Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• The cloud is changing the channel, and customers win

  The Ingram Micro Cloud Summit called for channel partners to develop intellectual property around cloud offerings and emphasize customer success to boost retention.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Federal technology upgrade could see security, SaaS outlay

  Channel partners expect major shifts in the government's technology priorities. Find out which IT trends are poised to shape spending in the coming years.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• AI applications: Cloud vs. on-premises deployment options

  Should clients build on-premises infrastructures for their AI needs or turn to cloud-based AI? Insight Enterprises' Brandon Ebken and Juan Orlandini discuss these options.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

• 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

• IT channel partners: A look ahead at 2018

  Here's a look at the most popular Channel Marker blog posts of 2017 and what they might say about 2018 trends for IT channel partners.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

• 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

• UC technology: Tips for channel partners

  In this Tech Buyer Snapshot installment, we examine purchasing priorities for unified communications technology. UC expert Stephen Tong weighs in.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

• Technology advertisements that cross ethical, legal lines

  It's hard to tell fact from fiction in technology advertisements, says technology and security consultant Kevin McDonald. These irresponsible claims about a product's compliance or security capabilities can have ethical and legal consequences.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

• Sophos partner program revamped with higher incentives, deal registration

  Sophos is rolling out a major revamp to its partner program, with four tiers, higher incentives, deal registration, lead generation and training.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

• 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

• VCE coalition: A one-year retrospective

  A year after the Virtual Computing Environment coalition launched, interest in the group's Vblocks is growing, but sales and staffing issues have arisen.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

• 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

• 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

• 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