Cloud ecosystems
News and trends on cloud ecosystems and how to navigate them. Learn about the wealth of partnering opportunities surrounding the major cloud platform providers and how to leverage relationships to build sales.
Top Stories
-
Conference Coverage
21 Jul 2022
Microsoft Inspire 2022 news and conference guide
Microsoft will explain its partner program evolution and unveil upcoming priorities at its annual partner conference. Read on for news from Microsoft Inspire 2022. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Mar 2022
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
-
Feature
01 Mar 2022
Cloud for industry sectors calls for co-innovation
The verticalization of cloud computing will hinge on alliances in which service providers, hyperscalers and customers collaborate on industry-specific platforms. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Feb 2022
ServiceNow telecom sector heats up for partners
Ecosystem players are maneuvering for business opportunities at the intersection of high-growth technology and legacy systems; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Dec 2021
Kyndryl grows ecosystem via Google Cloud partnership
The infrastructure services provider aims to offer multi-cloud services and integration offerings as it cultivates industry ties beyond its IBM origins; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Nov 2021
Partners get AWS Data Exchange, container market updates
New Data Exchange capabilities avoid ETL and provide consistent API governance, while a container marketplace update supports an expanded set of Kubernetes management tools. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2021
Co-innovation shakes up partner-client relationships
The emerging partnering approach creates closer ties between clients and service providers, but also has implications for risks and rewards; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Oct 2021
Google Cloud Next features distributed cloud, integrator moves
Google Distributed Cloud could cut data sovereignty compliance costs for partners' customers, while global integrators roll out offerings for Google Cloud. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Sep 2021
ServiceNow partner Thirdera buys 5th company, UX/UI skills
With the acquisition of Appoxio, Thirdera expanded its UX/UI capabilities and plans to help clients improve ServiceNow workflows; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Sep 2021
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
-
Tip
22 Sep 2021
Use colocation and cloud together
Rather than deciding between cloud or colocation, consider using both cloud and colocation. Colocation can support a hybrid cloud environment and help cut down on cloud costs. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
24 Aug 2021
Why Microsoft 365, Windows 365 matter for IT services firms
Office 365, Microsoft 365 and Windows 365 differ not only in their feature sets and capabilities, but in the opportunities they afford service providers. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Aug 2021
SADA, Intel collaborate in Google Cloud optimization program
Through a new partnership, SADA and Intel engineers will fine-tune customers' Google Cloud Platform environments; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Aug 2021
Salesforce partner demand soars, M&A follows
The Salesforce skills crunch has generated a wave of acquisitions in the partner ecosystem. But M&A isn't the only remedy: Consultants have also boosted training. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jul 2021
Microsoft partner community gets industry cloud, training boost
At Microsoft Inspire, the company expanded its industry cloud portfolio with a sustainability cloud and promised to expand partners' technical expertise; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jul 2021
Microsoft Cloud platform to fuel FY 2022 priorities
At Microsoft Inspire 2021, executives highlighted ways Microsoft has differentiated its cloud platform from rivals. Partners can expect to see the cloud platform expand. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2021
Microsoft Inspire 2021 takes on 'era of rapid change'
The vendor kicked off its virtual event with new visions for its technologies, aimed at aligning with a world where digital adoption has skyrocketed. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jun 2021
AWS-Salesforce partnership offers integration potential
The alliance is poised to generate new customer use cases that span AWS services and Salesforce clouds, according to cloud services firm AllCloud; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Jun 2021
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
-
Feature
09 Jun 2021
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
-
News
26 May 2021
SAP partners get new revenue-sharing model for cloud
SAP rolled out a revenue-sharing model that aims to support cloud economics. The software company also encouraged IP development among its partners. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 May 2021
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
-
News
14 May 2021
Carousel Industries deal positions NWN for hybrid work
NWN cited the expansion of its customer base and geographical reach as key benefits driving its Carousel Industries acquisition; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2021
Big Blue talks $1B partner investment at IBM Think 2021
IBM's spending on its partner ecosystem includes new competencies, role-based guided learning, increased technical support and financial incentives to boost hybrid cloud business. Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2021
AWS Marketplace, partners get new leadership
AWS Marketplace's newly appointed general manager plans to broaden the digital catalog's offerings and focus on governance. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Apr 2021
SAP modernization calls for varied skills, phased approach
SAP's partner ecosystem plays a role in legacy-system-to-cloud migration, moving customers away from aging hardware platforms such as mainframes and client-server systems. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Apr 2021
SAP skills, cloud development expertise in demand
IT services firms Pythian and Ensono have gone the acquisition route to build out their respective SAP and cloud-native development practices; other news. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2021
Workplace from Facebook partner firms get new program
The revamped channel strategy for Workplace by Facebook emphasizes resellers and systems integrators; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
17 Mar 2021
Nerdio's strategy evolves for cloud desktop, Azure markets
Nerdio CEO Vadim Vladimirskiy discusses the state of the cloud desktop market and his company's strategy for developing an Azure IT automation platform for MSPs. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2021
ServiceNow partners get workflow boost in Quebec release
The Quebec release of the Now Platform arms partners with new tools to improve customers' digital workflows, as well as prebuilt vertical extensions; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2021
IT services M&A, colocation deals continue to flourish
The latest round of IT services transactions feature KSM Consulting, Atos and Cyxtera. The activity underscores the continual demand for cloud services and digital infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2021
ServiceNow consulting firm aims to combine regional partners
Thirdera, formed from the merger of Evergreen Systems, Cerna Solutions and NovoScale, said it plans to acquire and integrate ServiceNow consulting firms; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
10 Feb 2021
How cloud management tool sets can help MSPs
To tackle today's cloud management challenges, MSPs need new software tools and strategies. Find out why cloud management tool sets should be on MSPs' radars. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jan 2021
IBM ecosystem strategy embarks for hybrid cloud, AI future
Big Blue said it has laid the groundwork to rapidly grow hybrid cloud and AI business through its partner ecosystem, which includes VARs, ISVs and systems integrators. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Dec 2020
Top tips for building a Microsoft Azure MSP practice
As MSPs expand into cloud offerings, many are deciding to focus on Microsoft Azure. Lunavi, Synoptek and 1Path explain why and how they grew their Microsoft Azure MSP practices. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Dec 2020
Deloitte, Google highlight 3 workforce trends for 2021
Executives from Deloitte Consulting and Google Workspace discuss how workforce trends that emerged during the pandemic will gain momentum in the year ahead. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Oct 2020
Google Cloud growth fuels partner opportunities
Amid solid Google Cloud growth, MSP partners such as SADA Systems, Onix and Pythian say their alliance with the public cloud provider gives them a competitive edge. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Sep 2020
IBM Cloud partner ecosystem expands in software push
The consultants and IT services providers joining IBM's expanding public cloud ecosystem cite legacy systems migration and application modernization as growth opportunities. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
23 Sep 2020
Accenture Cloud First to invest in partnerships
Accenture's $3 billion investment in its Accenture Cloud First business will bring together 70,000 professionals from a range of disciplines and practices, from cloud-native development to human ... Continue Reading
-
News
03 Sep 2020
Demand for Azure consulting helps fuel M&A surge
Companies that specialize in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem are very much in demand as the IT services merger and acquisition market kicks into higher gear. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Sep 2020
10th Magnitude to become latest Cognizant acquisition
Cognizant has agreed to acquire 10th Magnitude, a Microsoft Azure cloud consultancy based in Chicago, offering another sign of a thawing IT services merger and acquisition market. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jul 2020
Microsoft Inspire 2020 sets partner agenda
Microsoft addresses 'digital first responders,' while citing cloud computing, remote work and purpose-driven digital transformation at virtual Inspire 2020. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2020
Partners bank on MSP cloud services
Datto's newest managed services market study highlighted cloud computing as an essential component of MSP portfolios; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jun 2020
AWS Marketplace update eases SaaS contract changes
Customers who buy software from ISVs through AWS Marketplace now have an easier way to update contract terms during the span of an existing agreement. The feature should help customers manage contract sprawl, analysts say. Continue Reading
-
News
07 May 2020
IBM PartnerWorld program reshaped for modern partnerships
IBM redesigned its channel program to better suit partners' increasingly multipronged business models. Partners can now engage IBM in Sell, Build and Service tracks. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Apr 2020
Partners donate technology, services to pandemic relief
IT services companies are contributing a mix of advice and cloud offerings to help research groups and other organizations battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2020
Cloud services market heats up during pandemic
The cloud services market remains active amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as Accenture, CentriLogic, SADA Systems and J2 Global build out their businesses; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Apr 2020
SADA, Google partner on disease surveillance system
An infectious disease surveillance portal incorporates a mapping application from SADA Systems and visualization technology from Google's recent Looker acquisition. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Apr 2020
Pythian acquires Agosto in Google Cloud partner deal
The combination of Pythian and Agosto offers a broader set of Google Cloud specializations in fields including cloud migration, machine learning and application development. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Mar 2020
Successful digital ecosystems depend on cloud services
Business models are changing in the digital age, requiring companies to create sometimes unexpected partnerships, enabled by the widespread availability of cloud services. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Feb 2020
Google Cloud partnership expands as SADA seals $500M pact
SADA Systems signed a multi-year agreement with Google Cloud and revealed plans to launch new offerings for Anthos, data warehouse modernization and Contact Center AI. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
27 Feb 2020
Salesforce consulting services consolidation: Round 2
Salesforce partners have, once again, become popular acquisition targets for large, international IT services firms hoping to capitalize on the demand for SaaS consulting services. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Feb 2020
Salesforce consulting services deals go global
Publicis Sapient's buyout of Sapient i7 is the latest acquisition in the increasingly globalized Salesforce consulting services market; more channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2020
J2 Global looks to acquire Veeam partners
The Veeam partner ecosystem includes a multitude of small firms, which has created an acquisition opportunity for J2 Global, a cloud services and digital media firm. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jan 2020
Public cloud vendors launch faulty services as race heats up
Faced with a rapidly expanding menu of public cloud services, customers need help making the right decisions. ThoughtWorks thinks this opens up opportunities for channel resellers. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Dec 2019
Google Cloud partners key to 2020 enterprise expansion
In this Q&A, Kirsten Kliphouse, president of Google Cloud North America sales, discusses her top priorities and opportunities for channel partners in 2020. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2019
TCS, Microsoft aim for intelligent cloud, edge
Tata Consultancy Services' Microsoft Business Unit is one of a handful of such IT services entities focused on the software giant; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Nov 2019
Rackspace set to buy AWS partner
Rackspace's pending purchase of Onica, an AWS partner with consulting and professional services capabilities, underscores the continuing interest in cloud services specialists. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Oct 2019
Single cloud counters multi-cloud trend among MSPs
For some services providers, focusing resources on one cloud platform makes more sense than distributing resources across two or more public cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
31 Oct 2019
Alibaba Cloud taps channel partners for growth
Alibaba Cloud is outpacing AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform when it comes to worldwide revenue growth. And it has its eye on MSPs and other channel partners. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Oct 2019
Nerdio for Azure arrives in Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace
Nerdio's cloud transition continues with its distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, which offers Nerdio's Azure automation product for MSPs on Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Oct 2019
Office 365 managed services call for workflow, vertical skills
Subscription business models, a focus on automating workflow and becoming a thought leader are important for taking advantage of the Microsoft Office 365 opportunity. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Sep 2019
Managed Azure services hotspots span optimization to AI
Demand for Microsoft Azure services ranges from cost optimization to AI services, according to service providers looking for business in this public cloud platform. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Sep 2019
D&H Distributing grows cloud with ConnectWise, SkyKick
D&H Distributing's cloud strategy aims to help VARs adopt the managed services model and sell bundled cloud offerings around platforms such as Office 365 and Azure. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Aug 2019
Google Cloud Partners hopeful on new program, but seek advances
Google's bid to sort its partner initiative is viewed as a positive development among the company's partners, some of which are heavily focusing on the cloud provider's platform. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Aug 2019
Google Cloud partner deal with DXC targets SAP migration
A new alliance uniting IT services firm DXC Technology with Google will focus on artificial intelligence and SAP migration as opportunities for collaboration. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2019
AWS partner program targets cloud migration of ISV workloads
A new AWS cloud migration program is geared to bring ISV application workloads to the platform, and offers a financial incentive for cloud migrations that go well. Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2019
Salesforce consultants get bigger AppExchange spotlight
Changes to AppExchange will highlight consulting firms within the Salesforce partner ecosystem. Additions include a consultant finder and new analytics tools. Continue Reading
-
News
14 May 2019
AWS IQ marketplace taps demand for AWS experts
AWS is at work on IQ, a job marketplace that matches AWS experts with customers. Similar in appearance to the likes of Upwork, IQ is set for launch later this year. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Apr 2019
Google Cloud partners back company's industry shift
Google Cloud Premier Partner companies view the company's newly articulated vertical market strategy, which targets six industries, as a positive development. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Apr 2019
Google cloud partners cite Anthos as key Next '19 technology
Partners said the new Anthos technology is a game changer and gives Google a competitive edge over its public cloud rivals; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Mar 2019
5 Microsoft Azure managed services to grow your channel business
Andy Syrewicze, a former MSP engineer and current Microsoft MVP, detailed five Azure solutions that service providers can offer their clients. The packages run from the simple to the visionary. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Feb 2019
AWS APN program changes spark partner reaction
AWS partners said they support the new requirements established for the AWS APN program, noting the higher bar helps them rise above rivals in a competitive market. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2019
Click-to-launch tools pull apps through Oracle Cloud Infrastructure marketplace
Oracle has made it easier for customers to choose and launch third-party software onto its cloud. Now, the question is whether more businesses will follow. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Feb 2019
Experts look for new Commvault CEO to automate, orchestrate
Experts say new Commvault CEO Sanjay Mirchandani is qualified for his new job, while the vendor still has some challenges to overcome in the face of a competitive, dynamic market. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
11 Dec 2018
How to thrive in the platform economy
Leading companies need to build dynamic ecosystems and deploy next-generation platforms to gain a competitive edge, says Ramadurai Ramalingam, managing director at Accenture. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Oct 2018
AWS consulting partners launch Mission
AWS cloud consulting services firms Reliam, Stratalux and G2 Tech Group have rebranded as Mission and more acquisitions could be in the works; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Aug 2018
OVHcloud expands US footprint with channel partner program
U.S.-based channel partners now have a new infrastructure-as-a-service option with the launch of the OVHcloud partner program; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Aug 2018
Algolia partners with integrators, digital agencies
A new channel partner ecosystem featuring systems integrators and digital agencies is forming around Algolia search technology; other news of the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Jul 2018
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
-
News
17 Jan 2018
Partners plan for AWS Solution Provider Program launch
Channel partners look forward to differentiating through new AWS competencies around IoT, containers, machine learning and blockchain. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
25 Feb 2013
What your customers want to see in the 2013 cloud marketplace
SaaS, MSP cloud services and security top the list of what businesses want most in the cloud marketplace in 2013. Are you ready to meet their needs? Continue Reading