Features

Features

• White-label cloud marketplaces become valuable tool for MSPs

  MSPs are tapping cloud-based commerce platforms to bolster sales and marketing. Find out about using white-label cloud marketplaces and popular online shops run by AWS and Google.  Continue Reading

• Mobile management services offer SI, reseller opportunities

  Mobile lifecycle management services offer opportunities for a range of companies, including resellers, systems integrators, outsourcers and communications service providers.  Continue Reading

• AI and data analytics trailblazers: Accenture, DXC and Wipro

  Accenture, DXC and Wipro are among the AI and data analytics services providers highlighted in Gartner's Magic Quadrant. Learn about their market visions and business challenges.  Continue Reading

• Early-stage companies reach out to channel partners

  Bigleaf, CloudZero, Rescale are among the early-stage companies investigating alliances with channel partners as they seek help with sales and support.  Continue Reading

• MSP business model transformation: Five tips for navigating change

  MSP business model transformation: Channel partners face challenges as they cultivate as-a-service offerings, seek dollars for investment and promote their new offerings.  Continue Reading

• Federal IT budget: Look for security, cloud spending in 2018

  Industry executives cited an uptick in federal IT procurement activity during the government's fiscal fourth quarter and expected FY 2018 to feature security and cloud investments.  Continue Reading

• Dell and EMC merger poses a challenging transformation

  The Dell and EMC merger presents a multitude of opportunities for market domination -- if the integrated companies can modernize a highly complex portfolio.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce telehealth system lets channel add real-time video, audio

  Salesforce's telehealth tool, built on top of its Health Cloud platform, offers partners the ability to add real-time video and audio to their healthcare vertical offerings.  Continue Reading

• Business influencers: What guides your IT channel decisions?

  Channel executives are responsible for making tough decisions that impact the fates of their companies. We asked a few company chiefs to name the top influencers that shape their leadership.  Continue Reading

• The legal vertical isn't for every IT services provider

  The legal services market isn't every service provider's cup of tea. Learn about one company that embraced the vertical and another that decided to walk away from it.  Continue Reading

• Outmoded insurance agency software gets customer-oriented upgrade

  Insurance customers' demand for more personalized services results in an industry-wide movement to modernize outdated company software and systems.  Continue Reading

• White labeling cloud services pros and cons

  The decision to white label a vendor's cloud services requires careful consideration. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if it's right for your firm.  Continue Reading

• Managed services pricing models: Per-device vs. SLA-based approach

  A per-device and per-user pricing model is easy for MSPs, but experts caution it carries business risk and leads managed services to commoditization.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft managed partner designation: What it takes, what it's worth

  A Microsoft managed partner designation can get you a warm body within Microsoft whose job it is to help you. Get info on how partners are selected.  Continue Reading

• How to sell a small business in the IT services, VAR space

  Get advice on how to sell a small business in the MSP and VAR space, including determining the business valuation and finding a potential buyer.  Continue Reading

• How to mitigate risk associated with a customer's potential data breach

  Find out what steps to take to protect your business and reduce the risk associated with the inevitable data breach at a customer site.  Continue Reading

• Verticalization of cloud applications: Channel play

  Channel companies are seeing potential in the verticalization of cloud applications, in which cloud ERP, CRM services are adapted for verticals.  Continue Reading

• Using AuditPol to audit Windows users and set policies

  Solution providers may find value in the AuditPol utility for auditing and organizing Windows users, setting policies and configuring settings such as user privileges.  Continue Reading

• Forming a vSphere upgrade strategy: Upgrading vCenter Server and ESX, ESXi

  During the vSphere upgrade process you will need to upgrade your customer’s vCenter Server, ESX and ESXi hosts and virtual machines. Get the best upgrade methods in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Configuring, implementing Logical Domains in Oracle Solaris 10

  Learn what separates Logical Domains from other hypervisors and use this excerpt to find out all the relevant information for VARs on domain implementation and configuration.  Continue Reading

• Enabling VMware HA, DRS: Advanced vSphere features

  Learn how to configure vSphere features such as VMware HA and DRS that will ease VM management if a host failure occurs and help balance resources in your customer's environment.  Continue Reading

• VSphere Fault Tolerance requirements and FT logging

  To provide continuous availability for a VM in case of a host failure, you'll need a strong understanding of VSphere Fault Tolerance (FT) requirements and FT logging.  Continue Reading

• Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands for VARs

  The Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands listed in this chapter excerpt will be valuable to solution providers trying to customize their customers' Linux environments.  Continue Reading

• How to use nsswitch.com to find Linux system information

  In this chapter excerpt, learn to find information in your customers' Linux systems by using nsswitch.conf to search for information types, including netgroups or networks, and method searches such as dns or nis.  Continue Reading

• Linux DHCP server and client: Configuration and deployment

  DHCP offers several benefits that you can't get from storing network configuration information in local files. Learn the best practices for a successful Linux-based DHCP server and DHCP client configuration and deployment.  Continue Reading

• Parallel processing: Using parallel SQL effectively

  Using parallel processing only makes sense for your customers in specific situations. Find out when to use parallel SQL with the Oracle databse to avoid excessive usage.  Continue Reading

• Using parallel SQL with Oracle parallel hint to improve database performance

  Enhance customers' Oracle database performance by using parallel SQL with an Oracle parallel hint, enabling a SQL statement to be simultaneously processed by multiple threads or processes.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Management Shell, Queue Viewer: Message tracking tools

  Learn how Exchange 2010 message tracking tools, such as Queue Viewer, allow solution providers to uncover potential mail flow issues in their customers' Exchange Server 2010 systems.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring Exchange Server 2010 : Using event logs, ExBPA

  Using the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) for an Exchange health check and monitoring event logs will help keep Exchange Server 2010 at peak performance.  Continue Reading

• MMC console management: Adding Windows 7 snap-ins

  From ActiveX Control to Task Scheduler, there are many Windows 7 snap-ins available. Check out the different user and configuration settings that manage a customer's MMC console.  Continue Reading

• How to save Perfmon data using Windows 7 performance monitor

  There is a great deal of performance data to sort through in Windows 7, but the performance monitor uses data collector sets to allow you to view and analyze collected data.  Continue Reading

• Windows task manager: Viewing Windows 7 processes and applications

  If applications or processes in a customer's Windows 7 operating system aren't responding, you can use the task manager to view, end and restart them.  Continue Reading

• Using system properties to configure Windows 7 options

  The system properties dialogue box in Windows 7 is split up into five tabs that let you change your customer's computer name or dual-boot settings.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 administrative tools: Creating shortcuts

  Windows 7 administrative tools such as the iSCSI Initiator may be under your radar, but you can use them to help customers more easily manage everyday tasks.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft Cluster Services for virtual machine clustering

  Microsoft Cluster Services are useful for the different virtual machine (VM) clustering scenarios that are available, such as cluster in a box, and help with cluster node creation.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 compatibility: Solving Hardware, software issues

  Windows 7 compatibility has improved over previous Windows versions, especially when it comes to finding and installing hardware easily, and overcoming software incompatibilities.  Continue Reading

• How to restore system state backup in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Use this chapter excerpt to find out how to perform a bare-metal recovery and system state recovery in Windows Server 2008 R2, including how to use Windows system recovery tools.  Continue Reading

• Windows server backup in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Take a look at the best practices for Windows server backup in Windows Server 2008 R2, including configuring backup settings and performing system state and bare-metal backups.  Continue Reading

• VCenter Server installation requirements

  Properly preparing for a vCenter Server installation involves identifying hardware, operating system, database and networking requirements before implementation.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 requirements: Hardware, Active Directory

  You should know the hardware and Active Directory requirements for Exchange Server 2010 before deployment, including the memory needed and global catalog server placement.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Learn the best methods to enabling PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2, including using cmdlets or the Server Manager to configure PowerShell remoting.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell commands in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn about PowerShell commands for Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as other PowerShell uses, features, enhancements and command types.  Continue Reading

• Using Remote Desktop Services Manager, RDS CAL

  Solutions providers can use the Remote Desktop Services Manager and its tab options to view user information and get expert advice on identifying and adding a RDS CAL.  Continue Reading

• Adding Remote Desktop Services and RemoteApp programs

  There are factors that solutions providers need to consider when adding Remote Desktop Services, such as which role services to use, and steps to follow to add RemoteApp programs.  Continue Reading

• Remote Desktop Services: Server and client requirements

  In this article, you'll learn about Remote Desktop Services server and client requirements and how to retrieve information on the RDS server using the Performance Monitor tool.  Continue Reading

• New virtual machine management using VMM, PowerShell

  Use this chapter excerpt to get tips for new virtual machine management, including how to add a managed host to Virtual Machine Manager by using PowerShell scripts.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation

  Solutions providers will find that executing Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation will make jobs, such as creating virtual machines or consolidating old servers, easier.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 system monitoring: Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor

  Help your customers get a handle on PC resource usage and bottlenecks with two built-in Windows 7 system monitoring tools: Resource Monitor and Performance Monitor.  Continue Reading

• IT systems management: The production acceptance process

  This chapter excerpt on IT systems management explains how solutions providers can benefit from production acceptance and details the steps to effective implementation.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 system diagnostic reports: Using Performance Monitor

  Using the Performance Monitor, solutions providers can view Windows 7 system diagnostic reports to resolve performance issues and prevent problems before they occur.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues

  Solutions providers need to be aware of the top methods for troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues, including how to properly deal with error messages.  Continue Reading

• Resolving a Windows 7 crash or freeze

  This FAQ helps solutions providers give users the best assistance when Windows 7 issues arise, such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), crashes and random freezes.  Continue Reading

• Performing an automated Ubuntu install using preseeding

  When performing an automated Ubuntu install, preseeding is an integral part of the process. Learn the different variables and settings necessary for a basic preseed configuration.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring VMware vSphere performance using alarms

  Find out how to create and manage alarms using vCenter Server and learn the steps to configuring vCenter Server for email and notifications.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere performance with vCenter Server performance graphs

  vCenter Server's performance graphs provide solutions providers with detailed information on vSphere performance, including CPU, memory, disk, network and system data.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere CPU and memory usage

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn how to create real-time graphs for virtual machines, CPU consumption and memory usage.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere performance with command-line tools

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn about VMware's command-line utilities that can help solutions providers with monitoring customers' performance and resource usage.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 command-line tools and programs

  Learning how to use Windows 7 command-line tools and programs can help solutions providers perform maintenance, configuration and diagnostic tasks for customers.  Continue Reading

• Setting Windows 7 environment variables

  This chapter excerpt can teach you how to use Windows 7 environmental variables to locate your customers' system files and folders.  Continue Reading

• Installing and managing Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core

  Follow the necessary steps to install Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core and learn how to remotely manage your customers' Hyper-V environments.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 hardware and software requirements

  Solutions providers can use this chapter excerpt to learn about the various hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2008 in 32-bit and 64-bit environments.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center VMM

  See the benefits of monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center Virtual Machine Manager, including centralized management and organized placement of virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows 7 hardware requirements and compatibility

  Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture.  Continue Reading

• Installing, configuring and testing a UPS for Windows 7

  This chapter excerpt teaches you how to choose a UPS for multiple Windows 7 workstations and provides step-by-step processes for UPS installation, configuration and testing.  Continue Reading

• WIndows 7 dual monitor not working? Read these tips

  Use this chapter excerpt to get rules, tips and troubleshooting advice for setting up dual monitors in Windows 7 and adding a secondary display adapter.  Continue Reading

• Adding and removing Windows 7 hardware

  Use this chapter excerpt to become an expert on adding PnP and non-PnP hardware. You'll also get tips on providing drivers for hardware, troubleshooting and removing hardware.  Continue Reading

• Key concepts for server, storage and client virtualization

  This chapter excerpt explores the different aspects of IT virtualization, such as server, storage and client virtualization, and covers virtual servers and virtual data storage.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 virtual memory performance optimization

  In order to ensure virtual memory performance optimization in Win 7, you need to consider page file customization techniques, location, size, how to split a page file and more.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 performance monitoring tools

  Use updated tools such as Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor or Task Manager to focus on specific performance aspects and capabilities while enhancing and measuring system performance.  Continue Reading

• Configuring virtual networking for Microsoft Hyper-V

  In this chapter excerpt from "MCTS: Windows Server Virtualization Configuration Study Guide: (Exam 70-652)," you'll learn about the various tools that can help with virtual networking configuration tasks.  Continue Reading

• Ubuntu Linux installation and hard drive setup guide

  Learn how to set up a client's hard drive for proper Ubuntu Linux installation with this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Ten steps for smooth desktop virtualization deployment

  Pulling off a successful desktop virtualization deployment project means you have to first understand which virtualization method is best for your client. This 10-step plan addresses common mistakes that are made in desktop virtualization deployment...  Continue Reading

• Virtual desktop infrastructure: Five tips for improving virtual desktop performance

  Implementing virtual desktop infrastructure means that you have to switch emphasis from a client's local processing power to server processing power and network connectivity. Learn how to improve desktop performance and prevent errors before they ...  Continue Reading

• VMware ESX essentials: Fibre Channel and iSCSI

  This section of our chapter excerpt on storage from the book "VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center" explains the differences between Fibre Channel and iSCSI as well as the configurations a client is able to use when working with VMware ...  Continue Reading

• Network virtualization explained

  Virtualization has moved beyond just server and storage capacities and now encompasses the network as well. Learn about network virtualization considerations to understand before deployment, some major opportunities in network virtualization for ...  Continue Reading

• Implement access control systems successfully in your organization

  Access control is an important step toward mitigating an organization's security risks. Learn the importance of an access control system and how to implement it successfully.  Continue Reading

• Network design documentation

  Inadequate network documentation can lead to a multitude of problems for solution providers. Learn the importance of network documentation and what network design documentation a solution provider needs from customers.  Continue Reading

• Network design considerations checklist for providers

  There are many network design considerations that every solution provider should take into account before embarking on a network design project. Knowing these trends and caveats will help you make the best network design planning and network design ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring privilege levels

  This section of the chapter excerpt focuses on supporting multiple administrative levels of router configuration.  Continue Reading

• Channel Explained: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

  VoIP has emerged as a convenient, reliable and cost-effective network option for businesses of all sizes. In this Channel Explained you'll learn how VoIP works, what to consider before deploying it in a company, and how to take advantage of the ...  Continue Reading

• What should be included in a managed services agreement?

  A well-written managed services agreement should provide a common understanding of the services to be performed by the managed services provider for the client. Learn why the managed services agreement is often the first step taken by MSPs, the ...  Continue Reading

• What are the 3 core deliverables of basic MSP offerings?

  Developing an efficient managed services offering is essential to building loyal clientele. Learn about the three core deliverables that comprise a managed services offering.  Continue Reading

• How to write an IT service-level agreement

  A service-level agreement (SLA) is a document that clearly lays out your responsibilities as a client's managed services provider. Learn how to write an SLA to protect your managed services business by avoiding confusion with customers that can lead...  Continue Reading

• Securing Windows Server 2008: Installing and turning on BitLocker

  Aaron Tiensivu covers steps for installing and turning on BitLocker in Windows Server 2008 in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Vista Recovery: Advanced Boot Options, WinRE and WinPE

  Vista's Advanced Boot Options, the Windows Recovery Environment Platform, WinRE and WinPE are all covered in this chapter excerpt from "Tricks of the Microsoft Windows Vista Masters." Learn about these options before choosing CompletePC backup.  Continue Reading

• Network IDS/IPS vendors

  Before deciding on a network intrusion detection or intrusion prevention system (IDS/IPS), check out this Partner Program Directory. Use these checklists to compare partner programs of network IDS/IPS vendors.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of metadata and implementing a metadata management strategy

  This section of the chapter excerpt will introduce and explore the basics of metadata.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Unified Communications Manager licensing

  This section of the chapter excerpt focuses on the certification and licensing opportunities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Unified Communications Manager - Hardware, Software and Clustering

  This chapter excerpt covers the compatible hardware and software for Cisco Unified Communications Manager, as well as its clustering capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Advantages and disadvantages of Hyper-V

  Microsoft's Hyper-V is at the release candidate stage, and some companies already have it in production use. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of the virtualization tool so you can help customers at a server virtualization decision point.  Continue Reading

• Predicting data storage growth

  If your customers have deep pockets, predicting data storage growth is a relatively easy chore using storage resource management (SRM) tools. But for smaller companies with equally small budgets, you'll need to be more creative. Learn the techniques...  Continue Reading

• Managed services contracts

  Value-added resellers venturing into managed services need to consider the details of the managed services contract they provide to customers. Learn what goes into a managed services contract in this edition of Channel Explained.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: BIA for small business

  Read this example of business impact analysis (BIA) for a small business from "Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" to make the process more tangible.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: Data collection methodologies

  For business impact analysis (BIA) collect data through interviews and questionnaires. This excerpt from "Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" discusses various data collection methodologies and how to carry them out.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: Identifying business functions

  This excerpt from "Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" walks you through common business functions and encourages you to assess those functionalities that are not covered and include them in your BIA.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: Upstream and downstream losses

  Learn to mitigate indirect impacts that disasters can have on businesses. In this excerpt from "Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals," the author discusses upstream and downstream losses.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: Recovery time requirements

  Use business impact analysis (BIA) to define recovery time requirement terms and looks at how those elements interact.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: Understanding impact criticality

  When it comes to business functions, develop a rating scale to identify your customers' mission-critical functions. This excerpt from "Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" outlines a business function rating system with ...  Continue Reading

• What kind of incentives and partner programs does VMware offer to its resellers?

  Learn about VMware's three reseller partner levels: Professional, Enterprise and Premier. These levels increase in both the commitment expected from the reseller and benefits offered by VMware.  Continue Reading

• IT distribution channel (distributors)

  Distributors are wholesalers that act as intermediaries between vendors and value-added resellers (VARs) or system integrators (SIs). Learn more about the role of distributors in the channel -- and how it's changing.  Continue Reading