MSP business strategy
News and features on all aspects of running a service provider business, from executing an MSP business model to automating operations.
Top Stories
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News
03 Jul 2025
Partners begin to target agentic AI marketplace platforms
Cloud marketplaces are emerging as key venues for adoption of AI agents. Consultants and integrators aim to offer the technology but will need to work out pricing methods. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2025
AI plays key role in NWN-InterVision IT services M&A deal
NWN's acquisition of InterVision will combine generative AI services with contact center, cybersecurity and cloud offerings. It also opens cross-selling opportunities. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2025
What is an IT strategic plan (information technology strategic plan)?
An IT strategic plan is a document that details the comprehensive technology-enabled business management processes an organization uses to guide operations. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2025
AI plays key role in NWN-InterVision IT services M&A deal
NWN's acquisition of InterVision will combine generative AI services with contact center, cybersecurity and cloud offerings. It also opens cross-selling opportunities. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2025
Service providers pursue quantum computing security market
Accenture, DXC and Unisys are among the companies pursuing quantum security services. They'll need to overcome competing cybersecurity concerns and an uncertain threat deadline. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2025
Partner marketing for startups gets specialized, integrated
Software startups presenting at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's Innovation Showcase are working with specialized channel partners and pursuing technology integration partnerships. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2025
AWS Marketplace channel partners rev software, service sales
Partners are building a new route to market on AWS Marketplace. One has surpassed $1 billion in total sales, and another expects to soon generate half its revenue there. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2025
What is OEM (original equipment manufacturer)?
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces hardware or software that is later marketed and sold under another company's brand. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2025
What is a change agent (agent of change)?
A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who promotes change and enables it to happen within any group or organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Apr 2025
Guide to building and executing an MSP business model
This managed service guide provides an overview of the business model, covers the basics of building a service provider business and discusses how to manage a maturing operation. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2025
What is supply chain visibility and why is it important?
Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability to track parts, components, raw materials or products as they move from the manufacturer to the final destination. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is business transformation?
Business transformation refers to fundamental changes in an organization’s operations, strategy or structure to improve efficiency, competitiveness and financial performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2025
What is product as a service?
Product as a service (PaaS) is the concept of selling the services and outcomes a product can provide rather than the product itself. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2025
What is quality of experience (QoE or QoX)?
Quality of experience (QoE or QoX) is a measure of the overall level of a customer's satisfaction and experience with a product or service and the vendor that's providing that product or service. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2025
12 top business process management tools for 2025
BPM platforms are becoming a business transformation engine as vendors infuse their tools with powerful AI and automation capabilities. Read our review of top BPM products. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2025
What is social networking and how does it work?
Social networks are websites and apps that allow users and organizations to connect, communicate, share information and form relationships. People can connect with families, friends, others in the same area, and those with the same interests. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
10 trends shaping the future of BPM in 2025
Business process management is evolving rapidly as advanced automation, software integration, process simulation and generative AI redefine the way business processes are managed. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2025
6 trends shaping the IT services market in 2025
Expect IT service providers to use AI to improve service delivery and automate customers' business processes this year, among other notable trends in the industry. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2025
What is a cloud service provider?
A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically in an as-a-service model like infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS). Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Dec 2024
What is a request for proposal (RFP)?
A request for proposal (RFP) is a document an organization uses when it's searching for a product or service to meet specific requirements. The organization posts an RFP to elicit formal bids from vendors. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2024
What is transformational leadership?
Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating employees to innovate and find new ways to drive the organization's success. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
managed service provider (MSP)
A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a customer's information technology (IT) infrastructure and end-user systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2024
What is Salesforce Wave Analytics (Salesforce CRM Analytics)?
Salesforce Wave Analytics, now known as CRM Analytics, is a business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform from Salesforce that provides native analytics, visual insights and predictions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for Salesforce CRM to help businesses make better, data-driven decisions. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2024
What is an ODM (original design manufacturer)?
An ODM (original design manufacturer) is a company that takes the original specifications of another company or individual and builds the design to the product specifications. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2024
Hyperscalers' mass, AI role dominate partner ecosystems
Seemingly saturated, the massive partner networks of the top cloud vendors still attract service providers and often serve as their top ecosystems, according to a new survey. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2024
FinOps consulting grows as IT cost management efforts expand
IT service providers pursue advisory, training and automation opportunities as customers adopt FinOps and apply its cost optimization principles across more IT resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is business intelligence architecture (BI architecture)?
A business intelligence architecture is a framework for the various technologies an organization deploys to run business intelligence and analytics applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2024
What is C-level (C-suite)?
C-level, also called the C-suite, is a term used to describe high-ranking executive titles in an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2024
What is an organizational goal?
Organizational goals are strategic objectives that a company's management establishes to outline expected outcomes and guide employees' efforts toward the achievement of those outcomes. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2024
Project planning: What it is and 5 steps to create a plan
Project planning is a project management discipline that addresses how to complete a project in a certain time frame, usually with clearly defined stages, milestones and designated resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2024
6 popular managed services pricing models
Popular pricing models for managed service providers include monitoring only, per device, per user, all-you-can-eat or value-based pricing, a la carte and tiered pricing. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2024
What is sales motion?
A sales motion is the particular sales method an organization uses to sell and deliver a product or a service to its customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is professional services automation (PSA)?
Professional services automation (PSA) is a type of software application suite that provides a service business with the functionality it needs to manage core business processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is B2B2C (business-to-business-to-consumer)?
B2B2C (business-to-business-to-consumer) extends the B2B (business-to-business) model to include e-commerce for consumers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is a startup company?
A startup company is a newly formed business with particular momentum behind it based on perceived demand for its product or service. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2024
What is an inbound call?
An inbound call is typically initiated by a customer to a call center or contact center. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2024
business structure
A business structure is a category of organization that is legally recognized in a given jurisdiction and characterized by the legal definition of that particular category. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2024
Generative AI upskilling demands multiple methods, partners
Global IT consultancies take a multilayered approach to GenAI training by developing in-house programs, partnering with tech vendors and tapping online training platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2024
limited liability company (LLC)
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure in the United States that provides its owners with limited liability protection while allowing the flexibility of being taxed as a partnership or sole proprietorship. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2024
business plan
A business plan is a formal document that outlines a company's objectives, strategies and financial forecasts, serving as a comprehensive roadmap for business growth and development. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2024
Partners' generative AI training plans aim for 1M+ employees
IT service providers are upskilling a large portion of their workforces on the emerging technology. The campaign seeks to boost GenAI credibility with customers and tech vendors. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
consignment inventory
Consignment inventory is a supply chain model where the supplier retains ownership of the products until they are sold by the retailer, reducing the financial risk for retailers and allowing suppliers to access broader markets. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 May 2024
Kaseya Connect Global brings Partner First Pledge, new service
Kaseya's pledge to partners promises more pricing controls and a new subscription service that lets MSPs manage and secure their clients' environments at a lower cost. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
Gartner's IT services forecast calls for consulting uptick
IT service providers could benefit from a less-constrained tech purchasing climate as enterprises seek to bolster in-house skills with consulting services. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2024
Use of AI in business drives increase in consulting services
The slice of businesses using external providers for AI uptake is set to more than double, according to U.S. Census survey data. Industry leaders say that tracks with their outlook. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2024
Ukraine IT services firms target new markets as exports drop
Ukrainian IT services firms are eyeing new geographic markets and exploring digital transformation as the war and a difficult economy shrink international sales. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
warehouse management system (WMS)
A warehouse management system (WMS) consists of software and processes that allow organizations to control and administer warehouse operations from the time goods or materials enter a warehouse until they move out. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
service-level agreement (SLA)
A service-level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a service provider and its customers that documents what services the provider will furnish and defines the service standards the provider is obligated to meet. A service-level commitment (SLC) is a broader and more generalized form of an SLA. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2024
AWS partner competency asks for GenAI tech, business skills
The cloud provider's generative AI certification takes months to complete, involves numerous technical and operational demands, and requires four detailed customer case studies. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
Digital transformation spending rides on CX, AI
Spending on digital transformation could get an increase this year from businesses seeking to improve customer experience and boost efficiency through automation and AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
ABC classification
ABC classification is a ranking system for identifying and grouping items in terms of how useful they are for achieving business goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2024
RMM software (remote monitoring and management software)
RMM software (remote monitoring and management software) is a type of application that information technology (IT) service providers and departments use to maintain their clients' and business organizations' IT assets, infrastructure and systems. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2024
Integration of AI, legacy IT opens partner opportunities
Core in-house applications running on client-server systems and mainframes are candidates for a generative AI update, according to IT service provider executives. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2024
Partners: Businesses enlist AI in business model reinvention
IT services executives believe the most digitally advanced companies will embark on business model reinvention projects highlighting AI as a key technology for managing change. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2024
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) encourage companies to set, communicate and monitor organizational goals and results in an effective, transparent manner. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
Cybersecurity market trends, from AI to post-quantum crypto
Service executives list generative AI, the growing attack surface at the edge and post-quantum crypto standards as among the key security developments in 2024. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2024
ServiceNow, IBM set partner programs for AI transformation
Technology providers reach out to service providers that can help them deliver business change, digital workflows and emerging technologies to enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2024
IT services market demands grow, complicating staffing
Gartner forecasts IT services spending will reach $2.1 trillion in 2027, nearly double 2021 spending. Service providers will pursue a mix of talent strategies to meet demand. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2024
startup culture
A startup culture is a workplace environment that values creative problem-solving, open communication and a flat hierarchy. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
16 BPM best practices to ensure project success
A BPM approach to transformation enables companies to continuously improve and reinvent their business processes, injecting innovation as they go. Learn how to do it right. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
vendor-managed inventory (VMI)
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an inventory management technique in which the supplier of goods, usually the manufacturer, is responsible for optimizing the inventory a distributor holds. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2023
Cloud consulting deals revolve around ServiceNow, Google
Cognizant's pending purchase of Thirdera and Insight Enterprises' acquisition of SADA reveal the global systems integrators' preference for pure-play cloud consulting firms. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Dec 2023
What is business process management? A guide to BPM
Business process management (BPM) is a structured approach to improving the processes organizations use to get work done, serve their customers and generate business value. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2023
Technology outlook: Service providers cite four key trends
What's on tap for 2024? The partner ecosystem expects to help customers scale generative AI projects, work with smaller models and play a bigger role at the edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
How to set business goals, step by step
Setting business goals that are detailed and come with deadlines motivates employees and keeps your company on track. Learn how to do it. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2023
5 IT services industry trends on tap for 2024
The top IT services industry trends for 2024 should sound familiar, with cost optimization and guarded innovation among the trends expected for the coming year. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2023
AWS partners look to GenAI, competencies, marketplace sales
This week's AWS re:Invent conference was notable for AI, industry-specific offerings and accelerators, but partners also pointed to specializations and online deal-making. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2023
BPO vs. BPM: What is the difference?
BPO and BPM both aim to improve business processes. One is a management approach to optimizing end-to-end processes. The other is a strategy used to improve specific processes. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2023
IT services M&A picks up in Q3 with deals in Europe
As transaction volume picks up, the EMEA region is getting more attention from IT services investors amid demand for digital transformation consulting. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2023
SSAE 16
The Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16 (SSAE 16) is a set of auditing standards and guidance on using the standards, published by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), for redefining and updating how service companies report on compliance controls. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2023
advanced shipping notice (ASN)
An advanced shipping notice (ASN) is a document that provides detailed information about a pending delivery. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2023
Partner ecosystem changeup prompts alliance rethink
The shifting partner ecosystem landscape could inspire IT service providers to consider new alliances or bolster existing ones amid fast-paced economy and technology trends. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2023
MSP shares details of Kaseya VSA ransomware attack, recovery
Progressive Computing was one of 60 victims of the Kaseya VSA ransomware attack in 2021. Now, a co-founder tells the story of discovery and recovery. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2023
Google Cloud Next enlists partner ecosystem for AI push
Google Cloud Next rallied consultancies, systems integrators and other service provider partners to help customers effectively deploy generative AI in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2023
Ukraine IT outsourcing dips, but startups bring new energy
Ukrainian IT services exports declined 9.3% in the first half of 2023 amid war and global economic slowdown. Resilient infrastructure and AI startups offer bright spots, however. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
Generative AI adoption to grow with economic confidence
A PwC survey is the latest data point signaling a return to innovation spending, with generative AI adoption in the C-suite's plans. But business leaders remain sensitive to risk. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2023
Snowflake partner network takes on optimization
Snowflake optimization spans cost reduction, infrastructure rightsizing and query reengineering. But will partner demand endure or decline as customers mature? Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2023
Google Cloud partner ecosystem ramps up for generative AI
Companies such as 66degrees and Capgemini aim to build generative AI tools using Google's platforms, offering enterprise customers industry and process expertise. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2023
Microsoft partners focus on IT cost optimization, migration
While AI was the main attraction at Microsoft Inspire, the company's partners are also busy taming infrastructure costs, helping clients modernize and managing cloud migrations. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jul 2023
value proposition
A value proposition is a statement that clearly identifies the benefits a company's products and services will deliver to its customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jul 2023
invitation to tender (ITT)
An invitation to tender (ITT) is a formal document that is issued by a company or an organization inviting suppliers or contractors to submit a bid for a project or service. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2023
Microsoft partner ecosystem takes on AI boom, program shifts
Microsoft Inspire 2023 saw the company relaunch its partner program to address the expected boom in AI. Partners discuss technology developments and partner program changes. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2023
AI, cloud trends shape next-gen managed services offerings
Service providers are launching new services, capabilities and delivery models to meet the needs of customers grappling with AI and complex cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2023
Partners make zero-trust assessment a core security service
Service providers have made zero-trust assessments a key part of their emerging zero-trust offerings. Those evaluations create a roadmap that guides the clients' security journey. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
Partners: IT investment balances innovation, optimization
IT service executives expect to see customers pursue the transformative potential of AI and cloud in the second half of 2023 -- while keeping a close watch on costs and results. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2023
SMB (small and medium-sized business or small and midsize business)
SMB is an abbreviation for a small and medium-sized business, sometimes called a small and midsize business. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2023
7 ways service providers drive lasting transformation success
Attention to people, process, organizational culture and reward systems preserve digital change over the long haul. Here are seven approaches to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
IT services firms seek growth in generative AI services
Partners launch specialized offerings and practices to address enterprise customer demand, citing generative AI's innovation and optimization potential. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2023
IT service execs point to 5 core zero-trust questions
A partner-customer dialog around zero trust should focus on the basics of organizational awareness, upskilling, funding, technical tooling and user experience. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2023
Partners could see enterprise AI rekindle tech innovation spend
New surveys suggest that generative AI is sparking interest among customers and optimism among partners. Is a resumption of forward-looking tech investment on the way? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
Request for Offer (RFO)
A Request for Offer (RFO) is a document an organization issues to solicit bids or proposals from potential suppliers for goods or services. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
letter of intent (LOI)
A letter of intent (LOI) is a written, nonbinding document that outlines an agreement in principle between two or more parties before a legal agreement is finalized. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2023
Startup partnerships play bigger role in challenging market
Channel allies become more valuable as startups look for cost-efficient routes to market and vie to stand out in crowded sectors such as cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2023
4 key ways partners sharpen digital transformation strategy
IT service providers employ methodologies, tools and platforms to keep initiatives on track. Their efforts aim to prevent projects from stalling before they deliver the goods. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2023
Partner ecosystem upbeat on market prospects, generative AI
Service providers express optimism despite the continuing economic uncertainty, looking to emerging technologies and services stalwarts such as cyber and cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2023
Zero-trust consulting opportunities abound amid tech confusion
Ten years on, tech buyers still find zero trust bewildering. Consultants aim to help them get a handle on -- and deploy -- this multifaceted security model. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2023
IT services market size expands amid mixed economic signals
Market watchers forecast continued growth in the tech services sector, while U.S. payrolls expand, albeit at a slower pace. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2023
IT services M&A slows, but could revive in 2H
M&A rebounded after the initial shock of COVID-19, but the pace has slackened amid economic uncertainty. The deals getting done reflect interest in specific skill sets. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
VMware Partner Connect reboots with accent on SaaS
VMware's partner program gets a new look as the company invests in the subscription model; Endor Labs, Graphiant and TrueFort also launch or update channel efforts. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
Cloud cost management takes center stage
IT shops appear ready to focus on cloud costs amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Service providers expect clients to invest more in FinOps and optimization tools this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2023
Health of digital transformation: Consulting firms list issues
Digital transformation can take too long and fail to deliver. Root causes include lack of focus, cultural barriers and technical challenges, according to IT services executives. Continue Reading