MSP business strategy
News and features on all aspects of running a service provider business, from executing an MSP business model to automating operations.
Top Stories
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Tip
27 Feb 2026
12 top business process management tools for 2026
BPM platforms are becoming a business transformation engine as vendors infuse their tools with powerful AI and automation capabilities. Read our review of top BPM products. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2025
Geography, skills drive IT Services M&A for Presidio, Accenture
Presidio has acquired transACT Technology Solutions, a digital transformation specialist based in the United Kingdom, while Accenture purchased IAMConcepts in Canada. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2022
EY consulting bets on Nexus platform for rapid transformation
The Nexus platform seeks to help clients modernize IT and could fit into EY consulting's emergence as a separate entity; other service firms move to update customers' tech stacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
barcode reader
A barcode reader, also called a price scanner or point-of-sale (POS) scanner, is a hand-held or stationary input device used to capture and read information contained in a barcode. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2022
Channel partner programs evolve amid digital transformation
A series of channel partner program relaunches that will continue into early 2023 reflect a shift to business outcomes, varied business models and subscription-based selling. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
distributor
A distributor is an intermediary entity between a producer of a product, or manufacturer, and a downstream entity in the distribution channel or supply chain. Continue Reading
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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
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News
01 Aug 2022
Will cloud, IT services prove recession-resistant businesses?
Partners expect demand for their offerings to endure through economic turbulence and, to some extent, because of the unsettling times; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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News
20 Jun 2022
AWS partner ecosystem finds bigger deals in Marketplace
An economic analysis suggested channel companies benefit when they conduct transactions on the hyperscaler's online selling platform; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jun 2022
The cloud is changing the channel, and customers win
The Ingram Micro Cloud Summit called for channel partners to develop intellectual property around cloud offerings and emphasize customer success to boost retention. Continue Reading
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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
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Definition
13 May 2022
reinforcement theory
Reinforcement theory is a psychological principle suggesting that behaviors are shaped by their consequences, and that individual behaviors can be changed accordingly through reinforcement, punishment and extinction. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2022
How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains
Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
AWS partners get skills-building, co-selling investment
The cloud platform provider aims to address the challenging labor market, which it views as the primary obstacle to partner growth; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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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
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
not for resale (NFR)
Not for resale (NFR) is a designation for products that vendors give to their channel partners for testing and educational purposes with the understanding that the channel partner will not resell those products to the end user. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2022
5 ways to improve MSP marketing and sales
Review these tips to get a better understanding of the people, process and tools you'll need to bolster what has been a traditional weakness among service providers. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
line card
A line card may be a modular electronic telecommunications switching component on a printed circuit board, or a printed brochure or document that contains the names, descriptions and products that are sold by a third party. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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Definition
28 Feb 2022
Dell Technologies Partner Program
The Dell Technologies Partner Program is an international channel partner program that provides partners with business development, sales and marketing resources. Continue Reading
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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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Definition
22 Feb 2022
value-added reseller (VAR)
A value-added reseller (VAR) is a company that resells software, hardware, and other products and services that provide value beyond the original order fulfillment. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2022
proxy hacking
Proxy hacking is a cyber attack technique designed to supplant an authentic webpage in a search engine's index and search results pages to drive traffic to an imitation site. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2022
Keeping talent may call for apprenticeships, training
Service providers struggling with conventional employee hiring and retention approaches may need to pursue alternate routes, industry executives said. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2022
Gartner: Global IT services market to grow 7.9%
Market research firm suggests MSPs and consultants will find the fastest-growing opportunities at the low and high ends of the $1.3 trillion market; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2022
Partners launch managed cloud services to spark uptake
Ensono, SADA and NWN Carousel target mainframe modernization, Google Cloud adoption and cloud-based unified communications, respectively; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2021
Co-innovation shakes up partner-client relationships
The emerging partnering approach creates closer ties between clients and service providers, but also has implications for risks and rewards; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Oct 2021
monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) is income a company can reliably anticipate every 30 days and one of the key metrics for channel partner companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2021
Cisco routes to market expand amid cloud marketplace growth
Cisco cited a significant shift toward the cloud and a decline in reselling. However, the company said resellers will remain important to its sales approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2021
vCIO (virtual CIO)
A vCIO, or virtual CIO, is a contractor or company that serves as an organization's chief information officer. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2021
How cloud consultants execute a product development strategy
Creating intellectual property can help partners meet soaring demand for cloud services, differentiate their offerings and boost their appeal to investors. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2021
Cloud, IT security continue to reshape MSP business model
Recent channel research suggests MSPs increasingly prioritize cloud computing and IT security as part of their core business models; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2021
Tech giants foster green software engineering movement
The Green Software Foundation, which includes Accenture and Microsoft as members, will create an ecosystem of people, standards, tools and practices to develop green software. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2021
Kaseya ransomware attack underlines vendor accountability
The Kaseya VSA breach may prove a major turning point for MSPs' relationships with their IT services software vendors; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2021
Tips for MSPs to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap
Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals represent uphill battles. Some MSPs have adopted a combination of internal training and AI tools to offset the dearth in talent. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2021
4 tips for managing client relationships in a virtual world
With many businesses opting to rely on remote work technologies, channel partners need new strategies for managing client relationships. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2021
Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation
Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
Deloitte backs Teradata Vantage as integrator
Under the expanded partnership, Deloitte will integrate Teradata Vantage as-a-service platform deployments with cloud-native services; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 May 2021
Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic
Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
Top MSP marketing tools to generate leads
MSP marketing tools are a must-have for successful lead-gen efforts. Execs at Valiant Technology, SADA and Synoptek round up the products supporting their marketing strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2021
Co-managed IT support sees demand in the remote work era
As businesses weather the pandemic, many organizations' IT departments find themselves pushed to the limits and in need of outside help. Enter co-managed IT support services. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2021
Unified communications managed services evolve amid pandemic
Service-level agreements, management layers, incident tracking and governance are all part of the evolving cloud communications service provider business model. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Apr 2021
managed security service provider (MSSP)
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is an IT service provider that sells security services to businesses. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Tech Data-Synnex merger poses IT distribution questions
The merger of IT distributors Tech Data and Synnex presents synergies -- as well as some areas of overlap -- between their respective business models. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2021
Healthcare security services firms tackle ransomware spike
As healthcare organizations face an onslaught of ransomware attacks, channel partners can assist with security initiatives such as zero-trust architectures to prevent breaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
AI in managed service software to boost automation
From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2021
MSPs tap Red Hat Ansible for managed services automation
IT services providers have deployed the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to minimize repetitive work and boost productivity -- even in uncertain times. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2021
Tercera looks to invest in cloud professional services firms
The newly launched firm, led by Appirio co-founder Chris Barbin, will take minority stakes in cloud consultancies and offer advice on growing a services business. 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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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Feature
30 Jul 2020
How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive
We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jul 2020
5 RMM tools MSPs can use to bolster client IT infrastructure
Learn what remote monitoring and management software features and functionality MSPs and internal IT departments should consider to support client IT infrastructure and endpoints. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2020
NTT Ltd. exec talks hybrid cloud, remote tech
NTT Ltd.'s recently appointed Americas CEO talks about the $3 billion-plus business's opportunities one year after parent NTT Corp. created the operation in a sweeping merger. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2020
MSPs expand into managed physical security services
Companies such as Deep Sentinel and Viakoo are tapping partners to deliver physical security services. Learn how MSPs are incorporating physical security into their offerings. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2020
Partners bank on MSP cloud services
Datto's newest managed services market study highlighted cloud computing as an essential component of MSP portfolios; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2020
What do you need to start a managed service provider today?
If you want to get your own MSP off the ground today, you need to be cloud native, have a Microsoft-based software stack and know the right market to focus on. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2020
Remote workforce management strategies for MSPs
Channel partners have been rethinking employee productivity, collaboration and skills development. Learn how Ensono, SADA Systems and AllCloud have adjusted their approaches. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Booz Allen, Securonix partner to provide SIEM as a service
The expanded partnership offers 24/7 managed service aimed at reducing the complexity and cost of security information and event management infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Apr 2020
Prioritize personality in your IT recruitment strategy
An effective IT recruitment strategy weighs a candidate's qualifications -- and personality. Cheaper Than A Geek's chief nerd explains his approach to hiring and retention. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2020
TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), in the United States, is a unique nine-digit number for identifying an individual, business or other entity in tax returns and additional documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2020
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is a component of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that works with defense contractors to ensure government services and supplies are delivered on time, come at the expected cost and satisfy all performance requirements. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2020
MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry
In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
MBX Systems reinvents itself in computer hardware manufacturing
Twenty-five-year-old MBX Systems, a computer hardware manufacturer, is an example of how technology companies can continually adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. In 1995, the organization ... Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2019
Media and entertainment cloud use poised to shake up industry
The media and entertainment industry is moving workflows to the cloud in a dramatic cultural shift. InterVision's Ray Panahon sheds light on this development. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
NWN debuts solution-as-a-service line to capture top trends
Managed service provider NWN is honing in on five fast-growing markets with the launch of a solutions-as-a-service portfolio, and other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
Managed services model takes evolutionary twists and turns
The evolution of managed service providers began at the apex of the dot-com era and now continues with developments including cloud computing and industry consolidation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
Managed IT services glossary: Terms of the trade
Managed service providers represent an important subset of the channel partner ecosystem. Browse the terms below to sharpen your understanding of MSPs and their service offerings. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2019
Prisma
Prisma is a cloud security suite that provides four different services that use rule-based security policies and machine learning to protect cloud services. This suite can be used on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud Platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jul 2019
Accenture Labs explores quantum computing applications
Accenture Labs has patented a method for identifying workloads suitable for quantum computing applications, which the company believes will span scientific and business use cases. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Jul 2019
Ross Perot helped create the IT services industry
Ross Perot may be known to many people as a former presidential candidate, but he also played a central role in launching the IT services industry. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2019
statement of work (SOW)
A statement of work (SOW), in project management, is a document in which a contracting officer or chief procurement officer (CPO) specifies the objectives and deliverables for a particular project or service contract. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Apr 2019
MSP software takes a different turn in ServiceNow-LogicMonitor link
MSP software comes in various forms and combinations. Some larger MSPs are adopting ServiceNow and LogicMonitor to automate core business functions. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Mar 2019
Keep a digital transformation strategy humming with these practices
A digital transformation strategy starts with a client's vision and a focus on business outcomes. Find out what's working for Insight Enterprises and its clients. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2019
Managed services companies upbeat despite economic signals
At MSPWorld, managed services executives expressed guarded optimism regarding MSP market prospects and growth potential, despite some economic concerns. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2019
professional services
A professional service is an intangible product that a contractor or product vendor sells to help a customer manage a specific part of their business. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2019
service-level objective
A service-level objective (SLO) is the part of a service-level agreement (SLA) that documents the key performance indicators (KPIs) the customer should expect from a provider. In addition to specifying details about the service being purchased, an SLO also documents what the consequences will be if SLOs are not achieved. 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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Definition
28 Dec 2018
IT consultant
A consultant is an experienced individual in a given field who provides expert advice for a fee. Consultants typically work as independent contractors and are hired on a short-term basis. A consultant may also be an employee at a consulting firm. 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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Definition
21 Dec 2018
sales lead
A sales lead is a potential sales contact, individual or organization that expresses an interest in your goods or services. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Nov 2018
systems integrator
A systems integrator is an individual or business that builds computing systems for clients by combining hardware, software, networking and storage products from multiple vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2018
Remote monitoring and management software: Vendors expand, integrate
RMM vendors are extending their product lines into areas ranging from documentation to backup, but face an integration challenge when it comes to providing a unified interface. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Sep 2018
VMware Partner Network
The VMware Partner Network is a global channel partner program with benefits and support to provide VMware's virtualization and cloud technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2018
Digital marketing partnerships key to vendors' channel strategies
Rackspace, Salesforce and Progress Software explain how digital marketing agencies factor into their overall channel partner ecosystems and strategies. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2018
partner account manager (PAM)
A partner account manager is a job title within a vendor organization that uses channel partners to sell its products or services. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2018
Appirio signs FinancialForce PSA software pact
Under a new agreement, cloud consultancy Appirio revealed it plans to build a FinancialForce PSA sales and implementation practice; other IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading