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
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News
18 Apr 2024
Use of AI in business drives increase in consulting services
The slice of businesses using external providers for AI uptake is set to more than double, according to U.S. Census survey data. Industry leaders say that tracks with their outlook. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2024
AWS partner competency asks for GenAI tech, business skills
The cloud provider's generative AI certification takes months to complete, involves numerous technical and operational demands, and requires four detailed customer case studies. 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.
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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
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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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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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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
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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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Feature
28 Jun 2019
Launching an AI project calls for careful scoping
AI implementation may benefit from a handful of steps and a common set of patterns, according to speakers at the AI World Government conference in Washington, D.C. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2019
Partners seek to elucidate intelligent operations vs. AIOps
Consultants and integrators have differing views on intelligent operations and AIOps, but partner executives agree that the approaches require a well-defined customer journey. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2019
Data center infrastructure spending gets AI boost
IT solutions providers are finding a role in helping clients create the artificial intelligence infrastructure they need to handle emerging technology requirements. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2019
DXC enables speedier autonomous vehicle development at BMW
Channel firms are playing a role in visionary initiatives that could redefine customers' products and services. Read how DXC is helping BMW drive autonomous vehicle development. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
Machine learning consultants explore use cases
Machine learning consultants and developers are among the IT channel partners discovering AI-driven business opportunities across a range of vertical markets. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2019
Wipro evolves AI capabilities to maintain competitive edge
Wipro continues to invest in an AI-first approach to data and analytics. Learn about Wipro's strategy, which includes a framework for using AI across the data and analytics value chain. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2019
Robotic process automation vendor teams with Tech Mahindra
Service desk automation is the focus of a recently launched joint offering from digital transformation firm Tech Mahindra and robotic process automation vendor UiPath. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2019
Digital inheritance project unites startup, consultant
The second phase of a project to create an ecosystem for transferring blockchain assets is getting underway as Synechron contributes technical resources to Swiss startup PassOn. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2019
How to grow your AI services business
Getting to the next stage of AI growth calls for IT service providers to consider security, marketing and ROI. A talent for demystifying technology also helps. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2019
Bot stores open opportunities in robotic process automation market
Automation Anywhere's expanding Bot Store could provide opportunities beyond professional services for systems integration firms targeting the robotic process automation market. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Apr 2019
Robotic process automation market needs provider boost to accelerate
RPA vendors, service providers and their customers must find ways to overcome time-consuming tasks and bottlenecks to accelerate the technology's enterprise adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Apr 2019
Manufacturing AI projects open partner opportunities
IT consultants and integrators could see increased business in manufacturing AI, but they will need to overcome data quality problems and cultural issues along the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2019
Self-service analytics at Accenture boosts knowledge workers
Accenture's enterprise analytics and AI models are helping the firm on a number of fronts, including determining sales opportunities, pricing deals and complying with internal and customer expense policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2019
How to start an AI service business
Building an AI practice may seem like a daunting endeavor. Fortunately, channel partners can learn from other companies that have found ways to apply AI models to customer challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2019
AI applications: Cloud vs. on-premises deployment options
Should clients build on-premises infrastructures for their AI needs or turn to cloud-based AI? Insight Enterprises' Brandon Ebken and Juan Orlandini discuss these options. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2019
How the channel can help fight bias in AI applications
Customers' AI applications pose the risk of producing prejudiced results. Channel firms, however, can step in to educate organizations and reduce harmful biases within AI systems. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2019
Robotic process automation market set for service shake-up
As process discovery tools enter the robotic process automation market, RPA consultants and service providers can expect their project roles to change; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Mar 2019
Synechron demos asset tokenization on blockchain
Synechron, a digital IT consulting firm, has launched a wealth management tech accelerator, which includes an asset tokenization on blockchain prototype. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2019
6 AI applications in finance spark partner opportunity
AI in financial services is opening channel partner prospects, from building customer service chatbots to creating a better customer onboarding process. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2019
CodeObjects taps Watson AI capabilities to develop chatbot offering
When a Florida-based insurance firm needed help handling surges in call-center volumes, it piloted InsurBot.ai, a chatbot that employs IBM Watson technology. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
Accenture partnership with Splice Machine sealed by investment
Read how Accenture and Splice Machine have deepened their alliance, taking aim at large-scale data transformation projects, and other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2019
AI applications in healthcare grow, opening channel prospects
The hype around AI applications in healthcare spans decades, but the latest wave of AI tech suggests real-world traction. Firms like Perficient are using AI in their offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2019
Where to find gigs in artificial intelligence consulting
From AI analytics to AIOps, consulting opportunities in the fast-growing artificial intelligence technology sector could spark new business for IT service providers. 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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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
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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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
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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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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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
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News
26 Oct 2018
Symphony Ventures acquisition: Deal underscores RPA growth
Sykes Enterprises' acquisition of Symphony Ventures, a robotic process automation consulting firm, sheds light on the meteoric rise of the RPA market; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2018
UiPath Forward: Industry execs talk enhanced services
IT services companies suggest the industry will have to step up its service offerings as enterprises take robotic process automation past the proof-of-concept phase. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Oct 2018
UiPath partner funds aim to speed RPA adoption
UiPath partner companies are the subject of two new investment funds from the robotic process automation vendor, which has earmarked $20 million. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Oct 2018
Virtual reality golf brings Trace3 into greenfield project
A virtual reality golf center called on solutions provider Trace3 for technology infrastructure assistance with a greenfield deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Aug 2018
Partner opportunity: Biometrics tools expand vertical scope
Biometrics in healthcare, financial services, retail and the automotive industry will be opening opportunities for IT services companies deploying this layer of security. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2018
Drone services market requires vertical skills
Commercial drone services are in high demand across such vertical markets as agriculture, construction and telecommunications, requiring service providers to specialize. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Aug 2018
The NVMe spec: A channel partner primer
The NVMe spec has taken hold in storage systems and servers and is now targeting network connections via the NVMe over Fabrics spec, opening partner opportunities. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2018
VR in real estate has mainstream potential for IT resellers
Growing interest in AR and VR in real estate could open doors for channel partners, according to Ingram Micro; other IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
AI and data analytics trailblazers: Accenture, DXC and Wipro
Accenture, DXC and Wipro are among the AI and data analytics services providers highlighted in Gartner's Magic Quadrant. Learn about their market visions and business challenges. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2018
HPE partners urged to tackle the 'Super Six' market opportunities
At the HPE Global Partner Summit 2018, the company described six short- and long-term market opportunities it plans to capitalize on with it partners. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2018
Early-stage companies reach out to channel partners
Bigleaf, CloudZero, Rescale are among the early-stage companies investigating alliances with channel partners as they seek help with sales and support. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Customers grapple with emerging technology trends, innovation
Experts at the Evolve Technology Conference discussed the constraints customers are facing in view of disruptive technologies and the desire to innovate. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Mar 2018
Applying AI: Accenture exec cites customer opportunities
Mike Sutcliff, group chief executive at Accenture Digital, talks about the challenges of applying AI, digital thread and augmented reality to real-world business issues. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Accenture-Disney deal: Blockchain at the movies
A recently revealed Accenture-Disney alliance aims to apply virtual reality, machine learning and blockchain in immersive entertainment and film production; other news. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Feb 2018
Robotic process automation software unites vendors, partners
RPA solution vendors are gearing up for the next wave of software robot deployment, cementing alliances with channel partners to extend market reach. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Feb 2018
Digital transformation initiatives engulf businesses, partners
Recent market research reports point to the challenges of digital transformation initiatives, which call for both customers and channel partners to make changes. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2018
Fusion Agiletech-Quisitive eye private blockchain expansion
Quisitive is on course for becoming a Microsoft consulting partner with national reach, according to investment group Fusion Agiletech; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
Accenture: Intelligent operations goal requires data backbone
The concept of intelligent operations can help organizations overcome digital disruption, but they need a data backbone and back office improvements to make that happen. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Jan 2018
Enterprise network market: Key trends partners should monitor
Key networking trends channel partners can expect to navigate include a shift in WAN design, developments in network microprocessor tech and rising demand for automation. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Dec 2017
IT channel partners: A look ahead at 2018
Here's a look at the most popular Channel Marker blog posts of 2017 and what they might say about 2018 trends for IT channel partners. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Dec 2017
Digital transformation business: Procurement ripe for revitalization
As the digital transformation business moves into back-office operations, systems such as procurement may be among the candidates for renewal. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2017
Bosma Enterprises may resell assistive technology
Bosma deployed an indoor navigation system for its blind and visually impaired employees. Now the organization may resell the BlindSquare Event system to external customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2017
Dell and EMC merger poses a challenging transformation
The Dell and EMC merger presents a multitude of opportunities for market domination -- if the integrated companies can modernize a highly complex portfolio. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2017
Big data application development: An introduction to Hadoop
Getting into the big data market? Hadoop offers a platform for dealing with very large data sets and the technology's vendors offer training and support for channel partners. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Dec 2016
A retrospective on IT: Technology 'trends' of 2016 revisited
Contributor Stanley Louissaint revisits the predictions he made last year regarding tablets, the internet of things, cloud computing and near field communication. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Dec 2016
IoT business opportunity in 2017: Are channel partners ready?
As channel partners mull over business moves for the upcoming year, many executives may consider IoT as a potential play -- and for good reason. "There is so much demand for IoT within SMBs [small ... Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2016
Machine learning projects fuel new lines of channel business
Machine learning projects are creating a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for partners. Get ready with the right range of skills and experience to take part. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Apr 2016
Focus on the "M" in SMB market
The SMB market is a mixed bag this year, with spending declines forecast for small businesses and increased IT spending expected for mid-size companies. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Mar 2016
Cloud infrastructure security: A mixed message
Cloud infrastructure security was once seen as a contradiction in terms. Customers now view cloud security more favorably, but with some reservations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Mar 2016
Rumor had it right: Tiffani Bova joins Salesforce
Long-time Gartner analyst Tiffani Bova has joined Salesforce in a new role the cloud company custom-designed for her. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Feb 2016
IT security tutorial: Channel partner tips for new tech
In this IT security tutorial, we outline security concerns and mitigation strategies for software-defined networking, hyper-converged infrastructure and the Internet of Things. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2015
Partners: Big data software revs data warehouse projects
Channel partners find revenue -- and a fair bit of complexity -- at the intersection of big data and traditional data warehouse systems. Continue Reading