DevOps and Agile strategies
News, tips and features for managed service providers building DevOps and Agile strategies. Find out how channel partners are adopting the methodologies and software development techniques in these emerging fields.
Top Stories
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Feature
24 Feb 2022
Deloitte software engineering gets global boost
Recent acquisitions help the consultancy pursue 24/7 software sprints to meet customer demand for digitalization and faster product delivery cycles. Continue Reading
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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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Tutorial
14 Feb 2019
How to manage Windows 7 user accounts and groups
Whether your customers operate in a workgroup or a domain/Active Directory environment, user account setup and group memberships control their rights, permissions and roles. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
IBM sales strategy enlists users as product partners
Big Blue's decision to revert to an old IBM sales strategy -- selling products and co-creating packages with users -- could better position the company in hybrid cloud and AI markets. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
Dell EMC expands Isilon with new F810 all-flash model
Dell EMC Isilon F810 all-flash NAS array and ClarityNow software tackle unstructured file data through increased performance and data reduction over previous versions. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
Amazon tightens requirements on AWS managed service providers
Changes to AWS' program for managed service providers challenge MSPs to raise their standards through certifications, audits and customer input. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Feb 2019
2019 IBM partner program bolsters ecosystem approach
IBM is doubling down on its channel ecosystem strategy this week with a raft of partner program updates. The IBM ecosystem strategy was launched last year to engage a broad range of partner ... Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
Carbonite to acquire cybersecurity firm Webroot
The Carbonite acquisition of Webroot is a big play in the SMB market. Carbonite's backup and recovery platform will combine with Webroot's cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
IBM Storage adds blockchain, analytics blueprints
IBM offers up blueprints for blockchain storage, with NVMe arrays and software for scale-out. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Sale of Avast Managed Workplace sharpens vendor's security focus
Following Barracuda Networks' purchase of Avast Managed Workplace, an RMM-free Avast plans to build out its SMB security portfolio; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Kaseya CEO reveals 2019 acquisition plans for IT Complete
Kaseya's acquisition strategy for its IT Complete platform remains a work in progress, with security, endpoint management and more on its 2019 shopping list. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
Commvault looks to Puppet for new leader
The new Commvault boss says it's time for well-funded data management upstarts to 'take the training wheels off' if they want to compete in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
From Microsoft Azure partners to ISVs, deeper partnerships emerge
Microsoft is pursing partnerships with an expanded range of channel companies across a set of initiatives such as Microsoft co-selling and Microsoft Azure Expert MSPs. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2019
Dell EMC appliances gain speed, public cloud support
Dell EMC backup appliances get a software update that improves speed and expands public cloud support, showing a conscious push for multi-cloud and midsize customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Feb 2019
Solve IT recruiting challenges with nontraditional candidates
If you're a channel firm faced with recruiting challenges, perhaps it's time to look outside the traditional talent pool. That's the advice of partner executives who are adopting innovative ... Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2019
WANdisco's patented blockchain tech juices multi-cloud DR
WANdisco slips patented blockchain DConE technology into LiveData for MultiCloud, promising to deliver LAN-like speeds across clouds to improve disaster recovery. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2019
Cisco IoT platform gets partner authorization program
Cisco has launched an IoT partner authorization program and associated training to help channel companies establish their credibility as providers of this emerging technology. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
Userful taps partners to manage digital signage systems
Userful is courting channel partners to sell and deploy its AV-over-IP technology, contending integrators can wrap services around Userful software; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
CompTIA reveals the trends the channel must track
The industry organization has pulled together its thoughts about what the rest of the year will hold. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2019
Asigra introduces unlimited use licensing model
The 'all-you-can-eat' licensing model is meant to help Asigra backup customers by providing a predictable cost and potential savings. However, it is not the best fit for everyone. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
How an MSP enlisted Webroot for ransomware prevention
Platte River Networks is using Webroot technology, which includes endpoint protection software and a phishing simulator, to shield its clients from ransomware. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2019
7 business and technology trends for 2019
Business and technology trends for 2019 include a shifting competitive landscape and ample M&A activity, with managed service providers and cloud consultancies in demand. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2019
Backup upstarts get fresh funds, challenge old guard
New rounds of Rubrik, Veeam, Actifio and Cohesity funding have given these vendors resources to challenge established backup vendors such as Veritas and Dell EMC. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2019
Tech skills gap gives rise to IT apprenticeship programs
In the highly competitive tech labor market, channel partners are formalizing IT apprenticeship programs to cultivate the next generation of IT talent. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2019
IT channel M&A: First steps for selling a company
Ready to sell your channel business? M&A veterans Arlin Sorensen and Michael Corey offer their advice on how to get your ducks in a row and protect your interests. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2019
How to sell your channel partner business to the right buyer
Experts discuss the first steps of the M&A process, which includes identifying and qualifying potential buyers. Here's advice on negotiating the best deal. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Broadcom reiterates faith in viability of CA deal
Broadcom explains why its surprising acquisition of CA Technologies can work, citing complementary portfolios and the long-term viability of mainframe software. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya partners at forefront of vendor's cloud transformation
According to Avaya, the business communications vendor will reward partners that help build out Avaya cloud business; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
IT Priorities survey highlights multifactor authentication
TechTarget's IT Priorities survey revealed key security initiatives companies plan to implement in 2019. Experts weigh in on best practices to be adopted. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
Veeam Availability Suite 9.5 upgrades cloud protection
The Veeam cloud backup platform becomes more comprehensive as backed up data continues to shift to the cloud. Updates allow users to move data around easier. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jan 2019
Citrix partners play role in vendor's cloud push
Citrix partners are contributing to the company's push beyond its traditional virtualization products and into cloud and subscription-based services. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2019
VMware divulges plans for Heptio post-acquisition
Heptio founder Craig McLuckie, now VP of R&D at VMware following a 2018 merger, anticipates hard work ahead to get enterprises to adopt Kubernetes in their production environments. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
AWS launches backup service for its cloud
AWS Backup gives customers management and orchestration tools to simplify snapshots for a variety of Amazon services. The move follows AWS' acquisition of migration and backup vendor CloudEndure. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
DXC, Citrix partner on Saab digital workspace platform
A digital workspace platform at Saab combines components from DXC, a global systems integrator, and Citrix, which sees opportunities beyond virtualization; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2019
How to revamp your managed services pricing for predictable revenue
Many MSPs still rely heavily on an hourly billing rate and cost-plus pricing. Michael Backers, an MSPAlliance board member, offers advice on moving to managed services pricing. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2019
Veeam hints at expansion after landing $500M funding
The data management player already boasts 60,000 partners globally and is looking at giving them more products and markets to sell and focus on. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2019
Ryuk has earned $3.7 million in ransomware payments
Cybersecurity vendors CrowdStrike and FireEye both published new research that shows an increase in Ryuk ransomware attacks on enterprises, which have earned hackers $3.7 million. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2019
What makes for a true MSP partner?
Serving as a customer's partner requires more than a marketing label. David Kaszowicz of Aventis Systems discusses how channel companies can become managing partners. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2019
Mainframe technology investments spur channel opportunities
Mainframe systems provide a potential target for modernization initiatives, as well as an area of focus for channel partners with the right skills. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2019
AWS snares CloudEndure for DR, backup, VM migration
Amazon Web Services purchases startup CloudEndure to bolster application and data migration, backup, and disaster recovery services for enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
Cisco readies ACI controller for AWS
An AWS version of the Cisco ACI controller set to launch this quarter brings consistency in fabric management between private data centers and Amazon's public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
RMM software vendor Pulseway gains traction in MSP market
MSPs can expect Pulseway to add machine learning-based features and third-party integrations to its RMM software in 2019; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2019
Microsoft Azure migration: Accenture team supports Carlsberg
A more agile infrastructure was among the benefits of an Azure migration at brewer Carlsberg Group. An Accenture-led team assisted with the cloud transition. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2019
MSP market rides M&A momentum into 2019
Last year's mergers and acquisitions spree looks set to continue into 2019, as buyers look for geographic reach and skills that span multiple public cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2019
SAP changes workforce vendor pecking order
SAP inks reseller agreement with Kronos, and now offers two third-party workforce management platforms. Analysts say that could be both good and bad for customers. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
Cloud, data management lead 2019 IT storage priorities
Data management -- on premises and in the cloud -- appears on the rise as a 2019 spending priority for storage pros, while flash arrays and converged infrastructure may have peaked. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2019
VMware partners craft managed services for AWS offering
VMware Cloud on AWS: Partners are stepping up to provide managed services around the hybrid cloud offering that combines VMware's virtualization products and the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2019
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
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News
04 Jan 2019
AWS preps app suite for deeper customer engagement
AWS wants to become more of a business advisor to its customers, and plans to provide more options thanks in part to an app suite currently in use by its in-house employees. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2019
Insight launches IaC offering to boost cloud operating model
Insight Enterprises has created an infrastructure as code offering that the company said will help customers avoid creating a cloud operating environment from scratch. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2019
Five9 lands former Cisco executive as CTO
Jonathan Rosenberg is now CTO and head of AI for the cloud contact center vendor Five9. Rosenberg was previously a top executive in Cisco's collaboration division. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2019
Unified communications market sees demand for customized offerings
Channel partners can use unified communications APIs to help customers simplify business workflows. Learn about this niche opportunity and what trends will shape the market. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jan 2019
Huawei aims to be more resilient in 2019 amid challenges
Huawei’s rotating chairman Guo Ping outlines the firm’s priorities to optimize its product portfolio, empower employees and build a more resilient business structure. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2018
Cloud, edge, technology for small businesses top 2019 trends
From the cloud 'foundation of innovation' to intelligent edge computing, channel partners will have numerous technology developments to consider in 2019. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
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
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
Technology trends 2019: Expect AI, blockchain uncertainty
AI and blockchain uses are on the cusp of expansion. Or are they? IT service provider executives discuss the timing and prospects for emerging technology. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
Kaseya-IT Glue buyout won't sever ties with MSP software competitors
The Kaseya-IT Glue acquisition, two years in the making, will not affect the IT documentation vendor's integrations with Kaseya's competitors, according to Kaseya CEO; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Cloud trends in 2019: Cost struggle, skills gap to continue
IT service providers should have their hands full in 2019 helping enterprise customers deal with cloud cost management in expanding multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
Data tools players look to ride AWS cloud surge
Third-party players looking to join Amazon Web Services' cloud data lineup tout hedges against cloud lock-in. The vendors must both compete and collaborate with the cloud leader. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
New tool offers Cisco resellers digital transformation help
Cisco Digital Navigator, a digital transformation methodology, aims to help Cisco resellers build digital businesses and facilitate partnering with digital solutions integrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2018
7 channel marketing strategy tips for 21st-century success
Channel companies need to develop a marketing strategy that goes beyond word of mouth and vendors' programs. Those alone just don't cut it these days. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Avaya launches online store for cloud UC, contact center
Organizations can now buy multi-tenant Avaya cloud products through a self-service website targeted at small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
Enterprises grapple with Kubernetes security
As Kubernetes enters the enterprise mainstream, it has early adopters abuzz about security issues in the platform and the containers it orchestrates. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
Best-of-breed vs. big box SD-WAN: Which one wins?
When it comes to SD-WAN technology, deployment options vary, largely dependent on business requirements. But a multiple-vendors strategy might be better than all-in-one SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Dec 2018
Unconventional rivals to challenge IT channel companies
Channel companies in 2019 may find themselves weighing the merits of ISV partnerships versus the possibility of developing their own software lines of business. Continue Reading
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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
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News
10 Dec 2018
Microsoft seeks Azure converts with database moves
Microsoft hopes a series of features, deployment options and price changes can convince more customers to migrate their database workloads to Azure and not to rival clouds. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2018
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
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News
07 Dec 2018
SAP Partner Business Forum: Change is upon us
SAP partners need to change their thinking if they're going to enable the 'intelligent enterprise.' That was the big message from the SAP Partner Business Forum this week. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Arcserve partner strategy puts spotlight on MSP partnerships
Under new Arcserve partner leadership, the data protection provider will enhance its channel program for managed services providers; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2018
AWS moves up the stack to appease enterprises
AWS gives users plenty of options, but with that diversity comes complexity. In response, the cloud vendor is poised to move into new territory to appease its enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2018
2019 channel partner events to mark on your calendar
When making 2019 travel plans, refer to this list of channel-focused events and conferences hosted by IT vendors, distributors, industry organizations and vendors that cater to VARs and MSPs. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Dec 2018
Tactics for selling MSP backup services
A sales approach that illustrates the potential of ransomware threats to disrupt small business operations could help managed service providers sell backup and recovery offerings. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2018
Avaya revenue begins to stabilize in fiscal 2018
Avaya earnings began to level off in fiscal 2018, as the vendor began to grow its contact center business again. However, Avaya's UC products continued to struggle. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Dec 2018
Ensure a smooth M&A process with these channel partner tips
From approaching an acquisition target to dealing with snags at the eleventh hour, M&As are intensive journeys. Experts share their top considerations when buying channel firms. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
AWS supports BYOL trend through License Manager
Many AWS customers use the bring-your-own-license model. Now, the cloud vendor has given them a tool to ensure they comply with third-party contract agreements. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
OPAQ sharpens channel focus
OPAQ is looking for MSPs grounded in networking and security, while Nerdio has launched a sales tool for MSPs offering Microsoft Azure services -- more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2018
How the Microsoft Open Data Initiative may benefit partners
Partners responded optimistically to the Open Data Initiative from Microsoft, citing potential opportunities to help customers derive greater value from their data. Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2018
AWS CEO highlights untapped channel growth areas
AWS CEO Andy Jassy used the Global Partner Keynote at re:Invent 2018 to highlight how helping enterprises migrate to the cloud now could have follow-on business benefits for channel partners for many years to come. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
Network design checklist: How to design a local area network
Local area network design considerations for IT consultants range from IP default gateway redundancy to device standardization. Browse these tips iIf you are building a LAN. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
FalconStor CEO's strategy includes rebranding, M&A
FalconStor's CEO talks about saving the company by focusing on cloud, rebranding its FreeStor data protection and management platform, and keeping his finger off the panic button. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Nov 2018
Professional services automation tools take on integration, AI
Professional services automation vendors are taking on more integration and incorporating technologies such as AI and machine learning into their PSA tool offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
Network documentation checklist: 10 steps for channel partners
Network documents can provide service providers with valuable insight when it's time to troubleshoot problems. Follow these 10 steps for a smooth documentation process. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2018
HPE blesses Cohesity with OEM deal
The Cohesity data management platform will be delivered through HPE DL380 and Apollo servers, thanks to the strengthened HPE partnership, marking Cohesity's first OEM deal. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2018
Rackspace managed VMware service provides AWS steppingstone
A new multi-cloud platform from Rackspace seeks to take advantage of customer experience with VMware technology and the need to tap public cloud services, such as AWS. Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2018
Gartner: IaaS providers have to go beyond the edge
The analyst house has highlighted the opportunities that are out there for those infrastructure service providers that recognize the way customer needs are evolving. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
MSP cybersecurity concerns may require a business model retune
Many managed service provider partners consider IT security an important revenue opportunity, but they may have to retool their offerings to address emerging threats. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Nov 2018
Cisco Partner Summit 2018 sets the stage for change
Executives at Cisco Partner Summit 2018 outlined program changes that channel partners can expect to see unfold in the coming months. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
What the Talari acquisition brings to Oracle
With the Talari acquisition, Oracle's communications unit gets SD-WAN technology that improves VoIP reliability. But the Talari SD-WAN also lacks important enterprise features. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2018
Microsoft-FSLogix acquisition changes cloud desktop game
FSLogix can help Microsoft solve problems that have plagued the integration of Office 365 and virtual desktops, and it will immediately benefit the new Windows Virtual Desktop. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Oracle snaps up Talari to add SD-WAN capabilities to the mix
The tie-up will give Oracle's communication division a chance to add SD-WAN to the range of options that partners can take out to customers. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
BMC partners to tackle modern mainframe challenges
BMC wants its channel partners to target large and medium-sized businesses with new Automated Mainframe Intelligence products; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Cisco strategy revolves around multi-domain architecture
Cisco aims to interconnect various networking domains -- from the data center to the cloud -- in an approach it has dubbed multi-domain architecture. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Are you customer experienced? New Cisco specialization on tap
Channel partners will get a new Cisco specialization next year that focuses on customer experience and will eventually supersede Cisco's Lifecycle Advisor program. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
What Amazon's move off Oracle means for customers
Amazon says its consumer division has dumped Oracle's database platform, and the company will offload most workloads by year's end. Will it inspire AWS customers to do the same? Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Cisco partners view Catalyst 9200 as service opportunity
Channel executives at Cisco Partner Summit 2018 say Cisco's new Catalyst switches offer the ability to wrap software and services around hardware sales. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Nov 2018
Three highlights of IT Nation Connect 2018
Last week's IT Nation Connect event, ConnectWise's annual users conference, held in Orlando, Fla., hit on a few of the core trends that channel partners grapple with today. Trends included the need ... Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
Cisco Webex Teams gets cloud calling through BroadSoft
The integration of the BroadSoft cloud PBX with the messaging and meetings app Webex Teams gives midsize Cisco customers a clearer migration path to a cloud-only UC environment. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
Cisco Partner Summit 2018 continues software emphasis
The Cisco software strategy is accelerating, according to a company official who cites growth in recurring revenue, enterprise agreements and Lifecycle Advisors as evidence. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Apptio sale spotlights rise of hybrid IT, cost controls
Why does private equity firm Vista Equity Partners want to pay nearly $2 billion for IT spend analytics vendor Apptio? Here's a clue: It's the rise of hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
IT Nation 2018 drills into managed security opportunity
At the IT Nation 2018 conference, ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini bid attendees to embrace the fast-growing managed security market and abandon their generalist approaches. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
ON Semiconductor distributors drive $1B in revenue
It may not be the traditional channel, but semiconductor distributors play a key role in boosting ON Semiconductor's sales in emerging markets; more news from the week. Continue Reading