MSP sales and marketing
Features on marketing managed services, pursuing vertical market segments, co-selling with partners and keeping the sales pipeline stocked.
Top Stories
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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
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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
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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
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News
10 Apr 2023
IT services market size expands amid mixed economic signals
Market watchers forecast continued growth in the tech services sector, while U.S. payrolls expand, albeit at a slower pace. Continue Reading
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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
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News
27 Feb 2023
Ukrainian tech companies persist as war passes 1-year mark
Software and services companies are adding personnel and expanding their offerings, as venture funds invest in tech startups with an eye toward building 'Ukraine 2.0.' Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Mixed news for enterprise network infrastructure upgrades
Businesses working with aging network architectures could use a tech refresh. While the easing of equipment backlogs works in their favor, budgets could hold them back. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2023
ServiceNow partner program ups standards, differentiation
Program participants believe the SaaS provider's updated program offers greater clarity around expectations and a path toward greater partner differentiation. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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Feature
05 Dec 2022
8 IT services industry trends to watch in 2023
Economic uncertainty complicates the business outlook for professional services firms MSPs. The environment could reinforce cloud projects but curtail large-scale transformation. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2022
IT services market size set to grow 7.9% in 2023
CIOs next year are likely to summon service providers, once more, into the breach as they look to overcome the skills gap and accelerate digital transformation. 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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Feature
30 Sep 2022
Top 5 trends for the future of marketing
Text messaging, hybrid experiences and Web3 may play key roles in the future of marketing. Learn how to fit these trends into marketing strategies moving forward. 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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Guest Post
09 Sep 2022
Framing cybersecurity as a tax on businesses
MSPs struggling to sell cybersecurity might consider positioning such offerings as a necessary expense akin to taxes -- and acknowledge clients would prefer to invest elsewhere. Continue Reading
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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
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News
08 Aug 2022
Partner ecosystem economy bucks market turbulence
A key index reports unexpected service sector growth, while digital services M&A could overtake 2021 deal volume and value levels; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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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
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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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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
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Guest Post
22 Jul 2022
Recruiters look for range of qualities in MSP job candidates
It's hard to hire employees with technical experience and an MSP background, but recruiters who understand what motivates potential employees can find good candidates. Continue Reading
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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
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News
20 Jul 2022
Microsoft Inspire 2022 points to 'digital imperative'
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella encouraged partners to push beyond digital transformation, while the company's channel executives updated the company's industry push. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2022
Consultants, software developers in Ukraine find ways to grow
Partners in the Ukrainian custom software and consulting sector continue to expand customer projects and win new business despite the war; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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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
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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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Tip
06 Jul 2022
Measuring innovation success in co-innovation partnerships
Profits are an obvious way to measure business success, but to measure co-innovation partnerships, parties must also identify intangible benefits, such as knowledge acquired. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2022
HPE partner program spans the as-a-service ecosystem
The initiative accommodates partners that integrate, sell or provide services around Hewlett Packard Enterprise's as-a-service portfolio; more IT channel news. 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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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
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News
25 May 2022
IBM Ecosystem plans to expand sales lifecycle support
The technology company plans to address training and benefits as it looks to help partners earlier on in the sales process as well as during a project's implementation phase. Continue Reading
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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
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Guest Post
13 May 2022
Understand online marketplaces, SLOs for providers
Service providers can engage in online marketplaces and use service-level objectives to understand their application's behaviors and its effect on customers. 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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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
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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
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Guest Post
19 Apr 2022
Subscription models shape future of IT services providers
Forrester researcher Jay McBain discusses how subscription models work, how to look at customer behaviors in a trusted way and where IT services providers should invest. Continue Reading
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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
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Feature
13 Apr 2022
Web consulting project helps users prep for language test
Computools created a website for users preparing for the International English Language Testing System exam, which helps people study in, or migrate to, English-speaking nations. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2022
Gartner forecast points to IT services pricing increase
Service providers look to offset rising employee compensation as the demand for IT skills continues to grow and utilization rates climb; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2022
Digital transformation in oil and gas sector set for growth
Kyndryl's large-scale, multi-cloud technology deal with refinery operator Motiva Enterprises underscores a broader industry trend; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2022
Colocation services companies bank on hybrid IT
Providers expand capacity and global presence as enterprise customers build data center services into multi-faceted infrastructure strategies; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
3 IT services partners win top projects awards
Computools, Mission and Vandis captured SearchITChannel's 2021 Top Projects Awards, which recognize innovation and business benefits in partner-customer engagements. 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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News
18 Mar 2022
Microsoft Cloud Partner Program resets channel focus
Partner executives called the makeover, which creates new tiers and revises qualification criteria, the first major program update in more than 15 years; other IT channel news. 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
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
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Feature
28 Oct 2021
State and local government technology revs digital services
Agencies, in a bid to quickly roll out citizen services, rely on a combination of chatbots, upgraded networks, no-code/low-code technology and cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2021
Citrix partner supports UTM's remote learning technologies
Citrix partner Third Octet made its first foray into the education vertical in 2020, when it helped the University of Toronto Mississauga execute a remote learning transition. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2021
Education technology market seeks stability in hybrid model
Channel partners said schools now have a chance to revisit hastily created remote learning systems as they take a longer-term, enterprise view of cloud and security. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
CompTIA ChannelCon 2021 points to CX as partner priority
In a preview of its upcoming channel industry research, IT trade association CompTIA highlighted the growing importance of customer experience among partners. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
19 Jul 2021
How IT services firms can push back on misinformation
IT services firms have increasingly put marketing dollars into digital advertising. But do they know which websites their ads appear on and, consequently, help fund? Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Does the Microsoft partner ecosystem follow the 80/20 rule?
Partner Elevate director Desmond Russell believes Microsoft's channel strategy underserves the bulk of its partners. Here's how Microsoft could better support its channel ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2021
In-house vs. outsourced marketing for MSPs
Content marketing has emerged as an effective strategy for MSPs, but it can get tricky when deciding if in-house or outsourced talent should create these marketing materials. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
02 Jun 2021
MSPs can combine traditional, digital marketing tactics
MSP marketing strategies may benefit from tactics drawn from both traditional and digital marketing. MSP Radio's Dave Sobel explores this approach. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 May 2021
Return-to-office debate sparks channel partner opportunity
After a year-plus of remote work, organizations have begun to mull their next steps: return to the office, stay remote or go hybrid? Here's how partners can help. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Apr 2021
What solution providers must know about fintech companies
Solution providers can help fintech companies by offering IT infrastructure expertise. Here are considerations for targeting this vertical market opportunity. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2021
ClearScale telemedicine app uses range of Amazon services
Creative Practice Solutions, a medical consulting company, called on ClearScale to develop a telemedicine offering that lets physicians conduct and record remote patient visits. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2021
Federal technology upgrade could see security, SaaS outlay
Channel partners expect major shifts in the government's technology priorities. Find out which IT trends are poised to shape spending in the coming years. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
05 Mar 2021
MSPs can't ignore the e-commerce trend
E-commerce has made it possible to buy practically anything online, but MSPs have shied away from this sales and marketing strategy. Dave Sobel says it's time to embrace the trend. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2021
MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence
MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Jan 2021
Taking on today's free-for-all approach to higher ed tech
The rapid deployment of higher ed technology during the COVID-19 crisis has delivered mixed results. However, while challenges persist, the future looks bright. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2021
Deloitte: Life sciences vertical taps cloud for R&D
The life sciences vertical has begun to fully embrace cloud computing, spurred on in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Deloitte research; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Dec 2020
4 considerations for rebranding a company in the MSP sector
Planning to rebrand? Here are some factors to consider, whether you're seeking a new look for a maturing business or a unified image that spans multiple acquisitions. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2020
Vertical marketing strategies shouldn't dismiss QSR, retail
The pandemic has pummeled restaurants and retailers, but service providers could still find opportunities in areas ranging from contactless technology to virtual reality. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2020
MSP M&A activity surges with more deals on tap for 2021
A recent frenzy of IT consultant and MSP M&A activity saw companies such as Logically, Sysnet, West Monroe and Deloitte expanding their capabilities; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2020
HPE GreenLake partners to help Kern County take control of IT
Kern County, Calif., faced a daunting challenge of reigning in costs and a sprawling technology ecosystem. HPE GreenLake and MSP Nth Generation were brought in to help. Continue Reading
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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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Guest Post
16 Nov 2020
The importance of platforms and how MSPs can take advantage
Dave Sobel discusses Google's rebranding of G Suite to Google Workspace and how MSPs should focus on which platform they offer customers, not just operating systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2020
6 tips for channel partner sales, marketing in turbulent times
The pandemic introduced a new set of challenges for channel partner sales and marketing. Here are six tips for how to better navigate today's complex business environment. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
MSP sales, business plan key to 2021 success
Heading into 2021, IT service providers should put more than their usual attention on sales and business planning, according to speakers at IT Nation Connect; more news. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2020
5 tips for building a successful MSP marketing strategy
MSPs need to develop a marketing strategy if they hope to grow beyond the startup stage. Industry executives share their views on everything to include in a marketing approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2020
Key concepts of the MSP sales process
To grow a managed service provider business, companies must develop a consistent MSP sales process. Use these tips to build a strong sales arm for your business. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
23 Oct 2020
Why 'channel' is a confusing term for MSPs and what to use
Instead of using 'channel,' for marketing, Dave Sobel thinks that solutions providers should consider 'ecosystem,' as channel is too often linked to transactional partners. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Oct 2020
Channel partners help solve retail industry challenges
Retailers are exploring a range of IT strategies to overcome pressures caused by the pandemic and fierce online competition. Find out how channel partners can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2020
4 MSP pricing strategies for clients facing financial deficits
When managed IT services customers face revenue shortfalls, MSPs don't have to respond by offering discounts and taking a loss. Consider these MSP pricing options first. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2020
Top virtual selling, consulting tips from IT channel firms
Even after the pandemic recedes, channel partners predict virtual selling to remain a piece of overall sales strategies. Use these tips to hone your remote sales approach. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 Aug 2020
Do brands managed service providers use matter to customers?
Dave Sobel argues that the brands MSPs choose to use largely don't matter to their customers; what customers do care about are the results of the managed services. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
Tips for successful virtual sales and consulting meetings
Channel partners should learn to make the most of virtual sales and consulting meetings. Scott Ford of Pronesis Technology Group offers advice on tactics that work. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2020
Remote learning technology emerges as top ed market focus
MSPs and consultants say customers in the education vertical are ramping up distance learning systems as they prepare for the new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2020
Microsoft vertical strategy linked to SIs, ISVs
As Microsoft continues to push into vertical markets, the company wants to incorporate ISVs and systems integrators into its strategy; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2020
How MSPs and MSSPs should market cybersecurity to find success
It's time for MSPs and MSSPs to reevaluate how they sell their security solutions. Dave Sobel offers his recommendations, such as emphasizing the human aspect of cyber attacks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2020
Microsoft identifies digital transformation opportunities
For Microsoft, digital transformation provides a large, growing market for its partner ecosystem. Specific opportunities include cloud migration, AI and virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2020
Which MSP marketing tactics have the best results?
Reaching prospects and converting them into clients is a process involving some trial and error. Here's advice on finding the right marketing tactics for your MSP. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2020
3 tips for marketing and selling MSP cybersecurity to SMBs
The growing demand for MSP cybersecurity services makes it more important to know how to effectively market and sell your offerings. Here are three ways to improve your approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2020
The only MSP marketing and sales advice you need to hear
To succeed at MSP marketing and sales is actually quite simple, Dave Sobel contends. He explains the best way to handle MSP marketing and sales. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2020
Veeam partner certifications soar
Veeam partner training and certification has seen significant uptake since the program's overhaul in early 2020, according to the vendor; more channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2020
Data, not opinion, should drive MSP best practices
Dave Sobel breaks down why business leaders must use data instead of personal opinion to guide their business decisions and shares best practices for data-driven decision-making. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2020
Partners donate technology, services to pandemic relief
IT services companies are contributing a mix of advice and cloud offerings to help research groups and other organizations battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
Accenture: Industrial digital transformation needs leaders
Leadership and execution are the keys to overcoming the potential pitfalls of industrial digitization, a process that redundant technology can hinder. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Apr 2020
How MSPs can overcome clients' cybersecurity fatigue
Cybersecurity fatigue can cause SMBs to avoid discussions about protecting their businesses. Net Sciences' Joshua Liberman explains how he changed his approach to selling security. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2020
Rookie MSP marketing mistakes and how to fix them
Marketing is a stumbling block for most MSPs. Use these tips to resolve a range of problems involving company websites, marketing plans and advertising investments. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
HPE channel partners grapple with shift to consultative sales
Hewlett Packard Enterprise seeks to align its channel partners with consultative sales strategies as the vendor looks to expand sales for GreenLake consumption-based offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2019
Desktop-as-a-service combo targets channel via Ingram Micro
Citrix, IGEL and Ingram Micro are collaborating on a desktop-as-a-service offering, which could provide channel partners with a mechanism for replacing clients' Windows 7 desktops. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
Understanding co-managed IT services
MSPs sometimes avoid prospective clients that already have internal IT staff, but by taking the co-managed IT services approach, they don't have to. That's according to Bob Coppedge, owner of ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2019
PDU-UPS evolves slowly, offers partners modularity
Data center power infrastructure may not be the epicenter of IT innovation, but channel partners see vendors providing modularity, customization options and redundancy features. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
Sales verticals and how MSPs can target them
Selling to vertical markets can seem like a daunting prospect for managed service providers. Read on for six tips to get you started on a vertical sales journey. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Sep 2019
Digital transformation projects hit cultural, tech snags
Digital transformation projects are encountering organizational and technology hurdles that may open consulting opportunities for channel partners. Continue Reading