MSP technology services
Tips on IT service delivery approaches and features on building lines of business to meet customers' digital transformation needs.
Top Stories
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Answer
24 Mar 2023
Beyond metrics, network SLAs should measure business ops
Enterprises need to ensure network service-level agreements provide a comprehensive view of network service performance to support business operations. 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
13 Mar 2023
Cloud cost management takes center stage
IT shops appear ready to focus on cloud costs amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Service providers expect clients to invest more in FinOps and optimization tools this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2023
Health of digital transformation: Consulting firms list issues
Digital transformation can take too long and fail to deliver. Root causes include lack of focus, cultural barriers and technical challenges, according to IT services executives. Continue Reading
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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
06 Feb 2023
FinOps, co-innovation could unlock cloud business benefits
Industry studies underscore businesses' continuing struggle to obtain cloud computing benefits. A greater focus on strategy, financial management and co-innovation could help. Continue Reading
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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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News
23 Jan 2023
IT services industry looks to cyber, cloud consulting for growth
Service providers are looking to cybersecurity and cloud consulting services -- particularly those that optimize clients' existing resources -- to sustain their growth in 2023. 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
14 Dec 2022
Cybersecurity outlook 2023: Consultants cite 6 trends
IT services executives predicted greater focus on user training and protection, supply chain security and machine learning. And digital transformation could spark zero-trust projects. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2022
Ukrainian software developers deal with power outages
IT services providers use a mix of diesel generators, portable power stations, Starlink and creative work scheduling to press on when the power is off. Continue Reading
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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
02 Dec 2022
Top AWS cloud consultants earn 6-to-1 revenue multiplier
AWS ecosystem research suggests partners generate more services dollars when they invest in a broader portfolio of offerings; other partner developments at re:Invent. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2022
MSP platforms show resiliency as valuations rise
Interest in managed services as an investment opportunity continues as larger private equity funds enter the market, seeking attractive here-and-now cash flows. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
VMware partner ecosystem tapped to accelerate cloud projects
VMware is expanding ties with global systems integrators and other partners as it looks for resources to help customers ramp up the adoption of its cloud technology. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2022
Cloud economy cools, but IT services deals continue
Cautious customer spending is slowing the growth of the broader cloud market. But IT service providers continue to pursue M&A for scale and skillsets. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
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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
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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News
12 Oct 2022
Partners bet on tools for accelerated digital transformation
Propriety tools for fast-tracking change are sweeping the industry, with offerings from professional services giants such as Accenture and Deloitte to specialized consultancies. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Oct 2022
Pliancy shuns MSP label, grows $30M business
The managed services business model may be an investor favorite at the moment, but Marcus Olson has avoided that term, emphasizing a consultative approach instead. Continue Reading
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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
26 Sep 2022
Slack, Workday build partner ecosystems for industry clouds
Cloud providers are tapping consultants and integrators -- and their vertical market knowledge -- to spark digital transformation through industry-specific cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2022
Channel partners explore RPA for MSP, client use cases
MSPs can tap robotic process automation for a multitude of applications, but they must consider the challenges of change management and multi-vendor environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2022
3 essential aspects of MSP automation
Tools such as robotic process automation and cloud-based services help service providers relieve employees of mundane work, but adopters must navigate deployment challenges. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2022
Cloud consultants attract investors, grow revenue
Money keeps pouring into the cloud consulting and professional services market as industry executives cite steady demand for their services in an uncertain economy. Continue Reading
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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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News
30 Aug 2022
IBM, VMware to jointly develop services for hybrid clouds
IBM and VMware expanded their long-held partnership with a deal to provide hybrid cloud services and consulting to IT pros in regulated industries. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2022
Change ahead for VMware partners amid ecosystem revamp
The virtualization company's channel allies can expect new business models, metrics and specializations -- along with a new owner in chipmaker Broadcom. 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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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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News
21 Jul 2022
Microsoft industry clouds hover over partner event
At Microsoft Inspire, industry-specific cloud offerings emerged as a key FY 2023 direction for the technology company and one in which it enlists partner ecosystem support. Continue Reading
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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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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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News
11 Jul 2022
Managed services industry remains investor magnet
The high-tempo transaction pace continues as investors cite recurring revenue, attractive cash flows and favorable IT trends as reasons to pursue MSP deals; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Jun 2022
Tuning enterprise architecture to cope with accelerating change
In the realm of enterprise architecture, real agility starts with architectural simplicity. Learn how businesses can reduce complexity -- and boost organizational dexterity. 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
29 Jun 2022
Logically MSP acquisition grows geographic reach, MSFT skills
The managed services transaction fuels growth for Logically, which is also expanding through strategic consulting services and cybersecurity offerings. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Jun 2022
MSP growth requires additional tech offerings
Managed infrastructure services alone will not drive dramatic growth for MSPs. Providers must create offerings in technology spaces such as RPA and cloud computing. 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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News
09 Jun 2022
HYCU funding to aid multi-cloud data protection, management
HYCU will add to its backup and recovery product line and workforce following a series B funding round. The company still has plans for an IPO as well. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2022
Digital transformation in manufacturing melds emerging tech
Partners work with customers to absorb a mixture of AI, IIoT, hyperautomation, 5G and cloud computing, while dealing with the challenge of highly distributed organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2022
Explore unfolding managed IT services for manufacturing
MSPs are exploring opportunities to help manufacturers navigate digital transformation challenges, including integrating legacy systems and staying competitive. 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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News
25 Apr 2022
Consultants ramp up vertical cloud development
Changing customer needs have prompted partners such as TCS, PwC and EY to pursue industry-specific strategies around cloud computing; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2022
Financial industry cloud model gains momentum
Channel partners working with industry clouds, such as IBM's Cloud for Financial Services, can limit the work customers must do to meet application security and compliance requirements. Continue Reading
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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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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
VoltaGrid taps Rackspace for AI Ecosystem portal, cloud app
With a lofty goal to revolutionize the mobile energy industry, VoltaGrid needed support to improve customer operations quickly. Learn how MSP Rackspace Technology stepped up. Continue Reading
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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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Feature
05 Apr 2022
SD-WAN project covers security, latency and cloud
PM Pediatrics, an urgent care provider, hired service provider Vandis to improve branch security, but the project transformed into something much broader. Continue Reading
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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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Feature
31 Mar 2022
Mission's machine learning consulting gig boosts image
E-card platform JibJab sought a better way to crop images for a new physical book product. Mission improved the process's accuracy in an effort that won a 2021 Top Projects Award. Continue Reading
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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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Feature
28 Mar 2022
Aruba partner equips facility with managed network solutions
To build room to grow, Wiptec established a new distribution center with Aruba Edge Service Platform. See how channel partner CPU ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2022
MSPs set up IT services for retail transformations
MSPs can help the retail industry digitally transform in six areas, including customer and employee experience, and emerge stronger after the unique challenges of 2020 and 2021. 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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Answer
14 Mar 2022
How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?
A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2022
AIOps challenges ease into MSP system management
AIOps is still early in development; however, the technology will help channel partners and customers contextualize large volumes of data and streamline management processes. Continue Reading
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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
01 Mar 2022
Cloud for industry sectors calls for co-innovation
The verticalization of cloud computing will hinge on alliances in which service providers, hyperscalers and customers collaborate on industry-specific platforms. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2022
Cloud partners bolster relations with AWS, GCP and Microsoft
Service providers expand cloud centers of excellence, invest in technical skills and create intellectual property; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2022
ServiceNow telecom sector heats up for partners
Ecosystem players are maneuvering for business opportunities at the intersection of high-growth technology and legacy systems; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Feb 2022
Partners see client transformation in industry clouds
Verticalized offerings could help organizations get more out of their cloud investments and seize competitive advantage, with service providers playing an advisory role. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2022
Digital transformation acceleration drives cloud spend
Recent research points to a continuation of the enterprise IT projects -- many built on cloud technology -- that emerged in the second half of 2020; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2022
Cloud consumption models, services to see uptick in 2022
Cloud computing skills shortages are changing the way businesses think about in-house IT and making them more likely to tap external service providers; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2022
Data analytics in IoT offers new opportunities for MSPs
For MSPs monitoring thousands of IoT devices, parsing the associated data stream provides an outlet for growth. MSPs, however, must first acquire the essential skills. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2021
IoT hardware sales can bolster MSPs
Offering connected devices could prove a lucrative business, given the potential to monitor a large installed base. But MSPs must prepare for the scope of the challenge. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2021
Kyndryl grows ecosystem via Google Cloud partnership
The infrastructure services provider aims to offer multi-cloud services and integration offerings as it cultivates industry ties beyond its IBM origins; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Dec 2021
IoT opportunities for MSPs in monitoring, management
Partners can extend their existing services into the realm of IoT, but they should brace themselves for massive device populations and gear up for security. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2021
Partners get AWS Data Exchange, container market updates
New Data Exchange capabilities avoid ETL and provide consistent API governance, while a container marketplace update supports an expanded set of Kubernetes management tools. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2021
Digital transformation projects face expansion hurdles
The pandemic accelerated cloud adoption, but staffing shortages could stall projects without the help of third-party providers; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2021
Multi-cloud deployments challenge customers, partners
The complexity of operating multiple clouds has opened opportunities for consultants and service providers, who aim to instill a more holistic management approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2021
IT firm scores victory with stadium technology project
IT services provider Atomic Data helped set up key networking components for FC Cincinnati's new soccer stadium. The project deployed a mix of Aruba Networks technology. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Google Cloud Next features distributed cloud, integrator moves
Google Distributed Cloud could cut data sovereignty compliance costs for partners' customers, while global integrators roll out offerings for Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2021
Palo Alto Networks distributor pact aims for US small businesses
Distributor Ingram Micro is set to offer Palo Alto Network's Okyo Garde, a subscription-based cybersecurity product that targets small businesses; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2021
Cloud integration services emerge as partner opportunity
Consultants help customers unify disparate cloud systems, offering services reminiscent of 1980s vintage systems integration. They face obstacles along the way, however. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2021
Accenture backs Climeworks on CO2 removal tech
The consulting firm offers software, market advice and visual design services to the carbon removal venture, which recently opened a plant in Iceland. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
31 Aug 2021
Apple device management considerations for MSPs
RMM software has evolved into a cybersecurity attack vector, creating concerns for MSPs and their customers. Does Apple's configuration-based management approach offer a solution? Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2021
AWS MSSP competency program opens up to partners
A new AWS program will validate the skill sets and processes of MSSP partners, creating a means for security firms to competitively differentiate themselves; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Aug 2021
Why Microsoft 365, Windows 365 matter for IT services firms
Office 365, Microsoft 365 and Windows 365 differ not only in their feature sets and capabilities, but in the opportunities they afford service providers. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2021
SADA, Intel collaborate in Google Cloud optimization program
Through a new partnership, SADA and Intel engineers will fine-tune customers' Google Cloud Platform environments; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2021
Salesforce partner demand soars, M&A follows
The Salesforce skills crunch has generated a wave of acquisitions in the partner ecosystem. But M&A isn't the only remedy: Consultants have also boosted training. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2021
Cybersecurity consulting, MSSPs in channel spotlight
Channel companies have put a premium on cybersecurity services in 2021. The latest round of market activity features Deloitte and Epiphany Systems; other news. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2021
Microsoft partner community gets industry cloud, training boost
At Microsoft Inspire, the company expanded its industry cloud portfolio with a sustainability cloud and promised to expand partners' technical expertise; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2021
Microsoft Cloud platform to fuel FY 2022 priorities
At Microsoft Inspire 2021, executives highlighted ways Microsoft has differentiated its cloud platform from rivals. Partners can expect to see the cloud platform expand. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Microsoft Inspire 2021 takes on 'era of rapid change'
The vendor kicked off its virtual event with new visions for its technologies, aimed at aligning with a world where digital adoption has skyrocketed. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2021
SADA's FinOps lead sheds light on an emerging field
In this Q&A, SADA's Rich Hoyer discusses the fundamentals of FinOps, why it's gaining visibility, and the conundrum of cloud technology and its value to customers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2021
AWS-Salesforce partnership offers integration potential
The alliance is poised to generate new customer use cases that span AWS services and Salesforce clouds, according to cloud services firm AllCloud; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2021
Selling professional services on cloud marketplaces
Partners say cloud sales platforms offer a way to find new customers, launch proofs of concept and seed bigger deals. Learn more about this emerging channel. Continue Reading