Desktop virtualization technology and services
News, trends and tips on desktop virtualization technology and services for MSPs. Gain insight into how this brand of virtualization can translate into project opportunities for your service provider firm.
Top Stories
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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
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News
04 Feb 2022
Citrix, Tibco partners stand to gain from merger
Promising technology combinations and a consolidated partner program are among the potential pluses of the pending Citrix-Tibco merger; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2020
Evaluate tools to help improve cybersecurity for MSPs
Learn what types of cybersecurity tools -- including those for email security, endpoint protection and DNS filtering -- MSPs can use to ensure safety of their clients' systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2020
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
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News
11 Dec 2020
Partners pursue health-related IoT system integration
Systems integrators Insight Enterprises and Accenture have supported initiatives to bring new health technologies to the market; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2020
MSP business planning for 2021: What you should consider
From remote working to new security threats, 2020 introduced a range of new dynamics for MSPs. Here are four important considerations to address in your business planning for 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2020
WatchGuard highlights critical MSP security services for 2021
MSPs in 2021 will face higher volumes of spear phishing attacks, hazardous gaps in remote work setups and a crucial need for widespread MFA adoption, WatchGuard Technologies says. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2020
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
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News
04 Dec 2020
MSP M&A activity surges with more deals on tap for 2021
A recent frenzy of IT consultant and MSP M&A activity saw companies such as Logically, Sysnet, West Monroe and Deloitte expanding their capabilities; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
MSP cybersecurity and compliance challenges loom in 2021
With the rocky 2020 nearing its close, MSPs should expect significant shifts in the cybersecurity and compliance landscape ahead, according to NinjaRMM's CISO. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
Microsoft Teams calling sparks partner business
Partners may see increased business in Teams cloud calling as Microsoft expands the platform's business focus. Education and governance offer other channel opportunities. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
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
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Tip
24 Nov 2020
Security awareness training best practices for MSPs
Human error is the root of many IT security catastrophes. Use these security awareness best practices to craft programs that users will actually learn from. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2020
HPE GreenLake partners to help Kern County take control of IT
Kern County, Calif., faced a daunting challenge of reigning in costs and a sprawling technology ecosystem. HPE GreenLake and MSP Nth Generation were brought in to help. Continue Reading
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News
24 Nov 2020
Ascend.io grows program for partners building data pipelines
Ascend.io said it is broadening its global partner footprint and added new partnerships with enterprise architecture advisory and data consultancy firms; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
Businesses mired in cloud computing challenges
New research from Accenture and SPR underscores a persistent struggle among organizations to derive value from their cloud investments; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
5 steps to build partnerships with IT distribution companies
Channel partners' relationships with IT distribution companies should be about more than ordering tech parts. Find out how to get the most value out of distributor relationships. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Nov 2020
How the U.S. election may affect managed services providers
Dave Sobel breaks down the tech issues MSPs need to be aware of following the federal and state elections, such as right to repair in Massachusetts and California's Prop 22. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2020
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
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Feature
17 Nov 2020
Multi-cloud services grow increasingly important for MSPs
As organizations expand their multi-cloud environments, they'll look to partners for support and expertise. It's time for the channel to board the multi-cloud train, experts say. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Nov 2020
The importance of platforms and how MSPs can take advantage
Dave Sobel discusses Google's rebranding of G Suite to Google Workspace and how MSPs should focus on which platform they offer customers, not just operating systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2020
6 tips for channel partner sales, marketing in turbulent times
The pandemic introduced a new set of challenges for channel partner sales and marketing. Here are six tips for how to better navigate today's complex business environment. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
MSP sales, business plan key to 2021 success
Heading into 2021, IT service providers should put more than their usual attention on sales and business planning, according to speakers at IT Nation Connect; more news. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2020
MSP valuations hang tough in turbulent market
Resilient MSPs are seeing their valuations holding steady through difficult times, although deal structures have shifted somewhat during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2020
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
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Feature
11 Nov 2020
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
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News
10 Nov 2020
MSP software vendor ConnectWise buys Perch, StratoZen
ConnectWise will build out its MSP security offerings by integrating Perch Security and StratoZen technology. The company also revealed plans to streamline product development. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Nov 2020
Top 5 MSP challenges in the 2021 business climate
MSPs and IT consultancies anticipate several challenges in 2021, including developing growth strategies, broadening areas of expertise and cultivating talent. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 Nov 2020
How would a K-shaped economic recovery affect MSPs?
Dave Sobel explains how MSPs should be prepared economically and socially for a K-shaped recovery that economists see happening due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2020
MSP acquisitions rise with platforms in demand
Recent merger and acquisition activity highlights a trend of private equity firms increasingly targeting MSP platform companies; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2020
Predicting 7 MSP trends in technology for 2021
MSPs, cloud consultancies and other channel partners can expect to find business in familiar technology sectors as well as in emerging fields in the coming year. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
Cisco DevNet partner community expands
Cisco reported increased partner engagement within its DevNet developer program. The company said it plans to launch an online DevNet marketplace next year; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Oct 2020
The reality of starting an MSP and what to know before launch
People should understand what the reality is around the technology business and what to expect when starting an MSP and how the messaging often ignores how hard it really is. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2020
Implementing SAP S/4HANA during a pandemic
Dickinson + Associates' Brad Hiquet recounts a remote SAP S/4HANA implementation the company did on behalf of American Industrial Transport amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2020
Cisco Partner Summit 2020 emphasizes services, adoption, APIs
The digital edition of Cisco's annual partner event asked channel companies to focus on the customer lifecycle and develop more customized offerings on top of Cisco technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Oct 2020
Colocation, managed services meet legacy needs, point to cloud
Colocation lacks the high profile of cloud computing, but it continues to meet customer needs. Some MSPs and cloud specialists incorporate colocation in their offerings. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
23 Oct 2020
Why 'channel' is a confusing term for MSPs and what to use
Instead of using 'channel,' for marketing, Dave Sobel thinks that solutions providers should consider 'ecosystem,' as channel is too often linked to transactional partners. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2020
Accenture, ServiceNow launch business group
The new Accenture ServiceNow Business Group aims to initially deliver industry offerings in financial services, government citizen services and telecommunications; other news. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2020
When an SAP S/4HANA selective data transition makes sense
An SAP S/4HANA selective data transition might be the best approach for a customer's ECC conversion. Learn how this approach differs from brownfield and greenfield implementations. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2020
MSPs grapple with managed cybersecurity services challenges
At ConnectWise's IT Nation Secure event, speakers addressed the real-world cybersecurity issues facing managed service providers and small business customers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Gartner IT services forecast pegs 2021 growth at 4.1%
Gartner predicts a 4.1% uptick in IT services spending in 2021. The market research firm pointed to digital business projects as a driver behind the spending. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Oct 2020
How Louisiana MSP registration aims to curb cyberattacks
Louisiana's MSP registration, which will take effect Feb. 1, 2021, has sparked many debates about regulating the managed services industry. At last week's IT Nation Secure virtual conference, ... Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Oct 2020
Use an outcome-based relationship model to manage IT vendors
Company IT leaders shouldn't need to spend their time micromanaging IT vendors, which is where implementing an outcome-based relationship model comes into play. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Oct 2020
Beware paying ransomware: How MSPs should protect companies
Dave Sobel and Joseph Brunsman discuss how paying ransomware attackers could have businesses run afoul of OFAC and what MSPs and solutions providers can do to help. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2020
Reports: Accelerating digital transformation a top priority
Studies from Forrester Research, Centrify and AppDirect substantiate the trend of enterprises ramping up their digital transformation initiatives; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2020
Tips for executing an SAP S/4HANA brownfield implementation
Executing an ECC-to-S/4HANA brownfield migration involves tools such as SAP's Maintenance Planner and Software Update Manager. Read on for insight into brownfield conversions. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Oct 2020
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
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Feature
14 Oct 2020
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
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Opinion
14 Oct 2020
6 popular managed services pricing models
Popular pricing models for managed service providers include monitoring only, per device, per user, all you can eat, a la carte and the tiered pricing model. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2020
Optimiz taps Moogsoft AIOps platform
Moogsoft's relationship with Optimiz, a partner based in Toronto, expands the company's IT channel relationships in the growing AIOps market. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2020
4 MSP pricing strategies for clients facing financial deficits
When managed IT services customers face revenue shortfalls, MSPs don't have to respond by offering discounts and taking a loss. Consider these MSP pricing options first. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2020
Vendors court no-code/low-code partners
No-code/low-code platform providers Mendix and Unqork revealed partnerships with consulting partners as they pursue an array of vertical industries; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2020
SolarWinds MSP provides return-to-office best practices
Executives from IT management software firm SolarWinds MSP offered best practices for supporting clients' return-to-office transitions. Get tips on how to facilitate the journey. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2020
How to plan an SAP S/4HANA brownfield migration
SAP S/4HANA brownfield migrations aim to convert existing SAP environments without reimplementation. Find out how to prepare for this type of conversion. Continue Reading
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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
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News
02 Oct 2020
Report: Cloud adoption journey hits snags for many customers
New research shows that customers' expectations don't often match reality when it comes to adopting cloud computing; more IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
01 Oct 2020
Why MSPs should care about Microsoft 365 Lighthouse
With Microsoft announcing its new RMM tool, Dave Sobel breaks down how this affects IT channel companies and how they could respond to ensure their business stays ahead of Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Oct 2020
3 strategies for SAP ECC to S/4HANA conversion projects
In part one of this five-part series on SAP ECC to S/4HANA conversions, learn about the history of transformation at SAP and three approaches to migrations. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
Managed services model enters 'new era'
The MSPWorld 2020 event points to an industry that's finding itself in the spotlight as MSPs see greater attention from customers, investors and government regulators. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
MSP business community displays merit in tough economy
At The ASCII Group's MSP Connect Live event, industry practitioners discussed different ways that MSPs and IT vendors have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
Dell partner sales see 6% dip, but optimism remains intact
Dell continues to push for partner sales growth amid a tough economic situation. Dell partner orders declined 6% in the vendor's second quarter, leveling out the 6% gain in Q1. Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2020
New IT Glue integrations, features on tap for MSPs
At the GlueX conference, IT Glue product managers introduced updates to the Kaseya company's IT documentation, network documentation and collaboration-as-a-service offerings. Continue Reading
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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
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News
25 Sep 2020
Gartner forecasts RPA software growth, $1.58B market
RPA software adoption is on the rise, driven by companies seeking rapid transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic; other IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2020
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
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News
23 Sep 2020
Cybersecurity for SMB customers evolving into top priority
New research from ConnectWise affirms that MSPs have a fast-growing opportunity to provide cybersecurity for SMB customers. Find out what is fueling the demand. Continue Reading
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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
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Guest Post
22 Sep 2020
Understanding the MSP regulation debate and what MSPs can do
The MSP industry should consider implementing certification and insurance standards before more states follow in Louisiana's stead and begin to pass MSP regulation laws. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2020
How MSP cloud services can help grow your business
Channel firms needn't hesitate to develop cloud offerings. The CTO of Level5 Management discusses how MSP cloud services can benefit businesses and strengthen client relationships. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2020
CompTIA's lobbying efforts and how MSPs could self-regulate
CompTIA's Todd Thibodeaux talks with Dave Sobel about the current lobbying efforts by the MSP industry and how it could start self-regulating before more states follow Louisiana's lead. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2020
Diversity in IT channel for 2020: It's time we take action
Dave Sobel looks to move beyond just discussing becoming more diverse in the workplace, with IT channel companies championing change and hiring more diverse leaders. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Accenture cloud investment to reach $3 billion
Accenture said the $3 billion investment aims to empower its growing cloud-based agenda, which will be spearheaded by the Accenture Cloud First group; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2020
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
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Tip
14 Sep 2020
3 key phishing prevention strategies for MSPs
MSPs need a solid phishing prevention strategy for protecting clients against evolving threats. Learn about the key pieces of anti-phishing arsenals: tools, policies and training. Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2020
Adaptive strategy looms as test for partners, clients
Organizations must grapple with the fact that the 2020s could see a range of disruptive events. Digital technologies can help businesses to roll with the punches. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Sep 2020
How to develop resilient IT operations for the COVID-19 era
To meet pandemic-based business demands, enterprises can take these five steps to transform their existing technology platforms. Wipro exec Murthy Malapaka explains the process. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Sep 2020
Securonix grows program for MSSP partners, adds NTT, Wipro
Securonix Inc., a provider of security information and event management technology, has expanded its program for MSSP partners and managed detection and response providers, having added services ... Continue Reading
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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
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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
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Opinion
31 Aug 2020
Application rationalization strategy opens MSP opportunities
The rapid adoption of new technologies can lead to a slew of problems. Learn why MSPs should help clients develop an application rationalization strategy to cope with these issues. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2020
Kaseya: Rebound ahead for MSP mergers and acquisitions
Kaseya believes MSP M&A activity is poised to bounce back after a temporary slowdown caused by the pandemic. Get insight into what's fueling the trend. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Aug 2020
Kaseya offers price break on MSP peer group membership
Service providers new to MSP peer groups are getting a price cut from Kaseya, an IT business management platform provider. Kaseya is partnering with TruMethods, an MSP training and software ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2020
Top virtual selling, consulting tips from IT channel firms
Even after the pandemic recedes, channel partners predict virtual selling to remain a piece of overall sales strategies. Use these tips to hone your remote sales approach. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2020
Managed service pricing pressure mounts during pandemic
The COVID-19 economy brings with it both boons and challenges for MSPs, including pressure to slash prices, according to speakers at Kaseya Connect IT; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2020
MSP cloud investments put IaaS in the spotlight
MSPs are building out their cloud businesses more decisively than ever before. Learn about the benefits of and considerations for investing in managed cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2020
Kaseya aims to address MSP cybersecurity challenges
As MSPs look to balance customer security and in-house protection, Kaseya is continuing its investment in the cybersecurity portion of its IT management platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
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
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News
24 Aug 2020
Kaseya Connect IT: Vendor buys Graphus to expand MSP suite
The acquisition of Graphus, revealed at Kaseya's Connect IT event, adds email security and anti-phishing technology to the company's management platform for MSPs. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2020
Partners integrate thermal scanning into customer offerings
Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have generated interest in thermal scanning systems. Find out how channel firms are incorporating the technology into their offerings. Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2020
Rackspace: Cloud cost optimization an IT pain point
New research by Rackspace Technology revealed organizations are grappling with cloud cost governance and optimization; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Aug 2020
Remote work fuels identity and access management market
Channel partners have an opportunity to help customers adopt and implement identity and access management programs across their organizations. Learn more about IAM offerings. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Aug 2020
MSPs need state societies before governments regulate them
Before more states follow Louisiana around regulating MSPs, providers need to band together and create an industry organization to ensure they have a voice in any future laws. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2020
Dell Financial Services maintains flexible payments in pandemic
Dell Technologies renewed its Payment Flexibility Program for customers and partners in light of the ongoing pandemic; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 Aug 2020
Creating MSP solution stacks that don't have gaps or overlap
Dave Sobel reviews four methods for how managed service providers can effectively integrate vendor products into their offerings, providing a more complete solution for their customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2020
4 tips for proper cyber hygiene during the remote workforce era
IT services firms have a responsibility to secure their clients' remote workforces. Here are four tips for maintaining cyber hygiene in the cloud, using AWS as an example. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2020
Accelerated digital transformation opens partner opportunities
The pandemic has catapulted channel partners and their customers into a new mindset about digital transformation and how technology is adopted and used; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 Aug 2020
Do brands managed service providers use matter to customers?
Dave Sobel argues that the brands MSPs choose to use largely don't matter to their customers; what customers do care about are the results of the managed services. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Aug 2020
Innovation and the economy: Going digital key to enduring downturn
A financial crisis tends to jar organizations out of established ways of thinking and usher in innovation. Channel partners are well positioned to help clients through this transition and introduce ... Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2020
Accenture cloud computing paves way for integration plan
Penelope Prett, CIO at Accenture, aims to provide employees a holistic user experience, taking advantage of cloud computing to integrate various technology tools. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Culture of learning can spark channel innovation
Channel partners seeking to drive innovation should become learning organizations that encourage risk-taking and creative thinking, according to speakers at CompTIA's ChannelCon. Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2020
ChannelCon 2020 speakers see room for innovation in economy
The COVID-19 economy can harm partners, but also nudge them toward greater creativity. Speakers at CompTIA's channel event cited emerging tech and business consulting openings. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Aug 2020
Channel business exit strategies during uncertain times
The difficult economic climate wrought by the pandemic is making waves in the channel industry, with some MSPs having to decide whether to stay put or pursue an exit strategy. Continue Reading