Emerging technologies for MSPs
An overview of key trends in emerging technologies and how service providers can incorporate them into their business models.
Top Stories
-
News
22 May 2023
Startup partnerships play bigger role in challenging market
Channel allies become more valuable as startups look for cost-efficient routes to market and vie to stand out in crowded sectors such as cybersecurity. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 May 2023
4 key ways partners sharpen digital transformation strategy
IT service providers employ methodologies, tools and platforms to keep initiatives on track. Their efforts aim to prevent projects from stalling before they deliver the goods. Continue Reading
Mobility Consulting: A Missed Channel Opportunity?
Mobile devices are disrupting your customers’ IT strategies, leading to lots of problems that need solving. Find out where the best opportunities lie and get advice from experts on how to approach the market, including what not to do.
-
News
15 May 2023
Partner ecosystem upbeat on market prospects, generative AI
Service providers express optimism despite the continuing economic uncertainty, looking to emerging technologies and services stalwarts such as cyber and cloud. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Apr 2023
7 generative AI challenges that businesses should consider
The promise of revolutionary, content-generating AI models has a flip side: the perils of misuse, algorithmic bias, technical complexity and workforce restructuring. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2023
AWS partner ecosystem changes involve ISVs, generative AI
The cloud platform provider makes matches among ISVs and systems integrators as it cultivates AI relationships and simplifies its global partner programs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Apr 2023
7 top generative AI benefits for business
This rapidly evolving artificial intelligence field has the potential to help organizations quickly generate content, improve customer service and develop new products. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Apr 2023
Zero-trust consulting opportunities abound amid tech confusion
Ten years on, tech buyers still find zero trust bewildering. Consultants aim to help them get a handle on -- and deploy -- this multifaceted security model. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2023
IT services M&A slows, but could revive in 2H
M&A rebounded after the initial shock of COVID-19, but the pace has slackened amid economic uncertainty. The deals getting done reflect interest in specific skill sets. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Mar 2023
VMware Partner Connect reboots with accent on SaaS
VMware's partner program gets a new look as the company invests in the subscription model; Endor Labs, Graphiant and TrueFort also launch or update channel efforts. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Mar 2023
Cloud cost management takes center stage
IT shops appear ready to focus on cloud costs amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Service providers expect clients to invest more in FinOps and optimization tools this year. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Mar 2023
Health of digital transformation: Consulting firms list issues
Digital transformation can take too long and fail to deliver. Root causes include lack of focus, cultural barriers and technical challenges, according to IT services executives. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Feb 2023
FinOps, co-innovation could unlock cloud business benefits
Industry studies underscore businesses' continuing struggle to obtain cloud computing benefits. A greater focus on strategy, financial management and co-innovation could help. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
27 Jan 2023
How to kickstart 2023 with effective automation systems
Technologies such as robotic process automation, generative AI and collaborative robots can help organizations reduce risk and improve results in a range of industries. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Jan 2023
Service providers explore 2023 technology trends
The uncertain economy influences the technology developments service providers expect to see in 2023, with customers likely to optimize and integrate existing assets. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jan 2023
New year, new partner go-to-market strategy
The partner ecosystem continues to evolve as companies deal with emerging technologies and business models. Here's what SoftwareOne, Johnson Controls and IBM are pursuing. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Dec 2022
Cybersecurity outlook 2023: Consultants cite 6 trends
IT services executives predicted greater focus on user training and protection, supply chain security and machine learning. And digital transformation could spark zero-trust projects. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Dec 2022
Ukrainian software developers deal with power outages
IT services providers use a mix of diesel generators, portable power stations, Starlink and creative work scheduling to press on when the power is off. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Dec 2022
Top AWS cloud consultants earn 6-to-1 revenue multiplier
AWS ecosystem research suggests partners generate more services dollars when they invest in a broader portfolio of offerings; other partner developments at re:Invent. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
11 Oct 2022
Pliancy shuns MSP label, grows $30M business
The managed services business model may be an investor favorite at the moment, but Marcus Olson has avoided that term, emphasizing a consultative approach instead. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Sep 2022
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
-
News
26 Sep 2022
Slack, Workday build partner ecosystems for industry clouds
Cloud providers are tapping consultants and integrators -- and their vertical market knowledge -- to spark digital transformation through industry-specific cloud offerings. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Sep 2022
MSP software landscape shifts amid consolidation, new tools
An evolving MSP software market offers service providers wider choices for running their businesses. Will they embrace platform consolidation or consider other options? Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Sep 2022
Channel partners explore RPA for MSP, client use cases
MSPs can tap robotic process automation for a multitude of applications, but they must consider the challenges of change management and multi-vendor environments. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Sep 2022
3 essential aspects of MSP automation
Tools such as robotic process automation and cloud-based services help service providers relieve employees of mundane work, but adopters must navigate deployment challenges. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Sep 2022
Cloud consultants attract investors, grow revenue
Money keeps pouring into the cloud consulting and professional services market as industry executives cite steady demand for their services in an uncertain economy. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Aug 2022
Atlassian partners cite cloud migration, ITSM growth
The software company offers a range of partner opportunities as it pursues digital transformation and transitions from server products to cloud-based offerings. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Aug 2022
Low-code/no-code platforms for MSPs' in-house, external use
Service providers gain agility and efficiency benefits when using these emerging development platforms, and also land consulting opportunities with clients. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jul 2022
Microsoft partner ecosystem revved up, riled by 2022 event
A contact center product launch, a space industry community and an upcoming partner program revamp topped the list of Microsoft Inspire developments; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jul 2022
Microsoft industry clouds hover over partner event
At Microsoft Inspire, industry-specific cloud offerings emerged as a key FY 2023 direction for the technology company and one in which it enlists partner ecosystem support. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Jul 2022
Partners see growth in maturing on-premises cloud technology
Colocation, data-center-as-a-service offerings and cloud-like consumption models offer customers alternatives -- or adjuncts -- to public cloud platforms. Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Jul 2022
Partners weigh OEMs' private cloud options for clients
Dell Apex, HPE GreenLake and NetApp Keystone are among the pay-per-use hardware platforms partners can offer clients considering alternatives to the public cloud. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Jul 2022
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
-
News
11 Jul 2022
Managed services industry remains investor magnet
The high-tempo transaction pace continues as investors cite recurring revenue, attractive cash flows and favorable IT trends as reasons to pursue MSP deals; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Jun 2022
A guide to MSP patch management best practices
As software patch management challenges mount, industry experts offer advice to MSPs on prioritizing system risk levels, selecting proper tools and testing patches internally. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jun 2022
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
-
News
06 Jun 2022
In digital transformation, telecom needs a partner boost
Legacy business models and risk avoidance leave many telecom firms behind in the race to innovate, but the partner ecosystem could spark their progress; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2022
Early-stage companies at MIT Sloan event tap partners
Companies participating in the business school's Innovation Showcase work with service provider partners, continuing a trend among tech startups; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 May 2022
Digital transformation in manufacturing melds emerging tech
Partners work with customers to absorb a mixture of AI, IIoT, hyperautomation, 5G and cloud computing, while dealing with the challenge of highly distributed organizations. Continue Reading
-
News
16 May 2022
Partners become central to SAP industry cloud business
At SAP Sapphire 2022, the software company highlighted partnerships with consulting firms that emphasized their vertical market acumen; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 May 2022
Partner ecosystem strategy: Co-innovation and other variants
Co-innovation, generative partnering and co-creation describe alliances among customers, service providers and tech vendors. But what do the terms mean and what are the benefits? Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Apr 2022
Partners cite reinforcement learning use cases, gradual uptake
Consultants view reinforcement learning as a tool for decision-making at scale and a way to solve optimization problems, but its capabilities remain a mystery for some customers. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2022
Consultants ramp up vertical cloud development
Changing customer needs have prompted partners such as TCS, PwC and EY to pursue industry-specific strategies around cloud computing; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Apr 2022
Financial industry cloud model gains momentum
Channel partners working with industry clouds, such as IBM's Cloud for Financial Services, can limit the work customers must do to meet application security and compliance requirements. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Apr 2022
Consultants see retail payment systems adapt to pandemic
A mix of consulting and integration opportunities could drive partner business, as retailers look to adopt omnichannel technologies and hybrid sales models. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2022
Partners bring hybrid workplace technology to market
NWN Carousel and ROI Communications are among the service providers creating offerings for customers pursuing flexible work models; more IT channel news Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Apr 2022
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
-
Feature
05 Apr 2022
SD-WAN project covers security, latency and cloud
PM Pediatrics, an urgent care provider, hired service provider Vandis to improve branch security, but the project transformed into something much broader. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Mar 2022
Mission's machine learning consulting gig boosts image
E-card platform JibJab sought a better way to crop images for a new physical book product. Mission improved the process's accuracy in an effort that won a 2021 Top Projects Award. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Mar 2022
AIOps challenges ease into MSP system management
AIOps is still early in development; however, the technology will help channel partners and customers contextualize large volumes of data and streamline management processes. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Mar 2022
Partner ecosystems build IP with Cisco, SAP
Channel companies collaborate with technology providers, creating differentiated offerings that address customer demand for business outcomes; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Mar 2022
Channel partners prepare data analytics managed services
Customers may not fully understand AI and machine learning technology yet, but channel partners have been building their expertise to make the use cases a reality for clients. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Mar 2022
Technology service providers enter a golden age
The good -- the digital transformation project is now a priority. The bad -- IT is short staffed, equipment is back-ordered and everyone is burnt out. Who will do the work? Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2022
Accenture, Celonis partner in process mining technology
The strategic relationship aims to speed up process improvement, embedding Celonis' technology in Accenture offerings such as MyConcerto and SynOps; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Dec 2021
Service providers predict 2022 technology trends
Cloud developments, data analytics technology and nascent metaverses could keep consultants and integrators occupied for the coming year and well beyond. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Sep 2021
Quantum computing ecosystem grows with Accenture, QCI moves
A quantum computing ecosystem is taking shape. Quantum methods may find initial applications in solving optimization challenges across various industries; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
17 Sep 2021
The importance of building an agile and resilient infrastructure
No one knows what the future will demand. Here's how channel partners can help their clients prioritize agility and resilience in their infrastructures. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Aug 2021
AI, zero trust support remote work technologies
Artificial intelligence and zero-trust frameworks have played a critical role in helping enterprises support a surging remote workforce. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jun 2021
IT consultants go for green cloud computing
Sustainability and green cloud computing have gained a higher profile in recent months, leading consultancies like Accenture and ThoughtWorks to pursue new services; other news. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
10 Jun 2021
What channel partners should know about modern CIOs
CIOs' traditional roles have evolved into a much more complex set of responsibilities. Learn about this key customer. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
26 May 2021
Top 5 IT services trends for technology, service providers
As businesses embrace digital services, technology and service providers must align with five market-changing trends, according to Gartner analyst Twiggy Lo. 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
30 Apr 2021
Digital innovation shift shakes up IT budgets
New research shows a change in attitudes toward IT investments, with business looking to go beyond modernized infrastructure to digital innovation; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Feb 2021
Mission launches machine learning consulting practice
The AWS Premier Consulting Partner will target AI and machine learning projects in a broad range of industries; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Feb 2021
Digital acceleration opens opportunities, widens tech gap
The pandemic has set the stage for increased investments in digital transformation and business innovation, an Accenture report found; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
21 Jan 2021
What low-code/no-code and pro-code mean for providers
Dave Sobel talks with SeedCode CEO John Sindelar about the low-code/no-code movement and how providers should be thinking about building on platforms such as Salesforce. 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
-
News
21 Dec 2020
Accenture: Retail supply chain ripe for reinvention
Retailers are responding to consumer behavior changes by reimagining the supply chain as a growth driver, according to an Accenture Interactive report; other news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Dec 2020
Top 10 channel partner news stories from 2020
Our top 10 channel partner news stories of 2020 explore growing markets such as cloud services and automation, as well as moves by Microsoft, Accenture and Dell Technologies. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
News
31 Jul 2020
Digital transformation approaches favor speed in down market
Digital transformation strategies are undergoing transformation in response to U.S. economic turmoil, several researchers found; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Jun 2020
Pandemic shapes RPA market trends
This pandemic is influencing organizational structures and changing priorities for enterprises pursuing robotic process automation deployments. Here's what partners can expect. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jun 2020
Partners use low-code, frameworks for faster development
The pandemic has put pressure on channel partners to speed up application development, leading some to adopt streamlined approaches; more IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
29 May 2020
Moogsoft AIOps platform taps WWT in partner initiative
World Wide Technology will build out its AIOps practice by using the Moogsoft AIOps platform alongside Cisco's AppDynamics, according to Moogsoft; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 May 2020
Healthcare IoT's next steps come into focus
Industry watchers believe healthcare IoT is approaching an inflection point. Channel partners can assist in the next step in developing a strategy for existing data. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 May 2020
Digital transformation projects pick up pace under pressure
IT service providers see accelerating demand for cloud, data analytics, AI and automation as organizations face the challenge of retooling their operations as the economy reopens. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 May 2020
Customers expand IT capabilities for business in the new normal
The pandemic has sparked new directions for Insight Enterprises' project work. Clients are looking to build IT capabilities for unique types of business problems. Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 May 2020
RPA adoption to expand amid business resiliency needs
Leslie Joseph, principal analyst at Forrester, expects a surge in RPA demand, with financial services, manufacturing, energy and utilities, and logistics outpacing other verticals. Continue Reading
-
News
08 May 2020
Security, RPA, managed cloud services drive demand
Market research firms have identified multiple IT services trends emerging in the current pandemic-influenced market; more channel 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
-
Feature
31 Mar 2020
RPA market's next step? It's complicated
Some RPA vendors seek ease of use, while others pursue higher intelligence. Some customers pause RPA projects, while others are getting started. Consultants navigate the tangle. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jan 2020
Partners get new LogicMonitor AIOps tools after Unomaly buy
An enhanced LogicMonitor AIOps toolbox offers partners new sales opportunities and training, LogicMonitor said. The new AIOps tools come from the vendor's buyout of Unomaly. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jan 2020
UiPath RPA training targets channel partners
RPA vendor UiPath has launched a new training portal built specifically for channel partners, offering educational content used by the company's internal teams; more channel news. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
14 Jan 2020
MSP business trends, from e-waste to virtual warehouses
MSP business trends expected to shape the market in 2020 include e-waste disposition, cloud distribution and state consumer privacy legislation. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Dec 2019
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
-
Feature
17 Dec 2019
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
-
News
15 Nov 2019
Accenture: AI scaling looms as existential challenge
Partners deploying AI take note: 75% of the executives Accenture polled believe they risk business failure if they are unable to scale the technology; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
04 Oct 2019
Digital process automation: Bonitasoft tool boosts BPM work
Digital process automation technology is playing a key role in enabling business process management projects for one IT services firm. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
23 Sep 2019
RPA software platform targets VARs, integrators
RPA software is taking a low-code approach at Argos Labs, which recently launched a marketplace and private repositories that could help VARs and SIs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Sep 2019
RPA marketplace trend has bots in store
RPA marketplaces are beginning to make their mark as vendors cultivate bot component contributors, including systems integrators and consulting firms. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
11 Sep 2019
Is robotic process automation software hitting the wall?
Robotic process automation software is considered the cornerstone of digital transformation in some organizations, but Pegasystems Francis Carden challenges this view. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Aug 2019
7 things to know about professional drone services
Members of CompTIA's Drone Council described favorable conditions for entering the commercial drone services space. Use this insight to plot your course. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Aug 2019
ChannelCon explores strategies for emerging technologies
At CompTIA ChannelCon 2019, attendees explained why channel business strategies for emerging technologies require both a thirst for knowledge and a healthy dose of skepticism. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Aug 2019
CGS taps UiPath RPA software for digital transformation journey
An outsourcing and managed services provider has made robotic process automation the focal point of its digital transformation journey. Continue Reading
-
Guide
30 Jul 2019
How to build an AI services business in the channel
Advancements in AI have ushered in new opportunities for the channel. In this guide, we pair insight into the burgeoning market with strategies for building AI-focused businesses. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jul 2019
Intelligent operations guidance from Accenture, Ahead, Orion
The nascent intelligent operations field promises to shake up how companies do business. But customers need not start from scratch to get the benefits, IT consultants noted. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
02 Jul 2019
Cognilytica expands on CRISP DM model for AI project management
As AI projects become commonplace, channel partners may need to find a way to manage them. Cognilytica offers one approach that draws upon the CRISP DM model Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Jun 2019
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