, saying the Chinese telco vendor poses a threat of espionage and IP theft.
  • Will the Supreme Court Destroy the Channel? (1)October 5, 2012The little-known case of Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons could make it illegal for VARs to resell most used gear and subject resellers to complicated rules, tariffs and fees that could bring the channel as we know it to a grinding halt.
  • Gartner Highlights Server Growth Through 2015 (0)October 5, 2012Gartner outlines three key server spaces that are set to expand into 2015. MSPs and VARs can leverage this information to help focus their investments and prepare for the cloud world as it will be in 2015.
  • Big Names Make Case for Managed Print (1)October 5, 2012Moves by Toshiba, Oki Data, Xerox and others show the benefits of offloading peripherals to someone with the skills and tools to monitor, maintain, optimize and refresh the fleet for a predictable, fixed cost are gaining traction.
  • Services Means Tech Companies Will Shrink (1)October 5, 2012The technology services evolution has the power to make vendors and solution providers more profitable as revenue and expenses become more predictable. Services also mean that companies will constrict as market dynamics shift to more scalable delivery mechanism that require fewer resources. In some cases, shrinking top line revenues will be a sign of good…
  • Continuum Goes Mobile With iPhone App (0)October 5, 2012Hosted MSP Continuum releases a new Apple iOS application that allows managed services partners the ability to view reports, diagnose problems on customer machines and resolve alerts regardless of location. It’s part of an ongoing evolution at Continuum to build its portfolio of managed services.
  • Study: Open-Source Cloud Still Solidifying (0)October 5, 2012A survey from Zenoss reveals that organizations are open to open-source technologies, but still have reservations about adopting them. Solution providers and MSPs can build open cloud platforms that are not only mature, but specifically address the public's largest concerns with growing open-source solutions.
  • Cisco Ups CEO Drama With Exec Promotions (0)October 4, 2012The volume on speculation about a replacement for long-time Cisco CEO John Chambers inched up a bit late Thursday with the promotion of two key executives assumed to be on the short list of contenders for the corner office.
  • Polycom Eyes Future With Royalty-Free H.264 (0)October 4, 2012Polycom sets the stage for more ubiquitous video conferencing, thanks to their new open-standards royalty-free version of the H.264 scalable video codec. Polycom's latest partnerships and future ambitions frame an interesting picture for the future of video conferencing and Polycom's partners, alike.
  • ADTRAN ActivReach Supercharges Old Ethernet (0)October 4, 2012The ADTRAN ActivReach technology can deliver up to 1000 megabits on aging network infrastructure, allowing organizations to repurpose existing wire to meet 21st century cloud and collaboration connectivity needs. Networking solution providers may be able to use this technology to streamline the upgrade process of aging cabled networks.
  • Cloud IT Buyers Seek Out New Partners (2)October 4, 2012Corporate IT decision makers in the United States are increasingly attracted to business-grade cloud computing for services such as customer relationship management and enterprise relationship management and are willing to engage service providers they haven’t worked with in the past in order to get them, a new study finds.
  • Trend Micro Refreshes Cloud Security Services (1)October 4, 2012Trend Micro gave its Worry Free security services a bit of a refresh by updating support for Mac OS X and Android platforms, as well as the anticipated Windows 8. The update comes as a necessary move for the security firm to maintain its edge in the cloud security space, as mobility and cloud platforms…
  • Behind Whitman’s Sober Assessment of HP (1)October 4, 2012Meg Whitman gave analysts and partners what they wanted yesterday; a cold, sober and hard assessment of the state of Hewlett-Packard today and its long-term challenges. The backhanded rewards were a plunging stock value and skepticism of the company’s future. Here’s why critics are only half right.
  • Citrix NetScaler Gets Websense DLP (0)October 4, 2012Citrix teams up with Websense to bring the Websense Data Security Gateway to the NetScaler SDX platform, bringing advanced security capabilities like DLP to the application acceleration platform. Citrix's moves are indicative of a company gearing up for a world of connected services.
  • Riverbed Steelhead EX Equips VMware vSphere (0)October 3, 2012Riverbed integrates VMware's vSphere platform into its Steelhead EX appliance, delivering a centrally manageable platform that can help deliver streamline virtualization and networking services, reliably connecting branch offices and consolidating edge data centers.
  • Cisco Unified Access: One Policy to Rule All (0)October 3, 2012Cisco's new Unified Access Solution technology consolidates policy, security and infrastructure management into a singular platform, allowing wired, wireless and virtualized networks to all be managed as one, under one management console. Consolidation is a budding IT trend, which should help service providers focus more on the service-side of infrastructure management.
  • Palo Alto, Citrix Team on App Delivery Solutions (1)October 3, 2012Next-generation firewall leader Palo Alto Networks is teaming up with Citrix Systems to bring security and application delivery solutions to market, capitalizing on a void left by the exit of Cisco Systems from the market. The partnership also solves another problem for Palo Alto Networks: the lack of product diversity.
  • SafeNet Launches Cloud Authentication Service (2)October 3, 2012Data protection firm SafeNet launched a new cloud authentication service, which gives partners and MSPs a means to differentiate by adding a new twist onto a well-established offering. If anything, the new cloud service launch indicates that going forward, innovation and growth in IAM markets will likely be accelerated by the cloud.
  • Huawei Adds Services, Distribution Capacity (1)October 3, 2012China-based IT hardware vendor Huawei is continuing its march into the U.S. channel with the addition of two distribution agreements and services support partner that will enhance its market reach with solution providers and bolster its ability to compete with rivals, such as Cisco Systems.
  • Box Brings Boosted Security and Management (1)October 3, 2012Box continues to push deep into the enterprise storage space, this time with a new set of authentication and security tools designed to help eliminate accidental sharing of sensitive data, while giving IT admins deep visibility into data usage.
  • Kaspersky Lab Updates Mobile Security (1)October 2, 2012Kaspersky Lab updated its Mobile Security offering with a slew of enhancements that include a "mugshot" feature and better security control,which will undoubtedly give partners a bit of a competitive edge when going after customers embarking on BYOD programs. But down the road, the Moscow-based security firm will likely have to step up its game…
  • AppNeta PathView Complements Cloud Portfolios (0)October 2, 2012AppNeta launches a new global MSP partner program, designed to be a management complement to existing managed services. MSPs looking for a boost in their portfolio or a more straightforward way to build support services might find AppNeta's solution ideal.
  • Symantec Pushes Cloud With SEP 13 Launch (0)October 2, 2012Symantec unveiled its Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition 13 with one major difference: the new product offers a cloud-based managed services option. Among other things, the launch represents the security company's attempt to reclaim territory in cloud markets, and will likely give partners new inroads to their smallest customers.
  • Bank Hacks Illuminate Security Shortfalls (0)October 2, 2012In recent week, major U.S. banks have gotten pummeled with a spate of high-profile DDoS attacks, underscoring that security in the financial services sector might not be as sound as previously thought. For the channel, that means opportunities to fill in some of the most obvious security holes.
  • HP Pushing ‘Value Pricing’ to Ease Partner Sales (0)October 2, 2012Sagging PC sales and rising competition in putting pressure on Hewlett-Packard’s struggling Printer and Personal Systems group. To stimulate new sales, HP introduced new ‘value pricing,’ a program designed to make products more accessible and protect partner profitability.
  • CompTIA’s Top Tests Get More Challenging (0)October 2, 2012Proving your tech mettle with the certification mavens at CompTIA just got a little harder thanks to the introduction of new performance-based questions into its top three certification exams.
  • First Apple, Now Google Pass Microsoft Value (0)October 2, 2012Yesterday, Google eked passed Microsoft to become the second most valuable technology company in terms of market capitalization. It’s the latest blow to Microsoft, which is looking to restore much of the glory it lost to the two rivals with the coming refresh of its major franchises.
  • Oracle Cloud: Hard Choices For The Channel (0)October 2, 2012Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and president Mark Hurd kick off Oracle OpenWorld 2012, giving an intensive overview of Oracle's vision of the cloud. But Oracle's direction may not be the best direction for cloud-savvy channel partners -- unless Oracle is exactly what the customer is looking for.
  • HP ElitePad 900: Business-Ready With Win 8 (0)October 1, 2012HP readies the ElitePad 900, a business-class tablet designed to run Windows 8, with an eye on business needs, security and expandability. But can HP's tablet find any traction as users become wary about Windows 8 and HP's reputation?
  • Smartphone Security Still A Challenge (1)October 1, 2012McAfee Inc. and the National Cyber Security Alliance released a joint study indicating that despite efforts to the contrary, there is still a strong disconnect between users' security knowledge and behavior, especially when it comes to smartphones, giving the channel a chance to go back to square one with their customers on mobile devices.
  • Verizon Targets Health Care With ‘HIPAA Cloud’ (0)October 1, 2012Verizon is hoping to penetrate health care markets with the launch of a slew of cloud services that tout HIPAA compliance. Verizon is sealing the deal by signing a business associate agreement that ensures adherence to HIPAA, a move that will likely set a precedent for other organizations making inroads in health care, setting the…
  • Netgear Dev Program Brings Appliance Apps (0)October 1, 2012Netgear introduces a developer program designed to help ISVs build Java-based applications for Netgear's consumer and small-business gateways, routers, switches and NAS appliances. Apps help deliver services on these devices, which means Netgear resellers can deliver considerable value-add inside a networking package.
  • New DishNET Broadband a Boon to the Cloud (0)October 1, 2012New satellite broadband Internet offering is good news for cloud service providers who continue to develop and innovate products and are counting on a growing number of users to be able to access them.
  • Windows 7 Trumps Windows 8 in Straw Poll (0)October 1, 2012A straw poll by a Windows 8 help site finds that users prefer Windows 7 over all other previous and new versions of the famed OS, including the forthcoming Windows 8. The findings could add to the growing anxiety over whether Windows 8 will help the flagging PC market.
  • Unitrends Launches Tiered Backup (0)October 1, 2012Backup and disaster recovery firm Unitrends has launched a new tiered backup appliance that attempts to go toe-to-toe with the big guys by touting a numerous functionalities in one. For partners, that means a more affordable alternative they can position to customers in need of higher ROI.
  • Like Pacquiao, HP’s WebOS Fighting for Respect (1)October 1, 2012What do HP's mobile operating system efforts and Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao have in common? A lot more than the Pac-Man's failed HP TouchPad and Veer sales pitches.
  • Oracle Readies Cloud for Partner Participation (0)October 1, 2012Oracle OpenWorld 2012 kicks off with a focus on delivering Oracle Cloud to its partners with a new partner program and specializations built around Oracle Cloud technology.
  • Qualys IPO Flat, but Could Open Channel Doors (1)September 28, 2012Qualys made a public debut Friday with a relatively unspectacular IPO, posing a sharp contrast to recent security IPOs of Palo Alto Networks and Proofpoint. That said, the infusion of cash could potentially serve to breathe new life into the Qualys channel as it strives to meet growth metrics to satisfy investors.
  • CA Inks Nastel Technologies AutoPilot Deal (0)September 28, 2012CA Technologies inks a distribution agreement with Nastel Technologies, making Nastel's AutoPilot middleware automation platform available to CA. This agreement could highlight a bigger trend: the growth of management technology.
  • Dell Unveils PCI Resource Center (0)September 28, 2012Dell SecureWorks launches its PCI Compliance Resource center, a repository of materials and information on PCI DSS compliance, underscoring the growth of GRC that leaves a wide playing field for partners to build niche practices around compliance.
  • Zenith Infotech Debt Crisis: One Year Later (0)September 28, 2012A year has passed since Zenith Infotech defaulted on nearly $85 million in bonds. The dispute between the cloud provider and its creditors remains unresolved. Despite an ongoing legal battle, there continues to be a lot of movement around Zenith Infotech as managed service providers and associates try to chart their own futures.
  • IDC: Mobile Enterprise Management Coming (1)September 28, 2012IDC predicts the merger of MDM and MAM into a unified mobile enterprise management platform. With this consolidation on the horizon, it's possible more pportunity exists in the enterprise mobility space than initially perceived.
  • Red Hat Pushes for Cloud Storage Maturation (0)September 27, 2012Red Hat pushes for the maturation of cloud storage with Red Hat Storage, while introducing guidelines for enterprise-ready cloud storage to ease the migration to public and hybrid cloud services.
  • Perimeter E-Security Makes Cloud MDM Push (0)September 27, 2012Perimeter E-Security has placed itself in a small but growing niche of vendors that have launched a cloud MDM solution. It's a move that could give partners a natural leg up over competitors in the space with an ability to offer increased visibility, rapid deployment and lowered costs among the many perks.
  • Sophos Offers Free Android Security, Encryption (1)September 27, 2012Sophos is offering two free mobile security apps for Android, suggesting that the endpoint security firm is serious about staying a few paces ahead of competitors as the mobile security and MDM race heats up.
  • Dell Readies Advanced SonicWALL Certification (0)September 27, 2012Dell launches the new Certified SonicWall Security Professional certification as it seeks to educate IT admins, partners and service professionals on SonicWALL technology. Dell's focus on education is an ideal in preparing professions for a security and cloud-centric future.
  • SMB 500: Ingram Partners Find Engagement Key (0)September 27, 2012Ingram Micro's top performers are very different but many of them have one thing in common: They engage strategically and often with the global distributor.
  • EMC’s Secure Cloud Tiering Aims for Big Data (0)September 27, 2012EMC Corp. released the latest version of its Cloud Tiering Appliance, which touts a few security enhancements that could open up the cloud as a viable archiving repository and give partners a leg up on competition when addressing Big Data woes.
  • F5 Networks: Virtual Networking Hits Server 2012 (0)September 27, 2012F5 Networks is launching the F5 Network Virtualization Solution for Microsoft Windows Server 2012 with Hyper-V. This network virtualization platform should make both cloud migration and intra-cloud connectivity more streamlined and automated. Inundated MSPs may want to take a look.
  • How Satisfied Are Your Customers? (0)September 27, 2012Quality customer service and satisfaction are essential to retaining loyal customers and preserving profitability, especially in services businesses. Solution providers need to keep a pulse on customer satisfaction, and the Net Promoter Score methodology is the perfect tool for the job.
  • New ProLiant Servers Build Budding Clouds (0)September 27, 2012HP launches two new four-socket servers, the HP ProLiant BL660c and DL560, designed as hardened server platforms for building out hybrid cloud deployments and helping organizations migrate to the cloud. Solution providers serving organizations with a private/hybird approach may find HP's baked-in automation well suited for a busy data center.
  • IBM Global MSP Initiative Targets Midmarket (0)September 26, 2012IBM's new global initiative ramps up enablement for MSPs in the training and marketing of cloud services. This positions IBM to better capitalize on the opportunity available in the SMB midmarket while driving IBM and its partners deeper into an evolving cloud ecosystem.
  • Study: Mobile Devices Still Lack Security (1)September 26, 2012A recent study by Kaspersky Lab indicates 40 percent of smartphone owners lack antivirus on their devices. The good news: Now the majority of device owners do have security, indicating MDM and mobile device security solutions are gaining steam.
  • Synnex Weathers Earnings Drop, Inks SAP Deal (0)September 26, 2012The distributor offset some tepid earnings news with a new deal to join forces with SAP to resell select business intelligence, AppDev and MDM tools.
  • Cisco Expands Cloud Channel Program (0)September 26, 2012Cisco Systems is expanding on its cloud computing channel program by enhancing its Cloud Builder Specialization and launching its Cloud Partner Marketplace. The intent: to make it easier for solution providers to market to Cisco and end customers.
  • Is Windows 8 Microsoft’s ‘New Coke’? (4)September 26, 2012As the clock ticks down on the launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8, critiques and criticisms of the new operating system are piling up. The latest comes from Intel’s chief, who says the new operating system will ship with bugs -- and that’s just the start of the potential problems that could derail the release.
  • WatchGuard Loses Channel Exec, Two Others (0)September 26, 2012Beleaguered UTM firm WatchGuard has parted ways with three longstanding executives, including its channel chief. These moves will likely to spark a period of turmoil and instability that could further drive competitive market share losses and erode channel trust.
  • ScaleXtreme Enables Custom Cloud (0)September 26, 2012ScaleXtreme's customizable cloud portal makes it easier for MSPs and IT admins to provision and manage existing cloud infrastructure. With rapid cloud growth on the horizon, best practices for utilizing the cloud can manage complex cloud deployments while driving up productivity.
  • Cisco’s Chambers Making Retirement Plans (0)September 25, 2012John Chambers, one of the longest-serving contemporary chief executives in any industry, announced plans are underway for his retirement, perhaps as soon as 2014. On the list of potential successors: a former channel chief, a strong channel advocate and an executive counting on the channel for services.
  • Fortinet Ships One Millionth Security Unit (0)September 25, 2012Fortinet just shipped its one millionth unit, signaling the continued upward trajectory of its flagship UTM device, which have allowed it to make solid market share gains. This will pave the way for partners to go up against Cisco and other major competitors.
  • Aruba Instant Enterprise Streamlines WLAN (0)September 25, 2012The Aruba Instant Enterprise brings a range of automated features to wireless LAN infrastructure, streamlining the processes of management, control and optimization of an entire network infrastructure. MSPs and VARs that specialize in mobility may want to take a closer look.
  • Dell KACE K1000 Gets Compliance Update (0)September 25, 2012Dell expands the capabilities of its flagship Dell KACE K1000 management appliance, bringing Windows 8 and OS X Mountain Lion support alongside critical auditing and compliance detection capabilities for non-traditional Linux environments and BYOD scenarios.
  • Huawei Wants to Blind Cisco TelePresence (0)September 25, 2012Huawei Technologies is expanding beyond its telecom switch core products to include video conferencing and high-definition telepresence as part of its strategy to become a $100 billion company by 2021. Standing in its way is Cisco, and it plans to take on the telepresence market leader.
  • Seagate Hard Drive Forecast Worrisome for PCs (0)September 25, 2012The hard drive maker is slashing its forecast for hard drives, reflecting a continuing slowdown in the demand for personal computers and the increase demand for mobile devices. Many in the industry are quietly saying that the coming of Windows 8 and a slew of ultrabooks won’t help reverse the PC trend.
  • AppDynamics Gives MSPs App Performance (0)September 25, 2012AppDynamics introduces a new MSP partner program, designed to help burgeoning MSPs leverage its application management-as-a-service to supercharge cloud apps and meet demanding uptime requests and SLAs.
  • RSA: Big Data Will Transform SIEM (0)September 24, 2012RSA, the security division of EMC, released a brief contending that Security Information and Event Management systems will be required to rely on security intelligence and big data analytics in order to remain a viable solution in detecting increasingly sophisticated multi-platform threats. That means an opportunity to beef up channel portfolios with a brand new…
  • Skype-Lync Integration Headed for Windows 8 (0)September 24, 2012Microsoft expands its UC prowess by enhancing the existing Lync platform, custom-tailoring it for the Windows 8 tablet experience and providing direct connectivity to the Skype platform, allowing a platform-agnostic communication solution geared for both the desktop and the mobile workplace. Partners keen on advancing UC and mobility may want to keep an eye on…
  • Extreme Networks Leverages IP Video Growth (0)September 24, 2012Extreme Networks is leveraging the anticipated growth of IP video and the physical security market with the launch of new solutions that support surveillance and perimeter security, intelligent buildings, traffic cameras, equipment alarms and tracking. For the channel, that means new ways to combine networking and security practices that monitor systems and plug security holes…
  • Sanbolic Brings SQL-to-Cloud Migration (0)September 24, 2012Cloud solution providers looking for a leg up in moving business apps into the cloud can now tap into Sanbolic's Melio AppCluster platform via the Amazon Web Services marketplace, streamlining the process of bringing on-premise business application up into the private cloud, for a hybrid-style solution.
  • Cisco Doubling Back on ACE Discontinuation (0)September 24, 2012Cisco Systems is “clarifying” its recently disclosed withdrawal from the application load-balancing market, saying it’s “enhancing” the technology into its market-leading routers. Competitors, however, are not impressed and are launching a full-court press to flip customers.
  • Oracle Dragged by Sagging Server Demand (0)September 24, 2012Oracle missed revenue targets for its most recent quarter, mostly due to declining sales of its high-end SPARC servers. The server slump reflects one of the fundamental challenges facing vendors and solution providers in the cloud era: the decreasing demand for hardware.
  • Cloud Innovation Is Double-Edged Sword (0)September 24, 2012There's no doubt the cloud, cloud services and cloud applications are expanding, but are they expanding too quickly? Innovation can be good and bad, bringing diversity and complexity to the channel. This may help solution providers with specialization, but it could inundate partners and customers with a storm of uncertainty, something remediated only by education.
  • SMB 500: Examining the Top 20 VARs (0)September 23, 2012Distributor Ingram Micro and The 2112 Group’s effort to study SMB channel success reveals secrets of excellence among top-performing U.S. solution providers. Here’s a closer look at the top 20 VARs in Ingram’s customer network.
  • GlobalSign, Netcraft Launch Phishing Alerts (0)September 21, 2012A collaborative effort between Internet services firm Netcraft and SSL company GlobalSign results in a phishing attack alert service. For partners, it will be a handy value-add in remediation and monitoring offerings and may boost services around SSL, which were stymied last year after a string of high-profile hacks.
  • Gartner Predicts $109 Billion Cloud Market (3)September 21, 2012Gartner predicts the cloud services marketplace will grow nearly 20 percent by the end of 2012, making it a $109 billion worldwide industry. But where's the real opportunity? Solution providers may be surprised to find out what services are leading the cloud world.
  • IBM: Mac Malware, Password Exploits Spike (0)September 21, 2012An IBM mid-year risk report found that APTs are increasingly targeting the Mac OS X platform, while social networking password exploits are on the rise. These indicate to partners that there's still -- and may always be -- a need for Security 101 best practices.
  • Intronis CEO Plunkett Out, Interim Takes Charge (0)September 21, 2012Boston-based Intronis Inc. said Thursday its CEO is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities. Taking his place in the interim is vice president of engineering and development Jay Bolgatz.
  • GFI Acquires VizualMobile for MDM Prowess (0)September 21, 2012GFI Software acquires UK-based VizualMobile to add its MDM capabilities to the GFI Software portfolio. With SMBs frequent adopters of new mobility and cloud-based technologies, GFI's acquisition brings a wider breadth of solutions to its base of partners and MSPs.
  • Cisco Shrinks Latency With Nexus Algo Boost (0)September 20, 2012Cisco launches the Nexus 3548 switch, purpose-built to decrease latencies into nanoseconds, delivering high performance for the most pressing cloud environments and data centers that connect with financial institutions for real-time trading.
  • CipherCloud Launches Encryption Program (0)September 20, 2012Cloud encryption firm CipherCloud is establishing its place in the market with the launch of a specialized partner program. Among other things, the new cloud spin on encryption could open a few more markets, representing a bit of a revival in the the well-established niche.
  • Intermedia Cloud Server Delivers Custom Cloud (0)September 20, 2012Intermedia launches Cloud Server, a new platform leveraged by Intermedia and its partners to serve the SMB community with enterprise-grade solutions while providing a high level of reliability, customizability and customer support. Is this the cloud of the future?
  • Avnet Revs Oracle Sales, Marketing Tools (0)September 20, 2012The Phoenix-based technology distributor rolls out enhancements to its Oracle Partner Network biz-dev toolset, designed to ferret out upsell candidates, manage demand-gen campaigns and fine-tune members’ sales programs.
  • EDS Woes Are the Latest HP Distraction (0)September 20, 2012Hewlett-Packard says it’s not and hasn’t tried to sell the EDS professional services unit, which is reportedly the source of much of the struggling vendor’s fiscal problems. EDS is fast becoming the immediate distraction to a company trying to make a turnaround.
  • Young Guns Top Sales Growth in IM SMB 500 (2)September 20, 2012When it comes to growing SMB channel business, the IM SMB 500 makes one thing clear: it’s good to be young. An analysis of the Ingram Micro and 2112 Group rankings reveals that the newest additions to Ingram Micro’s customer rolls are also the fastest growing. What can these top-performing young guns teach veteran solution…
  • SMB 500: A Laboratory for Channel Growth (0)September 20, 2012Ingram Micro and The 2112 Group’s effort to benchmark and study SMB channel success factors recognizes and learns from the excellence of the top-performing solution providers in the distributor’s U.S. network.
  • 2112, Ingram Micro Launch ‘SMB 500′ (0)September 20, 2012The 2112 Group and Ingram Micro are collaborating to track and reward solution provider growth in the lucrative SMB marketplace. The first product of this program is a ranking of the top SMB resellers in the distributor’s 20,000 strong U.S. partner network.
  • Dell Readies Windows 8 Business Tablet, PCs (1)September 20, 2012Dell unleashes a trio of Windows 8-ready business devices, including a Windows 8 tablet, an ultrabook and an all-in-one touchscreen computer. Channel partners looking for a well-rounded hardware portfolio for 2013 may find Dell's offerings well honed for the SMB and SME space in 2013.
  • SAP Delivers Custom Mobility App Design Center (0)September 19, 2012SAP, which has been busy sprucing up its wares and partner programs, is now laser-focused on an emerging target demographic: the mobile end-user. Will custom mobile apps as-a-service be the way of the future?
  • Patching Woes Open Channel Doors (0)September 19, 2012Patch management firm SolarWinds released a study indicating that many organizations still struggle with patch management, exposing their organizations data loss, downtime, and other security threats. The answer? Streamlined processes and timely updates, and that's where the channel can come in.
  • ZixCorp Aims for Growth With Channel Tweaks (0)September 19, 2012E-mail encryption firm ZixCorp is priming its channel for growth with a myriad of marketing enhancements and enablement tools. But what the program tweaks really indicate is an anticipated growth of the email encryption market, thanks to a groundswell of data breaches and regulatory compliance laws.
  • Salesforce Makes Chatterbox File Sharing Official (0)September 19, 2012Salesforce.com officially launches Chatterbox, the Dropbox of the enterprise, alongside a bevy of social-centric business collaboration tools for the Salesforce enterprise. Salesforce.com's push into a socialized future is likely the next trend to logically follow the mobile-frist moves, so solution providers should take note when building cloud partnerships and portfolios.
  • PSA Market Getting Hot and Crowded (0)September 19, 2012Professional services automation is evolving fast. Level Platforms is integrating with Salesforce.com. Autotask, ConnectWise and TigerPaw are rapidly expanding their operations. Promys is entering the market with a premium offering. And there are rumors of a new entry that could disrupt the entire market from below.
  • Cisco, Pentaho Ease the Big Data Rough Stuff (0)September 19, 2012The pair combines Pentaho’s open-source Big Data Analytics software tools served up on Cisco’s upstart and increasingly popular Unified Computing Systems servers and bundled with associated networking and storage services.
  • Value, Sketched on the Back of a Napkin (0)September 19, 2012At a conference littered with tchotchkes and conventional marketing brochures, telephony hosting firm Simple Signal stands out from the crowd by distributing napkins with diagram sketches of its services. The unique marketing collateral is effective because it’s memorable and shows the value of deviating from the norm in conveying value.
  • Westcon Group Readies Lync, HP Security Suite (0)September 19, 2012The Westcon Group adds Microsoft Lync and HP's Tipping Point and Fortify technologies to its solution provider offerings, enabling partners to capture the burgeoning market of unified communications and enterprise security.
  • Report: Smart Grid Security Set for Growth (0)September 19, 2012A new report projects the smart grid security market to grow at an annual rate of 21 percent -- 40 percent if you include China -- indicating the issue is far from dead. Partners still have quite a bit of wiggle room to get in on the ground floor and stake their claim in the…
  • Stoneware Acquisition Bolsters Lenovo Cloud (0)September 18, 2012Lenovo is in growth mode as it acquires Stoneware, a cloud solution provider that specializes in application and information ubiquity for the governmental and educational vertical. With Stoneware part of Lenovo's cloud portfolio, Lenovo will expand Stoneware's global cloud presence while leveraging its assets to build new cloud solutions.
  • Malwarebytes Launch Takes Aim At Enterprise (1)September 18, 2012Antimalware firm Malwarebytes is attempting to make inroads in the enterprise with the launch of a comprehensive management solution that protects physical and virtual environments. The draw? It's ability to better tackle polymorphic threats that could might just give partners enough of an edge to take on better established players such as Symantec, McAfee and…
  • VMTurbo Boosts Cloud Infrastructure Automation (0)September 18, 2012VMTurbo refines it cloud automation tools with VMTurbo Operations Manager 3.2. MSPs and budding solution providers managing increasingly heterogenous and disparate virtualized cloud environments may find the platform an ideal solution to meet customer demands and maintain SLAs.
  • Blue Coat Ups Ante With Channel Revamp (0)September 18, 2012Secure Web Gateway firm Blue Coat Systems Inc. is overhauling its channel program with a tough new set of standards designed to weed out the dead weight and inspire partner investment and loyalty. The problem is, the new policies could also serve to create a channel backlash that compel partners to jump ship and align…
  • Cisco, Ingram Team to Prebuild UCS Servers (0)September 18, 2012The pair rolled out new integration services for partners looking to save time and money delivering complex systems built around B- and C-Series servers.
  • Managed Print not just a Defensive Weapon (0)September 18, 2012Xerox is making another push into the SMB market segment, and managed print services is once again at the vanguard. The company best known for its photocopiers and document management technologies says solution providers are using MPS as a defensive offering to keep competitors out of accounts. But, they say, it’s also a great offensive…
  • Zetta.net Delivers Unified BDR MSP Program (0)September 18, 2012Zetta.net, which specializes in backup and disaster recovery options for SME, is now offering a new managed services platform set to deliver the same SME platform at a flat monthly rate based solely on storage capacity needs. Budding MSPs or MSPs with many small customers may want to leverage Zetta.net's offerings to amplify their storage…
  • Citrix Receiver for Windows 8 RT Arrives (0)September 17, 2012Citrix readies a Windows 8 RT / ARM version of its Citrix Receiver app as it paves the way for a business-centric tablet and virtualization future. Solution providers looking to leverage next-generation services may want to keep an eye on Citrix.
  • Microsoft Changes Forefront Roadmap (0)September 17, 2012Microsoft is giving the boot to a myriad of its well-respected Forefront security products, a move which could drive the channel to migrate customers to dedicated security rivals but also underscores the software company's increased focus on cloud, Office 365 and Windows 8.
  • Box Accelerator Brings 10X Speed Boost (1)September 17, 2012Box launches Box Accelerator, a new global network of servers that have been designed to improve upload speeds by up to 10 times. With cloud storage quickly evolving, faster upload speeds could be the added value that makes or breaks a sale. Can channel partners glean some strategy from this new technology?
  • Data Center Woes Spur eDiscovery Growth (0)September 17, 2012A Symantec State of Data Center survey indicates organizations are struggling to keep their data under control. These data center woes will likely give rise to a slew of eDiscovery and governance solutions and related services that could open profitable niches for partners.
  • M&A Not Seen as a Channel Growth Mechanism (0)September 17, 2012While the channel often seems obsessed with mergers and acquisitions, they’re not seeing buyout deals as means for growing their business, according to preliminary results of the latest 2112 Group research.
  • Microsoft Surface Price Close; Channel Plan Not (3)September 17, 2012Microsoft is inching closer to announcing a price for Surface, its first true computing hardware device and entry into the burgeoning tablet market.
  • Acronis Buys Apple Backup Specialist (0)September 17, 2012GroupLogic is the first acquisition for backup specialist Acronis, reflecting the growing importance of having Apple capabilities in the business-to-business market even if solution providers cannot sell Apple products.
  • IDC: Hardware Recycling ‘Orphaned’ Opportunity (0)September 17, 2012IDC survey data suggets there’s an untapped opportunity in hardware recycling: Over 40 percent of US businesses do not currently leverage best practices for the disposing of legacy technology. VARs and solution providers looking for a new value-add may want to tap into major vendors' recycling programs.
  • The VAR Economy: Work Environment (0)September 16, 2012Our ongoing review of the current state of employment for IT service providers in the U.S. In this September 2012 installment we look at the current factors affecting average VAR employee salaries.
  • Gartner Defines What Private Cloud Isn’t (0)September 14, 2012Gartner outlines 5 key points about the private cloud to differentiate between what the private cloud is and is not. Gartner hopes it will help all players in the IT landscape better "identify real value" across the fast-growing world of cloud computing solutions.
  • GTDC Names Disties Top 12 Vendor Partners (0)September 14, 2012The Global Technology Distribution Council has published its annual list of vendor Rising Stars to show technology sales through distributors still have some legs.
  • Whitman Calls HP Mobility Mulligan (2)September 14, 2012Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman says HP is continuing to work on a smartphone to capitalize on the growing momentum of mobility and mobile computing. After failure of Palm and webOS, can HP truly capitalize on mobility the second time around?
  • HDS Buy Shows Health Care IT Not Easy (0)September 14, 2012Athenahealth’s acquisition of Health Data Systems is a good example of the kinds of combined skills increasingly required from partners looking to crack the lucrative health care IT vertical.
  • VMware Floats in vCloud Suite 5.1 (0)September 14, 2012VMware officially launches vCloud Suite 5.1, complete with the removal of vRAM licensing fees. VMware's cloud automation and scalability focus with vCloud 5.1 shows VMWare is gearing up for a cloud-based world that may parlay into mobility.
  • Cisco Security Lineup Is Cloud-Ready (1)September 13, 2012Cisco continues its hardware-centric focus for the cloud world by providing a new security appliances, intrusion prevention systems and revamped security management software.
  • Cutting Through the Mobile Security Clutter (1)September 13, 2012The volume of mobile malware has jumped 600 percent so far this year. The BYOD trend has businesses scrambling to find security solutions for the influx of smartphones and tablets in their workplaces. For solution providers, mobile security presents a rich opportunity for those who can make sense of the cluttered technology landscape.
  • Comcast SMB Package Squeezing Out Channel (0)September 13, 2012Comcast launches a competitive IT support SMB offering across its regional footprints, competing directly with smaller MSPs and solution providers serving the same market community. The channel can fight back through specialization, customization and true customer service.
  • Windows 8 and Microsoft’s BYOD Paradox (1)September 13, 2012Microsoft is just weeks away from the launch of Windows 8, which will bolt the software company into the tablet era. Already PC vendors are racing to get touch-screen desktops and notebooks to market. Consumerization is driving touch-screen adoption, but it could also work against Microsoft and its partners.
  • The Cloud E-mail Tipping Point Is Near (0)September 13, 2012Hosted Exchange partner Intermedia says it’s the first Microsoft cloud application syndication partner in the world to reach the 500,000 mailbox milestone. Intermedia’s growth isn’t exclusive, as other Microsoft partners report strong growth in e-mail and other hosted services. Is the tipping point near when all e-mail is in the cloud?
  • New Law Would Crack Down on Mobile Apps (0)September 13, 2012The proposed legislation would force app developers, phone makers and network providers to get user consent before collecting most usage data. Industry insiders complain the regs would stifle innovation in a red-hot market.
  • iPhone 5 Solidifies Mobile-First Future (0)September 13, 2012The iPhone 5's improvements continue to show the sophistication of mobile devices, setting the stage for a future where mobility and mobile computing are standardized platforms for everyday use.
  • Amazon’s Instance Marketplace Resells Cloud (0)September 12, 2012Amazon launches the Amazon Reserved Instance Marketplace, giving Amazon Web Services customers the ability to buy and sell Amazon EC2 instances at hourly rates with no long-term commitments. MSPs can leverage this marketplace to better build out their own services, or better serve existing customers.
  • Salesforce ‘Chatterbox’ is Enterprise File Sharing (0)September 12, 2012Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff pre-announces 'Chatterbox,' an enterprise-ready file sharing solution designed to take on rivals like Box, among other cloud storage rivals. Will Salesforce.com create a splash in enterprise cloud storage, and more importantly, can the channel capitalize?
  • CompTIA: Businesses Missing Big Data Boat (0)September 12, 2012New CompTIA research shows two-thirds of IT and business executives are unclear on what Big Data is or how it can help their businesses.
  • Cisco’s Big Moves to Secure Data Center (0)September 12, 2012Cisco has unveiled a new data-center grade intrusion prevention system along with several security enhancements to existing wares all aimed at strengthening the defenses of high-capacity consolidated and virtualized computing environments.
  • Trustwave Builds New Partner Program (0)September 12, 2012Cloud security company Trustwave melds its resources the acquisition of M86 Security to build a new partner program and offer a refreshed portfolio with robust cloud-ready security solutions. Trustwave has updated its managed services offering, gearing up for the service-oriented future of the channel.
  • Podcast: GTDC’s Curran on State of Distribution (0)September 11, 2012GTDC's Tim Curran sits down with Channelnomics to discuss IT distribution hot topics on the eve of the organization's annual vendor summit.
  • Dell Delivers ERP With Ramco Systems Alliance (0)September 11, 2012Dell has teamed up with Ramco Systems, an ERP-company in India, to proliferate Ramco System's corporate cloud computing platform while Dell seeks to bolster its SaaS portfolio and strengthen its cloud strategy.
  • Citrix Eyes App-Centric Cloud With CumuLogic (0)September 11, 2012Citrix's investment into CumuLogic reveals the virtualization company is actively developing an app-centric focus to help fuel the growth of platform agnostic SaaS and tablet computing. Partners focusing on the future may find Citrix is heavy on the pulse of tomorrow.
  • NCR, Kaseya Extend IT Services to POS (0)September 11, 2012As point of sales evolves beyond the simple cash register, NCR and Kaseya are enabling solution provider partners to assume greater levels of professional and managed services to retailers.
  • Splunk Eases PCI Duties for MSPs (0)September 11, 2012Splunk is going after retailers and the MSPs who serve them with a new PCI app for businesses that want to accept credit cards, but don’t want the hassle of a full-blown SIEM tool.
  • Few Worries as HP Layoff Tally Climbs to 29,000 (0)September 11, 2012Hewlett-Packard amended its restructuring plans, with the total number of employees scheduled to lose their jobs climbing to 29,000 over the next two years. Here’s why solution providers shouldn’t fret over the bad news.
  • Cisco Outlines Wireless Infrastructure Challenges (0)September 11, 2012Cisco outlines four steps to building a robust wireless infrastructure for BYOD and MDM, identifying common hurdles that can hamper a successful wireless network. These pain points, however, are exactly where the channel can uncover true opportunity in the WLAN space.
  • Sophos Pushes MDM to the Cloud (0)September 10, 2012Sophos is taking its MDM solutions to the cloud with a hosted version of Sophos Mobile Control. The move is ideal for partners looking to quickly capitalize on MDM services, especially for limited infrastructure and budget-strapped organizations – but providers will still need value-add to be profitable.
  • Riverbed Readies Whitewater for Cloud Storage (0)September 10, 2012Riverbed launches the Whitewater 3010 cloud storage appliance, designed to make the management of cloud storage services a more streamlined and secure process. With cloud storage costs dropping as it slowly matures, Riverbed's efforts could be well suited for MSPs with demanding SLAs.
  • Study: 40% of Channel Has No Strategic Plan (1)September 10, 2012Preliminary results of the 2112 Business Acumen Study reveal that as many as 40 percent of companies in the channel do not have a formal growth strategy or strategic plan, and many do not have a formal business plan for routine operations.
  • E-discovery May Offer Cloud-less Opportunities (0)September 10, 2012Solution providers unwilling to jump on the cloud bandwagon might find an alternative route to revenues by specializing in the e-discovery space.
  • HP Takes Aim at Security With Massive Launch (0)September 10, 2012HP is reviving its security portfolio with a major launch that takes aim at health care and public sector verticals while carving a new space in printer security. HP's bets bode well for partners, but will face mounting challenges gaining credibility and marketshare as they go against well-established industry players.
  • Microsoft Looks to Convert Lotus Users to Office (2)September 10, 2012Microsoft has licensed a migration tool from Binary Tree to make it easier for IBM Lotus customers to leap into cloud-based Office 365. The effort shows that Microsoft recognizes Office 365 as a growth catalyst and is looking for market share wherever it can find it.
  • Capitalizing as Cloud Storage Climbs (0)September 10, 2012Cloud storage continues its ascent despite being a nascent market with a sea of small players. A new report suggests that, despite the rise in cloud storage services, there’s little revenue to be generated from pure-play cloud storage solutions. What should channel partners look for in building powerful storage options with room for value-add?
  • HP Taps Ex-Microsoft Exec to Head Autonomy (1)September 8, 2012The vendor took a major step toward calming partner and customer angst over the direction of its Autonomy software unit by naming a former Microsoft exec to head the information management software business.
  • Rise of Consumer Cybercrime Affects Enterprise (1)September 7, 2012A Symantec study reveals a rise in consumer cybercrime, driven by the slow-but-steady rise of mobile malware. But BYOD trends are increasingly blurring the lines between consumer and enterprise threats, calling for the channel to beef up solutions to placate a wider base of users.
  • Struggling Infosys Refocuses Pro Services (0)September 7, 2012Rising labor costs, diminishing talent pools and slack demand for professional services are dampening the performance of India global systems integration and consulting firm Infosys. The company’s troubles are good news for American pro services that have struggled to compete against the India invasion. It also provides a cautionary tale for the likes of Dell,…
  • PC Flashback: When Desktops Were Marvelous (0)September 7, 2012Thirty years ago, the PC era really began to take off. And for their time, those PCs were marvelous in the things they could do. Here’s a Channelnomics Friday Flashback look at what the PC market was like in the 1980s.
  • Hackers Fight Harder for Health Care Data (0)September 7, 2012By crunching data breach stats, Channelnomics staff finds that hackers are continuing to covet valuable health care data, working twice as hard for fewer returns. The channel will have to work just as hard to protect medical customers from becoming victims of health care identity theft, especially as more organizations turn to inherently insecure mobile…
  • EMC Begins Extended CEO Transition Process (0)September 7, 2012In regulatory filings, EMC reveals that longtime CEO Joe Tucci will remain with the company for at least another three years, but will likely turn over his chief executive responsibilities much sooner. It’s a sign of stability and planned orderly transition.
  • Tech Data Forms TDCloud Business Unit (0)September 7, 2012Tech Data renews the TDCloud program by creating the TDCloud business unit to improve partner perks and the StreamOne platform while broadening the support and capabilities of the partner program.
  • Cisco Makes IP Video Surveillance Push (0)September 6, 2012Cisco is making a comprehensive launch in the video surveillance, a move that attempts to breathe some life into waning video revenues by incorporating a slew of related managed security services. And the channel will be key to its growth.
  • Google’s Chromebook-as-a-Service Hints at Future (0)September 6, 2012Google launches a new Chromebook rental program, effectively rolling out Chromebook-as-a-Service with no contract obligations, starting at $30 per Chromebook per month. The channel could tangentially capitalize on this platform, but Google's moves unveil a bigger change coming to the IT industry.
  • 10 Overworked Tech Marketing Terms to Avoid (1)September 6, 2012Here are ten examples – among many hundreds, we promise you – of trite, banal, pointless, confusing and otherwise infuriating phrases that pollute the technology channel as we know it.
  • Schneider Electric Powers Energy Management (0)September 6, 2012Schneider Electric launches a specialized partner program that provides the tools and resources to track and monitor energy usage in a data center. Combined with best practices and unique software to detect wasteful use of electricity, any data center can become a new opportunity for channel partners.
  • Axway Secures Collaboration in E-mail Gateway (0)September 6, 2012Axway has launched a new e-mail security gateway that leverages security risks around cloud collaboration services by encrypting and securing cloud file-sharing. That's good news for partners: It plays up an ROI that prevents hefty fines and the loss of customer brand associated with the strong likelihood of a data breach.
  • IDC Says Verticals Boosting WLAN Demand (0)September 6, 2012IDC research suggests the wireless LAN marketplace is growing exponentially, with major verticals buying wireless infrastructure for BYOD implementations. Channel partners have an opportunity to capitalize and carve out mobility infrastructure niches to support the education, government and health care verticals.
  • Polycom and IBM Refine Video-as-a-Service (0)September 5, 2012Polycom and IBM team up to develop VaaS technology for Polycom's RealPresence platform. The duo hopes to build out a new standard in interoperable video conferencing, allowing disparate devices to easily connect while giving solution providers an on-ramp to deliver video conferencing technology in cloud packages.
  • Sourcefire, nPulse Add Analytics to IPS (0)September 5, 2012A Sourcefire and nPulse partnership adds fine-tuned analytics services to IPS, giving partners a way to differentiate in explosive Big Data trends against networking security competitors.
  • Tech Data Snaps Up Euro Distribution Group (0)September 5, 2012The distributor is beefing up its presence in Europe with the purchase of several affiliated technology distributors in the U.K., France and the Netherlands.
  • Citrix Gets BYOD Ready With Podio on iPad (0)September 5, 2012Citrix revamps the Podio for iPad, bringing native social collaboration, custom apps and productivity tools to the iPad. Will Citrix's tablet ambitions spark the first of many mobile-first approaches to BYOD and tablet-based productivity?
  • Bitdefender Launches Virtualized Security Service (2)September 5, 2012Bitdefender launches a new cloud-based security service for virtualized environments, giving partners more ways to address security concerns while providing services that ease the way to virtualization for customers.
  • ‘On-Premise’ IT Isn’t What You Think (0)September 5, 2012Pick through any IT or mainstream media reports – including those on Channelnomics – and you’ll find copious references to “on-premise” verses cloud infrastructure. We know what it’s supposed to mean, but you’ll be surprised to find that its meaning is actually wrong.
  • Kaspersky Nabs Linux Threats With Mail Security (0)September 5, 2012Kaspersky Lab released Kaspersky Linux Mail Security, aimed at addressing a rising tide of multi-platform threats. The offering speaks to the growing number of Linux and Mac OS X threats that will likely prompt partners to bolster their arsenals with more comprehensive security tools.
  • How Savvy Is Your Business Plan? (0)September 5, 2012Take our 2112 Channel Business Acumen survey now to get a free report showing how you stack up against your solution provider peers in organizational, capitalization and strategic planning prowess.
  • Next HP-Oracle Test: Rebuilding the Peace (1)September 5, 2012With the bitter lawsuit over, Oracle says it will continue supporting and developing HP’s Itanium products. The next big question: Can the two companies rebuild the peace after so much devastation in the courtroom?
  • McAfee Report: Malware Spikes in Q2 (1)September 4, 2012A McAfee threat report indicates the biggest spike in malware in four years, driven largely by the proliferation of mobile devices that will pave the way for the channel to ramp up mobile security portfolios. But with the dearth of mobile threats comes an increasingly competitive security environment that will prompt partners to get creative…
  • Windows Server 2012: A Cloud OS (0)September 4, 2012Microsoft launches Windows Server 2012 with deep linkage to Windows Azure, creating a "Cloud OS" built uniquely for private clouds and connectivity to new cloud services. But how will the new "Cloud OS" affect the IT channel landscape?
  • Quest, Bocada Take vpConnect to NetVault (0)September 4, 2012Quest Software Inc. teams up with Bocada, bringing Bocada's vpConnect to the NetVault backup platform, improving visibility into physical and virtual backup environments. MSPs and VARs can leverage the technology to better meet SLAs and manage NOCs, but the real winner may be Dell.
  • Splunk Bringing Big Data to the Masses (0)September 4, 2012The vendor is one of the few pure-play players in the Big Data space and has found significant success of late with its hyper-focus on tools to corral and analyze streams of machine data from servers, networks, Web transactions, mobile devices and the like.
  • Sophos Appoints New CEO Hagerman (3)September 4, 2012Sophos has appointed Kris Hagerman as its new CEO, replacing Steve Munford, who has officially resigned. While potentially destabilizing for partners, the leadership change may lead to greater efforts around marketing and branding, which will be key to gaining market share as the company's marches forward in the mobility, cloud encryption and network security arenas.
  • Dell Paves Way for Lenovo Evolution (0)September 4, 2012Lenovo isn’t just on the verge of becoming the world’s largest PC maker, it’s also eyeing a rapid expansion into other enterprise and consumer technologies, mostly through an acquisition strategy. The future of its channel may rest with lessons gained from rival Dell.
  • SaaS and Hybrid Security Demands Rising (1)September 4, 2012Research company Infonetics has uncovered key findings across the network security landscape, revealing that SaaS and integrated security solutions are fast out-pacing hardware appliances while the enterprise continues to adopt hybrid solutions.
  • Can Managed Print Save the Printer Market? (6)September 4, 2012Lexmark is waving a paper white flag and surrendering its once market-leading inkjet printer business, saying it’s pivoting to focus more on managed print services. Lexmark isn’t alone as interest continues to increase in the print services segment and revenue climbs into the billions.
  • EMC Main Investor In Zscaler $38M Windfall (0)September 4, 2012EMC is reportedly the lead investor in Zscaler's $38 million windfall, a move that promises cloud security alliances for the storage firm as it continues to blaze trails in new technology markets.
  • Java Bug Could Spur Faster Oracle Updates (0)August 31, 2012In an uncharacteristic move, Oracle scrambled to issue a patch for a gaping Java zero-day vulnerability that affected more than 100,000 users. Is this a one-off or a new way of approaching security for Oracle?
  • Mobility Isn’t Mobile Without Infrastructure (1)August 31, 2012A recent survey suggests that -- although hardware sales are in decline -- wireless LAN technology is not. With enterprise demand for wireless infrastructure rising 26 percent year-over-year, can the channel continue to capitalize by specializing hardware sales with BYOD/MDM packages?
  • The HP Metltdown: One Year Later (1)August 31, 2012It’s been one year since the wheels appeared to be coming off one of the great American technology companies. Here is a look back at the events of one year ago, a vital timeline in understanding the HP of today.
  • No Surprise: Server Sales Slowing (1)August 31, 2012IBM and Hewlett-Packard are virtually tied for market leadership in server sales and shipments, and Dell isn’t too far behind. But the real story is that overall server sales are slowing, as hosted infrastructure continues to steal share away from conventional on-premise deployments.
  • Dell Channel Chief: PC Slump is No Distraction (0)August 31, 2012Dell global channel chief Greg Davis tells Channelnomics that despite his company’s continued slide in PC market share, the emerging technologies segments – many brought in through recent acquisitions – are growing rapidly thanks to partner support.
  • Oracle Pushes PaaS Standard for Management (1)August 31, 2012Oracle is part of a growing list of vendors looking to support a new PaaS API standard that should allow for interoperable cloud and cloud app management. But if big-name vendors are looking to standardize the cloud, what can solution providers learn in adopting their own cloud strategy?
  • Study: Half of Users Can’t Recognize Phishing (0)August 30, 2012A study by security firm Kaspersky Lab indicated that half of users can't recognize a phishing message – indicating to the channel that a little back-to-basics education for customers might not be a bad idea.
  • Softer Cisco Offers Software-Only UC Licensing (0)August 30, 2012Cisco is removing the hardware-attached restriction to its UC licenses, allowing any software endpoint to be attached to the license. This opens the doors for wider, less expensive UC deployments that complement the flexibility inherent in the cloud era.
  • Study: Data Security Biggest Cloud Inhibitor (0)August 30, 2012With an acceleration in cloud adoption comes an anticipated rise in fears and issues around the security of that data stored in the cloud. Enterprises wish providers took more of a hands on approach to security--but that's where the channel can pick up some of the slack.
  • ADTRAN Gives MSPs Wireless Cloud Advantage (0)August 30, 2012ADTRAN seeks to make MSPs's lives easier with Bluesocket virtual wireless LAN access points. Without the need for an on-premise gateway, Bluesocket technology links a NOC to a company network, giving MSPs the power of on-demand provisioning and a simple way to migrate customers into cloud services.
  • In Tech Sales, It’s Better to Look Good on Paper (0)August 30, 2012It turns out that decision makers are more swayed by the potential for success than by actual success itself. Here's how to tune your services pitches to capitalize on this quirk of human nature.
  • Cisco Funds Disruption – and You Should, Too (1)August 30, 2012Cisco Systems established a fund to support internal teams working on potentially disruptive technologies that exploit new and potential market opportunities. For Cisco, it’s a necessity, and it should be for all technology companies – especially solution providers.
  • VDI Growth Directly Linked to BYOD (0)August 30, 2012VMware, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Citrix are placing big bets on the continued growth in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). The driver of this classic enterprise solution is none other than the leading consumerization trend, BYOD.
  • Microsoft Is Big Winner in Tablet Legal Wars (0)August 30, 2012Apple is pressing ahead with plans to seek a court injunction barring tablet rival Samsung from selling some of its most popular mobile products in the U.S. Meanwhile, Samsung is looking to Microsoft’s Windows 8 as a mechanism for tablet growth. The net result: Microsoft may ultimately be the winner in the Apple-Samsung feud.
  • Cloud Providers Need Long-Term Plan (0)August 30, 2012As the cloud market matures, the number of cloud players will start to shrink, so much so that by 2015, IDC predicts almost 30 percent of cloud market suppliers will be out of business. But can the channel uncover strategies from IDC's cautionary advice to cloud customers?
  • RSA Offers Guide for Virtual PCI Compliance (0)August 29, 2012RSA, the security division of EMC, is giving organizations one less objection to cloud migration by publishing a guide that spells out PCI compliance for organizations considering virtual infrastructure.
  • Polycom Unifies Public Sector Priorities (0)August 29, 2012Polycom reorganizes all its public sector divisions under a single "Public Sector" entity, which will focus squarely on improving the delivery of public sector communication needs. With Polycom recently consolidating its partner program, its efforts to improve vertical focus will likely make their way into the channel.
  • Riverbed Optimizes Virtual Experience (1)August 29, 2012Riverbed is emerging with a three-fold launch that aims to optimize performance of everything from software defined networks to cloud based applications for users. That bodes well for partners bulking up troubleshooting service practices to help organizations address unforeseen challenges with the adoption of virtual infrastructure.
  • Dell, VMware Ready VDI For Channel Delivery (1)August 29, 2012Dell continues its virtualization push with vStart for VDI, a set of pre-packaged and interoperable virtualization solutions built around VMware View, exclusively aimed at the SMB market. Even in the cloud world, virtualization is on the rise and Dell wants its channel partners to deliver it.
  • If Big Data Is So Great, Why Aren’t We Using It? (0)August 29, 2012Few solution providers, particularly those hoping to capitalize on the Big Data trend, have their own initiatives in place. Perhaps it’s time to start. Here's how.
  • Mountford Out, Changes Continue at Cisco (1)August 29, 2012Paul Mountford, Cisco's senior vice president for global enterprise, has left the company – marking yet another departure from Cisco's leadership team. With layoffs ahead and stalling sales, Cisco's execs may simply be jumping ship.
  • Trend Micro Launches New Cloud Program (0)August 29, 2012Trend Micro is aiming to keep its competitive edge in the cloud security space with the launch of a new service provider program and the latest version of its cloud and virtualization security solution. The Tokyo-based security company is working harder these days as other players nip at its heels.
  • Lenovo Pops Low-end Rack Servers for SMBs (0)August 28, 2012The vendor, more often associated with tablets and consumer-grade laptops, is expanding its lineup of hearty little rack servers aimed squarely at SMB workloads. That's good news for partners coveting Lenovo's big, new incentives for SMB sales.
  • Tier 3 Readies Revamped Cloud Management (0)August 28, 2012Tier 3 launches enhancements to its cloud management platform, making it easier to automate and control server clusters with large populations of virtual machines. Combined with its existing solution set, Tier 3 makes itself attractive to growing MSPs and large enterprises alike, even amid cloud giants like Amazon and Rackspace.
  • Another Zero Day Flaw Spurs Java Disabling (0)August 28, 2012An indiscriminating zero-day Java bug is once again targeting Windows, Mac and Linux systems prompting partners to disable Java for customers with a renewed emphasis on multi-platform security.
  • Lexmark Gets Out of Inkjet Printing Biz (0)August 28, 2012The age of printing draws a little closer to its end with Lexmark's announcement that it is exiting the inkjet business and laying off 1,700 workers.
  • Rackspace Nails Mailgun To Services Cloud (0)August 28, 2012Rackspace picks up programable e-mail company Mailgun, bringing new developer APIs to its cloud portfolio. With e-mail management, metrics and analytics under its belt, Rackspace is positioned to continually expand its cloud offerings.
  • Juniper Adds IPv6 To Virtual Gateway Release (0)August 28, 2012Juniper is carving its niche with the launch of a virtual gateway that touts IPv6 security. The release serves to bolster the company's presence in the virtual security space, an area that might just help it reposition itself in the market in its continued war with Cisco.
  • Ingram Micro Extends Credit to SMB Resellers (1)August 28, 2012Leveraging advanced business analytics, Ingram Micro selected a pool of several hundred SMB-focused solution providers to receive part of an $8 million extended credit intended to stimulate sales and growth.
  • Four Ways To Manage a Mobile Workforce (0)August 28, 2012Mobility in the workplace isn't a singular issue with a singular solution. Understanding different mobility technologies should help partners and customers choose an ideal solution for the workplace – whether it's a light-handed touch with BYOD, or fully-implemented solution with integrated VDI.
  • IBM’s HR Venture Portents Back Office Future (0)August 28, 2012IBM is the latest vendor to either buy or develop new back office software applications through its $1.3 billion acquisition of human resources software specialist Kenexa. The deal is among the many omens of the software future, in which back office automation and outcome-based IT sales will transform the market and channel.
  • Intel, VMware Create CPU-Based Cloud Security (1)August 28, 2012Intel and VMware partner up to provide on-chip security via vSphere 5.1 running on Xeon processors baked with Intel Trusted Execution Technology. Together, this hardware and software relationship should help build super-secure cloud servers that eliminate the apprehension about multi-tenant cloud environments.
  • Kaspersky Bolsters Virtual Security With IPS/IDS (0)August 27, 2012Kaspersky Lab is ramping up its offerings a bit with a few tweaks that protect virtual systems from network-based attacks. If anything, the launch inches the company forward in the virtual space, allowing it to maintain ground amid a barrage of virtual releases this week.
  • Sprint Continues SaaS Push With BYOD (0)August 27, 2012Sprint expands its SaaS offerings with a new turnkey BYOD Management suite. While Sprint looks to conglomerate its mobile resources to attack the business world, the channel still has a very real opportunity to do the same.
  • Symantec Embarks On Virtualization Overhaul (0)August 27, 2012Symantec is integrating more of its entire product portfolio onto the VMware's platform, a move that serves to redefine Symantec's product focus to leverage relevant technology trends and put the company more on par with competitors that have long since outpaced the security giant in the virtualization space.
  • The Changing Face of Vendors and Frienemies (1)August 27, 2012Cisco, VMware and EMC are rapidly reshaping their technologies and value propositions to become more competitive, which is turning these three collaborators into rivals. They not the only set of allies turned frienemy. The technology industry is replete with examples of changing allegiances that ultimately affect reseller channels.
  • Unisys Woos Channel With New Cloud Tools (0)August 27, 2012Unisys Corp. today updated its Secure Private Cloud Solution and made the offering available to channel partners as part of an effort to gain traction in vertical markets.
  • Zenith Infotech Hit With Another Lawsuit (0)August 27, 2012Details are emerging that embattled cloud computing provider Zenith Infotech is facing another legal challenge, this time brought by a supplier of technology used in the company’s popular backup storage systems.
  • MDM Market Still Maturing Amid AT&T SMB Push (0)August 27, 2012AT&T makes a bid for the mobile device management market with a new SMB-focused MDM solution. These moves indicate major vendors are seeking to define and capitalize on the space, but will the real maturation of MDM come from the channel?
  • Channelnomics Weekend Top 5 +1 (0)August 25, 2012A look back at our top five stories for the week gone by, plus one thing we're gearing up for your Monday morning.
  • Samsung Must Pay $1B in Patent Loss to Apple (0)August 24, 2012A San Jose jury finds Samsung purposefully and illegally copied key features of Apple’s smartphones and tablets.
  • Cisco Loses Partner Marketing VP Jobbins (0)August 24, 2012Amanda Jobbins, Cisco's vice president of global partner marketing, is leaving the company next month to return to her native United Kingdom, according to Cisco officials.
  • Rackspace Cloud Monitoring On-Ramp To Future (0)August 24, 2012Rackspace launches the Rackspace Cloud Monitoring platform, uniquely designed to rope in all cloud services from any vendor in any location and provide a singular console to manage and provision. Is Rackspace's management technology a precursor for the coming wave of zero-infrastructure cloud solution providers?
  • Barracuda Lures Postini Users With Free Security (2)August 24, 2012Barracuda has jumped on an opportunity by offering free email security services to Postini customers after Google announced it planned to retire the service next year. While no doubt a marketing tactic, the offer could serve to reinvigorate conversations with customers about email security that could lead to more Barracuda services opportunities down the road.
  • Kaspersky: Malware Attachments Up 50 Percent (0)August 24, 2012A Kaspersky Lab report found a 50 percent rise in malicious attachments last month, indicating that there's still a lot of room for the channel to underscore good, old-fashioned e-mail security.
  • HP Services Woes May Help Rivals, Startups (0)August 24, 2012Hewlett-Packard is rapidly dismantling one of the crown jewels of former CEO Mark Hurd’s tenure – the $14 billion acquisition and assimilation of EDS. Thousands of people are being laid off and scores more are leaving on their own accord. The net result: A flood of talent in the market that could help rivals bolster…
  • Virtualization, Mobility Represent Opportunity (0)August 24, 2012A new Information Week survey reveals that, while businesses are eagerly adopting virtualization and mobility strategies, there's still uncertainty and complexity in the implementation. Could the channel find new opportunities in refining existing IT infrastructure?
  • Do Not Put This Logo on Your Biz Card (7)August 24, 2012Microsoft unveiled its new logo, the first update to its brand identifier in 25 years. What does it look like? It’s a very clean, straight-forward representation of its traditional branding. Whatever you do, though, don’t put this logo on your business card. Here’s why.
  • NetApp Bulks Up Virtualized Storage Strategy (0)August 23, 2012NetApp is making gains in its Virtualized Storage Tiering strategy with the launch of a Flash Accel solution, an expansion of its Technology Alliance partner program and strategic partnerships, allowing it to stay on its toes against storage giants vying for territory in the virtualization space.
  • VMworld 2012: Proving Ground For The VCE (0)August 23, 2012The VCE will focus on its converged infrastructure agenda at VMworld, but can the VCE convince everyone that hardware and software together still represent a relevant process in the cloud world?
  • Kaspersky Lab Refreshes Enterprise Antivirus (2)August 23, 2012Kaspersky Lab released an updated version of its enterprise antivirus solution, a move that will give it a firmer foothold with larger customers as it seeks to gain traction in enterprise markets.
  • Dell’s New Cloud Offers Private Infrastructure (0)August 23, 2012Dell launches Dell Cloud Dedicated, a private-cloud IaaS platform that can be easily provisioned and deployed from a Web portal. Dell PartnerDirect partners will also have access to leverage Dell's cloud and build out their own service offerings.
  • OEMs Owe Microsoft Thanks for Surface (1)August 23, 2012Instead of heaping scorn on Microsoft for its tablet efforts, the hardware makers should see this as a chance to innovate beyond the almighty iPad. How many are up for the challenge?
  • Road to Cloud Office Apps Goes through SLED (0)August 23, 2012Microsoft is crowing about its latest big Office 365 win after Santa Clara County signed a multi-year, multimillion-dollar contract to convert to the cloud-based productivity suite. Microsoft and Google are gradually picking up more cloud users for Office and Google Apps, but the big deals are almost exclusively in the state, local and education market.
  • Mobile-First Will Reshape Reseller Priorities (0)August 23, 2012Gartner's outlook for 2015 predicts mobile application development will outpace PC application development 4 to 1. With such a shift in a relatively short amount of time, how will the channel adapt to meet the influx of mobile computing?
  • HP PC Sales Plummet, Spurs Turnaround Efforts (0)August 22, 2012Hewlett-Packard has its work cut out for it. The world's largest PC maker reported a 5 percent overall revenue drop for its third quarter of fiscal year 2011, which included printer sales that plummeted 23 percent, indicating turnaround efforts that will include more competitive pricing, downsizing and an imminent product shift as it seeks to…
  • Dell Goes Gigabit With PowerConnect 8100 (0)August 22, 2012Dell launches the PowerConnect 8100 gigabit Ethernet switches, delivering up to 40 GbE connections that can eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks and optimize VDI and UC or streamline SAN connectivity.
  • Crisis Trojan Targets VMware Virtual Machines (3)August 22, 2012The multi-platform Crisis Trojan is the latest to emerge on the security landscape – and likely the first to target VMware virtual platforms. Its presence debuts a new era of diverse threats aimed at a multi-faceted environments that will likely call for security partners to beef up their portfolio with a new set of tools…
  • MokaFive Readies Reseller Partner Program (0)August 22, 2012MokaFive launches its reseller partner program, bringing BYOD, Mac-based desktop management and cross-platform virtual desktop infrastructure to the channel. VARs and MSPs can mix and match MokaFive's services, delivering right-sized packages for the SMB and enterprise.
  • Austin Is New Barometer of Mobile, PC Future (1)August 22, 2012Austin, the capital of Texas, is the epicenter of two contrasting trends – mobility and PCs. Samsung is investing billions to expand a mobile memory chip facility here, while Dell is reporting a sharp decline in its once-might PC sales. The two trends are indicators of the IT industry’s endpoint future.
  • New M&A Trend: Sell Assets, Not Businesses (1)August 22, 2012Data center operator and hosting company ViaWest is buying the Las Vegas data center assets of CoreLink to bolster its presence in the desert gambling capital. The deal raises the possibility that physical assets in strategic locations could be more valuable than solution provider businesses themselves.
  • Veeam Beefs Up Channel Presence (0)August 22, 2012Backup and virtual management firm Veeam is asserting its presence in the industry with major enhancements to its channel program, a sign it's ramping up for anticipated growth, driven by the need to securely store an explosion of virtualized data.
  • Amazon Glacier Gives Data Big Freeze (0)August 22, 2012Amazon's new Glacier provides a cost-effective way to create long-term data archives in the cloud. Amazon seeks to replace tape-based backups by with a near-100-percent data integrity promise with free data uploads.
  • Reseller Ranks Swell, Profits Fizzle at Dell (3)August 21, 2012To live up to its transformation promises, Dell will need a cadre of evolved resellers well-versed in complex business solutions that combine enterprise-class hardware, software and services. Is the crown prince of channel conflict ready for that?
  • Dell Taps Ex-HP Exec to Lead Enterprise Unit (0)August 21, 2012Marius Haas is taking over as president of Dell’s Enterprise Solutions unit, replacing Brad Anderson, who ran the unit since joining the company in 2005.
  • VMware to End vRAM Tyranny at VMworld (1)August 21, 2012VMware will drop vRAM lisecning requirements in vSphere 5.1, which is set to debut at VMware VMworld 2012. VMware's moves show a desire to adapt to the cloud world while it caters to customer and partner demands.
  • Time to Make the Cloud Less Scary (2)August 21, 2012If cloud computing were a car, it would be a Toyota Celica with a rocket engine and handlebars with no seat belts and bicycle brakes. It's time for service providers to step up with better offerings and better messaging to improve end-user comfort with the technology.
  • EMC Makes SMB Gains With Storage Launch (0)August 21, 2012EMC is making further headway in the SMB with the launch of a unified storage solution, equipped with virtual capabilities that paves the way for an anticipated groundswell of virtual infrastructure migration in the lower markets. Among other things, the launch signals the increasingly fierce competition in the SMB space, a market segment primed for…
  • Sprint Brings Carefree Cloud to Office 365 (0)August 21, 2012Sprint launches "white-glove" migration services as part of its Microsoft Office 365 package. Sprint's direction underscores key trends in adding value to "as-a-service" technology.
  • Fortinet Sweeps SMB With Product Refresh (0)August 21, 2012Fortinet is attempting to stake a bigger claim in the SMB with a product overhaul upgrading three of its security and management appliances. The refresh cements the company's already strong position in the SMB as it revs up to nab market share from some its biggest challengers.
  • McAfee Explores Protecting Cars From Malware (0)August 21, 2012McAfee has a team of security experts toiling in an ordinary garage trying to find software vulnerabilities that will make computer-laden automobiles vulnerable to crippling viruses or hackers. The project is intended to prevent attacks that could lead to serious injuries or death – it also begs the question about future service opportunities for solution…
  • Quest Software Debuts Data Governance (0)August 21, 2012Quest Software launches the Quest One Identity Manager Data Governance Edition, which takes unstructured data from locations like SharePoint and automatically regulates the approval and denial of access based on user history. Technology like this could help make cloud data security a more streamlined process.
  • Apple’s Record Value a Lesson in Value Focus (0)August 21, 2012Amid a series of patent infringement lawsuits, increasing competitive pressure and changing market dynamics, Apple continues to defy gravity. It’s officially the most valuable company ever. The company that Steve Jobs built and rebuilt provides valuable lessons in focusing on value.
  • HP Focuses on Virtualization Amid Earnings Drop (0)August 21, 2012HP seeks to capitalize on enterprise virtualization with a set of powerful zero clients, but HP faces an uphill battle in competition that expands beyond the virtualization market.
  • SafeNet Makes Storage Security Push (0)August 20, 2012Data protection firm SafeNet has launched itself into the storage security arena with the launch of an appliance that provides encryption security to network attached storage, a move that will likely enable partners to deepen compliance niches going forward.
  • CommVault, Nimble Team in Backup Launch (0)August 20, 2012Data protection and information management firm CommVault has teamed with Nimble Storage to offer a solution that ups the ante in the backup and recovery space, a move that will allow CommVault to hold its own against an onslaught of similar competitive partnerships.
  • IndependenceIT Debuts Cloud Partner Program (0)August 20, 2012independenceIT is launching a three-level cloud-based partner program designed to streamline the process of cloud provisioning, deployment and management for VARs, MSPs and ISVs. Leveraging Veddio technology, independenceIT can now provide a complete cloud package to resell.
  • ConnectWise Morphs Into Reflexion Reseller (1)August 20, 2012ConnectWise is already a focal point in the managed services market, with many complementary vendors marketing into the IT Nation network. Now, ConnectWise is venturing into the facilitation of partner services sales with a new alignment with managed security service provider Reflexion.
  • VMware to Focus on Education at VMworld (1)August 20, 2012VMware partners will have access to discounted exams, expert-led breakout sessions and a hands-on lab at the annual show.
  • Massachusetts Issues Foggy Cloud Tax Ruling (1)August 20, 2012The Bay State’s Department of Revenue issued a ruling that essentially says most “software-as-a-service” sold to users in its state are not subject to sales taxes. However, the state otherwise known as “Taxachusetts” left the door open on the cloud sales tax issue, which could have serious implications for vendors and solution providers.
  • Four Things You Won’t Hear at VMworld (2)August 20, 2012Amid all the hoopla and rah-rah in San Francisco later this month, here are a few things that will remain unaddressed, but should be of interest to VMware’s partners and customers.
  • Dell Deepens SMB Storage Push (1)August 17, 2012Dell is stepping up its game in the SMB storage space with the launch of a new storage array and upgraded backup appliance, a move that further puts feet to ambitions in this arena, while further positioning it as a strong contender against existing storage partners Symantec and CommVault.
  • Best Buy, Google Face Same Amazon Dilemma (0)August 17, 2012Best Buy founder Richard Schulze formalized his bid to buy back the electronics retailer and reverse its sagging fortunes. But Best Buy and Google, a vastly different company, face the same common enemy: Amazon, which is rapidly transforming itself into a technology hydra that disrupts multiple businesses.
  • SAP Seeks Innovative, Disruptive Tech Partners (0)August 17, 2012German software giant SAP is trotting around the world in search of nimble, innovative startups and technology developers that are taking novel approaches to solving business problems in select industries. The idea: Provide more value to customers and leapfrog competition.
  • The Cloud Circa 2017: Services, Apps, Mobility (0)August 17, 2012Amazon, Google and Rackspace are but a few of the major players reshaping expectations for cloud providers and, subsequently, their partner communities over the next five years.
  • Brocade Searching for New CEO, Buyers (0)August 17, 2012Brocade Communications Systems is looking for a new CEO after longtime CEO Michael Klayko yesterday announced plans to step down after his efforts to find a buyer for the data and storage networking company failed to materialize. Net result: instability.
  • Symantec to Rectify Troubled Backup Release (1)August 16, 2012Symantec appears to be in damage-control mode following a debacle with the latest release of Backup Exec 2012. The company is attempting to rectify the situation and quell a firestorm of complaints, but the gaffe has opened the door for stronger competing products to step in and compel partners to shift allegiances.
  • 10 Software Companies Cisco Should Fear (0)August 16, 2012Cisco Systems may be the big dog in the data center today, but sluggish sales are a source of concern as a new breed of software makers develop tools to handle network traffic more efficiently, reducing the need for old-school switches and routers. Here are some of the lesser known threats to Cisco’s hardware-centric data…
  • VMware Lets Users Test Drive The Cloud (1)August 16, 2012VMware has turned to the "free sample" model with a new service that literally allows users to test drive its VMware vCloud platform, a move that takes aim at undecided customers holding out on a cloud migration.
  • Lenovo Pulls Even With HP in PC Sales (1)August 16, 2012China-based Lenovo is in a virtual dead-heat with rival HP for the title of world’s biggest PC manufacturer. Within the next three months, Lenovo will take the crown. The bigger question: Will it stop at PCs?
  • Cisco’s Big Challenge: The Software Switch (2)August 16, 2012Cisco Systems has done well for three decades as the provider of the pipes that make up the enterprise network and the broader Internet. In the modern era, it’s a pioneer in cloud infrastructure and virtualized data centers. And through it all, it’s been a hardware-based strategy – and that’s the challenge it must overcome.
  • Google Transitioning Postini Security to Apps (2)August 16, 2012Google is accelerating a year-long effort to complete the integration of Postini’s security, archiving and compliance services into the Google App’s portfolio. By the end of 2013, all Postini customers will be transitioned to Google Apps, as will their resellers.
  • Licensing Won’t Save RIM, but Developers Can (0)August 16, 2012RIM readies its BlackBerry 10 OS to be licensed to other handset manufactures. Can this last-ditch attempt really save RIM, or is it already too little too late?
  • Cisco Beats the Street, but Sales Stagnate (0)August 15, 2012Networking giant Cisco Systems beat out Wall Street's expectations with soaring profits but relatively flat revenues, indicating that the San Jose-based company might have to step up its game to go toe-to-toe with VMware, Oracle and others nipping at its heels in the emerging software-defined networking space.
  • CA, Logicalis Address Cloud Hurdles (0)August 15, 2012The partnership between vendor and MSP aims to deliver automated cloud management , underscoring an opportunity for partners that addresses challenges organizations face in keeping their hybrid environment under control.
  • EMC Helps Disties Pre-build VSPEX Systems (1)August 15, 2012EMC took a big step toward alleviating solution providers' some-assembly-required problem with its multi-vendor VSPEX Proven Infrastructure solution.
  • Device Diversity May Hurt Microsoft Mobile (0)August 15, 2012Microsoft is banking much of its enterprise mobility future on the success of Windows 8 to carve market share in the tablet and enterprise mobile market. Unfortunately, enterprises are moving on, and a few are making some unconventional device and operating system choices. One major retailer is going with the iPod Touch.
  • Rackspace Rolls Out Private Cloud Tool (0)August 15, 2012The hosting company makes the cloud a little more personal with new OpenStack-based software for those who want to give the cloud a spin from the safety and comfort of their own data center.
  • Perimeter Puts Office 365 E-mail Anywhere (0)August 15, 2012Perimeter launches the Archive Anywhere solution set for Office 365, bringing entire inbox archives to users from any device, even if it's not connected to the Internet. Microsoft's reinvigoration of the Office 365 platform has really set the stage for value-added cloud services.
  • Palo Alto Networks Already on Acquisition List (3)August 15, 2012Next-generation firewall juggernaut Palo Alto Networks is skyrocketing since its tremendous IPO last month, trading well above its opening price and demonstrating the perceived value in its technology. Now, an analyst firm says the security vendor is a leading acquisition target – provided one big issue is resolved.
  • HID Global Revamps Partner Program (0)August 15, 2012HID Global has given its partner program a new look and feel with a revamped partner portal, product certifications and streamlined processes. The move will give partners a boost when going against IAM giant RSA and others as the market continues its upward climb.
  • Dell Wyse Spies Cloud With New Thin Client (0)August 14, 2012Dell Wyse launches new thin clients geared for the complex needs of the cloud and sophisticated virtualization deployments. These clients align Dell to offer true end-to-end desktop virtualization services. Will Dell's WIndows 8 thin client arrive at VMware VMworld?
  • Axway Launches MSP Partner Program (0)August 14, 2012Managed file transfer vendor Axway is giving its partners new means to expand their portfolio with the launch of an MSP program. The move serves as a logical, if not inevitable, next step as the company faces increasingly stiff competition in the rapidly growing MFT market.
  • Salesforce.com Takes New Social Approach (0)August 14, 2012Salesforce.com teases its latest collaboration platform, Salesforce Communities. Built to be a social media and communication hub that connects customers, enterprise and partners, Salesforce.com could reshape the paradigm of business-centric social networking.
  • CA Offers Cash for Swapping Backup Tools (2)August 14, 2012CA Technologies Inc. is turning to the channel to help turn up the heat on competitors in the torrid backup and data recovery space. Through the end of the year, the Islandia, N.Y., vendor will pay users to ditch other DR products in favor of CA’s ARCserve.
  • Will Outlook.com Security Defeat Google? (1)August 14, 2012Microsoft is touting beefed up security in its refreshed Web mail service Outlook.com. But it's not likely that security will be enough of a differentiator for Microsoft as its struggles to maintain its lead against Google, as the number of Gmail users continues to climb.
  • Bill Clinton: The Channel’s Favorite President (0)August 14, 2012Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will grace the channel in coming months with addresses on economic development and the importance of innovation. If it were put to a vote, Clinton would undoubtedly win as the channel’s most popular ex-president, even though he really doesn’t talk about technology or the channel.
  • HP Targets Cloud, Virtualization Migration Needs (0)August 14, 2012HP launches a new fleet of cloud solutions designed to ease the migration of virtual machines, associated data and network configurations. HP's moves are indicative of a budding trend in cloud migration services.
  • Acer-Microsoft Tablet Spat Sinks Into Melodrama (0)August 14, 2012A steady stream of reports continues on how Acer is disillusioned by Microsoft’s decision to enter the tablet market with Surface. These reports are a reflection of a slow summer news cycle, and a lesson in what not to do when longtime friends become rivals.
  • Sage Spies SMB But Partners See Paltry Pay (0)August 13, 2012Sage focuses on the SMB sector by involving its partners in a direct referral program for the Sage One SaaS platform. But can Sage capitalize on the SMB market with a limited partner engagement?
  • Symantec Add-On Eases Big Data Woes (0)August 13, 2012A partnership between Symantec Corp. and Hadoop support and services firm Hortonworks took a few more steps in the Big Data space with an add-on that allows customers to run Hadoop from existing cloud and virtualization infrastructure. Among other things, the solution could allow partners to play the ROI card in the increasingly competitive Big…
  • Hot Middle East IT Market Woos Channel Players (0)August 13, 2012Ingram Micro's purchase of Dubai-based disty Aptec is just the latest in a raft of IT business moves in the oil-rich, technology hungry region.
  • Red Hat Eyes Enterprise OpenStack Maturation (0)August 13, 2012Red Hat launches an initial technology release of the OpenStack platform for enterprise businesses. The company's push to mature and develop the platform for mainstream use should help position OpenStack as a true rival to competing platforms like Amazon Web Services.
  • Sophos Bulks Up MDM Solution (0)August 13, 2012Sophos has bulked up its mobile device management solution with a slew of security tweaks garnered from its April acquisition of DIALOGS. If nothing else, the latest updates will give it more of an edge amid the growing ranks of competitors.
  • 5 Big Data Trends Transforming the Channel (0)August 13, 2012Big Data is about taking nonproductive data and refining it into actionable, revenue-generating intelligence. The Big Data evolution has profound implications for the channel. Here are five Big Data trends that will open new opportunities for solution providers over the next decade.
  • Google to Trim Motorola Mobility Payroll (0)August 13, 2012Google is cutting up to 20 percent of the Motorola Mobility staff – approximately 4,000 workers – to restructure the handset company now under its stewardship. For Google, Motorola Mobility is about the technology and patents, not cellphone sales.
  • Speed Will Make ‘Local’ Cloud the New Normal (0)August 13, 2012Despite increased spending on outsourced IT services, there’s still trepidation about the cloud. But will gigabit Internet speeds alleviate cloud concerns as owning instant and ubiquitous access to information becomes more valuable?
  • Cybersecurity Order Could Extend to Channel (2)August 10, 2012Rumors are circulating that Pres. Obama may issue an executive order requiring mandatory upgrades for critical infrastructure after the proposed Cybersecurity Act of 2012 was blocked . Solution providers could be called on to help get the security projects underway.
  • Gauss, Tilon Threats Target Financial Customers (0)August 10, 2012Two new banking threats have emerged on the security landscape, upping the ante for threats with a slew of evasive techniques and sophisticated methods of stealing information from financial clients. The new malware poses both a challenge and an opportunity for channel partners, who could leverage the threats to take their security offerings up a…
  • Beware: Looming Security Crisis in the Cloud (2)August 10, 2012A new survey shows even organizations that should know better are playing fast and loose with their data in the cloud and fumbling fundamental tenets of data integrity.
  • Cisco’s Goodwin Draws Career to an End (0)August 10, 2012Long-time Cisco global channel chief Keith Goodwin is at the Olympics in London handing off the baton of leadership to Bruce Klein. The close of the games also marks the official end of Goodwin’s illustrious career as a channel warrior.
  • When Will the Channel Die? (5)August 10, 2012Solution providers are fed a steady diet of “Transform or die, nay the cloud shalt kill you.” It has many wondering just how much time they have until the channel is completely disrupted by cloud computing and services. The answer: Thursday.
  • LockPath Channel Growth Bodes Well for GRC (0)August 10, 2012GRC firm LockPath is reaping the rewards of strong growth and an expanded channel. But the firm's market success may be indicative of a brighter future for GRC, thanks in part to the accelerated adoption of the cloud and an increasingly compliance-driven IT environment.
  • Lenovo Launches ThinkPad Tablet 2 (2)August 9, 2012Lenovo is launching the ThinkPad Tablet 2, which comes amid a slew of competitors, including Microsoft's Surface tablet, vying for the Windows 8 market space. It will likely need to pull some fancy tricks out of its hat to make waves in the channel.
  • Office 365: The Next Cloud Catalyst (0)August 9, 2012Verizon Wireless and Dell are now offering Office 365, and the number of partners offering syndicated versions of the productivity platform is growing. While solution providers don’t necessarily see how they will capitalize on Office 365, they're seeing it as a driver for broader cloud adoption, especially in the SMB segment.
  • Continuum, Industry Help Vets Find IT Jobs (0)August 9, 2012Hosted managed services vendor Continuum forms a nonprofit to help veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan find and thrive in IT jobs. The Continuum Veterans Foundation is a good example of how the industry is stepping up to help millions of veterans transition to civilian life.
  • BYOD Challenge: Separate Personal, Biz Clouds (0)August 9, 2012As desktop and mobile operating systems become more intertwined with the cloud, solution providers have a unique opportunity to provide protection and compliance capabilities to ensure sensitive corporate data never escapes users' personal cloud spaces.
  • Microsoft, NYPD System Is New Dev Model (0)August 9, 2012The New York Police Department and Microsoft unveiled the development of the Domain Awareness System, an integration of software and hardware that will provide anti-terrorism and criminal intelligence. Under the deal, Microsoft becomes a systems integrator and New York City a reseller, sort of.
  • McAfee Awarded $12M DHS Contract (0)August 8, 2012The Department of Homeland Security awarded McAfee a $12 million contract to bolster federal networks and secure infrastructure. The deal could have positive implications for the channel, while setting the stage for future public-sector business from anticipated cybersecurity legislation.
  • Studies: Organizations Still Struggle With BYOD (1)August 8, 2012Two surveys commissioned by Trend Micro clearly indicate that most organizations are finally coming around to BYOD, but are still bewildered as to how to implement effective strategies managing corporate data loss. The findings suggest wide swaths of opportunity in the market for partners to fill those gaping knowledge gaps.
  • HP Services Sputter, Analyst Calls for PC Spinoff (1)August 8, 2012UBS publishes a note saying HP needs to break up to compete against IBM, EMC, Lenovo, Apple, Samsung and others. Meanwhile, HP's sluggish services unit takes a steep write down.
  • Webroot, Corero Bolster DDoS Defenses (0)August 8, 2012A partnership between Webroot and Corero Network Security will put Webroot's IP reputation services into Corero's networking security solutions. Among other things, the combination could give partners the ability to get their foot in the door with customers by enabling them to deliver specialized, intelligence-based services addressing the rising threat of denial of service attacks.
  • A10 Plans to Challenge Brocade’s Court Win (0)August 8, 2012A10 Networks isn’t done fighting its legal battle with Brocade. Rather than accepting the $112 million judgment, the networking appliance vendor plans to appeal the jury award and nullify the ruling that it willfully infringed upon Brocade’s load balancing patents.
  • What Recession? Things Looking Up for IT Jobs (0)August 8, 2012Continued economic malaise and the threat of a double-dip recession notwithstanding, it remains a pretty good time to be in the business of information technology.
  • Acer Continues Protest Against Microsoft Surface (0)August 8, 2012Acer is renewing its protests against Microsoft’s plans to introduce the Surface tablet this fall alongside Windows 8, asserting the software giant will harm its own hardware partners. The truth is Acer doesn’t have many options, and it’s unclear what the real threat is. The channel, on the other hand, may have more to worry…
  • Verizon, Office 365 and Cloud Commoditization (0)August 8, 2012Verizon Wireless is now offering Microsoft’s Office 365 as part of its Small Business Essentials portfolio, offering the cloud suite to potentially millions of customers already serviced by the local solution providers. It’s a sign of growing competition and commoditization in the rapidly expanding cloud application market.
  • Hosted CRM Trumps On-Premise Apps (3)August 8, 2012A new survey shows SMBs are down with the cloud and ripe for migration. Are they prepared, though, to differentiate and deliver on the promise of hosted business apps?
  • Tintri Partner Program Boosts Virtual Storage (0)August 7, 2012Virtualization storage player Tintri is attempting to make a mark on the industry with the launch of a new channel program, aimed at helping partners capture new enterprise business by touting simplicity and price point as customers struggle to stay on top of growing storage challenges.
  • Avaya Ramps BYOD in Aura, Flare Collab Tools (1)August 7, 2012Updates bring some new conferencing and unified communications capabilities along with client availability for iPad and Windows devices.
  • Trend Micro Equips SPN With Big Data Tools (1)August 7, 2012Trend Micro is joining the ranks of Big Data launches with a slew of analytics and intelligence-based tools added to its Smart Protection Network. The move will enable partners to beef up their portfolio with a myriad of high-margin services, while allowing them to keep pace with competitors as the Big Data land grab unfolds.
  • NCR Branches into Channel-Driven SaaS (0)August 7, 2012NCR, the company best known for bank ATMs and airport kiosks, introduces new marketing and retailing software-as-a-service offerings, which offer solution provider partners recurring revenue opportunities while opening a new class of technology to smaller businesses.
  • iPhone 5 Mobile Payments to Spark POS Sales? (0)August 7, 2012The iPhone 5 may arrive with a near-field communication (NFC) chip build in. If Apple decides to push an NFC agenda, could it ignite the industry and, subsequently, the POS space?
  • Best Buy’s Best Hope Is Likely Long Shot (0)August 7, 2012Best Buy founder Richard Schulze is rekindling his bid to acquire the electronics retailing giant, believing he – and not current management – can reverse the company’s slide. So far, though, the Best Buy buyout plan is more about paying premiums for taking over the company and less about rescuing it from the fate of…
  • Dell Pushes Cloud With Partner Program Launch (0)August 7, 2012Dell is pushing increasingly harder into the cloud space with the launch of a comprehensive cloud partner program, a move that will no doubt give partners a competitive advantage when going head-to-head against hardware rivals HP and IBM.
  • Brocade Wins $112M Ruling Against A10 (0)August 7, 2012Brocade says it won a long-running patent infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against A10 Networks, with the jury issuing an “unambiguous” verdict and a large compensation award for unfair competitive practices.
  • Lenovo Challenges Dell in Gov, Education (1)August 6, 2012Lenovo is aiming squarely for Dell in the education and government vertical, launching a strategy to take marketshare with aggressive ThinkPad sales targeting elementary and secondary schools. This could be integral in its ambitions to take the global lead in PC sales.
  • Field Techs Say Mobile Security Lagging BYOD (0)August 6, 2012Businesses are allowing ever-increasing amounts of BYOD, but calls for mobile security are not keeping pace, according to the latest OnForce Q3 Confidence Index. The report also shows a modest increase in short-term economic confidence among the 500 technology service professionals polled nationwide.
  • WatchGuard Adds Performance to New UTMs (0)August 6, 2012WatchGuard is holding its ground in the unified threat management space with the addition of performance features to its new UTM line, a move that allows partners to stay on par with rivals in the heated race to capture UTM market share.
  • CharTec Standardizes on Sophos Security (0)August 6, 2012Hardware-as-a-service provider CharTec and its sister company, master managed service provider ARRC Technology, are standardizing on Sophos security software and hardware products, giving the security vendor a much-needed boost in the managed services channel.
  • Virtualization Anxiety Spells Channel Opportunity (0)August 6, 2012Although hosted services are quickly sweeping through SMBs and the enterprise, there remains pent-up demand for virtualization. A new survey shows the channel still has many ways to capitalize on the droves of businesses looking for a path to the virtualized data center.
  • HP’s Integrity, Itanium Future Remains Unclear (0)August 6, 2012Hewlett-Packard won the long-running legal battle with Oracle over the future of Itanium-based servers, but may have lost the server war. The channels that once sold and the customers that once bought Integrity servers have moved on, which could mean HP will reach the same conclusion Oracle predicted: the end of Itanium.
  • Wisdom of Woz in the Cloud (2)August 6, 2012Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak is stirring up controversy with remarks over the weekend foreseeing “big problems” in coming years with cloud computing. The soothsayer of first PC era doesn’t see a problem with the technology, but rather the ownership of intellectual property.
  • Perils of Living in the Internet Soup (0)August 5, 2012Some Channelnomics readers may have noticed the site was blacklisted over the weekend after being cited as a malware-infected and contagious site. With the help of our service providers, Channelnomics restored stored normal service and cleared the blacklist. The incident shows the perils of living in the Internet soup.
  • SAP Pays $306M to Oracle in Copyright Lawsuit (0)August 3, 2012Oracle agreed to a $306 million payout by SAP resulting from an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit, culminating a week of high-profile litigation for the company that has likely served to create instability and distract efforts from the channel.
  • New Google Apps MDM Alludes Convergence (1)August 3, 2012Google has updated its free MDM offering with Google Apps, giving Google Apps Resellers a bit more value-add to the hosted productivity suite. Does Google's refinement of MDM under the Google Apps program signal a convergence of MDM with major technology suites?
  • TechWizard’s Boy Wonder Inspires Channel (3)August 3, 2012You have to give this kid a lot of credit. Fourteen-year-old Michael Weymouth of Melville, N.Y., stunned solution providers attending the CompTIA Breakaway conference this week in Las Vegas with his vision, strategic planning and business acumen.
  • Time to Raise Prices of On-Prem Solutions (0)August 3, 2012Solution providers continue to express frustration in their inability to make money in cloud computing and other services. Verizon Wireless’ channel chief Janet Schjins has an interesting idea: Start raising prices of on-premise solutions.
  • Tech Data: Intermedia Integration, New VP (0)August 3, 2012Tech Data appoints William Brooks as vice president of sales and technical services, and expands its StreamOne cloud store with hosted Exchange packages from Intermedia.
  • Dell KACE, Bomgar Partner on Remote Support (0)August 2, 2012Dell KACE teams up with Bomgar to offer an integrated remote management solution integrated into the Dell KACE K1000 management appliance. With Bomgar inside, IT admins and MSPs can remotely support and manage nearly any device running any operating system, even outside the company network.
  • Study: More Saying ‘No’ to Insecure Mobile Apps (1)August 2, 2012A Zenprise Mobile Device Management study finds that more organizations are wary of insecure mobile apps, opening doors for partners to leverage high-profile breaches to secure customers' mobile environments and add MDM to their portfolio.
  • Windows 7 Could Die Hard Like XP (0)August 2, 2012After three years, Windows 7 has nearly beat out Windows XP on operating system marketshare – but with Windows 8 upgrade concerns, will Windows 7 be the next operating system to die hard?
  • GE Capital Extends Financing for HP Partners (0)August 2, 2012Hewlett-Packard partners will have a few more resources with a new financing program, provided by G.E. Capital, aimed at loosening up cash flow by extending repayment terms when purchasing products through select distributors.
  • Zogby to CompTIA: U.S. Losing Edge in IT (0)August 2, 2012The trend puts the country’s economic future in peril, but technology industry leaders remain split on what to do about it.
  • Sprint’s Office 365 Offering Could Feature UC (0)August 2, 2012Sprint joins Dell in offering Microsoft's new Office 365. With Sprint potentially mixing unified communications with its delivery, solution providers everywhere should gear up for a hotbed of Office 365 competition.
  • Judge: Oracle Must Support HP’s Itanium (1)August 1, 2012HP emerged victorious in its breach-of-contract lawsuit against Oracle regarding support for its Itanium processors. But Oracle said it plans to appeal the decision, indicating that partners of both companies can't yet count on business as usual.
  • Amazon’s Provisioned IOPS Supercharges Cloud (0)August 1, 2012Amazon Web Services introduces Amazon Elastic Block Store Provisioned IOPS, a new way for users to build efficient database back-ends to supercharge cloud applications.
  • Cloud Storage Still Needs Maturation (1)August 1, 2012Box.net finds another round of funding to focus on the enterprise, while Dropbox cleans up after another security breach. The world is poised to adopt cloud solutions wherever it can, but are all of them ready for prime time?
  • Five Ways to NOT Be Like the Postal Service (0)August 1, 2012In some ways, the post office is the original channel partner. Here's a look at the lessons solution providers can take away from the storied service's looming demise.
  • SolarWinds, Acronis Bundle Virtualized Offering (0)August 1, 2012SolarWinds has teamed up with Acronis to offer a management solution that combines backup and disaster recovery for virtual environments. The joint effort allows partners to gain ground with a wider array of customers, especially the SMB, as virtualization adoption continues to climb.
  • TekLinks Changes Owners in Maturation Event (0)August 1, 2012TekLinks, one of the U.S.’s largest systems integrators, is changing ownership as a new private equity firm takes a majority stake in the company and changes leadership. Founder Stuart Raburn is moving on to the board of directors in what's best described as a maturation event for TekLink and aspirational to other solution providers.
  • 2112, MarketBridge Team on Channel Services (0)August 1, 2012The 2112 Group, the premier channel intelligence and business services firm, and MarketBridge, a leading global provider of technology-enabled sales and marketing solutions for Fortune 1000s and emerging-growth companies, are teaming up to bring Revenue Engines to IT vendors and solution providers.
  • Lenovo, EMC Team on Servers, Storage (0)August 1, 2012Lenovo is looking beyond the PC and into server and storage products. Through a joint-venture with EMC, both companies will develop new servers and storage products that will expand Lenovo’s portfolio for resellers around the world.
  • DataCore Joins VirtualSharp for DR (0)August 1, 2012DataCore teams up with VirtualSharp to provide an automated, instant, redundant backup and recovery platform ideal for enterprise environments where downtime is unacceptable and multiple off-site backups are needed.
  • HP 3PAR Gets SSD Turbo Boost (0)July 31, 2012HP launches the HP 3PAR P1000, an SSD-based storage appliance designed for enterprise environments where mission-critical data must be instantly on-demand to maintain SLAs.
  • Continuum Offers 24×7 Help Desk as-a-Service (0)July 31, 2012Continuum provides a 24x7 help desk service for its MSPs, allowing MSPs to grow and take on more customers while still providing robust support for high-level service issues and low-end desktop quirks. MSPs can also also white-label Continuum's service and have Continuum support custom applications.
  • CSA 2012 Could Still Open Channel Doors (0)July 31, 2012The Cybersecurity Act of 2012 is headed to the Senate for a vote this week. While the elimination of security mandates have weakened the bill, it still contains provisions that could open the door for new government channel business in consulting, risk assessment and forensic services.
  • Bahr Back to Lead Cisco’s Americas Partners (0)July 31, 2012The channel veteran will once again lead the networking giant's partner efforts in the U.S. and Canada, this time around adding Latin America to her responsibilities.
  • Eversync Drives Cloud With Partner Program (0)July 31, 2012Cloud data protection startup Eversync is establishing itself with the launch of a comprehensive channel program. This will allow partners to target SMB markets and leverage cloud trends compete with larger – but slower – storage and backup players.
  • Dell’s Windows 8 Thin Clients Could Be Tablets (0)July 31, 2012Dell gears up for Windows 8 with Metro by suggesting its new thin clients are "finely tuned" for the touch-based experience of Windows 8. With Wyse under its belt, Dell could be building a thin client tablet made for the Windows 8 world.
  • Unisys VCE Bump Provides Mutual Benefit (0)July 30, 2012Unisys's new Unisys Secure Private Cloud Solution earns the Vblock-ready seal of approval from the VCE. Can the VCE leverage Unisys' size to earn more industry clout?
  • CharTec Decouples BDR From Appliances (2)July 30, 2012CharTec breaks its mold of hardware-as-a-service by offering backup and disaster recovery software that runs on legacy Windows 7 servers in a services-based pricing model. The mantra: Why buy new hardware when software will work just as fine and at a low cost? CharTec could become a barometer for channel BDR preference.
  • Dell Resource Center Adds to Security Cache (1)July 30, 2012Dell SecureWorks launched its Advanced Threat Resource Center, a one-stop shop for cybersecurity information that aims to increase the company's credibility in the industry and further arm partners to go up against competitors in consulting and threat analysis services.
  • Oracle Taps Xsigo for Virtualized Networking (0)July 30, 2012Oracle buys virtualization networking company Xsigo to help expand its cloud infrastructure capabilities. Is Xsigo the missing piece for the Oracle Cloud infrastructure?
  • Sophos Launches Free Android Security App (1)July 30, 2012Sophos has launched a free mobile security app for Android, a precursor to its anticipated enterprise offering that could position it against competitors in the mobile device management space down the road.
  • CompTIA Breaks Away From Tech Norm (0)July 30, 2012The annual CompTIA Breakaway conference in Las Vegas kicks off today, and the agenda promises to be less of the normal tech pitches of other channel events and more community collaboration, data-driven awareness building and actionable research.
  • Cybersecurity Act Set for Senate Vote (0)July 30, 2012The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the proposed Cybersecurity Act of 2012 this week. While well-intended, the proposed legislation could induce roadblocks in the security channel with its lack of enforcement mechanisms and amendments that further muddy cybersecurity issues.
  • Inside Vendors’ True Channel Revenues (0)July 30, 2012Microsoft recently reasserted that nearly all of its revenue flows through the channel. Just what “the channel” is to vendors is often obscured by the complexity and myriad relationships that make up partnerships resulting in revenue.
  • SAP Mobile Apps Program Seeks Partners (1)July 30, 2012The SAP Mobile Apps Partner program is designed to help partners capitalize on the need for mobile apps in the enterprise. These new moves provide incentives, tools and developmental resources to make cross-platform business apps easy to build, deploy and sell. But can SAP make inroads in the US market?
  • Big Data Challenges, Opportunities Growing (1)July 30, 2012Making sense of the massive mix of structured and unstructured data bombarding modern businesses is an engine of competitive advantage and innovation.
  • Top 5 Stories of the Last Week (0)July 28, 2012Because you don’t have time to keep up with everything in the world, here’s a recap of the top 5 Channelnomics stories of the past week.
  • SaaSMAX Delivers, But Will Have to Compete (2)July 27, 2012SaasMAX launches the Channel Marketplace as a one-stop shop to help VARs and solutions providers mix and match SaaS apps and manage customer relationships. But can SaaSMAX compete with the old guard of distribution giants already pushing this style of platform?
  • Websense Adds Security Analytics Service (0)July 27, 2012Websense is launching a new threat-detection service incorporating intelligence and analytics, and providing a way for partners to keep pace with competition amid a slew of Big Data security offerings.
  • Microsoft: Our OEMs Will Be Irked by Surface (0)July 27, 2012Microsoft admits its Surface is going to anger OEM partners – but reports of the device's $1,000 price tag are bogus.
  • Samsung Surge Undercuts Integrated Stack (0)July 27, 2012Apple says its slumping smartphone sales are due to consumers holding back in anticipation of the forthcoming iPhone 5. Meanwhile, Samsung is selling twice as many smartphones as Apple. The difference may be the open vs. closed stack models; and it could hold a significant lesson for Microsoft.
  • Synnex Earnings Flat, Avnet Tackles Complexity (0)July 27, 2012Synnex's nearly flat year-over-year growth may indicate an economic slowdown in the tech sector, along with the dwindling influence of distributors. Meanwhile, Avnet ramps up its education for IBM partners, slipstreaming training at Compass 2012.
  • Parallels: Automation Spurs Hosted Email Growth (0)July 27, 2012Parallels says its automation software makes it easier for solution providers to adopt and deliver Microsoft Hosted Exchange services. Its current crop of users is reporting a 47 percent increase in Exchange business.
  • Atos Shows Not All Is Bad in Europe (0)July 27, 2012The Eurozone is getting a bad rap from tech vendors who blame it for dragging down their quarterly earnings and profits. However, French integrator Atos is showing that not all is bad in Europe, and growth can come from international markets.
  • Will Alcatel-Lucent Cuts End Cisco Challenge? (0)July 27, 2012In addition to creating more channel setbacks, Alcatel-Lucent's massive 5,000-job layoff throws a huge wrench in the networking and telecom equipment manufacturer's plans to compete with industry giant Cisco.
  • Google Fiber: What To Do With a Gigabit (0)July 27, 2012Now that Google Fiber is here, what can a gigabit do for the channel? Ultra-high speed connections mark the beginning of more sophisticated and advanced cloud services which can deliver massive amounts of information and still operate close to real time.
  • Pure Storage Launches Partner Program (0)July 26, 2012Pure Storage is launching a partner program, a move that will likely serve to give solid state storage a boost in the market while providing partners the tools to forge new paths in enterprise storage arenas.
  • Google Fiber Disrupts Traditional ISPs (1)July 26, 2012Google unveils Google Fiber, offering a gigabit fiber connection in addition to a complete Internet television service. With no data caps or limitations, free cloud storage and near-instant download speeds, Google is simultaneously disrupting the cable provider market and the traditional model for ISPs.
  • Dell Targets SMB With MS Office 365 Solution (1)July 26, 2012Dell is aiming at the SMB with the Microsoft Office 365 with Dell, a cloud-based collaboration service that expands partner reach and provides a stronger foothold in the lower markets with a slew of related services.
  • Symantec Channel Chief Backs CEO Change (0)July 26, 2012Symantec channel chief John Eldh issued a statement endorsing the appointment of Steve Bennett of as CEO of the security and storage vendor, echoing previous corporate statements following the ouster of Enrique Salem.
  • Fortinet Beats Street, Boosts Market Share (2)July 26, 2012As if vaulting to fourth place in the market space wasn't enough, increased demand from U.S. enterprise customers have pushed Fortinet’s quarterly revenue up 25 percent.
  • BMC Infuses Cost Accounting into Clouds (2)July 26, 2012Businesses are migrating more mission-critical applications and resources into public and private cloud environments to save money and increase productivity. BMC Software is introducing a new application to account for costs and facilitate chargebacks. Here’s why you should care about cloud accounting.
  • Report: Cloud Driving Multidimensional Channels (0)July 26, 2012A new Cloud & Technology Transformation Alliance (CTTA) special report details how the growing cloud evolution is driving the creation of multidimentional, interdependent channels that deliver holistic services to market.
  • What Went Wrong and What’s Next at Symantec (0)July 26, 2012Symantec surprised many in the market and channel with yesterday’s sudden ouster of longtime chief Enrique Salem. While Symantec is tight-lipped about the significance of this change, telltale signs point to what’s happening at the security and storage company, as well as what may come next.
  • RSA Service Detects Rogue Mobile Apps (0)July 26, 2012RSA, the security division of EMC, launched a new monitoring service aimed at detecting and quashing rogue apps on Android and other mobile platforms. This adds to the company's slow-but-steadily-growing portfolio of monitoring services, which could potentially give partners new direction for their security practices.
  • Dell, Intel: BYOD Is Productivity Powerhouse (0)July 26, 2012A survey conducted by Dell and Intel has uncovered that the bring-your-own-device to work trend is effective in stimulating mobile and productive employees – though it's not without security concerns. Meeting the demands of trepidacious businesses is a unique opportunity for channel partners, especially as BYOD becomes commonplace in a mobile-first world.
  • Google Launches PaaS Partner Program (0)July 25, 2012Google launches its Cloud Platform Partner Program, providing Google cloud opportunities, tools and training for service and technology partners. Google's partner invitation sets the stage for more advanced Google cloud solutions to come.
  • Dimension Data Unveils Cloud Program (0)July 25, 2012IT management and infrastructure firm Dimension Data unveils a cloud partner program that will likely allow partners to expand their practices, accelerate their time to market and make new inroads in niche cloud infrastructure services.
  • Symantec Shakeup Ousts Salem for Bennett (0)July 25, 2012Amid the race to the cloud, Symantec replaces CEO Enrique Salem with Steve Bennett to reallocate resources and push a cloud-centric, service-oriented, partner-friendly future for the security company.
  • IBM Building a Different Managed Services Model (0)July 25, 2012In the last two years, IBM has reversed its midmarket fortunes based almost exclusively on penetrating the managed services segment. But the way IBM defines managed services is vastly different than the rest of the market and a reflection of where managed services are going.
  • 2112 Names Chris Gonsalves VP of Editorial (3)July 25, 2012Channelnomics' parent The 2112 Group adds new staff members to meet growing demand for its research and strategic content services.
  • Juniper-Riverbed Deal New Thorn in Cisco’s Side (1)July 25, 2012The networking specialists join forces to deliver a set of WAN optimization technologies aimed at improving both traditional and mobile applications delivery.
  • ManageEngine Shines With Ruby on Rails (0)July 25, 2012ManageEngine introduces Ruby on Rails support, making it easier for IT admins and MSPs to peer inside Rails apps and uncover valuable metrics for improving application performance.
  • iPhone Anticipation Humbles Juggernaut Apple (1)July 25, 2012Apple reported a rare miss in its quarterly earnings report as slumping iPhone sales dragged revenues and profits. Apple aptly blamed consumers who are holding back on purchases in anticipation of new products this fall. Apple isn’t alone – other vendors are seeing the same slump ahead of the fall product release season.
  • Quest Launches SharePoint Enabler (0)July 25, 2012Quest Software launched a tool designed to ease the experience for SharePoint users. If anything, the tool will help drive adoption, which could translate into increases in training, security, compliance and other services around the platform for the channel .
  • McAfee Launches MSP Partner Progam (0)July 25, 2012McAfee is unveiling a new Managed Service Provider Program that will equip its MSP with tools and resources to remain competitive in this space against well-established competitors while further fulfilling its SMB growth strategy.
  • F5 Networks, Westcon Group Ink Global Deal (0)July 24, 2012F5 Networks inks a global distribution deal with the Westcon Group, allowing F5 Networks to tap into new partner opportunities and provide its technology for new and emerging areas of cloud development.
  • AVG Grows SMB With Channel Support Centers (0)July 24, 2012Antivirus firm AVG is attempting to make a greater SMB push with the launch of two new channel support centers, which, among other things, will likely give partners an added boost when embarking on mobility business in the lower markets down the road.
  • Nicira Acquisition Bolsters VMware Prowess (0)July 24, 2012VMware's acquisition of software-defined networking company Nicira expands its virtualization capabilities for evolving cloud technologies, raising the stakes for competitors like Cisco and Juniper.
  • Good News, Microsoft: iPad Is a Business Tool (0)July 24, 2012As Microsoft readies the launch of tablet-friendly Windows 8 and its Surface this fall, there’s mounting evidence that tablets are increasingly seen as business tools among new tablet buyers. The evidence: New business tablet buyers are choosing iPads.
  • Unified Communications is Mobility Glue (0)July 24, 2012As mobile device management and BYOD steal the spotlight, there's one important factor that will truly make a mobile workforce more productive: unified communications. Without the UC 'glue' to keep it all together, mobility will never reach its true potential.
  • Cisco Thinking Layoffs, and So Should You (0)July 24, 2012Cisco Systems announced another round of layoffs as it moves to trim its global workforce and remain agile. Other vendors are going through the same motions. In many regards, this isn’t a bad thing; all companies should regularly evaluate their expense structure – including labor.
  • Kaspersky Lab Launches Security for Mac (0)July 24, 2012Kaspersky Lab released a consumer antivirus solution dedicated to the Mac OS X platform, indicating the rising tide of threats could one day pave the way for partners to incorporate Mac-oriented solutions into their security portfolios.
  • Cisco Slashes 1,300 Jobs in Agility Attempt (0)July 23, 2012Cisco cuts 1,300 jobs in an ongoing attempt to streamline the company and redouble its engineering efforts on emerging cloud and hosted technologies.
  • Lenovo Leverages Security With Wave Systems (0)July 23, 2012Lenovo deepens its relationship with Wave Systems through a new distribution agreement, making its security solutions portfolio directly available to Lenovo resellers. Wave brings its flavor of encryption, DLP and TPM management to Lenovo's hardware.
  • Fear of Social Media Keeps Many on Sidelines (1)July 23, 2012If you’re among those solution providers that remain skittish and unsure of how Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn really fit into your business, you’re not alone.
  • Data Governance to Data Transparency (0)July 23, 2012Access to operational data reveals tremendous insights into a business’s operational efficiency and effectiveness. Solution providers that can supply the tools to provide greater control over data flows can also disperse the information fog to provide greater transparency that leads to improved productivity.
  • D-Link Bolsters Network Storage Portfolio (0)July 23, 2012Unified network solutions firm D-Link is taking aim at the SME market and government verticals with a network storage launch that enables partners to entice customers with a spate of data protection perks at no extra cost.
  • HP CMS 10 Aims to Automate (0)July 23, 2012HP launches the HP Configuration Management System 10, a solution platform designed to give large enterprises, government organizations and managed service providers better asset management and discover for evolving complexity of IT environments.
  • 10 Essential Services Key Performance Indicators (3)July 23, 2012Managed and cloud services are no longer a choice for solution providers. Here are 10 key performance indicators for solution providers looking to transform their businesses to capitalize on the services evolution.
  • Dell Release Deepens Big Data Push (0)July 23, 2012Dell is pushing further into the Big Data space with the launch of a comprehensive tool that puts it more on par with competitors and paves the way for partners to address customers' data-inundation woes with a slew of high-dollar analytics and management services.
  • Is Age of the Printing Over? (2)July 23, 2012Xerox and Lexmark reported less-than-stellar quarterly earnings under pressure of international exchange rates. The difference between the two companies: Xerox has IT services, which is holding up its performance. The evidence is mounting that the age of printing is nearly over.
  • Privacy a Selling Point for Solution Providers (0)July 23, 2012A new survey from MIcrosoft has revealed that SMBs are ready and willing to adopt the latest cloud technologies, so long as their privacy and compliance policies are met. Solution providers should gear up and take on another emerging SMB opportunity.
  • ConnectWise Chief’s Valiant Channel Swim (1)July 22, 2012After months of preparation, ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini took to the frigid waters of the English Channel yesterday to swim across the divide to France. Unfortunately, he fell just short of his goal, but that doesn’t make the attempt any less incredible.
  • Palo Alto Networks’ IPO Makes Strong Debut (0)July 20, 2012Palo Alto Networks' IPO has a strong start out of the gate, indicating the potential for enhanced channel opportunities and a bright future for the next-generation firewall market the company helped pioneer.
  • Confidence Wanes Among IT Execs (0)July 20, 2012The dismal results of CompTIA's latest Industry Business Confidence Index point to fiscal pessimism and continued sluggishness in the IT business world.
  • Panda, Webroot Offer New Security Tools (1)July 20, 2012Both Panda Security and Webroot put out security tools this week, many of which are free, that give partners a few more service options for customers with minimal expense.
  • 5 Solution Providers Making Winning Moves (0)July 20, 2012Success doesn’t come easy. It requires strategic planning and focused execution. Here are five solution providers that exemplify the benefits of strategic decision-making, comprehensive strategies, business planning and focused execution.
  • SMB Confusion is a Channel Opportunity (2)July 20, 2012A new survey reveals that SMBs are having a harder time adopting the latest IT trends, finding the complexity of new solutions overwhelming. This complexity represents opportunity for the channel, where VARs and solutions providers can embody the 'trusted advisor' role and better target their services.
  • Dell Aims for $5 Billion Software Sales (0)July 20, 2012When Dell closes its acquisition of Quest Software, its software sales will surge past $2 billion annually. That’s nothing compared to Dell’s $5 billion software ambition, which will be built on strategic acquisitions and organic growth, says the company’s software chief. There’s a lot of channel potential and challenge in that goal.
  • Good Channel News in Microsoft Earnings (0)July 20, 2012Microsoft took a massive write-off related to its online advertising business, which caused its first quarterly loss as a public company. Nevertheless, there’s lots of good news in the rest of the business, and that reflects the power and potential of the Microsoft channel network.
  • What the ARM Race Means for the Channel (0)July 20, 2012ARM CPUs are finding their way into servers instead of smartphones. If the new use of ARM CPUs takes off, what will the channel’s responsibility be in supporting this new architecture?
  • Palo Alto Networks’ Big IPO Set for Tomorrow (1)July 19, 2012The next-generation firewall vendor is finally going public after months of speculation. With a high opening stock price, Palo Alto stands to raise nearly $260 million, which will go a long way in market development and, potentially, a bigger push into the channel.
  • Sophos Integrates Astaro in Partner Program (0)July 19, 2012Sophos is further sealing its place in the networking security space with the launch of a new partner program that integrates Astaro partners squarely into its fold. Among other things, the new program will help Sophos partners make dents in the UTM space as the company goes against Cisco and other well-established players.
  • Most Not Affected by Symantec’s Faulty Update (0)July 19, 2012Symantec issued a faulty update last week that subjected about 300 Windows XP machines to the Blue Screen of Death, which, if nothing else, could create a few more opportunities for the channel to offer remediation and best-practices consulting.
  • ExchangeDefender’s CloudShare Backup Is Free (1)July 19, 2012ExchangeDefender's new CloudShare solution gives businesses a Dropbox-esque synchronization and backup platform with the business-centric features SMBs need. As a free add-on to the ExchangeDefender platform, partners have access to low-hanging fruit that can add much value.
  • Asigra Unlocks Secret of Performance Rhythms (0)July 19, 2012Backup specialist Asigra is demonstrating that holding solution providers to performance standards and carefully cultivating a channel community through “shared rhythms” can drive strong and predictable growth for itself and partners.
  • After a Year, VCE Finally Gets a New CEO (0)July 19, 2012After nearly a year of operating with the CEO office vacant, the virtualization joint venture of Cisco, EMC and VMware has appointed a new chief executive, Praveen Akkiraju, who comes from the ranks of Cisco’s networking services group. The appointment may indicate VCE sees a sustained future in private clouds.
  • Google Urges Professional Help in Apps Adoption (0)July 19, 2012In a recent blog post, Google touts the growing legions of Google Apps consultants as a benefit to end users, as they are skilled and experience in implementing the cloud-based suite. Microsoft, too, is urging partners to engage with Office 365. Another interpretation: cloud productivity apps aren’t self-service and require professional support.
  • Check Point Releases Virtualized Security (0)July 19, 2012Check Point is breaking new ground with the launch of a virtualized security product aimed at consolidating security gateways onto a singe appliance, a move that will give the channel the ability to hit up enterprise customers with yet another piece of the virtualization pie.
  • Blue Coat Brings App Control For BYOD (1)July 19, 2012Blue Coat expands its security offerings with the Blue Coat mobile application control platform. Via an appliance or the cloud, Blue Coat can provide granular control over application network access, eliminating the risk of data leaks or inappropriate network behavior.
  • SAP’s Big Data Puts Intelligence Everywhere (0)July 18, 2012SAP launches BusinessObjects 4.0, complete with five key "pillars" of business intelligence, designed to make big data information accessible and collaborative for the SME environment.
  • Trend Micro Launches MDM Solution (1)July 18, 2012Trend Micro is taking incremental steps forward in BYOD and mobility trends with the launch of a MDM solution as it takes aim at challengers vying for dominancy in this space.
  • VMware Stock Rebounds Big Time (0)July 18, 2012Yesterday, the market was racing away from VMware amid uncertainty about its future following the departure of CEO Paul Maritz. Now that all the details are out, the stock is rebounding in a big way.
  • Rackspace Launches Apps Market, With Help (0)July 18, 2012Rackspace is steadily expanding from a hosting to a cloud services company. The addition of the Cloud Tools Marketplace, powered by AppDirect, will provide Rackspace customers with access to software to run on hosted and managed assets. The alliance is part of a growing trend for not just apps, but app stores.
  • Tech Data Bolsters Cisco Reseller Environment (0)July 18, 2012Tech Data shows Cisco some love with a revamped Cisco Solutions Group that includes an overhauled demonstration center, a specialized "Momentum" tool for accelerating partner growth and a refreshed web portal for easier access to critical information.
  • Verizon Enlists Geek Squad for SMB Support (3)July 18, 2012Best Buy’s Geek Squad will provide IT help desk and technical support to Verizon’s network of SMB customer across the country. The channel relationship is a significant evolutionary step in Geek Squad’s ambition to broaden its reach in business services market.
  • Forecast: Global Economy, Tech Sector Slowing (0)July 18, 2012Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund lowered its economic forecasts, saying the global economy is slowing. In the tech sector, there’s mounting evidence this is already happening as job cuts are mounting and regional economic conditions deteriorate. The sky isn’t falling, but it certainly is gray.
  • Intermedia Sees Value in White Clouds (0)July 18, 2012Intermedia is one of a handful of hosting companies selected by Microsoft for its hosted Exchange 2013 beta program. For Intermedia, though, the program is another step in a broader plan to provide hosted, managed cloud offerings to solution providers as a white labeled service.
  • BetterCloud FlashPanel Hits Google Marketplace (0)July 18, 2012BetterCloud's FlashPanel exits private beta mode, bringing enhanced and improved features specifically built for Google Apps administrators that need more robust control than what Google offers out of the box.
  • Report: Companies Drowning in Data (0)July 17, 2012An Oracle report indicates the vast majority of organizations are overwhelmed with data and have little idea how to turn it into profit, representing opportunities for the channel to swoop in with industry-specific business intelligence and analytics solutions.
  • Cisco Taps Virtuata for VM Security (0)July 17, 2012Cisco picks up cloud and virtualization security company Virtuata to expand its infrastructure, security and networking capabilities amid impending competition from rivals like HP and Dell.
  • CEO Leaving Aside, VMware Looks Stellar (0)July 17, 2012Wall Street is pounding VMware stock prices following reports that CEO Paul Maritz is leaving the company. While the news is shocking, there’s a lot of good happening at VMware, its parent and its incubator projects.
  • Symantec Bulks Up Mobile Management (1)July 17, 2012Symantec released a series of mobile management platform enhancements, which, for the channel, could translate to new paths to device and application management practices and niches in mobile threat protection.
  • Avaya IP Office 8.1 Brings SME Focus (0)July 17, 2012Avaya debuts IP Office 8.1, with a focus on the SME community. Avaya has also sought to capitalize on the BYOD trend by expanding its mobile UC offerings to the SME space.
  • Office 2013: A Catalyst for Microsoft’s Revival (4)July 17, 2012The forthcoming Windows 8 OS may be a game changer that propels Microsoft into the tablet and mobile market, but it’s the new Office that has stronger strategic value: expanding Microsoft’s footprint and dragging other product sales.
  • Panda Security Launches UTM Device (1)July 17, 2012Cloud antivirus vendor Panda Security is taking a page out of Sophos' book with the launch of a UTM device that leverages the cloud – a feature that enables partners to differentiate themselves with an array of remote monitoring and management services for SMB customers.
  • The Waning Influence of Intel (0)July 17, 2012The maturation of mobility and the changing landscape of everyday computing has given rise to versatile and popular ARM-based alternatives that are supplanting traditional Intel footholds in the marketplace. Does Intel have a backup plan?
  • At VMware: Maritz Out, Gelsinger In as CEO (0)July 16, 2012In still-developing breaking news, media outlets citing unnamed sources say Paul Maritz is out as CEO of virtualization software leader VMware, replaced by chief operating officer Pat Gelsinger. What the leadership shakeup means remains unclear.
  • The New Office: Microsoft Aims Sky-High (0)July 16, 2012Microsoft completely revamps its Office ecosystem, introducing a new version of Office 365 for the consumer world and Windows 8 versions of Office that exploit the benefits of the tablet form-factor. The new Office also includes collaboration hooks for Skype, Lync and Web-based applications.
  • Huawei Plans Storage-Offering Boost (1)July 16, 2012China's Huawei says it plans to bulk up its storage offerings to create an end-to-end data solution as it prepares to go toe-to-toe with bigger rivals following the Symantec buyout.
  • Sophos Adds Endpont Management to UTM (0)July 16, 2012Sophos is bulking up its network security play with the roll out of UTM 9, which carves its niche with the endpoint management component and gives partners a bit of a competitive edge when going against other established industry players.
  • EU Court Clears Way for Used Software Sales (2)July 16, 2012Oracle is likely to appeal a Court of Justice of the European Court decision that determined resellers can resell unused software licenses regardless of the distribution medium. In essence, the used software channel is open for business, thanks to German VAR UsedSoft.
  • Kaseya Provides ‘Foundation’ for IT Pros (0)July 16, 2012Kaseya launches Kaseya Foundation, a basic SaaS automation package designed to give IT admins and solution provides just the right amount control for basic break-fix needs. Foundation also comes with a new porta, allowing a customizable mix-and-match approach for more advanced automation modules.
  • McAfee Leads Intrusion Prevention Market (1)July 16, 2012Gartner hailed McAfee's IPS solution as a market leader, which could give channel partners a bit of a competitive edge in this space. However, standalone IPS will continue to face challenges in light of consolidation trends that drive organizations to adopt NGFW and other comprehensive solutions.
  • Turns Out ‘Green’ Apples Are Better (0)July 16, 2012Apple is reversing course on dropping out of the EPEAT environmental rating system after major customers announced they would drop the Mac platform in favor of greener brands. It’s a sign that green IT has finally turned a corner.
  • Where Was Security at Microsoft’s WPC? (1)July 16, 2012Microsoft spent an inordinate amount of time talking about Windows 8, Office, cloud computing and Windows Phone at last week’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto. Conspicuously absent was security, once the open wound of the Microsoft portfolio. Here are two possible explanations.
  • RIM Loses $147M in Mformation Patent Dispute (1)July 16, 2012RIM loses a court-settled patent dispute with MDM company Mformation, costing it $147.2 million in losses. With RIM already scrambling to make ends meet, will surmounting legal pressures put the company out of business?
  • HP and Microsoft Lync-up For UC Partners (0)July 13, 2012HP and Microsoft team up, giving the SMB channel community pre-vetted UC packages to deploy and sell in an effort to capitalize on the growing momentum and revenue coming from the UC space. UC may become the next big channel trend, especially as hosted UC options grow.
  • Peak 10 Launches Enhanced Channel Program (0)July 13, 2012Data center and cloud provider Peak 10 is opening new doors for partners with the launch of an enhanced channel program, indicating the growing demand for specialized high-margin channel services dedicated to the SMB.
  • Survey: AV, Management Lacking In SMB (1)July 13, 2012A survey released by security and IT management firm GFI indicated that SMB IT administrators have gaping holes in their AV practices, indicating wide swaths of opportunity for the channel to address glaring security issues with remote services and best practices consulting.
  • ElasticHosts Delivers White-Label Cloud Platform (0)July 13, 2012ElasticHosts offers a unique pay-as-you-go white-label cloud provisioning platform built with the channel in mind. Resellers can brand and resell ElasticHosts cloud portal to customers that need to provision and customize their own cloud servers. Everything else, including billing and revenue, is completely automated. Is this the cloud style of the future?
  • CompTIA Shows Veterans Job Love (0)July 13, 2012CompTIA is actively recruiting veterans to help position them for jobs in the IT world under the Troops to Tech Careers initiative. This year, CompTIA promotes the program through a writing contest on the goodwill actions of veterans around the country.
  • Axcient, NetEnrich Deliver Uptime Management (0)July 12, 2012Axcient and NetEnrich combine forces to deliver a complete backup, recovery and continuity solution that can be easily managed, allowing Axcient and NetEnrich partners to expand their capabilities and potentially their customer base.
  • Kaspersky Lab Enhances Deal Reg Program (0)July 12, 2012Kaspersky Lab has bolstered its deal registration program with new rewards and protections, a move designed to inspire existing partner loyalty while providing a compelling incentive for new channel business.
  • HP ExpertOne Fast Tracks EMC, NetApp Training (1)July 12, 2012HP introduces the ExpertOne Fast Track training program designed to help partners with pre-existing EMC and NetApp certifications speed through HP Storage specializations and accelerate growth within the PartnerOne program.
  • GFI Launches New Cloud Platform (0)July 12, 2012Security and IT management firm GFI launched a new console that enables the channel to offer a host of cloud services, allowing partners to carve out new niches and make greater dents in the SMB space.
  • 7-inch Tablets in The Channel (0)July 12, 2012Rumors about an iPad mini and the nearly-here Google Android Nexus 7 tablet have many speculating about the future of 7-inch tablets. Here's a quick look at some of the latest mid-sized tables on the market and their potential channel implications.
  • Microsoft Bolsters Incentives, Field Support (0)July 12, 2012Microsoft believes the release of Windows 8 and other products this fall will cause a surge in IT spending, but it’s not taking any chances. To ensure success, Microsoft is flooding the channel with incentives and support.
  • Lenovo Closes in on HP in PC Sales (1)July 12, 2012Hewlett-Packard is maintaining a sliver lead over rival Lenovo in PC market share, according to new figures released by Gartner and IDC. A big part of the Lenovo surge is a persistent and aggressive channel strategy.
  • Barracuda Networks CEO Resigns (1)July 11, 2012Dean Drako, founder and chief executive of the security appliance vendor, has tendered his resignation. No replacement has been named, as Drako departs to pursue other opportunities.
  • WatchGuard Strengthens XTM Engine (1)July 11, 2012UTM vendor WatchGuard bolstered its XTM Next Generation Firewall line with a slew of enhancements to its Fireware operating system, which aim to give the company and its partners a bit of an edge in the growing and increasingly competitive NGFW market.
  • Polycom Consolidates Partner Network (0)July 11, 2012Polycom reworks its partner program and consolidates all partners into seven specific partner designations. Polycom believes this will streamline intra-partner collaboration, spurring new app development and solution portfolios and fulfilling the "video everywhere" ideology.
  • McAfee “Profitability Stack” Streamlines Channel (0)July 11, 2012McAfee is seeking to streamline and standardize its channel program with the launch of its "Profitability Stack," an amalgam of profitability programs worldwide that combines successful channel features into one global offering.
  • Trend Micro Revamps Cloud, MSP Channel (1)July 11, 2012Trend Micro is breathing new life into its cloud channel with a revamped channel program, MSP capabilities and a slew of new certifications and enablement tools. Among other things, the launch aims to reinvigorate its channel community, as the security vendor facing increasingly stiff competition from industry players in the cloud space.
  • IT Spending To Top $3.6T by End of 2012 (0)July 11, 2012A new Gartner report pegs global business IT spending at $3.6 trillion, with the fastest growing segment in cloud services and telecommunications equipment. This shows the resiliency of the IT industry, which saw sales plunge to $2.6 trillion at the bottom of the recession in 2009.
  • Why Microsoft was Right to Kill SBS (9)July 11, 2012Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Small Business Server, a highly popular product in the channel, has rankled many solution providers who believe the replacement, Windows Server 2012, and cloud options aren’t always appropriate for small businesses. However, there’s logic behind Microsoft’s decision, and it will ultimately benefit the channel.
  • Symantec Makes Cloud Push With MSP Console (1)July 10, 2012Symantec is forging ahead full force on its stated cloud strategy with the release of a MSP management console and the launch of a new licensing program. The push will likely serve to fill gaps in partners' cloud portfolios but might fall short of giving them a leg up on cloud competitors.
  • Performance is Paramount in EMC NetWorker 8.0 (0)July 10, 2012EMC launches NetWorker 8.0, a robust upgrade to EMC's backup software, featuring up to 50 percent faster backup performance, new Microsoft software integration capabilities and enhanced cloud service delivery capabilities.
  • McAfee Bolsters Firewall With FireMon Solution (0)July 10, 2012McAfee is bolstering its firewall with a solution from security management firm FireMon, a move that enables partners to hone practices with specialized services around firewall management and risk assessment.
  • N-central 9 Brings Next-Level Automation (0)July 10, 2012N-able launches N-central 9.0, the successor to the transitional N-central 8.2 release. N-central 9.0 brings with it a redesigned automation manager and streamlined tools to turn MSPs into RMM powerhouses.
  • Surface Conspicuously Absent at Microsoft WPC (0)July 10, 2012Microsoft is building high expectations for its first tablet, Surface, which is expected to hit the market concurrently with the Windows 8 release this fall. At the Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto, Microsoft is showing off examples of Windows 8 everywhere. Surface, however, is nowhere to be found.
  • Zenith Infotech’s Value Plummets in New Review (0)July 10, 2012A new court-ordered revaluation of embattled Zenith Infotech finds the cloud and backup vendor is now worth roughly one-quarter of its previously assessed value, giving creditors of its defaulted bonds new ammunition in their case to recover their investments.
  • SAP HANA Gets Channel Bump (0)July 10, 2012SAP looks to expand its partner presence by introducing three partner program opportunities under a new SAP HANA program that will give partners access to the entire portfolio of HANA solutions.
  • Microsoft Opens Office 365 to Partner Billing (0)July 10, 2012Microsoft is now allowing partners to bill and administer Office 365 accounts. The change ends five years of dispute between Microsoft and partners over account controls, but the new program could have some unintended consequences.
  • Convergence Trending Amid Westcon VCE Deal (0)July 9, 2012Westcon Group signs a distribution deal with the VCE, bringing converged infrastructure to a much wider, global audience. But is this a sign of an emerging trend in converged infrastructure?
  • Trend Micro Integrates Security Into MS Server (0)July 9, 2012Trend Micro is integrating its Worry-Free Business Security Services with Microsoft's Windows Server 2012 Essentials, a move that expands the company's reach and give partners a competitive edge when breaking ground with SMB customers.
  • Tech Data Inks Deeper Deal For HP Solutions (0)July 9, 2012HP and Tech Data ink another distribution deal, bringing the full lineup of HP-UX, HP Integrity and ProLiant servers to the Tech Data fold., alongside a new partner portal for easy configuration of HP server and networking equipment. HP also launches a new lineup of all-in-one computers for the business world.
  • DNSChanger Boots Tens Of Thousands Offline (0)July 9, 2012The FBI pulled the plug on a temporary network of servers on Monday that allowed hundreds of thousands infected with DNSChanger to retain Internet connectivity. Among other things, the incident underscores the need for best security practices and comprehensive security and event monitoring services.
  • Full Circle: Microsoft WPC, Toronto and 2112 (0)July 9, 2012Microsoft is holding its annual Worldwide Partner Conference this week in Toronto, the birthplace of the progressive rock band Rush and inspiration behind Channelnomic’s parent, The 2112 Group. This event, city, band and our company share a special relationship.
  • Will Dell’s Quest Buy Spur OEM Cuts? (2)July 9, 2012Dell's $2.4 billion purchase of Quest Software gives it the means to forge new paths in its software strategy, but could entail a severing of ties with Symantec, CommVault and other OEM partnerships down the road.
  • Quest Expands Channel Amid Dell Acquisition (0)July 9, 2012Quest Software is expanding its global partner program to be more inclusive of service providers and carriers, a reflection of how its software is being used as a transformation agent in cloud computing. Quest is making these changes ahead of integration with Dell PartnerDirect program.
  • Mobile Strategies Come First In The Future (0)July 9, 2012In the future, the acceptance of tablets as standard computing platforms will force a shift in the channel, turning solution providers into mobile-first cloud brokers that will outfit organizations with the software and tools needed to host a mobile-first environment.
  • Best Buy, Geek Squad Slash 2,400 Jobs (1)July 8, 2012The electronics retail giant and its IT tech support subsidiary are cutting staff as part of its ongoing leadership change and turnaround plan.
  • Cisco Encourages Cloud Differentiation (1)July 6, 2012Selling or serving the cloud isn't just about delivering the same SaaS under a new name -- to truly capitalize partners must differentiate. A Cisco guest blog featuring Surinder Barar details four unique steps which mix common sense with partner dedication.
  • New Dell Printers Are Mobile-Ready (1)July 6, 2012Dell launches a fleet of new laser printers designed with the SMB and home office in mind. The new lineup is cost-conscious and feature rich, including expanded mobile printing capabilities which should give mobile-centric companies a boost.
  • ManageEngine Amps Tools with Service Catalog (0)July 6, 2012ManagedEngine is enhancing its ServiceDesk Plus-MSP with a new service catalog, a tool that will enable managed service providers to administer applications across multiple accounts on behalf of their customers. Service catalogs are the bridge between managed services and cloud computing in the channel.
  • Study: MDM Lacking On BYOD Devices (3)July 6, 2012A study conducted by AOTMP Research indicated that only 38 percent of organizations manage work-related applications on employee owned devices, illuminating major security and management gaps that set the stage for the growth of MDM channel businesses.
  • SMB Hosters See Cloud Land Grab (1)July 6, 2012SMBs are frequently turning to major hosting companies for cloud needs. Does this spell disaster for MSPs or should MSPs be forming alliances with major hosting companies to add value within packaged cloud solutions?
  • Microsoft Kills SBS with Windows Server 2012 (0)July 5, 2012Microsoft launches Windows Server 2012 Editions, killing off Small Business Server in the process and simplifying Windows Server into four versions. Some organizations are disgruntled as Microsoft makes a bigger push towards cloud services and virtualization.
  • Juniper on Verge of Partner Program Revamp (0)July 5, 2012Juniper is about to roll out new channel program overhauled with revamped training, marketing and incentive features – all aimed at giving partners a competitive boost against rival Cisco in mobility and other disruptive trends.
  • Apple’s Me-Too Device Is the iPad Mini (1)July 5, 2012Apple's 7-inch iPad Mini may be a "me-too" device, but it has the potential to maintain the company's stronghold over the tablet space for a long time to come.
  • Patent Rifts, Sales Bans Hurt Channel (0)July 5, 2012Samsung, Apple, Google, Motorola, HTC and Microsoft are in a never-ending battle to stave off rivals from encroaching on their mobile technologies through patent-infringement claims. It’s a good strategy for protecting intellectual property, but it works against the channel.
  • RIM Chief: Nothing Wrong Here (0)July 5, 2012Despite a mountain of bad performance numbers, Research in Motion CEO Thorsten Heins says the fundamentals of his company are sound and it will emerge from this “transition” period in which market share is plunging.
  • Dell Forms Global Channel Marketing Unit (0)July 5, 2012Reports out of Europe indicate Dell is forming a global channel marketing unit under EMEA channel marketing director Kathy Schneider. The new unit is an indicator that Dell is moving to harmonize its channel efforts as it continues to expand its portfolio.
  • New APT Trojan Targets Mac OS X (2)July 4, 2012A new variant of a Mac OS X backdoor Trojan has further underscored the growing need for Mac-oriented security, paving the way for the channel to fill in gaping knowledge gaps with best security practices.
  • Best Buy Buyout Hopes Fade (2)July 4, 2012A bid by former chairman Richard Schulze to use his large block of shares to take over the troubled retailer are fading, as sources say no takeover is imminent. The bigger question is what will happen next to the electronics giant.
  • Tablets to Reign Supreme in 2017 (0)July 4, 2012By 2017, tablets will officially outpace notebooks in sales and market share, according to estimates. With this continued growth, what fate befalls the venerable notebook computer?
  • IDC: Fortinet Maintains Lead in UTM (2)July 3, 2012An IDC report reveals that Fortinet retains a solid lead in the UTM market, indicating a bright future for channel partners as UTM continues its steady upward growth.
  • VMware’s Value Play with DynamicOps (0)July 3, 2012As it seeks to add more value to its portfolio, VMware picks up cloud automation and management company DynamicOps. Cloud focus is turning away from the infrastructure and into apps and services, allowing VMware to leverage DynamicOps and give customers management of "heterogenous" cloud environments.
  • Microsoft Slashes Windows 8 Upgrade Price (0)July 3, 2012Microsoft will upgrade consumer machines through Web downloads for a scant $40 – slightly less than the upgrade offer for Windows 7 just three years ago. A few other benefits are being thrown in, too. It’s a sure sign Microsoft is committed to making the new OS a success and, perhaps, an inroad to the…
  • Quest Deal Will Resurface Dell Channel Doubts (1)July 3, 2012Dell finally succeeded in winning the deal to acquire Quest Software, giving it a massive asset for its ambitious new software division. Undoubtedly, the deal will raise concerns about Dell’s commitment to the channel and how it will work with partners. It’s near-needless chatter, as acquisitions are evolving Dell's channel outlook.
  • Systems America Acquires SAP Partner Mile5 (0)July 3, 2012Systems America acquires Mile5 Solutions, an SAP partner that specializes in ERP for the SME. Together, Mile5's resources will help Systems America reach a wider enterprise audience.
  • Kaspersky Lab, D-Link Bolster UTM Offering (2)July 2, 2012A partnership between Kaspersky Lab and D-Link aims to boost UTM devices with endpoint security technologies – a union that could create new paths to SMB markets while expanding distribution and reach for both channels.
  • Dell to Buy Quest Software for $2.4 Billion (3)July 2, 2012Dell announced it's planning a $2.4 billion purchase of Quest Software, a move that aims to round out its software services and products portfolio and make new inroads in the areas of identity and access management, performance monitoring, data protection and database management.
  • HP Goes Intel-First on Windows 8 Tablets (0)July 2, 2012Reports confirm HP's first Windows 8 tablet will be x86-based and focused around the business user. Could this help super-charge HP partners and resellers looking to build-out specialized Windows 8 portfolios?
  • Countdown to Microsoft WPC Toronto (0)July 2, 2012Microsoft’s annual channel confab, the Worldwide Partner Conference, is in Toronto in just one week. Microsoft says it’s the biggest WPC in its channel history – and it’s probably the most important gathering of Microsoft partners in years.
  • Ingram Micro Invests in Computing Infrastructure (0)July 2, 2012Ingram Micro builds out a new line of high-performance computing solutions specifically for the channel. Ingram hopes to fast-track system builders and enterprise-focused VARs into deploying the infrastructure needed for Big Data and private cloud computing clusters.
  • Ingram Micro Buys BrightPoint for Mobile Push (0)July 2, 2012Ingram Micro is ramping up its mobile business efforts with the $650 million purchase of BrightPoint, a leader in mobile device distribution. The deal will expand Ingram’s already growing capabilities in supporting the distribution of smartphones, tablets and handheld computers through the channel.
  • Amazon Cloud 0, Real Clouds 1 (0)July 2, 2012Powerful storms over the weekend wreaked havoc across the Mid-Atlantic states, causing widespread power outages. One of the infrastructure casualties was none other than an Amazon EC2 facility, which took several popular social services down with it. The incident is a dramatic demonstration of the need for cloud disaster recovery.
  • Microsoft’s Coup Is Google’s Reward (0)June 29, 2012Could Microsoft's vertically-oriented plans with Surface and Windows Phone 8 backfire, causing traditional Microsoft OEMs to run to Google? Or will the vision succeed, forcing OEMs to compete and readjust their strategies?
  • Enterasys Partnership Enables Public Channel (1)June 29, 2012Enterasys will likely get a bigger foot in the door in the public sector after forging a partnership with government liaison immixGroup. The move promises to ease the way for partners' expanding mobility niches with federal and other government customers.
  • Obamacare Victory a Health Care IT Boon (2)June 29, 2012The Supreme Court upholding the legitimacy of the Affordable Care Act is good news for the tech industry and channel, and will likely spur years of product, service and support business. The law will compel innovation to meet its sweeping goals of universal health care.
  • RIM Slides Further on iPhone’s 5th Anniversary (1)June 29, 2012Research In Motion reported first quarter earnings that reveal a precipitous decline in sales is further exacerbating an already bad situation. RIM’s fall is coming at the expense of Apple’s success. The final analysis: It’s all about the apps.
  • StorageCraft Ups Cloud Services, Training (0)June 29, 2012StorageCraft launches a cloud backup program plus new virtualized training options for upcoming partners. The moves reflect the coming rush of cloud-based backup solutions.
  • Symantec, Red Hat Align For Data Recovery (0)June 28, 2012Symantec and Red Hat join forces to provide robust disaster recovery and storage capabilities through Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Symantec's advanced file storage capabilities. Are Symantec and Red Hat preemptively teaming up as enterprises seek new cloud backup capabilities?
  • RSA Captures IAM Market Lead (0)June 28, 2012RSA appears to have captured the market lead in the area Identity and Access Management, according to IDC, boding well for channel partners recovering from the fallout of last year's epic SecureID breach.
  • independenceIT Taps Veddio for Cloud Union (0)June 28, 2012independenceIT acquires Veddio in an effort to combine complementary cloud services and create a true end-to-end solution for the small business community. Will IaaS and cloud management coalesce to create the cloud of the future?
  • Time to Get ‘Time to Value’ (0)June 28, 2012The channel’s race to the cloud is often framed as the adoption of infrastructure and application services. Midmarket and enterprise companies want more than just commodity clouds; they want services that will increase their productivity and improve their time to value.
  • XO’s ‘No Commits’ Is an Invite to Experiment (0)June 28, 2012XO Communications is launching a new channel program next week, in which partners in the entry-level tier will receive commissions for telephony and transport service referrals without committing to sales quotas. For IT solution providers, this is an invitation to experiment in transport services.
  • NetApp Focuses on Value Channel Strategy (0)June 28, 2012NetApp is always under pressure to demonstrate value and growth, especially as it’s often compared to rivals such as EMC. Global channel chief Julie Parrish tells Channelnomics that NetApp has no plans to go broad in its channel strategy; opting instead to focus on value-oriented partnerships with select service providers and global systems integrators.
  • Microsoft, Google and the Growing Tablet Bubble (0)June 28, 2012In the last two weeks, Microsoft and Google have announced plans to market their own tablets, while Apple battles to keep rival Samsung and Motorola tablets off the market. The noise would make many believe there’s finite number of tablets vying for market dominance. The truth is there’s no shortage of tablets or supplying vendors…
  • Windows 8 RT Signals End of NT Era (0)June 28, 2012With Windows 8 RT arriving shortly, it's only a matter of time before this new platform supplants the legacy of Windows NT. As the transition sweeps the IT world, the channel is uniquely poised to capitalize -- if it knows where to look.
  • Level Platforms Boosts MDM Security (0)June 27, 2012Level Platforms enhances its MDM offering for MSPs leveraging its RMM platform. With these new updates, MSPs will have access to new security, automation and management capabilities to streamline multiple customer environments.
  • Study: Data Costs Businesses $1.1 Trillion (1)June 27, 2012A Symantec survey finds that digital data is out of control and costs are soaring – paving the way for partners to introduce a host of information-centric services to resolve their woes.
  • HP-Oracle Itanium Case Could End Quickly (0)June 27, 2012The long-running legal drama between Hewlett-Packard and Oracle over the future of the Itanium platform could come down to one ruling by a California superior court judge.
  • Eucalyptus Brings Consulting, Education Training (1)June 27, 2012Eucalyptus launches two new partner certifications that focus on partner education and consulting specializations. On the heals of the Eucalyptus 3.1 platform launch, the company makes another move to invest in its own ecosystem and partner community.
  • Survey: Rogue Cloud Purchases Are Prevalent (0)June 27, 2012A new Rackspace survey finds businesses have a generally favorable opinion of cloud computing and see the benefits it can provide. Not surprising, though: Nearly half say they know of rogue cloud purchases outside IT, showing how the traditional buyer isn’t always in control of the IT purchase.
  • Best Buy Girds for Leadership Fight (0)June 27, 2012Embattled retailer Best Buy is paying several top executives large cash bonuses to stay with the company as it looks for a new CEO and prepares to fight off a potential buyout by its founder. It’s the latest in a protracted saga over the company’s future.
  • Pano Logic Gets Virtual with Chrome (0)June 27, 2012Pano Logic launches Pano System for Cloud, a new virtualization solution that leverages a private cloud to push the Google Chrome browser to specialized zero clients. Is this the next wave of virtualization and cloud computing?
  • Tech Data Delivers Complete Oracle Lineup (0)June 26, 2012Oracle announces a new distribution agreement with Tech Data to globally distribute its entire portfolio of technology, software and hardware. Amid Oracle's facts and figures about a growing channel community, there's still no talk of the channel in the Oracle Cloud.
  • Vaultive Expands with Channel Program Launch (0)June 26, 2012Cloud data encryption vendor Vaultive is branching out with the launch of a channel program and the appointment of a channel chief – a move that speaks of a growing need for specialized data protection services in the cloud.
  • ConnectWise Cloud Gets Akamai Optimization (2)June 26, 2012ConnectWise teams up with Akamai to make ConnectWise Cloud a highly optimized IT automation platform for customers and partners alike. But the relationship with Akamai also represents ConnectWise's plan to drive sales through the roof.
  • New Asigra Program Reflects Tight Backup Field (0)June 26, 2012The backup and data recovery specialist recently launched a new vertical specialization program to help its solution providers differentiate themselves. The program is a reflection of the crowded and competitive field of backup providers vying for an increasingly smaller open market.
  • Oracle Launches Health Sciences Network (1)June 26, 2012Oracle launches the Oracle Health Sciences Network, initially offering a trio of applications to make health care research and collaboration between medical professionals and health care companies a more streamlined process. Can the channel cash in?
  • Cloud Is Creating a Channel Barrier-to-Entry (9)June 26, 2012Cloud computing is doing more than just disrupting technology delivery and consumption; it’s changing the dynamics of the channel. For the first time in channel history, solution providers can no longer simply persist by reselling vendor brands and products. A new level of professionalism is creating a barrier-to-entry that will change the channel’s composition.
  • RIM May Become a Company Divided (0)June 26, 2012Rumors are swirling that RIM may split in two, spinning off a hardware division and keeping a software division intact. Can this crazy plan be pulled off and, more importantly, can the channel capitalize?
  • Kaspersky Targets Android With Mobile Security (0)June 25, 2012Kaspersky Lab updated its Mobile Security offering with a slew of tweaks addressing growing Android threats, further paving the way for partners to implement mobile security infrastructure to holdout customers.
  • CA Partners Deliver Mainframe Modernization (0)June 25, 2012CA Technologies launches the Mainframe Modernization partner program solution portfolio, designed to capitalize on CA's growing partner momentum and give customers more efficient and cost-effective IT management tools.
  • Report: Dell Returns with Higher Bid for Quest (1)June 25, 2012Reuters is quoting sources as saying Dell has upped its bid for Quest Software, outpacing the current offer of $2.2 billion by two private equity firms.
  • Rackspace Raises Spector of ‘Cloud Lock-In’ (0)June 25, 2012Rackspace CEO Lew Moorman spent much of last week talking up the dangers of ‘cloud lock-in,’ in which the future cloud-based world would be beholden to one model proffered by Amazon Web Services. The chatter comes amid fresh speculation that Rackspace could be a takeover target.
  • Surface’s First Casualty: Summer PC Sales (2)June 25, 2012The PC market is already suffering eroding sales as more businesses and consumers flock to tablets and smartphones. Many would-be buyers are waiting until the Windows 8 this fall to buy new machines; the Surface announcement is only confirming the need to sit tight, which could affect Lenovo, Dell and HP sales.
  • Cisco and Citrix Cozy Up With Partner Accelerator (0)June 25, 2012Cisco and Citrix team up to deliver Partner Accelerator, a new joint partner program designed to deliver end-to-end infrastructure solutions with Cisco VXI and Citrix Xen Desktop.
  • HP’s New Problem is Inconsistency (3)June 25, 2012All solution providers want from Hewlett-Packard is consistency, which is – of course – a reflection of stability and moving in a positive direction. The closest HP is getting to consistency with its oft chaotic management and strategic changes is persistent inconsistency.
  • Logitech’s Sorrentino Signals Peripheral Plan (1)June 22, 2012Logitech appoints Joseph Sorrentino as the director of sales and marketing for the Americas. WIll Sorrentino's new role simultaneously propel Logitech's vendor-agnostic peripheral agenda while working towards reshaping Logitech's 2013 fiscal goals?
  • Motorola Envisions Integrated Retail Systems (0)June 22, 2012Motorola Solutions released its vision for the retail IT system of the future, in which retailers and merchants use integrated mobility, wireless and business analytics to create more efficient operations and better consumer experiences. The channel opportunities in hardware, software and services are boundless.
  • Huawei has High Hopes in Managed Services (0)June 22, 2012Huawei Technologies is looking to replicate the Cisco strategy of providing managed infrastructure services to telecommunications companies, Internet service providers and other large institutions as a means for accelerating revenue and market share growth.
  • The New Microsoft: Windows Phone 8 (2)June 22, 2012Rumor has it that Microsoft is building its own phone for Windows Phone 8, right alongside its new Surface Tablet. What does that mean for Nokia and the rest of the industry? Is Microsoft going crazy or has it finally found its way?
  • Check Point Releases DDoS Prevention Tools (0)June 22, 2012Check Point launched a line of appliances dedicated to blocking DDoS attacks, a networking security niche that could allow partners easy entry to enterprises seeking ways to avoid becoming the next victim.
  • Red Hat JBoss 6 Brings Fast App Deployment (0)June 22, 2012Red Hat Launches JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6, designed to make cloud app development and deployment a more streamlined experience for both user and developer alike.
  • LANDesk Scoops Wavelink for MDM (0)June 21, 2012LANDesk could be emerging as a key player in end-to-end enterprise management solutions as it picks up company Wavelink for it's wireless infrastructure and MDM capabilities.
  • Skybox Security Expands Channel Presence (0)June 21, 2012Risk and security management firm Skybox Security is branching out internationally with a slew of new partners, indicating a growing global need for holistic security architecture as threats become more prevalent and evasive.
  • Bit9 Demand Triggers Partner Growth (0)June 21, 2012Bit9 expands its channel program amid customer and partner growth. Unlike other security vendors, Bit9 is claiming its wares complement -- not replace -- existing security infrastructure, which should make Bit9 appealing its target customer base of vertical industries and the enterprise.
  • The Big Deal Behind Big Data (1)June 21, 2012Business intelligence, data warehouses and deep analytics were once reserved exclusive for large enterprises. The proliferation of cloud computing and the lowering of costs for business intelligence applications is making Big Data more accessible to all. And it’s a trend few companies can afford to miss.
  • Carbonite Looks to Channel for SMB Sales (1)June 21, 2012Carbonite made a name for itself in selling cloud-based file and application backup services to consumers and small business users. The company is now appealing to solution providers with a channel program that targets SMB accounts.
  • HP Turns to Ingram to Bolster Integrity Sales (0)June 21, 2012A casualty of the Hewlett-Packard legal battle with Oracle over the Itanium platform’s future has been sales of Business Critical Systems and high-end Integrity servers. HP is turning to Ingram Micro to recruit and promote sales of Integrity servers even as its processor’s future hangs in the balance.
  • How Windows Phone 8 Will Affect The Channel (0)June 21, 2012Microsoft's introduction of Windows Phone 8, alongside the recent announcement of the Windows Surface talbet, will have a considerable impact on the channel. Channel partners have a wide range of opportunities ahead, from a resurgence in Windows system integration to advanced BYOD/MDM capabilities that could put Windows-based solution providers in a class all their own.
  • ShoreTel’s Mobile UC Drives UC Cloud Trend (0)June 20, 2012ShoreTel introduces the ShoreTel Mobility application, designed to link smartphone users with ShoreTel's M5 cloud-based UC solution. ShoreTel's moves are indicative of a fast-paced trend that's brining hosted UC services and solutions to the channel.
  • Tigerpaw 12 Brings New Stripes (1)June 20, 2012Tigerpaw Software has updated its Tigerpaw 12 platform to focus on streamlining platform usage and improving MSP business tasks. The updates are also indicative of the ongoing growth of automation services in the channel.
  • HP Release Boosts SMB Mobile Infrastructure (0)June 20, 2012A comprehensive HP release – dubbed HP Converged Infrastructure – aims to launch SMBs into an increasingly mobile world with a slew of dedicated solutions, services, financing and training programs, while placing channel partners firmly at the helm of the effort.
  • mindSHIFT Remains Ambitious under Best Buy (0)June 20, 2012mindSHIFT Technologies announced it's buying managed services dynamo White Glove Technologies in its first major deal since being acquired by Best Buy. This shows mindSHIFT isn’t buckling under the electronics retailer’s yoke.
  • Eucalyptus 3.1 Boosts Open-Source Clouds (0)June 20, 2012Eucalyptus launches version 3.1 of its IaaS platform, involving the open-source community more closely by moving to Github, expanding solution provider capabilities with fast deployment options and increasing virtualization support for hybrid cloud environments.
  • Will Microsoft WPC Have a ‘Surface’ Surprise? (0)June 20, 2012So far, Microsoft says it will only sell its new Surface tablets direct online and through its own retail stores. However, there are indications Microsoft could unveil its channel plans for Surface at its annual Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto next month.
  • Cisco Launches WebEx Social (1)June 19, 2012Cisco extended social collaboration with WebEx Social and a corresponding cloud client, a move that could fill in a valuable mobility piece for partners and create inroads in the SMB and lower markets.
  • Project Moonshot Goes Gemini with HP, Intel (0)June 19, 2012HP and Intel team up to evolve Project Moonshot into Project Gemini, an Intel-based server cluster platform from HP that leverages the new Intel Centerton Atom system-on-a-chip processor. Will low-power server clusters power the future?
  • Datto Academy Brings Training to Partners (1)June 19, 2012Datto launches online and on-site training designed to help partners understand and sell the company's SIRIS backup and recovery solutions. With zero cost to sign up and train, Datto is hoping to build an army of well-educated backup partners.
  • Samsung CEO: It’s All about the Apps (2)June 19, 2012New Samsung CEO Kwon Oh-hyun wants the hardware giant to step up efforts to develop software and applications for its myriad devices. Not only is he right, but he’s preaching a lesson that channel needs to learn, too.
  • Quest’s Original Bidder Increases Offer (0)June 19, 2012Insight Venture Partners, the private equity firm that offered to buy Quest Software in March, has increased its bid to beat the recent competitive price from an unnamed strategic suitor (said to be Dell). The offer sparks what many anticipated: a protracted bidding war for control of Quest.
  • Microsoft Surface Tablet Marks the End of an Era (2)June 19, 2012Microsoft's foray into vertical integration marks the end of the software-centric company. As Microsoft plots a course to new computing paradigms, will it inadvertently set the stage for more vertically integrated platforms?
  • Cisco’s Goodwin Transitioning into Retirement (0)June 19, 2012After 7 years at the helm of Cisco’s global channel program, Keith Goodwin is transitioning into retirement – bringing to an end a career that's spanned five decades.
  • Microsoft Unveils ‘Surface,’ Its First Tablet (0)June 18, 2012Microsoft's Surface tablet may not be an 'iPad killer,' but it has strong potential to expand the tablet market and break new ground in the enterprise space, driven by existing infrastructure and broad partner support.
  • Ingram’s New Summit Is a Federal Event (1)June 18, 2012Ingram Micro suits up for the federal IT world by launching the first Public Sector Federal Summit. Designed to give partners a deep-dive into federal IT needs, it may help propel the channel into profitability with Uncle Sam.
  • New ATS Attack Calls for Banking Security (1)June 18, 2012A new Automated Transfer System attack tool actively targeting banks has called into question the strength of the industry's security infrastructure, which could open doors for partners to reinvigorate efforts in financial markets with specialized services.
  • Riverbed Zaps Web Apps with Stingray (0)June 18, 2012Riverbed launches the Stingray Traffic Manager 9.0 and the software-based Stingray Aptimizer, which together bring application delivery control and Web optimization to cloud providers by compressing bandwidth and speeding content delivery.
  • Study: CEOs Prioritize Collaboration, Analytics (0)June 18, 2012An IBM study shows that the midmarket is putting increased emphasis on collaboration and strategic partnerships compared to two years ago, indicating opportunities for a dearth of niche analytics and assessment services around social collaboration tools provided by the channel.
  • Court Orders Zenith Infotech to Reassess Value (1)June 18, 2012In the ongoing dispute over its defaulted debt, Zenith Infotech was ordered by an India court to reassess its value. At issue is whether the company can pay its $85 million debt to U.S. leaders – or face liquidation.
  • Hardware Services Will Become End-to-End (1)June 18, 2012Hardware sales are becoming more about the services, and services are becoming more intertwined with hardware – these are signs of bigger things to come, including the widespread proliferation of end-to-end solutions. Can pre-packaged end-to-end solutions reshape the channel and IT landscape?
  • Microsoft Reboots Tablet Project (0)June 15, 2012Microsoft may release a tablet Monday, but its strategy for the unit remains unknown. Will Microsoft offer a consumer device, or will it focus on a business-centric tablet to specifically oust rival Apple from the corporate world? Most importantly, can the channel cash in either way?
  • Massachusetts Deems Some Clouds as Taxable (0)June 15, 2012Recent rulings by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue deem certain cloud services subject to sales tax. What makes a cloud taxable is a matter of use and intent.
  • Oracle Optimizes Cloud with SPARC, Solaris (0)June 15, 2012Oracle offers a slew of optimizations and updates to SPARC/Solaris server combinations, in addition to a few other private-cloud goodies, all under the Oracle Optimized Solution for Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure program.
  • Microsoft Getting Chatty with Yammer (0)June 15, 2012Microsoft is reportedly buying enterprise social communications software maker Yammer for $1.2 billion, a move that will fill a significant hole in its business communications portfolio. It’s also part of a much larger trend to replace email with a faster, more immediate communications tools.
  • LSI Gives VARs Flash Value (0)June 15, 2012LSI launches the Value Solution Partner Program, helping VARs take advantage of the Nytro line of Flash-based storage products.
  • Report: Dell Is Mystery Bidder for Quest Software (0)June 15, 2012Reuters is reporting that Dell is the “mystery” strategic bidder who’s offered $2.15 billion for Quest. If true, it means Dell came back to the table with a better offer, while at the same time it plans $2 billion costs cuts in its own operations.
  • ADTRAN Suits Up for BYOD (0)June 14, 2012The networking company unleashes its BYOD solution, bringing together Bluesocket and NetVanta technologies for an end-to-end MDM package.
  • Giving Yourself Good and Bad Grades (0)June 14, 2012Everyone has To-Do Lists and Action Items. A good way of measuring progress is giving yourself a report card with grades. Report cards are a great way of managing improvement programs and communicating commitments to partners.
  • Summer Thaw Coming Between HP and Oracle (0)June 14, 2012Signs are increasing that Hewlett-Packard and Oracle want to end their bitter feud over the Itanium platform’s future. Perhaps the two sides are finally seeing that the mutual damage isn’t good for business today, or the future for themselves and their partners.
  • Quest Says a ‘Superior’ Bidder Has Emerged (0)June 14, 2012The riddle over who will buy Quest Software took a step forward this morning, with the database and software management firm saying it’s received a $2.11 billion bid from an undisclosed suitor.
  • 10 Tough Truisms about the Channel’s Future (24)June 14, 2012The IT market and the channel are going through one of the most disruptive transformations in the industry’s history. For many solution providers, this transformation tests assumptions and creates big challenges. The bad news: It’s worse than many think – or are willing to acknowledge.
  • Microsoft Promotes Updated Windows Intune (0)June 14, 2012Microsoft isn’t letting chatter about the Windows 8 launch drown out other products, especially the endpoint management console Windows Intune. It’s a clear sign Microsoft will pursue a two-pronged approach to market, bridging the new OS and legacy Windows 7.
  • Apple’s New MacBooks Target Ultrabooks (0)June 14, 2012Apple's MacBook refinements at WWDC show a competitive attitude amid the throng of ultrabooks coming later in 2012. Is Apple's plan to dominate the market with the MacBook Air and an iPhone 5 this fall?
  • Dell Launches Managed SIEM Services (1)June 13, 2012Dell SecureWorks launched a host of managed security services, including an SIEM service that underscores the growing demand for specialized security services, that could enable partners to achieve higher margins from cloud offerings.
  • ATEN Recruiting Audio/Visual Specialists (0)June 13, 2012ATEN Technology is looking to recruit AV solution-provider specialists to its channel program to rally around its VanCryst line of professional switches and KVM controllers. The new program is a reflection of the growing visual display market and channel opportunities.
  • Cisco Crafts Corporate Cloud Connections (0)June 13, 2012Cisco launches a host of new solutions to upgrade aging networking infrastructure for the cloud world. Cisco's Cloud Connectors and Services Router are just some of the ways to connect more customers with its hardware and emerging service solutions.
  • 7 Surprising Channel Conflict Trends (2)June 13, 2012The 2112 Group asked solution providers about their channel conflict perceptions and experiences. These are 7 of the more surprising stats from the report.
  • Autotask, ConnectWise Race for $100M Mark (0)June 13, 2012Autotask is mirroring the revenue goal of its rival ConnectWise, stating it foresees a day when it will generate more than $100 million in annual sales. While the two professional services automation vendors are pursuing the same objective, they’re taking very different approaches.
  • Dell Makes Partner Training a Priority (0)June 13, 2012At Dell Storage Forum 2012, channel chief Greg Davis offers a look into Dell's channel strategy and how Dell has handled its latest acquisitions. Training, he says, is the crucial element of success for Dell's growing legion of partners.
  • Study: SMB Struggles To Stay Secure (1)June 12, 2012A Sophos study finds that a significant portion of SMB data is protected by five-year-old firewalls and other outdated infrastructure, leaving a wide-open playing field for partners to help lower-market customers find creative approaches to security and compliance.
  • Dell’s New Appliances Flooded by Fluid (0)June 12, 2012Dell launches the a new Compellent-based storage array and AppAssure 5. Both are built on the Fluid file system, positioning Dell to capture markets where HP and Cisco once ruled.
  • Cloupia Update Taps Converged Infrastructure (0)June 12, 2012Cloupia continues to expand and enhance its data center management software with the Cloupia Unified Infrastructure Controller, mobile-based remote management tools with a wide range of vendor support for heterogeneous environments.
  • VMware Launches Pro-Services Partner Program (0)June 12, 2012The virtualization leader sees big opportunities in the development and implementation of private clouds. It’s new Consulting and Integration Partner Program is designed to enable and reward partners who drive private cloud adoption.
  • Microsoft Continues Azure Refinements (0)June 12, 2012Microsoft continues to refine and develop the services built around the Windows cloud platform, including Windows Intune and Windows Azure's developmental capabilities with HTML5-friendly LightSwitch.
  • McAfee Refutes Reports of Share, Revenue Slip (2)June 12, 2012Gartner recently reported McAfee had steep declines in endpoint security revenue and market share. McAfee and partners dispute those numbers, saying accounting rules are masking real growth in the field.
  • Dell Debuts New EqualLogic Blade Array (0)June 12, 2012At the Dell Storage Forum, the company has unleashed a new blade-style unit for the EqualLogic platform, converging data, storage and networking into a singular blade chassis. Dell sees this as a the emergence of a true “end-to-end” data center solution and the shape of storage solutions to come.
  • Study: Customers Lean Toward Private Cloud (0)June 11, 2012Service providers say more than 50 percent of their customers are leaning toward private clouds, an option that provides organizations some control over their data while alleviating security concerns, which remain the top challenge to cloud adoption.
  • Cisco, NetApp Push FlexPod Into Channel (0)June 11, 2012Cisco and NetApp continue to develop the FlexPod platform, encouraging partner development and growth by introducing the "elite" FlexPod Premium Partner network. While FlexPod has been successful, can Cisco and NetApp boost adoption numbers through the channel?
  • Continuum Adds Antivirus, Discovery Tools (1)June 11, 2012The RMM software vendor is extending its functionality through partners that add free antivirus and network discovery tools to its managed services platform. The additions are part of Continuum’s goal of swift evolution.
  • Autotask Taps Users to Help Other Users (0)June 11, 2012Autotask is launching a new consulting services partner program enabling existing, certified PSA users to adapt and optimize their Autotask platforms. Autotask says this is about ensuring a superior customer experience – it’s also a reflection of PSA complexity.
  • The New Cloud Fractal: Migration (1)June 11, 2012In the not-too-distant future, large end-to-end clouds like those from Oracle and Microsoft may create the need for cloud migrations services that move data from one cloud silo over to another. Will the channel find this cloud opportunity profitable? Can the cloud continue to provide for the channel?
  • NetApp Acquisition Speculation Rising Again (4)June 11, 2012The tech market loves to speculate about the imminent demise of storage specialist NetApp. Despite double-digit growth and expanding channels, the market seems to think NetApp is ripe for acquisition. It’s probably best to sit back and let the rumor mill tire itself out.
  • ConnectWise Sees Uptick In API Usage (0)June 8, 2012ConnectWise spotlights its developer community and vendor integrations, with over 800 vendors now contributing to the ConnectWise Developer Network, leveraging ConnectWise's APIs for automated managed services and devices.
  • Mitel Expands Developer Partner Program (0)June 8, 2012Unified communications firm Mitel is launching enhancements to its global developer partner program and expanding its SIP Center of Excellence – changes that continue a pattern of channel expansion and likely reflect a growing need for unified communications in the market.
  • McAfee VARs Make Kids More Security Aware (2)June 8, 2012Members of the McAfee VARBoard and channel management staff recently visited a California middle school to present “Cybersecurity for Kids,” an educational program to raise children’s awareness of online security threats and how to protect themselves. The value of this program is priceless.
  • Promys of a ‘Right-Sized’ PSA Platform (1)June 8, 2012The world of professional services automation in managed services is dominated by the likes of ConnectWise and Autotask. Up the stake, large integrators use more sophisticated platforms. Promys, a PSA platform spun off by a midsized integrator, is aiming for a sliver of the market that none of the existing tools address.
  • IBM AppScan Offers Security for App Devs (0)June 8, 2012IBM introduces its Security AppScan portfolio, specifically designed to make security an innate process of app lifecycle and development and ensuring a production-ready application meets enterprise and SMB security demands.
  • Delivering Solutions After Cloud Peak (2)June 8, 2012Cloud computing is a term on everyone’s lips – nothing in the IT world is launched without having “cloud” attached to it in some form. Yet, there’s some evidence that general cloud interest has peaked. Has it in the channel?
  • Windows Azure Goes Hybrid (0)June 8, 2012Microsoft unleashes a new set of enhancements to the Windows Azure cloud platform, bringing increased flexibility and mobility in hybrid-cloud environments.
  • CA Launches Search for Next CEO (0)June 7, 2012The McCracken era at CA Technologies is nearly over. The software and cloud company is looking for a replacement CEO Bill McCracken, who is expected to depart when his contract expires next year.
  • Avaya Completes Radvision Acquisition (0)June 7, 2012Avaya completed the acquisition of video-conferencing solutions firm Radvision, which will allow partners to break down barriers in lower market segments that are reluctant to invest in dedicated video-conferencing and UC tools.
  • CloudOne Brings SaaS to Public Sector (0)June 7, 2012CloudOne is delivering IBM's SmartCloud for Government Infrastructure with the IBM Rational portfolio inside an SaaS model – all specifically tailored to meet the compliance, security and cost-based needs of government development and testing operations.
  • Cisco Cius Death vs. The Trust Advisor Concept (0)June 7, 2012Vendors count on solution providers to leverage their 'trusted advisor' relationship with customers to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and products. When those products fail, though, vendors don't realize the damage they inflict on partners’ 'trusted' status. Case in point: the defunct Cisco Cius.
  • EMC, Terremark Team Up on Cloud Storage (0)June 7, 2012The storage and infrastructure leader and the cloud services division of Verizon Communications are working to develop and expand cloud offerings, particularly in storage and backup options. The partnership is more likely about simplifying cloud solutions than creating new clouds.
  • Ellison: Oracle Cloud ‘Long Time Coming’ (0)June 7, 2012Larry Ellison unveils the Oracle Cloud, replete with a comprehensive set of services, applications and enterprise-ready social networking.
  • Samsung Buys Into Linux Foundation (0)June 6, 2012Samsung donates $500,000 to The Linux Foundation and joins as a platinum member. Will this move steer The Linux Foundation in new direction, or just leverage Linux for the mobile world?
  • Tech Data Adds Mac Management with Casper (0)June 6, 2012As Apple's devices invade the enterprise, Tech Data teams up with JAMF Software to bring Mac OS X and iOS management to the channel with Casper Suite.
  • Quest Expands NetVault Architecture (0)June 6, 2012Quest Software's newest NetVault offering through the NetVault Extended Architecture platform will deliver a unified approach to backup and recovery.
  • Salesforce.com, Amazon Embrace the Channel (0)June 6, 2012Salesforce.com and Amazon Web Service are now being resold through Ingram Micro’s services division, a clear sign solution providers retain a critical piece of value in the cloud go-to-market strategy.
  • Sonus Rings Up Partners For UC (0)June 6, 2012Sonus Networks launches the Sonus Partner Assure channel program, focusing heavily on helping partners bring UC SIP technology to the enterprise.
  • Ingram Adds Advanced Apps to Cloud Portfolio (1)June 5, 2012Ingram Micro Services is expanding its cloud and service portfolio with 16 new vendors, including Salesforce.com, Amazon Web Services and CA Technologies. Of the more than six dozen new solutions, the standouts are those in advanced business applications and infrastructure management.
  • HP Bytes Into Big Data With Hadoop (0)June 5, 2012HP continues its drive into the enterprise marketplace with a new lineup of Big Data solutions that integrate with the popular Hadoop platform. Layered with technology from HP's Autonomy and Vertica acquisitions, HP sets the stage to compete against the likes of Oracle and IBM.
  • GFI Expands OEM Partner Program (0)June 5, 2012GFI Software is expanding products available through its OEM Partner Program – a move that gives partners' a foot in the door with more SMB customers looking to fill gaps in critical security infrastructure.
  • Survey: Incentive Programs Boost Channel Sales (0)June 5, 2012A new survey by ChannelInsight finds that providing incentives to channel partners boosts product sales by as much as 40 percent. Not surprising: Non-cash incentives and points systems are the least effective enticements.
  • IBM Streamlines Cloud App Development (0)June 5, 2012IBM caters to its growing base of cloud and mobile software development companies with a new set of lifecycle development tools wrought from IBM's recent Worklight acquisition.
  • Cisco Leads Routers, Huawei Posts Huge Gains (0)June 5, 2012The router market is growing sluggishly, with sales up slightly despite seasonal dips. Cisco saw its market share climb to the best level in a year, while rising rival Huawei recorded monster gains in unit shipments and revenue. The Cisco-Huawei war is getting hot.
  • Why Windows 8 Could Flop For Businesses (0)June 5, 2012The tech community at large has mostly kind things to say about Microsoft Windows 8, but the new OS still has the potential to flop in the business world. It's more than just the Metro UI – it's the bottom line.
  • Ruckus Adds New Leadership, Training (1)June 4, 2012Ruckus is putting reinvigorated effort into its channel with the addition of new talent and training, signs the company could be setting the stage for accelerated growth with an impending IPO.
  • HP Bridges Storage and Autonomy (0)June 4, 2012HP's new deduplicaiton and backup technology has arrived, with HP StoreOnce Catalyst and HP Data Protector 7, now integrated with Autonomy IDOL 10. But can HP find success in the marketplace when only preliminary integration existis with Autonomy's channel program?
  • Motorola Unites ISVs, Expands PartnerEmpower (0)June 4, 2012Motorola unites its partner program, bringing PartnerSelect ISVs into its PartnerEmpower program, and allowing PartnerEmpower resellers to access new wireless solution specializations . Can Motorola partners work together to deliver end-to-end solutions?
  • Ingram Cloud Summit is All About Sales (0)June 4, 2012The Ingram Cloud Summit opens today in the desert sands of Phoenix with an agenda packed with sessions on sales, pipeline development, market development and value propositions. The event content reflects how cloud in the channel is a business equation, not a technology solution.
  • Alcatel-Lucent Launches Managed Services (0)June 4, 2012Alcatel-Lucent is offering telecom and wireless carriers a managed service that monitors the quality of network service and traces troubles down to the device level. The underlying idea is very much like Cisco’s Smart Net Total Care.
  • The Flames of Cyberwarfare (0)June 4, 2012Revelations that the U.S. and Israel are behind the creation and unleashing of the Stuxnet worm are sending shockwaves through the political, international and digital communities. The state-sponsored weaponization of cyberspace has serious consequences for security professionals, solution providers and ordinary business users.
  • Reports: Dell Says ‘No Thanks’ to Quest Deal (1)June 2, 2012Reports indicate Dell has broken off talks to buy Quest Software after a price couldn’t be reached for the software and data management firm. What happens next? There are other interesting options.
  • Facebook Outage Opens Doors For Private Tools (0)June 1, 2012An outage that took down Facebook for more than two hours Thursday could undermine confidence in public networks, potentially opening a door for partners to introduce a host of alternative communications tools to their customers.
  • Continuum Brings Mac Management to MSPs (0)June 1, 2012Continuum is delivering a fully-equipped Mac RMM amid rising demand for Macintosh computers and consumerization of IT. MSPs can offer the Mac RMM agent for free until the end of August.
  • Shaving and the Power of Viral Marketing (4)June 1, 2012Marketing is a discipline that perplexes the channel. Too many solution providers mistakenly believe marketing requires a big investment. Sometimes a little creativity produces big benefits. Just as Mike Dublin at Dollar Shave Club or Allison Watson at Microsoft.
  • 4 Solution Providers Worth Celebrating (0)June 1, 2012At the end of a week filled with lawsuits, economic disruption and big vendors up for sale or in trouble, it’s good to share some good news. Here are stories of four noteworthy solution providers with good news to share about business practices, milestones and deals.
  • IPv6 Is Here, But Still Doesn’t Matter (0)June 1, 2012The migration from IPv4 to IPv6 has been simultaneously hyped up and ignored, but what's the real deal? According to Enterasys' Dan Dulac, a true migration to IPv6 may not happen until there's a sudden precipitous change that demands it.
  • Server Shipments Climb, Revenues Decline (0)June 1, 2012A new Gartner report says the global server market in the first quarter of 2012 grew 1.5 percent, but sales revenues declined with the biggest drop in RISC/Itanium and non-x86 categories. The new numbers reflect the increasing commoditization of servers.
  • Dell’s Computer Portfolio Gets Workforce Refresh (0)May 31, 2012Dell introduces a new line of desktops and laptops that have been refreshed to meet the needs of the ever-connected ever-communicatiing workplace. Dell is also channels its inner-consumer with a business-centric all-in-one unit.
  • Synnex Launches Managed Security Service (0)May 31, 2012IT products and services distributor Synnex is launching a managed security service, which could emerge as a viable option for partners by touting all the recurring revenue benefits with none of the related hassles.
  • Avnet Teams With Savvis For Cloud Solutions (0)May 31, 2012Avnet teams up to bring Savvis' enterprise cloud capabilities to partners via the Avnet Cloud Solutions program. Will this exclusive agreement offer a competitive edge to a new wave of cloud-centric partners?
  • Cisco Bets on Preemptive Managed Services (0)May 31, 2012Cisco believes the future is hybrid clouds managed by its services division and its legions of partners. What’s different about Cisco’s hybrid vision is the connection of managed services, in which it and partners identify and correct software defects before they become problems.
  • Channel Circles Getting Smaller, Not Tighter (3)May 31, 2012The new CompTIA State of the IT Channel Programs report finds the average number of vendor relationships maintained by solution providers is getting smaller, while scrutiny of those relationships is climbing. The need for balancing costs and rewards is creating instability in the channel paradigm.
  • RIM Headed for a Breakup (1)May 31, 2012Research in Motion, makers of the BlackBerry smartphone platform, is seeking new partners to license its technology. The move is a possible precursor to a sale of the company, which continues to see market share slide against the crushing weight of consumerization.
  • CompanionLink Promises Zero-Cloud Sync (1)May 31, 2012CompanionLink offers DejaSync and DejaConnect as cloud-free alternatives to ensuring mobile CRM data is synchronized securely and encrypted without a byte of data existing on a cloud server.
  • VenyuCloud Brings VMware vCloud to MSPs (1)May 30, 2012Venyu brings the VenyuCloud to the channel as it looks to streamline and increase the adoption and deployment of cloud and virtualized data center environments.
  • Study: IT Trends Spur Channel Shakeouts (0)May 30, 2012A study by CompTIA finds that cloud computing and the consumerization of IT will prompt a major channel shift that will likely result in overhauled revenue streams and product delivery models for partners.
  • Huawei Aims for Total Channel Sales (1)May 30, 2012The Chinese IT hardware vendor is a relative neophyte in the channel. That’s going to change quickly, as the company aims to go 100 percent channel sales within the next three to five years.
  • BMC: The Next Big Acquisition Target? (3)May 30, 2012The fate of BMC hangs in the balance as Elliot Management seeks a suitor for acquisition. Could BMC's acquisition by Cisco, Oracle or Dell have the potential to shake up the market?
  • FireMon Security Manager Gets MSP Appeal (0)May 30, 2012FireMon is putting the risk management technology it acquired from an MIT labs spinoff to good use again – this time in enhancing its flagship product, Security Manager, with new comprehensive risk assessment and measuring capabilities. The big channel opportunity: managed services.
  • Databases, SIEM Top Security Concerns (0)May 30, 2012Organizations claim database security and SIEM are top priorities for the foreseeable future. This could indicates a possible demand for best-of-breed products and niche services offered by the channel.
  • Add Microsoft, Other Big Names to Quest Bidders (0)May 30, 2012The big buzz over is that Dell is in talks to buy Quest Software, a deal that makes a lot of sense on paper. But analysts suspect there are other big vendors in the mix, including Microsoft, Oracle and IBM. All of this speculation is driving up the Quest price tag, which could make it…
  • Newer, Sportier Chromebooks Target Workforce (1)May 30, 2012Google's new fleet of Chromebooks and the Chrombox may be consumer-centric on the surface, but thay're packed with business-savvy features that set the stage for Chrome OS to be widely used in the workplace.
  • DeviceLock Launches DLP Partner Alliance (0)May 29, 2012DeviceLock launches a new partner program built around the DeviceLock DLP Endpoint suite. The company is banking on specialized security VARs to adopt the Active Directory-integrated software to bring DLP to BYOD and social-enabled workplaces.
  • FishNet Open New Security Operations Center (0)May 29, 2012FishNet Security, the largest security integrator in North America, opens its new state-of-the-art corporate headquarters. The facilitate features the largest touchscreen display in the U.S., the nerve center of its managed services operations and sprawling corporate briefing center.
  • Dell Buying Quest Good for Managed Services? (0)May 29, 2012Reports state Dell is in talks to buy Quest Software, makers of the PacketTrap RMM and PSA tools. If the deal happens, it will put Dell in a new league in the managed services market. The question is whether this deal is good for managed services? Ultimately, the answer is yes.
  • Geek Squad Gets Cozy with Telephony Agents (0)May 29, 2012The services arm of big-box retailer Best Buy has signed four telephony master agents to its new channel program. The big draw for the agents: a collaborative and supportive partnership with an IT provider; something that they can’t get from the IT channel.
  • Microsoft Plans Massive 80-Inch Office Tablet (1)May 29, 2012Microsoft is readying its assault on the tablet market with the launch of Windows 8 this fall. But it’s not just the handheld devices Microsoft wants to hit. The software vendor is looking to large, interactive wall-mounted units for the business market, too.
  • McAfee: PC, Android Malware On The Rise (0)May 28, 2012A McAfee Q1 threat report revealed a rising tide of PC and Android threats, indicating possible windows of opportunity for partners looking to expand practices to mobile security niches.
  • Microsoft Signature is a Windows 8 Precursor (0)May 28, 2012Microsoft's WIndows Signature program eradicates bloateware and unifies the Windows 7 computing experience, but at what expense? As Microsoft subverts its partner's practices, is Microsoft actually making the right kind of moves?
  • HP’s New Problem: Retaining Autonomy Talent (0)May 28, 2012Hewlett-Packard will lay off 27,000 employees over the next two years, but there are certain people it wants to retain – namely the engineering and design talent at Autonomy. The HP acquisition already caused a fair number to head for the door. With founder Mike Lynch leaving, many more are looking for their exits, too.
  • Salesforce Adds Intel Cloud SSO (1)May 25, 2012Intel’s Cloud Single Sign On is now delivered on SalesForce’s social enterprise platform, a move that could instil confidence with end users and help channel partners ease customers into further cloud adoption.
  • Spiceworks New Cloud Discovery Service (0)May 25, 2012Spiceworks launches a free cloud detection services to all users of the Spiceworks 6.0 platform, helping IT admins automatically detect, monitor and evaluate the cloud services that are knowingly (or unknowingly)I running on the network.
  • Wyse, Rise Set Stage For End-To-End Services (0)May 25, 2012Wyse partners with UK company Rise to deliver end-to-end desktop virtualization and cloud solutions. Could the trend towards end-to-end services reshape the way channel partners deliver cloud and virutalization?
  • ‘See Ya’ CIUS; Cisco Discontinues Its Tablet (0)May 25, 2012Under pressure from competing consumer products, Cisco has decided to cease development of CIUS, a hybrid tablet that also acted as a multipurpose communications device. Cisco will place greater emphasis on open communication systems as part of a decision speaks volumes about the impact of BYOD.
  • HP Enhances Marketing Depot for Partners (0)May 25, 2012HP revamps it's Marketing Depot program to better meet the evolving needs of partners as they grow. HP has focused on building more targeted marketing campaigns to better capitalize on existing partner momentum and improve overall partner profitability.
  • Report: Dell Looking to Buy Quest Software (3)May 25, 2012Published reports say Dell is in talks to buy the application and systems management specialist, which has been trying to go private since March. The deal would fill significant holes in Dell’s portfolio and create some interesting competitive match-ups in managed services.
  • IT Economic Worries? Blame Europe (0)May 25, 2012More and more big tech vendors are blaming debt-ridden Europe for poor sales forecasts. European economic woes are causing big worries, with some speculating the crisis could plunge the world back into recession.
  • Trend Micro Launches Enterprise DLP Solution (1)May 24, 2012Trend Micro partners may have another window of opportunity to revisit conversations about DLP: The company has launched an integrated DLP solution and management console aimed at addressing the complexity and cost issues that have typically prevented its widespread adoption.
  • Avnet Launches EMC VSPEX Partner Program (0)May 24, 2012Avnet teams up with EMC to provide a streamlined way for partners to customize and deploy VSPEX backup solutions in the SME environment.
  • Cloud Acquisitions: Oracle, SAP, VMware (0)May 24, 2012Oracle, SAP and VMware are set to acquire Virtue, Ariba and Wanova, respectively. These acquisitions serve to strengthen each company's core portfolio while helping them expand into the cloud.
  • NetApp Credits Partners for Driving Growth (0)May 24, 2012NetApp is giving a shout out to its OEM, integrator and reseller partners for driving its ninth consecutive quarter of growth and propelling the storage vendor on the Fortune 500 list. The big catalyst: the Cisco partnership with FlexPod.
  • BT Focuses on U.S. Channel Expansion (0)May 24, 2012British Telecom is pushing to expand its U.S. presence through the channel, with a goal to double revenues inside the next three years.
  • HP Discovers the Pain of Crash Transformation (0)May 24, 2012Hewlett-Packard is reorganizing divisions, consolidating workflows and downsizing 8 percent of its workforce in an effort to remain competitive and viable. Dell is going through the same process, and Cisco is emerging from its own transformation. The lesson: Transformation is painful and filled with uncertainty when it’s unplanned.
  • HP Eliminating 27,000 Jobs in Latest Reorg (1)May 23, 2012Hewlett-Packard will eliminate 8 percent of its workforce through layoffs and attrition to capture upwards of $3.5 billion in savings. The company says most of the savings will be reinvested into the development of new products and markets.
  • New Alcatel-Lucent Routers Target Cloud, Video (0)May 23, 2012Alcatel-Lucent is attempting to challenge competitors with Internet core routers aimed at better addressing increasing network complexity and traffic volumes created with the cloud and mobile devices. Questions remain as to whether the offering will be seen as a viable alternative for the channel.
  • Report: Deal Reg is Good, but Not that Good (0)May 23, 2012When it comes to maintaining a fair and level playing field in the channel, solution providers say deal registration is the most effective tool in a vendor’s or supplier’s arsenal. However, deal registration itself is not always effective, according to the new 2112 Channel Conflict Report.
  • The Real Reason Chrome Surpassed IE (2)May 23, 2012The real reason Chrome has surpassed Internet Explorer isn't just popularity, it's about Chrome's dominance as a platform.
  • Sophos Aims for ‘Complete Security Solution’ (1)May 23, 2012Sophos is hosting its first partner conference since closing the acquisition of unified threat management specialist Astaro, and it’s making good use of its new hardware assets. The message to partners: Sophos will become the complete, security solution through acquisitions and product integration.
  • Oracle Shows Partner Love With New Training (1)May 23, 2012Oracle launches a new specialization focused on the Oracle Fusion Application program to encourage partner development as it looks to expand its footprint into the SaaS and cloud world.
  • Dell Earnings Reflect a Company in Transition (1)May 23, 2012Dell failed to meet its quarterly earnings expectations, as it reported year-over-year sales down 4 percent, with particular weakness in enterprise products. These disappointing numbers are more about a company transitioning to a new model than a vendor in decline.
  • EMC Helps Ease New Verticals To Cloud (0)May 22, 2012During EMC World, the storage giant announced new capabilities to its hybrid cloud deployment platform that allow partners to facilitate an easier transition customers in key vertical into a cloud environment.
  • EMC: Spotlight On Partners, Software Solutions (1)May 22, 2012EMC honors 45 partners with the EMC Certified Solutions tag, while it focuses on providing streamlined web-based management software with the VCE Vblock Unified Infrastructure Manager.
  • Microsoft Excludes Competitors from WPC (1)May 22, 2012Microsoft is specifically banning representatives of four major competitors from its annual Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto. The point isn’t keeping them away from information, but from partners and customers. It’s a pretty strong tell.
  • Partners Rate Channel Conflict as ‘Moderate’ (0)May 22, 2012The new 2112 Channel Conflict Report shows the level of discord between vendor-direct sales and partner-indirect sales is middling, as solution providers say clashes happen frequently. However, the moderate label shouldn’t give vendors comfort.
  • Lenovo Will Overtake HP in PCs (0)May 22, 2012China-based Lenovo will overtake Hewlett-Packard in the global PC market sometime in the second half of 2012, and it won’t matter for the most part. HP’s transformations show the power of relevancy to core markets and customers will reign supreme.
  • SAP May Tap MobileIron For Mobile Apps (0)May 22, 2012Reports suggest SAP has informally spoken to MDM company MobileIron in an effort to bring mobile apps and mobile device management into one neat package for the entire IT market.
  • Cisco, Bright House Team on Managed Services (0)May 21, 2012Cisco's latest partnership with cable operator Bright House Networks brings Cisco's white-labled "Smart Operate Services" security offering to over 200 schools. But is this managed security collaboration a sign of things to come from the networking vendor?
  • Reseller Baynetwork Exploits Facebook IPO Hype (1)May 21, 2012Hardware reseller Baynetwork took its marketing efforts to a whole new level by taking advantage of the media hype surrounding the gargantuan Facebook IPO.
  • EMC Helps Position Partners for Cloud (0)May 21, 2012At EMC World 2012, EMC launches new practices and cooperative engagements with its partners to spread the cloud storage gospel and streamline the deployment of new technologies.
  • Study: 1/3 of Vendors Would Cut Out Partners (3)May 21, 2012A new study by The 2112 Group finds the level of channel conflict is moderate, but palpable. Despite copious commitments by vendors to deliver and maintain rules of engagement, enablement tools and channel focus, the 2112 Channel Conflict 2012 Report finds vendors will compromise their partners if given a chance – and it happens more…
  • BYOD’s Greatest Opportunity Lies in Verticals (1)May 21, 2012As the BYOD phenomenon becomes commonplace in the channel, it's imperative channel partners know where solutions are most needed and what solutions hold the most promise. Vertical markets like health care and education represent BYOD opportunities that could be bigger than the enterprise.
  • HP Reorg, Layoffs Will Benefit the Channel (5)May 21, 2012Indications are growing that Hewlett-Packard will trim its workforce by as many as 30,000 employees in coming weeks in an effort to save money and invest in sales channels. Though painful, a sweeping reorganization will likely benefit channel partners. It worked for Cisco – it can work for HP.
  • Oracle Releases Cloud Service, VM Server 3.1 (0)May 18, 2012Oracle has hit the virtualization and cloud arenas with the launch of a new cloud service, a move that could provide new service paths for partners, along with latest release of its VM Server v. 3.1, pitting it as a viable contender against its biggest virtualization competitor VMware.
  • HP Ushers Next Gen Data Center With EcoPOD (0)May 18, 2012HP's new EcoPOD server unit promises to make next generation data center as simple as plug-and-play. Will data center modules like EcoPOD start a trend for the future of data center architecture?
  • Iomega, McAfee and Intel Team on Storage (0)May 18, 2012Iomega’s new StorCenter px12-450r Network Storage is the first non-computing device to feature Intel’s Ivy Bridge processor, which is powerful enough to support additional applications such as McAfee’s VirusScan. While it’s not exactly security to silicon, it’s appears to be an early test of integrating Intel and McAfee technologies.
  • Brocade Sharpens Sales With Leadership Reorg (0)May 18, 2012Brocade's recent shakeup of its sales team shows an aggressive company that seeks to expand its channel and market presence quickly, especially against rivals like Cisco and Juniper.
  • Condusiv Pushing Deeper into the Channel (0)May 18, 2012Continuing its transformation from a PC tool to a virtualization optimization company, Condusiv is moving deeper into the channel with a restructured partner program and the appointment of Nick Tidd, a channel veteran, to lead global sales.
  • LabTech Releases Agnostic RMM Dashboard (0)May 18, 2012LabTech launches an upgrade to its RMM platform, allowing the remote management and monitoring of mixed backup storage environments.
  • Reports: HP on Verge of Massive Layoffs (1)May 17, 2012Reports indicate Hewlett-Packard will announce a downsizing of nearly 10 percent of its workforce to save money for investments in new technologies and markets. There's no way of telling what impact it will have on HP’s channel program.
  • Junosphere Bolstered With Platform Tweaks (0)May 17, 2012Juniper equipped its Junosphere cloud offering with added partnerships and a few platform enhancements, all aimed at facilitating greater ease of use for partners and accelerating adoption of cloud and virtual infrastructure for customers.
  • HP, Oracle and Technology Roadmaps (0)May 17, 2012Newly released documents in the legal tit-for-tat between Hewlett-Packard and Oracle reveals HP once considered buying Sun Microsystems to replace its Itanium servers. The ongoing court battle is showing the channel how important published technology roadmaps are.
  • Services May Unlock Unified Comm’s Potential (0)May 17, 2012Unified communications – the integration of various forms of digital messaging in a single platform – remains of high interest among businesses, but adoption is still relatively low. A new CompTIA study finds the attachment of cloud and managed services may open the door for greater unified communications adoption.
  • Enterasys SuperDrive: Partners And The Future (0)May 17, 2012At Enterasys SuperDrive 2012, partners are buzzing about the OneFabric networking portfolio while Enterasys celebrates its growth in the marketplace. Is Enterasys a rising star on the networking scene?
  • CA Process Automation 4 Arrives (0)May 16, 2012CA Technologies launches CA Process Automation 4, bringing a unified network automation platform for physical, virtual and cloud environments.
  • Spiceworks Community Tops 2 Million Users (0)May 16, 2012Spiceworks, the IT professional social network glued together by management tools and peer collaboration, recently added its 2 millionth member and saw user activity time jump more than 200 percent. This social network may be a tempest in a teapot for how its changing the way IT buyers and sellers interact.
  • Reports: Enterprises Embracing BYOD Trend (0)May 16, 2012Enterprise organizations have moved well past the acceptance phase to embrace the BYOD trend, creating swaths of opportunity for the channel to create holistic and scalable mobile security policies and management services for their customers.
  • Insider: Cloud, Not Recession, Haunts Cisco (0)May 16, 2012Cisco is planning to roll out more cloud products, including its new Cloud Connect in June, to capitalize on this ever-expanding opportunity. However, its recently pessimistic outlook, says one insider, has more to do with cloud disruptions to its core networking business than global economics. It’s a rationale, noteworthy counterargument.
  • NetSuite Launches Commerce-as-a-Service (0)May 16, 2012NetSuite launches the commerce-as-a-service platform "NetSuite SuiteCommerce," enabling both retail and corporate sales outfits to enhance customer service and customer experiences through a fully integrated ERP/CRM solution.
  • Lenovo SMB Incentives Just Might Work (0)May 16, 2012Lenovo has claimed the number two spot in the PC manufacturing market and is looking to dethrone rival Hewlett-Packard by attacking the SMB market with new products and partner sales support. Driving this activity are incentives that just might work.
  • Nvidia Brings GPU To The Cloud (0)May 16, 2012Nvidia launches the Nvidia VGX platform, a cloud-based GPU that can deliver real-time 3D rendering and highly responsive graphic applications to virtualized environments and the cloud. Cloud-based GPUs could turn thin clients into powerhouses and reshape what MSPs can provide their customers.
  • In Defense of Ballmer and Chambers (0)May 15, 2012Forbes names Microsoft's Steve Ballmer as the worst CEO in America, and Cisco CEO John Chambers isn’t far behind on a list of five corporate head-honchos that “should have been fired already.” There’s a strong argument for why they’re on the list. There’s also a strong counterargument.
  • Sophos Targets SMB With Security Suite Launch (2)May 15, 2012Sophos has launched a set of comprehensive security suites directly targeting the SMB, which will likely give partners an easy in-road into lower markets by touting affordability and comprehensive functions bundled in one package.
  • SSDs: A Hidden Channel Opportunity (0)May 15, 2012Solid state storage is a hidden opportunity in the channel, especially as SSD prices are set to drop inside 2012. Partners can reach out to old and new customers by offering huge performance gains from application severs to storage devices.
  • Managed Print and Trickle-down Economics (3)May 15, 2012Printer vendors are pushing their managed print services (MPS) hard to what is often a reluctant market. Could the secret to managed print finally taking off be a trickle-down effect from large enterprises and organizations adopting first and inspiring SMBs to follow?
  • Microsoft Study Says Cloud Brings Security (0)May 15, 2012A new Microsoft study shows a correlation between cloud adoption and enhanced security measures. The channel has yet another opportunity to capitalize on the ever-expanding world of cloud services.
  • LifeSize Looks to Change Telepresence Equation (0)May 15, 2012LifeSize is looking to disrupt the telepresence video conference market with its new Unity line of high-definition products that provide “telepresence-like quality” at a fraction of the cost and deployment hassle.
  • Intel’s New Xeons Spark Server Surge (0)May 14, 2012Intel launches three new series of Xeon CPUs designed to bring super-high performance computing to severs everywhere and provide powerful 'green' CPUs ideal for workstation environments.
  • Cloud EMRs Entice Healthcare Providers (0)May 14, 2012A study finds SaaS EMRs are increasingly attractive offerings for healthcare organizations because of their ease of use and cost-effectiveness. This opens opportunities for partners to expand practices in healthcare security arenas.
  • Dell Offers Storage Financing Through Partners (0)May 14, 2012In the first credit extension to storage partners, Dell is offering zero-percent financing on SMB purchases of its EqualLogic products. The program is a sign of Dell getting more aggressive in the SMB market and staking out greater storage market share through solution providers.
  • Kaspersky Rallies Troops for $1 Billion Run (3)May 14, 2012Russian security vendor Kaspersky Lab is looking to top the $1 billion sales-bookings mark by 2014 and, soon after, become the world’s second largest security vendor. It’s an ambitious goal supported by near-fanatical partners. The lingering question: How will Kaspersky fuel this growth with only organic product and market development?
  • Symantec: Cloud Adoption Drives Data Recovery (0)May 14, 2012A new Symantec survey of SMBs reveals that the adoption of cloud, virtualization and mobility is driving the adoption of disaster recovery solutions. As SMBs move towards enterprise-style technology, this could represent an opportunity for partners to bundle disaster recovery offerings with existing cloud, virtualization and mobility solutions.
  • Cisco & Intel: Two Differing Economic Forecasts (0)May 14, 2012Cisco CEO John Chambers raised a red flag during the company’s latest earnings report, saying the summer quarter would be softer than previously expected. Intel CEO Paul Otellini countered, saying economic conditions are good but not great. The truth is somewhere between.
  • Amazon Welcomes SQL, .NET ISVs to AWS (0)May 11, 2012Amazon launches support for SQL Server and ASP .NET to Amazon Web Services, inviting a world of Windows developers to take advantage of Amazon's cloud capabilities.
  • Microsoft Extends Solution Incentives Program (0)May 11, 2012While Microsoft was vague on the reasons for extending its Solution Incentives program, the move will give Microsoft Partner Network resellers an additional six months to meet stated sales goals and reap up to 30 percent extra margin in strategic product categories.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Trim Partner Ranks (1)May 11, 2012Partner profitability, training and enablement, and sales support are sacrosanct principles in the channel. And, accordingly, many people falsely believe participation in partner programs is a guarantee and right. But, nothing could be further from the truth.
  • Kaspersky: McAfee Losing Focus Under Intel (1)May 11, 2012The Russian security company boasts double-digit, faster-than-market growth, fueled by endpoint security sales. By comparison, Kaspersky pointed out how McAfee is in decline following its acquisition by Intel. The numbers don’t tell the whole story, though.
  • Revisiting the Chasm, Again and Again (4)May 11, 2012For all the talk about market development, technology maturation and selling technology into verticals, too few solution providers truly understand this lifecycle or how to use it to their advantage. The starting point hasn’t changed in two decades: Pickup “Crossing the Chasm.”
  • Ncomputing Brings Citrix HDX to the Masses (2)May 11, 2012Ncomputing's new thin-client duo promises to deliver high definition virtualization content that won't break the bank.
  • McAfee Targets SMBs with Cloud Services (0)May 11, 2012McAfee is looking to bolster its midmarket fortunes with new products and services tailored specifically for the SMB market. Likewise, it’s offering channel partners new incentives and support for attacking and capturing more SMB opportunities.
  • Axcient Cancels Out Cloud Downtime (0)May 11, 2012Axcient's Cloud Continuity platform can instantly and seamless transfer an SMB to a cloud continuity server in the event of data center failure. Axcient's in-house backup technology is proving itself a key differentiator in the channel.
  • The HP Cloud Arrives For Open Beta (0)May 10, 2012HP finally unleashes the HP Cloud, a public beta of its cloud infrastructure platform to compete with the likes of Amazon and Rackspace. How will HP's public and open beta help build success for the budding cloud platform?
  • PCI Council Launches Reseller Cert Program (0)May 10, 2012Channel partners and integrators with a compliance niche can add another tool to their portfolio with the launch of a new PCI DSS cert that aims to provide specialized training on the secure installation and maintenance of validated payment applications.
  • Inside the Great Huawei Threat (3)May 10, 2012China’s Huawei Technologies is a repeat target of criticism by competitors and governments as a competitive and security threat. The reality is Huawei is just getting started in the U.S. market and channel, and it’s taking a deliberate approach to building its presence.
  • 6fusion Moves Closer To Hypervisor Agnosticism (0)May 10, 20126fusion introduces open-source Xen and Citrix Xen support to the UC6 cloud management platform, allowing IT admins and MSPs to mitigate the headaches associated with multiple hypervisor environments and obviate vendor lock-in.
  • Can BYOD Survive the End of Subsidies? (0)May 10, 2012Consumers can’t get enough of smartphones and tablets, and that’s driving IT vendors and solution providers to adopt mobile device management. What many consumers don’t know is their devices are heavily subsidized by carriers, who are growing tired of paying for hardware. Will BYOD continue if subsidies are curtailed?
  • How Wyse’s New Moves Benefit Dell (0)May 10, 2012Wyse's new thin client and MDM solutions will provide a considerable bump to Dell, giving it a new competitive edge in the virtualization and enterprise space. Will Dell ultimately compete at the same level as HP, IBM and Oracle?
  • Dell Goes Direct With Unidesk Virtualization (1)May 9, 2012Dell's latest partnership with Unidesk could signal much bigger moves from Dell in the virtualization space.
  • Cisco Study: Companies Fear Cloud Migration (0)May 9, 2012A Cisco cloud migration study found that a significant number of IT decision-makers are stymied to overcome infrastructure hurdles when embarking on cloud migration projects, leaving a wide-open gap for the channel to address an anticipated slew of networking, security and configuration challenges.
  • Citrix Urges Rethinking of IT Assumptions (0)May 9, 2012Citrix believes a root cause of the problems in building, managing and securing cloud and mobile systems is solution providers and enterprises continue to apply conventional and dated assumptions about the IT operating environment. Citrix is encouraging partners and customers to do is change their thinking and assume everything is cloud and mobile.
  • Motorola Launches WLAN Cloud Service (0)May 9, 2012Motorola Solutions is looking to empower partners with new tools for optimizing and securing business wireless networks with a new cloud-based service. The service is intended to insure businesses increasingly dependent upon cloud and mobile device have quality wireless network connectivity.
  • HP Plays Offense With Avnet, F5 Networks (0)May 9, 2012HP teams up with Avnet to provide reseller access to Avnet's Data Center Lifecycle services. HP strengthens its existing networking portfolio with F5 Networks, bringing automated application optimization to HP's enterprise partners.
  • Vu, Vidtel Break through Video Garden Walls (2)May 9, 2012The partnership between Vu TelePresence and Vidtel will enable users of the video conference technology to collaborate and communicate with non-Vu and competitive platform users, effectively breaking through the garden walls that limit many telepresence solutions.
  • ShoreTel Unloads Collaboration Cornucopia (0)May 9, 2012ShoreTel unleashes the SA-400 with ShoreTel UC platform 12.3, in addition to the cloud-based UC management M5 Portal, plus a new remote monitoring system to ensure the stability of ShoreTel IP PBX systems.
  • WatchGuard Offers Virtual Product Lines (0)May 8, 2012WatchGuard Technologies is tackling the virtualization space head on with an all out virtual revamp of its product lines--a move that could potentially attract new channel blood and give it a bit of a leg up over competing UTM vendors.
  • Dell, Red Hat Build Open Source Workstations (0)May 8, 2012Dell and Red Hat team up to ship Red Hat Enterprise Linux on Dell Precision Workstations and PowerEdge hardware. But is Red Hat the real winner in this open source partnership?
  • How Vendor Incentives Can Hurt Partners (1)May 8, 2012IT vendors, particularly hardware companies, often talk about “incentives” such as rebates and promotional discounts as means for ensuring partner profitability. The reality is incentives can sometimes have more negative consequences and cut into partner profitability.
  • UNICOM Acquires Federal Reseller GTSI (0)May 8, 2012UNICOM Systems sets its sights on GTSI, in an effort to expand UNICOM's presence in the IT channel and expand into the governmental sector.
  • Confirmed: Netbooks Are Still Dead (0)May 8, 2012While Apple and Hewlett-Packard jostle for the top spot in PCs, netbooks – the onetime savior of the PC market – continues their precipitous slip in sales and market share. The replacement, no surprise, is business-class tablets. The big question: What will replace tablets?
  • F5 Networks Offers SPDY Application Delivery (0)May 8, 2012F5 Networks introduces the SPDY Gateway, an appliance designed to optimize the Web and Web-based applications via Google's SPDY protocol. F5 networks is also leveraging SPDY as an effective way to optimize Web apps for mobile use, and for browsers that don't natively support SPDY.
  • Oracle Spotlights Partners at OpenWorld (0)May 7, 2012Oracle hypes up partner specialization, education and certification for the Oracle PartnerNetwork Exchange at OpenWorld this year, as Oracle looks to leverage its partner network to better compete in the channel.
  • Unisys Unveils Security Suite, Partner Program (0)May 7, 2012Unisys is making a bit of an about face by bulking up its channel team that paves the way for launch of its new partner program and expansion of its customer base for the release of its new Stealth Solution security suite.
  • Huawei, Synnex Strike U.S. Distribution Deal (0)May 7, 2012Synnex will begin selling Huawei Technologies data center, switching and unified communications products to the U.S. channel. The deal is part of a concerted effort by Huawei to increase channel sales around the world.
  • Skype Stunting Microsoft, Nokia Turnaround (7)May 7, 2012Nokia is blaming Microsoft’s ownership of Skype as the reason many carriers don’t want to carry the new Lumia smartphone powered by Windows Phone 7. There’s some truth to this excuse, but it’s more a reflection of what’s happening across the technology landscape in terms of allies becoming frienemies and competitors.
  • Zenith Infotech Barred from Selling Cloud Assets (0)May 7, 2012An India court issued an injunction against the cloud and backup company after determining a previously submitted assessment of its asset value is incomplete. The ruling comes amid speculation that Zenith Infotech was getting ready to shed more assets.
  • Rethinking Differentiation Among VARs (1)May 7, 2012The onset of new technologies is opening vast new opportunities for solution providers, managed service providers and systems integrators. The opportunity goes beyond just cloud computing. It's about building portfolios of services, products and values that provide a new level of differentiation from the conventional VAR of yesteryear.
  • The Fuzzy Future of Telepresence (7)May 5, 2012Cisco pioneered the concept of the virtual conference room with telepresence. Rivals including Polycom and Hewlett-Packard have followed suit. They are magnificent systems that few can afford, and that’s the problem argues one pundit. Is this a harbinger for video conferencing?
  • Riverbed Offers Cost-Effective WAN Optimization (1)May 4, 2012Riverbed launches the Steelhead 150 as a cost-effective physical or virtual WAN optimization appliance for small branch offices and the SMB. Cloud service providers may start adopting more optimization appliances, especially amid Riverbed's vCloud Connector partnership with VMware.
  • Cisco To Acquire Data Analytics Firm Truviso (0)May 4, 2012Cisco revealed plans to acquire data analytics and business intelligence firm Truviso, which will give channel partners a few new analysis and reporting tools to add to their professional services tool belt.
  • Access One, Stratosphere Bridge Channel Divide (0)May 4, 2012Telecom provider Access One is teaming with solution provider Stratosphere, aligning their mutual capabilities to meet market demands for telephony and IT solutions. The partnership is a great example of how IT and telephony solution providers can cross the channel divide to amplify their market potential.
  • GFI Brings MSPs Managed Backup (0)May 4, 2012GFI MAX Managed Online Backup is designed to provide MSPs with a 'business-class' backup solution that is easy to deploy and manage. Dr. Alistair Forbes discusses GFI's channel focus.
  • Sprint Picks Zenprise for MDM Service (0)May 4, 2012Sprint’s selection of Zenprise MobileManager for its new mobile device management service offering reflects the growing need and demand for enterprise-class management and security of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. It’s another sign the channel needs to step up MDM adoption.
  • HP 3PAR Promises 2X Virtualization Performance (0)May 4, 2012HP promises to double physical server capacity for virtual machines through 3PAR storage technology. This unique solution has the potential to be cost effective in budget-strapped and space-constrained environments.
  • Tealeaf Steeps in IBM’s Smarter Commerce (0)May 3, 2012IBM picks up yet another analytics-based company with Tealeaf Technologies. IBM plans on using Tealeaf to augment its existing Smarter Commerce business with an advanced commerce analytics engine.
  • Juniper Unveils Mobile Security, Access Tools (0)May 3, 2012Juniper Networks launched a slew of mobile security and management enhancements to its Simply Connected portfolio, which aim to give channel partners a few more tools to address security and access challenges stemming from the rising tide of BYOD.
  • Managed Print Takes Flight at Boeing (0)May 3, 2012Xerox inks a deal to provide managed print services to aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing. The engagement, through Xerox’s Enterprise Print Services, will consolidate Boeing’s document management to save costs and improve productivity. Is managed print finally turning the page in terms of viability?
  • Cloud Services Can Eliminate IT Staff Risks (0)May 3, 2012The Wall Street Journal suggest big companies are scrutinizing IT staff to weed out would-be hackers and data thieves. But a simple fix is already available: By outsourcing IT to the channel, the threat of rogue IT admins can be eliminated.
  • VMware View 5.1 Ready For Mobile Workforce (0)May 3, 2012VMware View 5.1 arrives with new optimization features alongside the VMware Project Octopus Beta storage platform. With virtualization, cloud and storage capabilities under its belt, VMware readies itself for the mobile enterprise.
  • theCloud, ScaleXtreme Launch vCloud Partnership (0)May 3, 2012ScaleXtreme's cloud automation services joins up with theCloud's hosting services, signalling that collaborations between cloud companies may become more commonplace in the not-to-distant future.
  • Check Point Unveils Free Antivirus and Firewall (1)May 2, 2012Check Point Software Technologies launched a new free firewall and antivirus product, a move that could likely increase consumer brand awareness and give the company inroads into SMB and other lower market segments.
  • SHI Growth Powered by Services and SMB (1)May 2, 2012SHI International, one of the largest solution provider organizations in North America, posted strong revenue growth for the first quarter, topping the previous record haul. The impressive numbers are fueled by surging SMB sales and services, showing how even large solution providers can play down-market.
  • ShoreTel Reorganizes Channel Leadership (0)May 2, 2012ShoreTel reorganizes its channel leadership as it looks to broaden its UC reach across the globe and accelerate the move to the cloud.
  • Why Not Even The Channel Can Save RIM (1)May 2, 2012RIM unleashes a BlackBerry 10 prototype device to developers in an effort to spur application development, which in turn, could spur adoption whenever a finalized device is released. But RIM is late to a game they are already losing, missing out on a golden opportunity to leverage the BYOD channel trend as a vehicle for…
  • Google, Onix Finally Win Fed Cloud Contract (2)May 2, 2012After a protracted legal and competitive battle between Microsoft and Google over the future of the federal cloud, the Department of the Interior decided to convert its 88,000 users to Gmail rather than Office 365. The win opens the door for cloud newcomers to challenge incumbents for federal business.
  • Report: Trend Micro is Cloud Security ‘Leader’ (2)May 1, 2012Trend Micro is among those leading the charge in the global cloud security software market, according to TechNavio’s Global Cloud Security Software Market report.
  • Acer Gets Professional With New Display (0)May 1, 2012Acer's new 24-inch IPS display is an ideal candidate for a variety of use cases, from governmental security monitors to digital signage displays.
  • Quest Software Boasts Robust Migration Services (0)May 1, 2012Quest Software announces itself as a leading provider of Microsoft Office 365 migration. Are Quest Software's moves indicative of a recent change from public to private company or a company moving to cloud services? Or both?
  • Axcient Shows What It Takes to Build a Business (0)May 1, 2012Cloud backup vendor Axcient expands management team with industry veterans. The additions are part of a master plan by founder Justin Moore for building a billion-dollar business. It’s a model that any channel business can – and should – follow.
  • Ingram Micro Cloud Summit: Focus On Services (0)May 1, 2012Ingram Micro launches their third annual Cloud Summit. This year, Ingram Micro will focus heavily on how cloud technologies can help MSPs build their services up and out.
  • Ultrabooks Drive Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 3.0 (0)April 30, 2012Lenovo's EE3 offers an optimized boot environment for PCs, shrinking boot time 40 percent. Is Lenovo gearing up for ultrabooks and Windows 8 tablets?
  • Symantec: Malicious Attacks Spike 81 Percent (0)April 30, 2012Symantec's new Threat Report indicates the increasing need for channel partners to hone skills and expand security practices and highlights the need for more mobile device management and protection.
  • Zenith Infotech Launches Low-Cost Private Cloud (1)April 30, 2012Embattled Zenith Infotech launches a new cloud infrastructure and backup service built on Intel and Microsoft technology that reportedly costs 70 percent less than comparable offerings. The new service is the result of a $38 million development project and comes as the company battles creditors over a $85 million debt default.
  • Enterasys MDM: One Appliance to Rule Them All (0)April 30, 2012Enterasys introduces the Mobile Identity and Access Manager appliance, offering granular MDM controls based on 50 unique attributes. With a virtual appliance option and cloud-based controls, will this be the style of MDM to dominate the future?
  • HP Slate 8: A Future Mobile Accessory (0)April 30, 2012The designs and specifications of the forthcoming Hewlett-Packard Slate 8 tablet powered by Windows 8 were leaked over the weekend. On the surface, this tablet looks impressive as a business and consumer device. It may also be a part of the next-generation of computing devices as accessories.
  • ePlus Expands into Video Managed Services (0)April 27, 2012ePlus Technology, an integration and services company, is expanding its portfolio to include video managed services for collaboration and conferencing. It’s a good example of a solution provider filling the skills gaps in the marketplace.
  • HP Names Channel Leaders for New Division (0)April 27, 2012Hewlett-Packard has drawn upon internal candidates to lead the channel charge for the merged Printing and Personal Systems (PPS) group.
  • Why Jabber Is All About Mobile Enterprise (0)April 27, 2012Cisco's ambitions with Jabber may be to build a de-facto UC platform for the upcoming wave of mobile devices in the enterprise.
  • IBM’s Big Appetite For Big Data (0)April 27, 2012IBM is buying up all the big data technology it can in an effort to become an arbiter of all things big data.
  • OS33 Introduces MSP Cloud Initiative (0)April 26, 2012In an effort to bring more MSPs into the cloud services fold, OS33 has opened up the ability for "Master MSPs" to resell services and infrastructure to smaller MSPs, in an effort to generate additional revenue and expand the reach of cloud services.
  • OKI Data Expands Total Managed Print to Canada (0)April 26, 2012OKI Data expands its cloud-based managed print services offering, Total Managed Print portal, into the Canadian marketplace. As managed print grows in the cloud, will it become part of larger cloud stacks?
  • NetSuite Touts Growing Midmarket Channel (0)April 26, 2012The cloud-based ERP market leader announced the addition of four major midmarket solution providers to its channel program, reflecting the growing market demand for cloud resources. It may really be an indication of the market’s desire for cloud options.
  • Consumerization Driving Unified Communications (0)April 26, 2012A new report by IDG Enterprise finds the number of consumer devices flooding workplaces is driving the majority of unified communications and collaboration adoption. The good news for the channel: A best-of-breed approach is preferred, and there is no clear market leader, making unified communications an open-field opportunity.
  • Google Drive Is Really About Entanglement (0)April 26, 2012The arrival of Google Drive has the IT world comparing and contrasting cloud storage offerings. But Google Drive isn't about cloud data, it's about encouraging user entanglement.
  • Facebook Turns Security Distributor (1)April 26, 2012The world’s largest social networking site is now offering its 900 million users antivirus solutions by leading security vendors including Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro. The distribution and education alliance is intended to extend protection to the global Facebook network, but it’s also a sign of Facebook’s growing economic prowess and ambition.
  • Dell’s New Workstations Pack a Punch (0)April 25, 2012Dell's new Precision series of workstations come out swinging with the latest Xeon CPUs and the fastest graphics options from Nvidia.
  • SugarCRM’s Sweet Deal With Ingram Micro (0)April 25, 2012SugarCRM inked a deal with Ingram Micro to bring the new Sugar 6.5 platform to channel partners under Ingram's Advanced Computing Division. IBM resellers working with Ingram can also jump on board.
  • Autodesk Channels Customer Satisfaction (0)April 25, 2012CAD and design software vendor Autodesk is tying partner compensation and benefits to customer satisfaction ratings and performance. Data shows happy customers lead to better partner financial performance. Funny thing: Partners need cajoling to get and accept this principle.
  • WAN Optimization has a ‘Virtual Future’ (3)April 25, 2012Hardware solutions dominate the WAN optimization market. But challenger Silver Peak believes the tide is changing toward virtual solutions. The company expects virtualized WAN optimization solutions to reach parity with hardware within the next two years.
  • McAfee New SIEM Goes ‘Big Data’ for Security (0)April 25, 2012McAfee released the first revamped security information and event management (SIEM) product following its acquisition of NitroSecurity. It includes integration with ePolicy Orchestrator to give businesses greater security analytics and situational awareness. It’s a big step in creating a “Big Data” engine for security.
  • CloudOpen Event Spreads Open-Source Gospel (1)April 25, 2012The open-source gospel will be read at the inaugural CloudOpen event. Spun on by The Linux Foundation, CloudOpen will exist as a "parallel" conference alongside LinuxCon, in order to best spread the good news of open source.
  • No Stopping the Apple Juggernaut (0)April 24, 2012Apple stunned the IT market by continuing to sell iPhones and iPads a blazing pace in Q1, driving up profits a staggering 94 percent. While Apple is continuing its winning streak, there are many challenges ahead and no indication where in which the channel may play.
  • Avnet Boosts IBM Partners With New Services (0)April 24, 2012Avnet puts IBM partners on the fast track for deploying automation tools, social networking cloud platforms and new health care management portals, all thanks to the acquisition of Ascendant Technology.
  • Oracle Partners Team to Develop eDiscovery App (1)April 24, 2012TEAM Informatics, Integro and EntropySoft collaborated to develop ‘Email Manager for Oracle,’ a software product that simplifies eDiscovery for legal proceedings. The teamwork is a great example of how solution providers can, and should, develop their own intellectual property to secure their value propositions and future revenue potential.
  • First Jenne Summit Shows UC Strength (1)April 24, 2012Jenne Inc hosts its inaugural "Powering Partners Summit," bringing partner training, education and interaction to the UC partner community.
  • Dell Offers Partners Social Media Resources (0)April 24, 2012Dell launches new social media training, support and resources to solution providers through its partner portal, building on its success as leveraging social tools to drive customer engagements and sales.
  • Huawei Profits Plummet Amid Market Pressure (0)April 24, 2012China's IT equipment manufacturer saw annual profits fall 53 percent under pressure by competitors, government regulators and a soft communications market. Huawei executives insist the fall was anticipated and the company has turned the corner to become a portfolio vendor like Cisco and Dell.
  • How Microsoft Will Trump Android in Mobility (0)April 24, 2012Google's Android is facing court challenges by Oracle over its use of Java, while customers are raising frustrations over their user experience. A combination of Android shortcomings and Google miscalculations will open the door for Microsoft to roar back in the mobility market. In the end, it's all about integration.
  • QlikTech Partners Build On Business Intelligence (0)April 23, 2012QlikTech brings business intelligence to the market with QlikView, uniquely offered through specialized software integration with OEM channel partners.
  • CA ARCserve Hits Amazon Marketplace (0)April 23, 2012CA Technologies brings CA ARCserve Backup and D2D solutions to Amazon's Web Services marketplace.
  • Apple, Google Poaching Lawsuit Worth Watching (1)April 23, 2012A federal judge rejected a request by Apple, Google, Intel and other leading technology companies to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought by a group of software engineers alleging a conspiracy to limit IT job salaries and mobility. It’s worth watching for solution providers, who can use this lawsuit in their own talent recruiting.
  • ‘Managed Services’ Has Different Cloud Meaning (1)April 23, 2012IT vendors and cloud service providers are talking up managed services as their preferred partnership model going forward in the cloud. This may sound like good news to the legions of MSPs in the channel. Trouble is, they’re not talking about that kind of managed services.
  • UTM Sales Pass $1B and May Have Plateaued (4)April 23, 2012New market-sizing data from Gartner indicates the global unified threat management market passed the $1 billion sales market in 2011, driven by demand for appliances with firewall and intrusion prevention capabilities. Has the UTM market plateaued amid the rise of next-generation firewalls?
  • SAP Recruiting Partners To Expand Reach (0)April 23, 2012SAP is focused heavily on expanding its partner program into key areas like mobility and data analytics as it looks to decrease direct sales involvement and expand market reach.
  • Earnings Quick Look: IBM, Intel and Microsoft (0)April 20, 2012IBM, Intel and Microsoft post their quarterly earnings. What can we glean from the facts and figures and where are these companies headed?
  • Microsoft Extending Windows Intune’s Tentacles (0)April 20, 2012At this week’s Microsoft Management Summit, the software company announced the next version of Windows Intune will include mobile device management capabilities including support for rival Android and Apple tablets and smartphones. Is this surrender or strategic genius?
  • The 21st Century Malware Malady (1)April 20, 2012The ever-evolving threats of the 21st century require us to change the way we look at security. The channel has the potential to keep the entire world on lock down.
  • Lumenate-Troubadour: A Deal that Makes Sense (0)April 20, 2012If you want a textbook example of an acquisition that makes sense and will drive accelerated sales growth, look no further than Dallas-based storage specialist Lumenate’s purchased of Houston-based networking and security specialist Troubadour.
  • Amazon Doubles Down In The Cloud With APN (0)April 20, 2012Amazon's new Partner Network Beta and Amazon Web Services Marketplace puts Amazon in the position to reach into the cloud marketplace using a two-pronged attack, both direct and with partners.
  • N-able’s New RMM Offers MSPs Insight (0)April 19, 2012N-able launches Report Manager 3.2, brining enhanced RMM tools to the MSP community. As SaaS and cloud offerings become more complex, RMM tools will need to follow suit.
  • Cisco Exploring Brokering Intra-Channel Teams (0)April 19, 2012Cloud service providers are looking to extend their sales reach through resellers. The problem: Resellers have trust issues. Cisco, the common party between the two sides, is looking to play the role of peacemaker by brokering trusted relationships.
  • Microsoft Open Technologies Taps Open Source (0)April 18, 2012Microsoft launches the Microsoft Open Technologies subsidiary, tasked with fostering the growth, adoption and continued interoperability of Microsoft's technology with the open-source community. Red Hat approves.
  • Sprint Takes On SMB Cloud Space (0)April 18, 2012Sprint looks to enter the fast-paced world of the cloud by offering an SMB-focused SaaS platform with communication and connectivity options. Do telcos have an advantage since they carry the keys to connectivity ?
  • Ingram Appoints Anaya VP of Marketing (0)April 18, 2012After a three-year stint away from the distributor, Jennifer Anaya is returning to her roots at Ingram, this time serving as vice president of marketing for North America. The appointment is a reflection of Ingram’s increasing focus on driving new opportunities and growth.
  • CA Brings All Partners under Unified Program (0)April 18, 2012CA Technologies, a vendor undergoing a channel renaissance through its expanding cloud portfolio, is bringing its diverse network of partners under a single global program to better distribute development resources and ensure consistency in channel operations.
  • Cisco Applies Incentives to Drive Two Initiatives (0)April 18, 2012At its annual global partner conference, Cisco announced two initiatives: Partner Plus to address midmarket opportunities, and Global Services Partner Programs to expand services sales. Both are driven by new rebates and sales incentives to support partner profitability.
  • Intel Preparing for ARM’s Race (0)April 18, 2012Intel's success in the mobility market may never come to pass. Can it really compete against the flexible nature of the ARM platform?
  • Office 365 Gets Small-Business Bump (1)April 17, 2012Microsoft introduces the Small Business competency, designed to give partners an edge when selling Office 365 solutions. Can Microsoft grow this into its largest competency?
  • Windows 8: Just 3 Versions? (0)April 17, 2012Microsoft announces three unique versions of Windows 8 and discusses its features. Will Windows 8 be Microsoft's best version of Windows yet?
  • Check Point Builds ‘Anti-Bot’ Intelligence Network (1)April 17, 2012Check Point believes its new ThreatCloud security intelligence network will provide immediately actionable information to detect and thwart botnets and protect businesses from exploitation and cybercrime. A unique idea, though, it’s not.
  • TCI Building Network to Complement Porfolio (0)April 17, 2012Technology Capital Investors is augmenting its portfolio of managed services and integrators with a network of complementary service providers across the country. The collaborative partner network could form a farm league of potential acquisitions for the private equity firm.
  • Unified Communications: An Integrator’s Dream (0)April 17, 2012Unified communications suffers from a singular problem: There’s no one product that encompasses the full communications spectrum. That one issue is holding back progress in the unified communication channel. The reality is unified communications can be anything we want it to be. Here’s why.
  • Is A Condensed Cloud the End of Backup? (0)April 17, 2012Storage and backup has become so incredibly ubiquitous, it may be time to ask a particularly prickly question: has the expansion of backup solutions reached a critical mass? It's not unlikely that a massive resizing of available solutions may happen in the very near future.
  • DataMotion Launches Compliance-Ready PaaS (0)April 16, 2012DataMotion's new PaaS offering brings pay-as-you-go compliance to a wide range of data center systems. Will compliance needs soon become de facto check-box features?
  • Cisco Evangelizing ‘Business Transformation’ (0)April 16, 2012The annual Cisco Partner Summit officially kicks off tomorrow in San Diego, where the networking giant is expected to talk up its wide range of technologies and its own recovery from a tumultuous 2011. What will make this event different is Cisco technology being put in the context of business transformation delivered by partners.
  • LabTech Releases 2012 Updated RMM Platform (0)April 16, 2012LabTech Software unveils its 2012 remote monitoring and management platform, which features mobile device management capabilities, out-of-the-box ease of deployment and new reporting tools.
  • Citrix Acquisition Of Podio Signals SaaS Shift (0)April 16, 2012Citrix's acquisition of Podio may signal a larger shift in the SaaS productivity world. Will the SaaS market start competing on levels of integration and differentiation?
  • ZyXEL Throws Late Pitch to SonicWall Partners (0)April 16, 2012ZyXEL is the second security appliance vendor to offer SonicWall partners a safe haven rather than joining the Dell PartnerDirect program. The initiative is late to the game and fraught with pitfalls for SonicWall and ZyXEL partners alike.
  • PC Sales as a Market Barometer (1)April 13, 2012Hewlett-Packard retook the top spot in quarterly PC sales as global shipments of notebooks and desktops ticked up nearly 2 percent between January and March. Much is being made of PC sales numbers, making them the new barometer for the IT industry. And there’s good reason for it.
  • The OpenStack Foundation Is Formed (0)April 13, 2012The OpenStack Foundation is formed as major industry vendors sign on to help spur the adoption and development of one of the major open-source cloud infrastructure platforms.
  • VCE, vBlock Future in Question (11)April 13, 2012EMC and its manufacturing partners made a big deal of the launch of VSPEX, the new virtualization reference framework that allows for customized deployments. The launch does have many forecasting the future of not just vBlock, but the VCE joint venture designed to support the virtualized data center in a box.
  • Google Wallet: A Channel Opportunity (0)April 13, 2012Google Wallet is impressive, but proliferation remains low as mobile phones slowly adopt NFC technology. Is now the perfect time for channel partners to gear up solutions and services wrapped around NFC payments?
  • CompTIA Reaffirms Strength of Community (0)April 13, 2012The 2012 CompTIA Annual Member Meeting showcased the strength of vendors and solution providers of all levels coming together to solve common problems and advance the industry. CompTIA is evolving into the town common of the channel.
  • Gartner: iPad Still King in 2016 (0)April 13, 2012A recent Gartner projection places Apple's iPad as the leading tablet well into 2016. But what does that say about other tablet contenders?
  • Xerox’s Gillam Receives Lifetime Achievement (0)April 12, 2012Gary Gillam, vice president of North America channels at Xerox and a fixture in the channel for the better part of three decades, was honored by CompTIA for his contributions to the industry. He plans to retire in June.
  • EMC Intends VSPEX for Data Center Flexibility (1)April 12, 2012Unlike its existing vBlock fixed virtualization solutions, EMC says VSPEX – designed and delivered entirely by the channel – will give partners and customers the option of building virtualization solutions that meet their specific infrastructure and optional needs.
  • Synnex Pads CLOUDSolv With SoftLayer (0)April 12, 2012Synnex and SoftLayer team up to bring SoftLayer's instant-on cloud technology for VARs looking to provision their own clouds, without investing in the infrastructure.
  • XP’s Demise Means Windows 8 Opportunities (0)April 12, 2012As Microsoft kills off Windows XP and Windows Vista support, what kind of unique channel opportunities arise as the transition Windows 8 becomes inevitable?
  • Microsoft Realigns Cloud Certifications (0)April 11, 2012Microsoft launches three new of cloud certifications designed to focus on "real-world" solutions for the cloud. Microsoft believes they can spur smarter and more advanced cloud adoption.
  • Cisco, NetApp Expand FlexPod to Midmarket (0)April 11, 2012Cisco and NetApp are making their storage and data center FlexPod virtualization solutions available to companies with 100 to 500 users. The move comes on the eve of EMC’s expansion of its virtualization framework, signally increased competition on all levels in the data center.
  • IBM Introduces PureSystems Family (0)April 11, 2012IBM launches the PureSystems Family, converging virtualization, cloud services, storage and networking into one unit. IBM's Mark Hennessy discusses the new systems and channel implications.
  • 1/3 of IT Budgets Spent on Cloud Computing (0)April 11, 2012A new IDG report finds businesses are spending one-third of their IT budgets on cloud computing, mostly in storage and private cloud solutions. While cloud adoption is accelerating, solution providers still report trouble finding their way to the clouds.
  • HP Offers Converged Cloud For Enterprise (0)April 11, 2012HP launches a huge conglomerated portfolio of managed cloud services dubbed HP Converged Cloud. It's aimed specifically at growing enterprise businesses, but will the channel come out and play?
  • Best Buy Reorganizes As CEO Resigns (2)April 10, 2012Best Buy's CEO Brian Dunn resigns as internal company reorganizations adapt to the digital world. Will Best Buy find new profitability through systems integration services in the channel?
  • McAfee’s Agentless MOVE AV Protects VMs (0)April 10, 2012McAfee launches a new agentless version of MOVE AV designed to provide complete VM protection while offloading scanning and monitoring processes to a virtual appliance. Does this hint at future plans with Intel?
  • Google’s Cloud Empire Could Unite Everything (0)April 10, 2012Could a hypothetical Google Unified reshape the relationship consumers, channel partners and vendors have with each other? Will cloud service integrators supplant traditional VARs and MSPs?
  • Honoring Commodore Inventor Jack Tramiel (0)April 10, 2012Jack Tramiel, the founder of Commodore International, passes away at 83. His lasting legacy lives on, thanks to the immense popularity of the Commodore 64.
  • Huawei and the Matter of Trust (0)April 10, 2012Cisco CEO John Chambers said Huawei Technologies doesn’t play fair, raising again the issue of trust that dogs the company and locks it out of big deals. How will this Chinese giant overcome the mistrust and misgivings that will inhibit sales and market development?
  • Lenovo Launches Energy-Efficient ThinkStations (0)April 9, 2012Lenovo lines up a trio of new Xeon-powered ThinkStation computers designed to bring power efficiency and powerful computing to the workplace for an easy price.
  • Sophos Installs New Channel Chief (0)April 9, 2012Sophos management tells Channelnomics the changing of channel leadership is not an indication of a strategy shift. Rather, the installation of a new channel chief comes as the security vendor continues to integrate acquired companies and refine channel relationships.
  • Avnet Attacks Aftermarket Opportunities (0)April 9, 2012Avnet continues its push into the aftermarket world with the launch of Avnet Integrated Resources division, designed to provide an end-to-end lifecycle management system for companies and service providers. Will the aftermarket become the next big channel trend?
  • Palo Alto Networks Files for IPO (3)April 9, 2012Palo Alto Networks, the juggernaut of the next-generation firewall segment, took a step closer to going public on Friday. Banks are lined up to underwrite a $175 million IPO – but the public offering could come with good and bad news for channel partners.
  • Open Data Center Alliance Simplifies the Cloud (0)April 9, 2012The Open Data Center Alliance offers guidelines and tools for the long-term development of cloud technology, focusing on security, scalability, identity management and more. But can the ODCA pull it off?
  • BoxTone Launches Mobility Management Network (0)April 6, 2012BoxTone is looking beyond mobile device management and security to deliver enterprise mobility management (EMM), which extends MDM to include application sourcing and management. The program positions BoxTone as an enterprise mobility aggregation point.
  • What Will Dell Buy Next? (0)April 6, 2012Dell bought three companies in the past week and five since the beginning of the year. Three of them deal with data and applications – specifically in cloud computing. Where is Dell going next? If building a portfolio of end-to-end solutions is the end game, there are many options for spending Dell’s $18 billion war…
  • Microsoft Streamlines Virtualization Management (0)April 6, 2012Microsoft launches UE-V, a user-account management platform for Hyper-V Windows virtualization environments, along with App-V 5.0 for virtualizing more complex applications.
  • CA Brings Backup to Ingram Micro Cloud (0)April 6, 2012CA Technologies brings MSP licensing models and ARCserve D2D On Demand to the Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace. Will distribution companies become arbiters of all cloud services?
  • Mac Malware Dispels Invulnerability of All Devices (0)April 6, 2012More than 600,000 Macs are infected by the Flashback Trojan, which disables many of the native OS X security protections. While not unique, the mass infection shows Mac users can no longer be cavalier about malware and vulnerability threats. Nor can mobile users.
  • Google Taps MSPexcellence for Enablement  (0)April 5, 2012Google Apps partners with MSPexcellence for the Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) program, designed to help Google Apps resellers and MSPs become CPSs, with Google Apps driving the heart of business revenue.
  • Inside CDW’s Slow Transformation Strategy (0)April 5, 2012It’s been five years since CDW bought systems integrator Berbee and dove into the strategic side of the channel. Since then, it’s made steady progress toward transforming its direct-market reselling business to systems and services. And it’s in no hurry to completely upend its model.
  • A Word about M&A in the Channel (1)April 5, 2012Nary a day goes by when a headline doesn’t pop up of some solution provider buying a peer or a vendor buying another vendor – and there’s no signs of the deals abating. Since the beginning of the year, more than $10 billion has been spent on M&A activity. But not all M&A deals are…
  • Rorke Data Shakes Up Select Partner Program (0)April 4, 2012Rorke Data reworks their Select Partner Program to encourage joint-partner collaboration and capture data demands in emerging vertical markets.
  • Ingram Micro, HP Focus On Turnkey Health Care (0)April 4, 2012Ingram Micro and Hewlett-Packard team up to provide "turnkey" health care solutions through HP workstations and tablets running health care software.
  • MDM is a Growing Vendor Battleground (4)April 4, 2012Research in Motion yesterday started shipping its universal mobile management application, while Sophos bought German mobility leader DIALOGS. Networking, security and mobility vendors are racing to field mobile device management solutions. While there’s already a pecking order, no one company dominates this growing segment.
  • Cisco, EMC Double-Down on Cloud Education (0)April 4, 2012Cisco and EMC team up to educate the IT world about building out the cloud. Can individual training help spur continued cloud growth?
  • New Dell Program Simplifies OEM Ecosystem (0)April 4, 2012Dell’s new OEM Partner Program provides manufacturing and logistical support to other vendors looking to leverage Dell hardware and software resources. The new program works with equipment manufacturers, distributors and solution providers to expedite solutions' route to market.
  • Citrix CloudStack Floats Into Apache Territory (0)April 4, 2012Citrix looks to bring CloudStack to the Apache Software Foundation, making it a certified and open-source platform. Can CloudStack gain the same level of success and momentum as Hadoop before it?
  • 6fusion Continues To Fuse Cloud With Channel (0)April 3, 20126fusion looks to capture a larger segment of the enterprise with a new VAR-centric cloud program, in addition to a new MSP program designed to streamline MSP implementation of public and hybrid IaaS services.
  • Intel Has a New Rival-in-the-Making: Samsung (0)April 3, 2012For years, Intel has focused much of its competitive energies at keeping AMD at bay. Now, it may be facing a new threat in Samsung, which is bulking up its processor design resources in what some believe is a prelude to developing processors. Samsung taking on Intel could have serious implications for the channel –…
  • N-able N-sists N-central 8.2 Is Best Yet (0)April 3, 2012N-Able launches N-central 8.2, promising simple and enhanced functionality, plus new backup and remote management capabilities. N-able is calling 8.2 a "partner-lead" release, but does it deliver?
  • Last Chance to take the Channel Conflict Survey (0)April 3, 2012The 2112 Channel Conflict study is producing interesting insights into the level of conflict between vendors and partners. The study isn’t done yet, and there’s still time to participate. Take the 2112 Channel Conflict survey today.
  • Best Buy’s Geek Squad Evolving into Integrator (2)April 3, 2012Revel Systems is leaning on Best Buy’s Geek Squad to install its mobile point-of-sales systems in restaurants across the U.S. The partnership, along with Geek Squad’s new channel program, shows how the services arm is evolving into an integrator and contract services company. It’s another clue as to where Best Buy is going, too.
  • OS33 Looks to Unify Cloud Management (0)April 3, 2012OS33 introduces a new "Webtop" unified portal for the consumption, reporting and billing of multi-vendor cloud solutions, making it easier for MSPs to manage their customers' resources while handling the onslaught of SaaS.
  • Dell+Wyse Focus on End-To-End Solutions (0)April 2, 2012Dell acquires Wyse as it looks to capture the growing demand for thin clients and cloud computing, but can Dell's desire for end-to-end infrastructure solutions capture the real cloud opportunity?
  • 3 Meetings Too Long to Explain Cloud (1)April 2, 2012Cloud computing is everywhere. Unfortunately, the marketing and hype isn’t translating to understanding in the market. New research shows it takes service providers three meetings to explain cloud computing to customers – a process that takes weeks and delays sales.
  • Dell Buying Thin-Client Vendor Wyse Technology (0)April 2, 2012Dell will announce later this morning its intent to buy Wyse Technology, a leader in thin-client software and hardware solutions. The deal is another in a string of strategic acquisitions transforming Dell into an enterprise portfolio IT supplier.
  • Blackberry’s Redemption Not in the Channel (0)April 2, 2012Research in Motion, the beleaguered maker of Blackberry smartphones, is vowing to stay in the consumer market while refocusing on its enterprise core. Regardless of its future path, RIM’s future and hopes for reversing its slide likely rests on channel partners pulling through against Apple and Android.
  • HP Expands ‘Blue Carpet’ Concierge Program (1)April 2, 2012Hewlett-Packard is expanding its Blue Carpet program to provide U.S. partners with a centralized resource for finding product and promotional materials, as well as sales incentive programs. Blue Carpet will provide rewards directly to partners sales teams for sales made across the HP portfolio.
  • Cloud Gaining Ground In SMB: Study (0)March 30, 2012A Microsoft study indicates cloud business will continue to gain traction in SMBs over the next five years, suggesting channel partners and cloud providers could have opportunities to expand their practice into lower market segments.
  • CenturyLink Consolidates Channel Programs (0)March 30, 2012Telecom provider CenturyLink is reshaping its channel programs for growth and a better reflection of operational reorganization just shy of the one-year mark of its acquisitions of Qwest Communications and Savvis.
  • Foxconn Economics: We’re All Going to Pay (0)March 30, 2012Electronics manufacturer Foxconn pledges to improve wages, work hours and working conditions for its 2.1 million employees manufacturing Apple products. Here’s the secret: The changes will affect more than just the price of iPhones and iPads, as Foxconn also works with Hewlett-Packard, Dell and many other IT companies.
  • Is ‘McAfee Inside’ Intel’s New Secret Weapon? (1)March 30, 2012Security vendor McAfee had a big presence at the Intel Solutions Summit this week in New Orleans. Intel executives repeatedly cited McAfee’s security technology as instrumental to its future roadmap, and called security challenges a $23 billion opportunity. Is the integration of McAfee one of Intel’s secret weapons for enabling the platform of the future?
  • Red Hat Revenue Soars With Cloud Push (0)March 29, 2012Red Hat is reaping the benefits of record sales revenues for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year, driven in part by rising demand for cloud and open-source architectures.
  • Dell Unveils New Cloud Certification (0)March 29, 2012Dell is giving its service providers the opportunity to expand their own practices and leverage customer trust with its new Cloud Services and Solutions Certification, which enables partners to combine their services with Dell's technology.
  • Samsung Fashions Managed Print Initiative (1)March 29, 2012Samsung has a new managed print services reseller program fueled by vendor partner solutions – and aimed to compete with Xerox, Oki Data and Lexmark – to convert a still-not-convinced channel that MPS is a money maker.
  • Windows 8 on the Right Side of Innovation (0)March 29, 2012Apple stole much of the innovation spotlight in recent years with the iPhone and iPad, leaving many to wonder if Microsoft lost its mojo. Windows 8 and the new iPad may prove that Microsoft is on the right side of innovation, and Apple has tripped over the innovator's dilemma.
  • 10 Surprising Cloud Channel Stats (1)March 29, 2012The Cloud & Technology Transformation Alliance’s annual State of the Channel Cloud report has some startling data about the rate of cloud adoption among solution providers and where the channel is going next. Here are 10 surprising cloud channel stats from this research.
  • Box Launch Addresses Mobile Collaboration (0)March 28, 2012Box's OneCloud launch could give channel partners a way to enhance their mobile management portfolio with a slew of iOS apps dedicated to secure cloud collaboration on the iPhone and iPad.
  • Cisco To Acquire ClearAccess (0)March 28, 2012Cisco said it planned to acquire ClearAccess, which aims to give its service provider partners a leg up in managing and integrating mobile, cloud and other residential devices for their customers.
  • Virtual Firewall Support with MSPs in Mind (1)March 28, 2012Targeting an increasing number of MSPs working with next-generation firewalls, ManageEngine is bulking up its firewall log analysis software with support for virtual firewall market competitors Cisco, Check Point and Fortinet.
  • nCircle Launches MSSP Program (0)March 28, 2012Information risk and compliance firm nCircle is hoping to drive new revenue streams for its partners, add new clients and increase customer retention with the launch of a new MSSP program around its PureCloud vulnerability scanning service.
  • Cloud Channel Poised for Rapid Expansion (1)March 28, 2012The Cloud & Technology Transformation Alliance (CTTA) released the results of its second annual State of the Cloud Channel study, finding that IT solution providers and telephony agents continue to slowly build cloud computing practices and are poised for rapid growth over the next 12 months.
  • Study: Telecom-Channel Partnerships Profitable (0)March 27, 2012The telecom world is increasingly relying on channel partnerships to stay competitive, acquire new customers and create new revenue streams, driven in part by the emergence of cloud computing and a greater demand for services.
  • Report: Security Woes Undid Huawei Symantec (1)March 27, 2012Symantec is on the eve of ending its four-year joint venture with China’s Huawei Technologies in what’s being called a strategic business decision. A new report, however, pegs the reason as Symantec being concerned about the U.S. government not sharing security data because of its relationship with a China company.
  • Avnet-Ascendant Deal About Staffing Shortfalls (0)March 27, 2012Enterprise distributor Avnet says its purchase of software integrator Ascendant Technology is about building up capacity for supporting solution providers’ professional services. It’s also a reflection of a bigger staffing problem in the channel.
  • Geek Squad Patrolling Channel for Partners (0)March 26, 2012Geek Squad, the repair and maintenance service of retailer Best Buy, is looking for a few good partners as referral agents to feed is army of 20,000 service agents across the United States. The choice of this launch is telling for its intent and implications for the channel.
  • HP Storage Initiatives Boost Channel (0)March 26, 2012HP is hoping to give its storage channel a bit of a one-two punch with the launch of two sales initiatives designed to invigorate growth and give its U.S. channel partners a leg up over storage competitors.
  • Tablets Facing Same Fate as Netbooks (0)March 26, 2012Apple’s iPad will remain the dominant tablet for the next five years, but a flood of low-cost tablets and the rise of ultralight notebooks will transform the market dynamics again. The shift has the potential of rendering conventional tablets obsolete as quickly as tablets dispatched netbooks.
  • Polycom Sees Video Chance in Network Refresh (0)March 26, 2012Polycom sees an opportunity to drive broader video-conferencing adoption by teaming up with Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft, and driving sales as businesses refresh the networking infrastructure. In this case, high-capacity switches could drag video adoption.
  • Telepresence an Immediate $22B Opportunity (0)March 26, 2012Video conferencing and telepresence equipment sales continue to accelerate with cumulative sales over the next five years, climbing to $22 billion. Expectations are increasing demand, and simplified systems will create a surge in channel sales.
  • Intel Helps Integrators with Manufacturing (0)March 23, 2012Custom PCs and devices are getting harder to build as components get smaller and motherboards more compressed. Intel is helping its network of custom integrators and white box builders keep up with the pace of innovation by matching them with regional and local manufacturing partners.
  • Ingram Launches New Mobility Unit (0)March 23, 2012Ingram Micro named Michael Romero to head its North America effort in mobility technology development and sales. The appointment comes as Ingram Micro and other distributors look to penetrate the exploding mobility market and bring opportunities to its channel partners.
  • Symantec Expands Mobile Management Portfolio (0)March 23, 2012Symantec has acquired Nukona, an innovative supplier of mobile application management solutions, to extend its capabilities in enabling ‘Bring Your Own Device’ to work policies. The addition complements earlier mobility acquisitions, and positions Big Yellow and its partners to capitalize on a $7 billion market opportunity.
  • Quest’s New PacketTrap Integrates RMM, PSA (1)March 22, 2012Quest Software is looking to disrupt the conventional managed services market with the release of its new remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool, PacketTrap 6.2, which boast deep integration with the company’s newly acquired professional services and automation (PSA) platform. The move may not pose a challenge to ConnectWise and Autotask.
  • HotLink Recruiting Virtualization VARs (0)March 22, 2012Seven months after its official launch, virtual platform provider HotLink is looking to recruit channel partners with a new program featuring incentives and training for VARs that can deliver tiered virtualization solutions to VMware customers.
  • Kaspersky Taps Doggett to Run Channels (2)March 22, 2012After a brief sabbatical from the industry, former Sophos channel chief Chris Doggett is returning to head the reseller programs at Kaspersky Lab. He is one of several new faces at Team Green as the company adds new resources to fuel growth.
  • Zenith Infotech Begins Selling Telepresence (0)March 21, 2012Zenith Infotech has said it shed its managed services business to focus on cloud and backup services. However, it’s quietly started selling the video conferencing and telepresence products of its sister company, Vu Technologies. The cross-selling comes as the company is fighting to stave off liquidation in an India court battle.
  • Intel Bets Big on Ultrabooks, Mobility (0)March 21, 2012At its annual partner summit, Intel showed off the technology driving the next generation of ultrabooks and mobile devices. The processor and component vendor believes the future will be the convergence of PCs and tablets into a consolidated computing device.
  • F5 Packs Security ‘Vault’ with Incentives (0)March 21, 2012F5 Networks is eyeing growth in its security solutions business with the launch of its Vault partner program, pegged as an opportunity for partners to increase footprints in the security market with incentives, training and rewards for joint sales.
  • Xerox Leads Managed Print Market (0)March 21, 2012A new report by IDC place Xerox atop of crowded field of printer vendors plying the managed print service segment. While MPS is growing, the adoption curve is still shallow and slow, reflecting the market’s reluctance to support printing as a service.
  • What Problems at Oracle? Profits Up 18% (0)March 20, 2012The database and software giant reported stronger than expected earnings today for the latest quarter, putting it on pace for its operating margins ever. While earnings didn’t quite meet analyst expectations, it’s enough to quell at least some critics.
  • Report: HP Merges Printer and PC Groups (2)March 20, 2012Hewlett-Packard is reportedly moving its vaunted printing and imaging group under the beleaguered personal computer group in a measure to cut-cost and increase operational efficiency. The reorganization will result in the departure of a long-time HP leader.
  • Riverbed Floats More Resources to Partners (0)March 20, 2012Riverbed Technology is optimizing its channel program by focusing on specialties around its core products, more partner enablement resources and a holistic view of the market. What it’s aiming at is a $10 billion opportunity that's contingent on satisfying business value.
  • Best Buy Becoming the Next CDW (0)March 20, 2012Best Buy for Business announced it is now carrying business-class Dell laptops, desktops and other equipment. A closer look at BBFB shows the division is becoming a volume outlet just as large as CDW and other direct market resellers.
  • Level Platforms Brings MDM to MSPs (0)March 20, 2012Level Platforms reports positive response to its Managed Workplace 2012, particularly among managed service providers interested in new capabilities such as mobile device management for the growing fleet of smartphones and tablets.
  • Oracle Performance Lulls Raising Questions (0)March 19, 2012Oracle’s prowess in the software market is coming into question with a series of financial performance issues that have analysts raising questions. Some analysts are pointing to Sun Microsystems as the source of problems. Perhaps the real problem resides in the feud with HP.
  • Help Us Quantify Channel Conflict (0)March 19, 2012The 2112 Group and Channelnomics are studying the level and sources of channel conflict. Take our survey today and get a chance of winning a new Kindle Fire. It’s not an iPad, but it’s still pretty cool. The data this survey will produce is priceless.
  • Office 365 Price Cuts a Cloud Harbinger (0)March 19, 2012Solution providers reacted with surprise last week when Microsoft lowered the price of Office 365 by 20 percent as a means to lure more businesses to the cloud-based application suite. The initial price cut isn’t as bad as what it signifies for the future cloud in the channel.
  • CA, ScaleMatrix Team Up on Backup (0)March 19, 2012Just about a month after introducing its first channel partner program, cloud hosting provider ScaleMatrix has signed a deal with CA Technologies aimed at expanding backup offerings for service providers.
  • Symantec Channel Chief Cochran Departs (0)March 16, 2012Security and storage vendor Symantec announced its longtime Americas channel chief Randy Cochran is departing. His successor is a Symantec veteran who has been driving the company’s cloud computing initiative.
  • Axcient Accentuates Image to Reflect Ambition (0)March 16, 2012Axcient, a backup and recovery service provider, is a small, young company with high ambitious. It just completed a 10-city roadshow with Hewlett-Packard, attracting hundreds of would-be partners across the country. But a more significant sign of its ambition is a big billboard on a California highway. It’s a sign of where Axcient is going.
  • Making Sense of the iPad Craze (0)March 16, 2012Throngs of Apple loyalists will queue outside retail stores across the U.S. today in hopes of getting their hands on one of the new iPads. While the latest release solidifies Apple’s leadership in tablets, it’s actually a turning point in the next era of computing.
  • M5 Adds Biz Intelligence to Hosted VoIP (0)March 16, 2012Hosted unified communications provider M5 Networks is partnering with InsightSquared to deliver a new SMB-focused analytics solution aimed at making it easier for partners to manage and utilize data. It’s another notch in a growing solutions and partner portfolio for M5.
  • Panda Security on Partner Recruitment Drive (0)March 15, 2012Panda Security is touting “simplicity, power and control” tools, as well as new partnerships with the likes of Microsoft, to attract channel partners as it builds market momentum in a competitive year for security software dollars.
  • Blue Coat Staying in WAN Optimization Market (1)March 15, 2012In response to rumors and buzz, Blue Coat says it will remain in the WAN optimization market and is amending its channel program to make it easier for solution providers to specialize in its security and network acceleration products.
  • Cyberoam Appeals to SonicWall Partners (0)March 15, 2012Security hardware vendor Cyberoam is appealing to SonicWall partners and end-user customers disenfranchised by the Dell acquisition to join its channel program and use its products. This is the first of what will soon be a flood of competitive displacement efforts following the Dell-SonicWall deal.
  • Software Storage Sales Hot and Getting Hotter (0)March 15, 2012A pair of market reports released this week emphasize opportunities in a global storage software market expected to surge beyond record-breaking sales of 2011. That growth is being targeted in partner moves among key vendors including IBM, EMC and Symantec.
  • Symantec Trial Brings MDM Need into Focus (2)March 14, 2012“The Symantec Smartphone Honey Stick Project” revealed how readily people will try to access data and applications on lost smartphones. The remedy is better mobile device management, which is quickly growing into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for solution providers.
  • Dell to SonicWall Partners: Give Us a Chance (0)March 14, 2012SonicWall partners were quick to react to news that Dell was buying their firewall and security vendor as the cornerstone of a new security initiative. Many solution providers are dubious about being incorporated into Dell, while SonicWall and Dell management say the deal is good for the channel. There is reason for optimism.
  • 2112 Names Teresa Varela VP of Client Relations (0)March 14, 2012The 2112 Group, publisher of Channelnomics and provider of channel business services, has appointed channel sales and business development veteran Teresa Varela to head up the new sales and client relations division.
  • Channel Cloud Development, Maturation Lagging (0)March 14, 2012Cloud computing in the channel is lagging behind the greater IT market. While IT vendors and enterprises continue to develop new cloud products and services at a blistering pace, solution providers and telephony agents are slow to pick up on cloud opportunities.
  • CompTIA: IT Skills Gaps Widening (2)March 13, 2012A new CompTIA study finds businesses, particularly SMBs, are increasingly stymied and hurt by the lack of skills among their IT staff, especially in emerging technologies and applications. Many businesses are planning to step up training programs. It’s also an opportunity for the channel in managed and professional services.
  • Dell Acquires Firewall Vendor SonicWall (7)March 13, 2012Dell is acquiring security hardware vendor SonicWall for an undisclosed sum from private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The deal ends months of speculation over whether Dell would acquire one of three firewall and unified threat management vendors. More than 15,000 channel partners will be folded into the Dell PartnerDirect program.
  • HP, Lenovo Extend PC Managed Services (1)March 13, 2012The two PC giants are extending their capabilities through partnerships to deploy, provision and manage PCs in business environments. HP is working with LANDesk, while Lenovo is pairing up with BMC Software. The two initiatives reflect the accelerating automation trend.
  • Microsoft Closing Windows Mobile Marketplace (0)March 12, 2012Microsoft is shutting down its Windows Mobile Marketplace that supports Windows Mobile 6.x phones and embedded devices as part of its gradual phasing out of the legacy operating system. Still unclear is the future of enterprise and embedded devices on the older platform.
  • Apple Looks to Corner Tablet Market with iPad (0)March 12, 2012Apple’s new iPad is more than a regular product release; it’s a strategy intended to sop up market demand for all tablets, creating a barrier to entry for other would-be competitors, namely Samsung and Microsoft.
  • New iPad Ship Date Slips Under Heavy Demand (0)March 11, 2012Apple has pushed back the ship date for i Pad online orders to March 19 in the U.S. and won’t ship European orders for two to three weeks due to high pre-order demand. The only availability on the scheduled March 16 release date is through retail Apple Stores, where enthusiasm among Geniuses isn’t high.
  • Quest Joins Litany of Vendors Going Private (2)March 9, 2012Quest Software announced this morning a $2 billion deal with Insight Venture Partners to take the publicly traded software company private. Quest is joining the ranks of Avaya, CDW, SonicWall, Blue Coat and others in exiting the public markets.
  • iPad HD Bad News for Business Networks (0)March 9, 2012The big selling point of the new Apple iPad is its high-resolution screen. The bandwidth required to support its video and display improvements could crush many corporate network’s bandwidth. That’s the downside. The upside: Businesses need to upgrade their networks anyway.
  • Siemens Offers OpenScape UC as a Service (0)March 9, 2012In a deal with Ingram Micro Services, Siemens Communications will start offering its OpenScape unified communications platform as a service to be resold through the channel. The service offering aims to tap into the growing demand for hosted VoIP, communications and collaboration services.
  • Cisco, Symantec, McAfee Top in Mobile Security (1)March 9, 2012A new Infonetic report finds Cisco, Symantec and McAfee rated top in mobile device security by business IT decision makers. While that’s no surprise, the report is deceptive in that the mobile security field is young and there are numerous vendors vying for a piece of this opportunity. In other words, it’s not a solid…
  • Huawei Launches New Global Channel (0)March 8, 2012The Chinese manufacturer is creating a new enterprise channel program designed to accelerate sales and market-share growth among service providers and systems integrators. The intent is to dramatically increase presence and sales in key markets, making Huawei a more competitive force to market leaders such as Cisco and Hewlett-Packard.
  • LifeSize Video Added to Switchvox UC Phones (1)March 8, 2012Digium is updating its Switchvox UC business phones to include LifeSize HD video conference capabilities directed at small to midsized businesses. The move adds to evolving channel options amid an upswing in demand for UC video applications.
  • iPad’s Origins Weren’t With Apple (1)March 8, 2012Apple chief Tim Cook says the new iPad is redefining the tablet category created by the iconic brand. Truth be told, Apple wasn’t the first IT company to field tablet with a touchscreen interface, nor was Apple first with the concept of a wireless tablet. Those honors go to two other companies who had these…
  • SAP Brings Practical Business Apps to the Cloud (0)March 8, 2012Business software and analytics powerhouse SAP is pushing more practical business applications to the cloud design to increase the productivity of mobile sales and logistics professionals. The new offerings show how business applications are migrating to the cloud.
  • Apple’s iPad Announcement Marks PC Era’s End (0)March 7, 2012Apple CEO Tim Cook uttered the phrase “post-PC world” more than a dozen times in the first five minutes of a presentation introducing a slew of new products, including the iPad 3. Is this truly the end of the PC era, and will the world be ruled by mobile, personalized devices?
  • Study: EMR Driving Up Health Care Costs (0)March 7, 2012Electronic medical record-keeping systems have been touted as a means for controlling and reducing health care costs. A new study, though, finds physicians using EMR are actually ordering more tests, which is increasing patient and insurance costs. From a channel perspective, this is good news.
  • EarthLink Evolves Cloud Workspace Services (0)March 7, 2012The addition of independenceIT’s cloud workspace to Earthlink’s IT Services is another nod in favor of the transition away from traditional IT to the cloud. For Earthlink channel partners, the deal means new cloud SMB desktop services.
  • Sage Pricing Changes Concern Partners (2)March 7, 2012The ERP and CRM software vendor is changing its licensing scheme to user-based pricing and giving customers the option to pay on a recurring monthly plan. Sage says this will increase partner yields, while solution providers see it eating into their profitability. The conflict is a reflection of the cloud transition challenges facing the channel.
  • Cloud Sherpas Makes Monster Merger (0)March 6, 2012The Google premier reseller has nabbed $20 million in fresh funding and is merging with GlobalOne, a Saleforce.com platinum business consulting firm. The new firm will have extended capabilities and global reach in cloud professional and application services. This could be the blueprint for the solution provider of the future.
  • Brocade Unveils ‘Effortless Network’ Switches (0)March 6, 2012The new switches designed for campus and large LAN deployments are the cornerstone of Brocade’s continuing effort to expand its partner ranks. Through innovative new products, Brocade is looking to make a dent in the Cisco and Juniper channels.
  • NetEnrich Focuses on Mid-market Opportunities (0)March 6, 2012Seeing capacity and capabilities gaps in the mid-market segment of the channel and end-user markets, NetEnrich crafted a new Mission Critical Operations package that provides infrastructure, applications and professional services as a remotely delivered and managed service.
  • Google Partners Evolve to Carve Cloud Territory (0)March 6, 2012A variety of strengthened channel partnerships is adding competitive market muscle to the already partner-popular and expanding cloud world of Google Apps. CloudLock is one of the most recent, with expanded features to its cloud-based security software built specifically for Google Apps.
  • Social Media Changing IT Marketing, Buying (0)March 5, 2012Social networks are changing the way people communicate and are quickly changing the way businesses research and buy technology. In this exclusive 2112 Report, we detail how 'converged media' will open new marketing and sales opportunities for IT vendors and solution providers.
  • China’s Rising Wages May Drive Up IT Prices (1)March 5, 2012Electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn is cleaning up working conditions in its China factories by reducing worker hours and raising salaries. The investments will likely result in higher IT prices that get passed on to solution providers and customers. It’s not the only thing driving up IT prices.
  • Diskeeper Resets under Condusiv Brand (0)March 5, 2012New CEO Jerry Baldwin is changing the name of his company from Diskeeper to Condusiv Technologies, a branding that better reflects the company’s future direction in virtualization optimization and endpoint performance management. It’s a bold move for a company with a rich legacy.
  • Big Data’s Big Channel Opportunity (0)March 2, 2012Stephen Colbert recently noted how big data is giving retailers the ability to peer into our private lives. He’s right, and there’s more opportunity for solution providers who can deploy and support systems that collect and analyze copious volumes of innocuous data.
  • Epson Signals Move Toward Managed Print Services (1)March 2, 2012Epson is adding color printers to its ImageWay Partner Program and offering incentives to attract new partners as it gears up to organize new products, solutions, channel programs and services aimed at the managed print services market.
  • Google Leads Service Providers in Cloud (0)March 2, 2012In the Cloud & Technology Transformation Alliance’s State of the Cloud Channel report, Google leads the pack of hosting companies, carriers and service providers as best to partner with. Others ranking high in partnership ratings include Rackspace, CenturyLink and AT&T.
  • Microsoft May Rise Again with Windows 8 (0)March 1, 2012A strange juxtaposition is happening in the technology continuum, as Microsoft is suddenly getting all the buzz over the forthcoming release of Windows 8 and Apple is the one fighting for attention lackluster releases, such as the iPad 3 and Mac OS Mountain Lion. Microsoft may yet regain the initiative, as it’s long stated.
  • Autotask Ties Up with Cisco OnPlus Service (2)March 1, 2012Autotask is integrating its professional services automation software platform with with Cisco’s hosted network management service, OnPlus. The alliance will make it easier for managed service providers to resell and support OnPlus accounts, and make it easier for Cisco to penetrate the managed services market.
  • DataCore Targets Hyper-V Partners for Growth (0)March 1, 2012DataCore is pushing hard to compete in a fast-growing storage hypervisor and virtualization market. Its latest effort is a restructured channel program and recruitment effort targeting partners such as resellers, system integrators and appliance system developers.
  • Next-Generation Firewalls Take Center Stage (3)February 29, 2012At the RSA Conference this week a cavalcade of security appliance vendors are showing off their next-generation firewalls. While Palo Alto Networks has been the darling of this emerging market, it now has plenty of strong competition vying for the channel’s attention and the opportunity to replace aging legacy firewalls.
  • Axcient Gears Up for Channel Expansion (0)February 29, 2012With a revamped partner program and an alliance with Hewlett-Packard, cloud backup specialist Axcient is looking to expand its channel beyond a core managed service provider base and attract larger, more traditional VARs to its ranks.
  • Cisco Seeks to Inspire Marketing Innovation (0)February 29, 2012In her first big coming out party, Cisco’s new head of global channel marketing, Amanda Jobbins, is hosting hundreds of partners in Las Vegas at Velocity, an event retooled as a starting point of inspired marketing innovation and ongoing execution. The goal: sustained, innovative promotion of value.
  • IBM Partners in a Cloud State of Mind (0)February 29, 2012IBM has a lot to talk about this week, and much of it relates to Big Blue’s promise of cloud computing. Partnerships with interesting results, more focused partner resources and targeted incentives expand and better organize IBM’s increasingly comprehensive cloud infrastructure.
  • RSA Conference Buzz is All About Mobility (1)February 28, 2012Cloud security, hacktivism and advanced persistent threats are significant items on the RSA Conference agenda. Mobility, though, is overshadowing all these topics at the world’s largest security confab, as vendors and solution providers look to capitalize on the consumerization and mobile device revolution.
  • New Dell Servers, Storage Signal Turning Point (0)February 28, 2012Dell unveiled twelfth-generation servers and tenth generation storage appliances in San Francisco yesterday mostly as a preview of products that will soon be available. It was also a preview of the enterprise-focused portfolio company Dell is evolving into – or at least, a ‘non-PC’ vendor.
  • AT&T Considering Toll-Free Mobile Apps (0)February 28, 2012The wireless carrier is developing a new program through which mobile application developers would pay data transport fees instead of customers. Though app developers are decrying the concept, there’s merit in the idea for app developers and mobile users alike.
  • CTTA Spring Summit Sold Out (0)February 27, 2012The Cloud & Technology Transformation Alliance’s annual Spring Summit in Las Vegas has sold out under high demand by solution providers and telephony agents for insights, best practices and community support for cloud computing in the channel.
  • Study: On-Premise IT Targeted More Than Cloud (0)February 27, 2012A new study conducted by managed security service provider Alert Logic finds cloud environments attract a fair amount of hacker activity and security threats, but not at the same level or frequency as on-premise environments. The conclusion: Cloud security concerns may be misplaced.
  • Microsoft New LAR Deal Reg Portal Struggles (1)February 27, 2012Microsoft's Partner Sales Exchange deal registration portal, the much-anticipated system designed to protect large account resellers from losing sales to undercutting competitors, is struggling to keep up with initial demand. Even when the bugs are worked out, some partners are questioning whether the system’s intent will live up to its promises.
  • Creditors Want Zenith Infotech to Liquidate (0)February 27, 2012Bondholders suing Zenith Infotech want the cloud and backup company liquidated to pay off nearly $85 million in defaulted debt payments. The India-based company, with its substantial U.S. partner network, maintains that it wants to renegotiate the debt.
  • Continuum Hits the Road, Inks Deal with LogMeIn (0)February 24, 2012Continuum is charting a clearer market path this week via an exclusive deal with LogMeIn, and in-person partner meetings offering introductory trials on existing solutions and a sneak peak at what’s next.
  • Palo Alto Expands Alliances in IPO Run-Up (2)February 24, 2012Among the crop of much-anticipated tech IPOs this year is Palo Alto Networks, the market-leading and channel-darling next-generation firewall vendor. While no IPO date has been set, Palo Alto Networks is expanding its tech alliance roster – and that’s probably for more than just extending interoperability with complementary vendors.
  • Oracle Sues Two VARs over Gray Market Support (1)February 23, 2012Oracle has filed federal lawsuits against ServiceKey and DLT Federal Business Systems Corp. for allegedly misrepresenting their partner status and offering unauthorized support for Sun hardware and software products. The lawsuits are part of a broader crackdown on gray market services.
  • Tech Data’s TDMobility Adds Carrier Partnerships (0)February 23, 2012New agreements with AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint quicken Tech Data’s pace to keep up with other distributors in competitive bids to offer partners simpler, more profitable routes to the mobile market.
  • Hard Drive Shortages Blamed for HP, Dell Earnings Miss (2)February 23, 2012While hard drive shortages are beginning to ease, the Thailand floods that caused the supply chain disruptions are being blamed, in part, for Hewlett-Packard’s and Dell’s poor quarterly earnings. And it’s not just the earnings of the two PC vendors that are being impacted.
  • Avnet Prescribes Oracle Health Care Solutions (0)February 22, 2012Avnet Technology Solutions has joined forces with Oracle to engage its IT solution provider community with Oracle health care solutions designed with small and mid-sized hospitals in mind.
  • The VAR at Whitney Houston’s Funeral (0)February 22, 2012New Jersey-based solution provider PowerSolution worked behind the scenes at the New Hope Church to ensure the small congregation's Web site and IT resources could handle the surging in traffic as it host the musical superstar’s final farewell.
  • Zscaler Takes Web Security to the Cloud (2)February 22, 2012Looking to challenge conventional secure Web gateways and Web-filtering vendors, Zscaler unveiled a new channel program built around the delivery of Web content security via the cloud. The intent is making Zscaler and its partner ecosystem the equivalent of Salesforce.com in cloud security providers.
  • Top 5 Distributors for Cloud Enablement (0)February 21, 2012Solution providers give Ingram Micro top marks in cloud partnerships among distributors by a wide margin. However, the distribution preference reveals a big gap in distribution cloud cover.
  • Mobile Device, Data Traffic Poised to Soar (0)February 21, 2012Solution providers need to get ready for opportunities in the explosive growth of smartphone and tablet sales, along with an accompanying boom in mobile data traffic — with mobile cloud use accounting nearly three-quarters of that traffic — by 2016.
  • Huawei Spends $6B with U.S. Suppliers (0)February 21, 2012Huawei Technologies is spending big with U.S. chip and component suppliers in what is probably a prelude to greater North America expansion and an effort to improve its corporate image.
  • Infoblox Empowers Channel Automation (0)February 20, 2012Infoblox is relaunching its channel program to bring more focus and resources toward the enablement of partners in IT infrastructure automation. The program is a nice balance of incentives and knowledge transfer for technology that does require a fair amount of change.
  • Brocade Sale Appears Off the Table (0)February 20, 2012Private-equity firm Blackstone Group has reportedly dropped interest in Brocade Communications because the networking company’s value has risen too high to make a leverage buyout feasible. Channel sales may be part of what’s buoying Brocade to self-sufficiency.
  • Logic Backs Cisco’s Objection to Skype Deal (1)February 20, 2012Cisco is appealing to the European Union, which has a history of regulatory advocacy in technology, to impose requirements on Microsoft to ensure openness in future generations of video telephony and communications. There’s good logic behind Cisco’s argument, and it will ultimately benefit resellers.
  • FishNet Takes SIEM to the Cloud (0)February 17, 2012Integrator FishNet Security is launching a new security service that combines security information management with other leading data integrity and monitoring technologies to provide a comprehensive, enterprise-class managed service.