Features

Features

• Geography, skills drive IT Services M&A for Presidio, Accenture

  Presidio has acquired transACT Technology Solutions, a digital transformation specialist based in the United Kingdom, while Accenture purchased IAMConcepts in Canada.  Continue Reading

• MSSP automation amps managed service delivery, opens markets

  MSSPs are updating and broadening their technology stacks, emphasizing automation to break security service price barriers and reach new clients in a competitive market.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Partner's Apple Watch referee app lets NHL stripes keep focus

  Presidio designed the NHL Watch Comms App to sync with a hockey arena's game and penalty clocks and use haptic notifications to help officials keep their eyes on the game.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• New go-to-market strategy key to selling HPE GreenLake

  Read about a trailblazing Canadian service provider's journey with the as-a-service hardware and software platform -- and the insights it gleaned along the way.  Continue Reading

• Partners see growth in maturing on-premises cloud technology

  Colocation, data-center-as-a-service offerings and cloud-like consumption models offer customers alternatives -- or adjuncts -- to public cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of co-creating innovation

  Collaborating ecosystem partners can access a broader range of talent and accelerate time to market, but they must closely manage their relationships.  Continue Reading

• A guide to MSP patch management best practices

  As software patch management challenges mount, industry experts offer advice to MSPs on prioritizing system risk levels, selecting proper tools and testing patches internally.  Continue Reading

• Keeping pace with different types of manufacturing processes

  It's horses for courses in the industrial sector as partners look to help various kinds of manufacturers run on the emerging technologies that track with their needs.  Continue Reading

• How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains

  Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need.  Continue Reading

• Partner ecosystem strategy: Co-innovation and other variants

  Co-innovation, generative partnering and co-creation describe alliances among customers, service providers and tech vendors. But what do the terms mean and what are the benefits?  Continue Reading

• VoltaGrid taps Rackspace for AI Ecosystem portal, cloud app

  With a lofty goal to revolutionize the mobile energy industry, VoltaGrid needed support to improve customer operations quickly. Learn how MSP Rackspace Technology stepped up.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways to improve MSP marketing and sales

  Review these tips to get a better understanding of the people, process and tools you'll need to bolster what has been a traditional weakness among service providers.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data platforms spark partners' consulting business

  Service providers can find a range of consulting opportunities as they help clients navigate a plethora of emerging data management platforms and associated tools.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners prepare data analytics managed services

  Customers may not fully understand AI and machine learning technology yet, but channel partners have been building their expertise to make the use cases a reality for clients.  Continue Reading

• Deloitte software engineering gets global boost

  Recent acquisitions help the consultancy pursue 24/7 software sprints to meet customer demand for digitalization and faster product delivery cycles.  Continue Reading

• Keeping talent may call for apprenticeships, training

  Service providers struggling with conventional employee hiring and retention approaches may need to pursue alternate routes, industry executives said.  Continue Reading

• State and local government technology revs digital services

  Agencies, in a bid to quickly roll out citizen services, rely on a combination of chatbots, upgraded networks, no-code/low-code technology and cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• IT firm scores victory with stadium technology project

  IT services provider Atomic Data helped set up key networking components for FC Cincinnati's new soccer stadium. The project deployed a mix of Aruba Networks technology.  Continue Reading

• Education technology market seeks stability in hybrid model

  Channel partners said schools now have a chance to revisit hastily created remote learning systems as they take a longer-term, enterprise view of cloud and security.  Continue Reading

• Cisco routes to market expand amid cloud marketplace growth

  Cisco cited a significant shift toward the cloud and a decline in reselling. However, the company said resellers will remain important to its sales approach.  Continue Reading

• How cloud consultants execute a product development strategy

  Creating intellectual property can help partners meet soaring demand for cloud services, differentiate their offerings and boost their appeal to investors.  Continue Reading

• Tech giants foster green software engineering movement

  The Green Software Foundation, which includes Accenture and Microsoft as members, will create an ecosystem of people, standards, tools and practices to develop green software.  Continue Reading

• Does the Microsoft partner ecosystem follow the 80/20 rule?

  Partner Elevate director Desmond Russell believes Microsoft's channel strategy underserves the bulk of its partners. Here's how Microsoft could better support its channel ecosystem.  Continue Reading

• Tips for MSPs to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap

  Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals represent uphill battles. Some MSPs have adopted a combination of internal training and AI tools to offset the dearth in talent.  Continue Reading

• Selling professional services on cloud marketplaces

  Partners say cloud sales platforms offer a way to find new customers, launch proofs of concept and seed bigger deals. Learn more about this emerging channel.  Continue Reading

• In-house vs. outsourced marketing for MSPs

  Content marketing has emerged as an effective strategy for MSPs, but it can get tricky when deciding if in-house or outsourced talent should create these marketing materials.  Continue Reading

• Consultants work around mainframe staffing limitations

  Specialized service providers aim to offset labor constraints with a mix of education programs, on-the-job experience and tools such as robotic process automation.  Continue Reading

• Exec discusses Ensono acquisition, vertical strategy

  In this Q&A, Ensono president Marc Capri details the company's post-deal plans, which include bolstering its transformation capabilities and cultivating an industry focus.  Continue Reading

• Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation

  Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners.  Continue Reading

• Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic

  Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers.  Continue Reading

• Accenture Cloud First exec cites C-suite engagement

  In this Q&A, Accenture Cloud First lead Karthik Narain reflects on the business group's first months of operations and the growing C-suite interest in cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• IoT integration services evolve in maturing market

  IT service providers are moving upstream to address client needs in an IoT market that has lost some, but not all, of its science project reputation.  Continue Reading

• Top MSP marketing tools to generate leads

  MSP marketing tools are a must-have for successful lead-gen efforts. Execs at Valiant Technology, SADA and Synoptek round up the products supporting their marketing strategies.  Continue Reading

• E-commerce firm Radial taps Presidio for VDI cloud migration

  As the pandemic sparked a surge in e-commerce demand, Radial needed to expand its capabilities. Learn how Presidio helped Radial with a VDI cloud migration to VMware Cloud on AWS.  Continue Reading

• Aruba partner tackles university's wireless network upgrade

  Doane University kicked off a two-phase wireless network overhaul in response to the pandemic. Learn how Aruba partner DataVizion has helped execute the project.  Continue Reading

• Co-managed IT support sees demand in the remote work era

  As businesses weather the pandemic, many organizations' IT departments find themselves pushed to the limits and in need of outside help. Enter co-managed IT support services.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications managed services evolve amid pandemic

  Service-level agreements, management layers, incident tracking and governance are all part of the evolving cloud communications service provider business model.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare security services firms tackle ransomware spike

  As healthcare organizations face an onslaught of ransomware attacks, channel partners can assist with security initiatives such as zero-trust architectures to prevent breaches.  Continue Reading

• AI in managed service software to boost automation

  From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future.  Continue Reading

• MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence

  MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds.  Continue Reading

• MSPs tap Red Hat Ansible for managed services automation

  IT services providers have deployed the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to minimize repetitive work and boost productivity -- even in uncertain times.  Continue Reading

• Channel relationships shift as cloud storage expands

  As MSPs look to harness the advantages of cloud storage, they must also articulate the value they provide and enter into a regimen of nonstop training and certification.  Continue Reading

• Vertical marketing strategies shouldn't dismiss QSR, retail

  The pandemic has pummeled restaurants and retailers, but service providers could still find opportunities in areas ranging from contactless technology to virtual reality.  Continue Reading

• How leading SAP S/4HANA implementation partners compare

  Advisor firm UpperEdge attempts to pin down the differences between how SAP S/4HANA implementation partners Accenture, Deloitte and IBM approach client projects.  Continue Reading

• Cisco partners back software push, EA acceleration

  Software development, simplicity and platforms are among the current channel watchwords at Cisco. Partners share their views on the vendor's latest initiatives.  Continue Reading

• MSP onboarding checklist: Top tips for developing a process

  Establishing and standardizing an onboarding process can help ensure your client relationships begin strong. Experts share tips on how to develop an MSP onboarding checklist.  Continue Reading

• 5 tips for building a successful MSP marketing strategy

  MSPs need to develop a marketing strategy if they hope to grow beyond the startup stage. Industry executives share their views on everything to include in a marketing approach.  Continue Reading

• Key concepts of the MSP sales process

  To grow a managed service provider business, companies must develop a consistent MSP sales process. Use these tips to build a strong sales arm for your business.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners help solve retail industry challenges

  Retailers are exploring a range of IT strategies to overcome pressures caused by the pandemic and fierce online competition. Find out how channel partners can help.  Continue Reading

• Accenture enables Enel's strategic digital transformation goals

  Enel Group's strategic digital transformation initiative provided the European energy behemoth with the flexibility it needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Need for data management frameworks opens channel opportunities

  Organizations with weak data management policies provide partners with opportunities to offer support. Insight Enterprises explains how it helps clients get a handle on their data.  Continue Reading

• Oracle E-Business Suite support deadline sparks upgrades

  MSPs help customers transition from Oracle E-Business Suite R12.1, providing upgrade assistance, cloud migration advice and specialized service offerings.  Continue Reading

• 5 PSA software tools to help MSPs streamline business processes

  Professional services automation tools offer MSPs and IT consulting firms with a variety of integrated applications they can use to manage projects, billing, assets and inventory.  Continue Reading

• How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive

  We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed.  Continue Reading

• Colocation services provider firms tap partners

  Cyxtera, Equinix and Interxion are among the colocation firms forging relationships with partners that can bundle their data center services into digital transformation projects.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications consulting, implementation heat up

  Channel partners provide a range of offerings in the unified communications market, from workplace analytics to entire product suites. Cloud conferencing is driving growth.  Continue Reading

• 5 RMM tools MSPs can use to bolster client IT infrastructure

  Learn what remote monitoring and management software features and functionality MSPs and internal IT departments should consider to support client IT infrastructure and endpoints.  Continue Reading

• NTT Ltd. exec talks hybrid cloud, remote tech

  NTT Ltd.'s recently appointed Americas CEO talks about the $3 billion-plus business's opportunities one year after parent NTT Corp. created the operation in a sweeping merger.  Continue Reading

• MSPs expand into managed physical security services

  Companies such as Deep Sentinel and Viakoo are tapping partners to deliver physical security services. Learn how MSPs are incorporating physical security into their offerings.  Continue Reading

• What do you need to start a managed service provider today?

  If you want to get your own MSP off the ground today, you need to be cloud native, have a Microsoft-based software stack and know the right market to focus on.  Continue Reading

• Remote workforce management strategies for MSPs

  Channel partners have been rethinking employee productivity, collaboration and skills development. Learn how Ensono, SADA Systems and AllCloud have adjusted their approaches.  Continue Reading

• Accenture: Industrial digital transformation needs leaders

  Leadership and execution are the keys to overcoming the potential pitfalls of industrial digitization, a process that redundant technology can hinder.  Continue Reading

• MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry

  In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services.  Continue Reading

• 5G opportunities for channel partners yet to take shape

  At the beginning of 2020, many aspects of 5G technology remain abstract, but channel partners can benefit by preparing their customers for future deployments.  Continue Reading

• Computer vision technology, chatbot reboot on tap for 2020

  Look for retailers to emerge in 2020 as a key adopter of AI in vision applications. Other anticipated developments include chatbot integration and a boost for cloud-native apps.  Continue Reading

• Why partners shouldn't lose faith in blockchain technology

  Keep blockchain on your radar. Despite setbacks in adoption, blockchain endures as relevant technology for channel partners, according to CompTIA and other channel industry watchers.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS market could boost partners with the right skills

  Channel companies that want to become CPaaS partners should expect to encounter a new set of buyers, a rapidly changing technology and the need for coding skills.  Continue Reading

• Media and entertainment cloud use poised to shake up industry

  The media and entertainment industry is moving workflows to the cloud in a dramatic cultural shift. InterVision's Ray Panahon sheds light on this development.  Continue Reading

• PDU-UPS evolves slowly, offers partners modularity

  Data center power infrastructure may not be the epicenter of IT innovation, but channel partners see vendors providing modularity, customization options and redundancy features.  Continue Reading

• Sales verticals and how MSPs can target them

  Selling to vertical markets can seem like a daunting prospect for managed service providers. Read on for six tips to get you started on a vertical sales journey.  Continue Reading

• Managed services model takes evolutionary twists and turns

  The evolution of managed service providers began at the apex of the dot-com era and now continues with developments including cloud computing and industry consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT services glossary: Terms of the trade

  Managed service providers represent an important subset of the channel partner ecosystem. Browse the terms below to sharpen your understanding of MSPs and their service offerings.  Continue Reading

• Accenture Labs explores quantum computing applications

  Accenture Labs has patented a method for identifying workloads suitable for quantum computing applications, which the company believes will span scientific and business use cases.  Continue Reading

• AI applications in government: Virtual assistants could see uptick

  Conversational AI in the form of intelligent virtual assistants and chatbots could player a bigger role in government agencies' citizen service initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning consultants explore use cases

  Machine learning consultants and developers are among the IT channel partners discovering AI-driven business opportunities across a range of vertical markets.  Continue Reading

• How to start an AI service business

  Building an AI practice may seem like a daunting endeavor. Fortunately, channel partners can learn from other companies that have found ways to apply AI models to customer challenges.  Continue Reading

• Managed services companies upbeat despite economic signals

  At MSPWorld, managed services executives expressed guarded optimism regarding MSP market prospects and growth potential, despite some economic concerns.  Continue Reading

• Hosted private cloud speeds Epic EMR system rollout

  A healthcare firm faced the daunting deadline challenge of deploying an Epic EMR system in eight months. US Signal's hosted private cloud helped the client beat the clock.  Continue Reading

• Democratization of AI, 5G nets among top 2019 opportunities

  Channel partners may find opportunities in artificial intelligence, 5G networks and the rise of enterprise 3D printing as 2019 unfolds, according to a Deloitte report.  Continue Reading

• Is the master MSP business model still relevant?

  Master MSPs emerged more than a decade ago as a means for channel firms to develop managed services, but experts are split on whether the traditional model continues to hold sway.  Continue Reading

• Colo vendors, MSPs explore new data center cooling methods

  Unconventional cooling methods, such as evaporative cooling and data center liquid cooling, provide alternatives to traditional computer room air conditioning systems.  Continue Reading

• Remote monitoring and management software: Vendors expand, integrate

  RMM vendors are extending their product lines into areas ranging from documentation to backup, but face an integration challenge when it comes to providing a unified interface.  Continue Reading

• Partner opportunity: Biometrics tools expand vertical scope

  Biometrics in healthcare, financial services, retail and the automotive industry will be opening opportunities for IT services companies deploying this layer of security.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions boost channel

  Hyper-converged infrastructure technology has become a core part of channel partners' technology portfolios, but customer requirements still call for traditional storage gear.  Continue Reading

• Digital marketing partnerships key to vendors' channel strategies

  Rackspace, Salesforce and Progress Software explain how digital marketing agencies factor into their overall channel partner ecosystems and strategies.  Continue Reading