MSP technology services
Tips on IT service delivery approaches and features on building lines of business to meet customers' digital transformation needs.
Top Stories
-
Feature
01 Dec 2023
5 IT services industry trends on tap for 2024
The top IT services industry trends for 2024 should sound familiar, with cost optimization and guarded innovation among the trends expected for the coming year. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Sep 2023
Veeam leads funding round for SaaS backup provider Alcion
Analysts say that while both Alcion and Veeam offer Microsoft 365 backup, there is enough difference in the products and enough need in the data protection market. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jan 2020
Public cloud vendors launch faulty services as race heats up
Faced with a rapidly expanding menu of public cloud services, customers need help making the right decisions. ThoughtWorks thinks this opens up opportunities for channel resellers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Dec 2019
2020 cybersecurity services: Predictions for MSPs
The 2020 cybersecurity landscape presents new challenges and opportunities for managed service providers, according to predictions from security firm WatchGuard. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Dec 2019
Vendors step up MSSP partner initiatives in 2020
Security vendors are looking to MSSPs to drive their business growth in 2020. Find out about MSSP initiatives at SonicWall, BlackBerry Cylance and Siemplify. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Dec 2019
Container adoption accelerates, consulting execs say
The potential to massively speed up software cycle time is generating more container technology demand for channel partners, particularly in the new app development field. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Dec 2019
LucidLink taps partners to boost file access service
The San Francisco company targets managed service providers as a channel for its file streaming offering, which aims to address rising data volumes. Continue Reading
-
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
-
News
26 Nov 2019
Accenture cloud tool aims to shorten decision cycle
Consulting firm Accenture has launched a cloud tool that industry watchers find interesting for its simulation capabilities and potential to speed up adoption. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
26 Nov 2019
Consultant's free FedRAMP readiness assessment tool gets early looks
ISVs have struggled with the cost of the government's cloud security process, but a consulting firm aims to make the FedRAMP readiness assessment task a bit easier. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2019
ESG defines vendor relationship strategies for channel firms
A report by Enterprise Strategy Group identifies what MSPs should seek in their cloud vendor relationships. The report warns that some alliances can undermine key business goals. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2019
TCS, Microsoft aim for intelligent cloud, edge
Tata Consultancy Services' Microsoft Business Unit is one of a handful of such IT services entities focused on the software giant; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Nov 2019
CPaaS market could boost partners with the right skills
Channel companies that want to become CPaaS partners should expect to encounter a new set of buyers, a rapidly changing technology and the need for coding skills. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Nov 2019
Cybersecurity puts managed services industry at a crossroads
MSP software vendor ConnectWise's annual IT Nation Connect event revealed the pressures managed service providers are under to transition to advanced cybersecurity. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
05 Nov 2019
SADA's dotMaps app rolls out in Seattle
SADA Systems' dotMaps application gets the green light from Seattle's Department of Transportation. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Nov 2019
Rackspace set to buy AWS partner
Rackspace's pending purchase of Onica, an AWS partner with consulting and professional services capabilities, underscores the continuing interest in cloud services specialists. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Oct 2019
DoD JEDI contract: Following old plot lines?
The recently awarded DoD JEDI contract is a new story that nevertheless recalls a much older chapter in federal IT contracting. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Oct 2019
Single cloud counters multi-cloud trend among MSPs
For some services providers, focusing resources on one cloud platform makes more sense than distributing resources across two or more public cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
31 Oct 2019
Alibaba Cloud taps channel partners for growth
Alibaba Cloud is outpacing AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform when it comes to worldwide revenue growth. And it has its eye on MSPs and other channel partners. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
25 Oct 2019
Teridion SD-WAN expands to China, sparking channel business
Teridion, an internet routing platform provider, has extended its global SD-WAN offering to mainland China, filling a gap for partners that target multinational customers. Enterprise customers ... Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Oct 2019
Channel firms take on multi-cloud management challenges
As enterprise customers begin to grapple with the complexities of multi-cloud environments, channel partners have found a role in reining in and optimizing cloud spending. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Oct 2019
WVD to spark demand for consulting, implementation services
Microsoft's Windows Virtual Desktop offering is poised to boost partner business as it opens opportunities in the desktop-as-a-service market; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Feature
26 Sep 2019
DigitalOcean partner program aims for SMB expansion
A DigitalOcean partner program is arming MSPs and other channel firms to pursue customers in the SMB space. The program also facilitates partner-to-partner collaborations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Sep 2019
Microsoft-Oracle cloud alliance boosts partner opportunities
The Microsoft-Oracle cloud interoperability pact has unlocked new customer segments in the channel, according to managed cloud service provider Ensono. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Sep 2019
Managed Azure services hotspots span optimization to AI
Demand for Microsoft Azure services ranges from cost optimization to AI services, according to service providers looking for business in this public cloud platform. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Sep 2019
SD-WAN demo lab lets partner's clients try before they buy
As the SD-WAN market heats up, MNJ Technologies has launched a demo lab that includes technology from vendors such as Cisco, Fortinet, Oracle and Silver Peak. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Aug 2019
VMware Cloud on AWS migrations continue to pose challenges
Cloud solutions provider Unitas Global highlights VMware Cloud on AWS opportunities and challenges in the enterprise space; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Aug 2019
Google Cloud Partners hopeful on new program, but seek advances
Google's bid to sort its partner initiative is viewed as a positive development among the company's partners, some of which are heavily focusing on the cloud provider's platform. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Aug 2019
Skype-to-Teams migration revs Microsoft partner services
Microsoft partners believe organizations will be in the market for migration planning, change management and governance services as they migrate from Skype to Teams. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Aug 2019
Google Cloud partner deal with DXC targets SAP migration
A new alliance uniting IT services firm DXC Technology with Google will focus on artificial intelligence and SAP migration as opportunities for collaboration. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
02 Aug 2019
Addressing the data problem in a DevOps world
There's a data problem underlying the shift to the cloud, cloud-native applications and the demands of the DevOps world. Insight's Jeff Bozic discusses the issues. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Jul 2019
Managed security services make progress in SMB sector
Providing managed security services to small and medium-sized businesses has never been easier, but gaps in cybersecurity tools and customer education remain as challenges. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Jul 2019
Partners weigh prospects of NVMe storage market
While NVMe technology has yet to gain the customer traction that industry watchers expected, channel partners believe it will become the de facto standard. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Jul 2019
Grant Thornton LLP taps Rightpoint for digital workspace
Grant Thornton LLP, a professional services firm, got an assist from Rightpoint on a digital workspace project that breathed new life into an aging intranet system. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2019
Armor Cloud Security bets future on channel partners
Armor Cloud Security has retooled its go-to-market strategy and partner program to appeal to cloud consultants, MSPs, MSSPs and resellers; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Jun 2019
Asigra calls out the perils of cloud brokerage model
Cloud backup vendor Asigra shed light on the negative aspects of brokering cloud services. Find out about three potential business issues inherent in the brokerage model. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
28 Jun 2019
Armorblox takes NLU email security software to the channel
Startup Armorblox is looking to carve out a space in the email security software market with the help of channel partners. The company, based in Cupertino, Calif., touts its platform's use of ... Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
14 Jun 2019
Sensu targets MSPs with multi-cloud monitoring, multi-tenancy
Sensu's multi-cloud monitoring tool has been redesigned to support multi-tenancy, a plus for managed service providers. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2019
Cisco partners hail unified Webex client
Cisco partners pointed to the networking company's unified collaboration strategy as an important development at Cisco Live; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2019
Channel partners react to Google cloud outage
Google's four-hour disruption is the latest outage to hit cloud providers, sparking questions about cloud redundancy; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
07 Jun 2019
How to install and configure vCenter Update Manager
Follow these steps to install and configure VMware vCenter Update Manager, which can help solution providers with patching hosts and virtual machines. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
06 Jun 2019
Customers poised to adopt managed public cloud services
The managed public cloud services sector is getting a boost from an Accenture study revealing nearly 87% of senior IT professionals would consider purchasing managed cloud services. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2019
SolarWinds releases slew of network management upgrades
SolarWinds has made a host of changes to its network management portfolio, including adding Network Insight for Palo Alto Networks and centralized upgrades, among others. Continue Reading
-
News
28 May 2019
JetStream Software seeks MSP DR partners
Enterprise Networking Solutions chose JetStream backup because of its continuous replication technology, giving it an RTO/RPO edge over other products in its DR catalog. Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2019
Salesforce consultants get bigger AppExchange spotlight
Changes to AppExchange will highlight consulting firms within the Salesforce partner ecosystem. Additions include a consultant finder and new analytics tools. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 May 2019
Assured DP partners with Rubrik, Equinix in DraaS twist
Assured DP is putting its own stamp on the disaster recovery-as-a-service market, creating a DRaaS offering through a partnership with Rubrik and Equinix. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 May 2019
Why SOAR platforms are gaining attention from the channel
The cybersecurity skills gap and demand for process automation are powering the growth of the SOAR market. Learn how partners can benefit from these multifaceted platforms. Continue Reading
-
News
07 May 2019
MDR services company taps MSPs as partners
Pondurance, an MDR services provider, has unveiled a partner program, targeting managed service providers in a market forecast to grow rapidly over the next few years. Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2019
How Dell Unified Workspace benefits channel partners
Dell Technologies partners may be able to pursue consulting work instead of assembling IT components in light of the vendor's Unified Workspace offering; more news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Apr 2019
Acronis Cyber Platform APIs to spark new channel business
Acronis aims to broaden the services and product integrations available to its partners, thanks to new developer APIs for the Acronis Cyber Platform; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Apr 2019
Google Cloud partners back company's industry shift
Google Cloud Premier Partner companies view the company's newly articulated vertical market strategy, which targets six industries, as a positive development. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
04 Apr 2019
Single board computing distributor OKdo debuts
Electrocomponents has launched OKdo, a global electronics distributor that focuses on single board computing and IoT products. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Mar 2019
NetApp partner strategy hinges on channel enablement
NetApp will continue to invest in channel sales enablement resources to help partners embrace its full portfolio; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Mar 2019
5 Microsoft Azure managed services to grow your channel business
Andy Syrewicze, a former MSP engineer and current Microsoft MVP, detailed five Azure solutions that service providers can offer their clients. The packages run from the simple to the visionary. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2019
Violin Systems revamps partner program amid company reboot
Violin Systems' new channel program offers three tiers of participation for partners in the storage market. The company named former X-IO executive Tim Cullen to head the effort. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Mar 2019
Accenture adds Google to multi-cloud strategy
Accenture IT is embracing a multi-cloud management approach, providing an example for clients exploring the use of more than one public cloud platform. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Mar 2019
Hosted private cloud speeds Epic EMR system rollout
A healthcare firm faced the daunting deadline challenge of deploying an Epic EMR system in eight months. US Signal's hosted private cloud helped the client beat the clock. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Feb 2019
AWS APN program changes spark partner reaction
AWS partners said they support the new requirements established for the AWS APN program, noting the higher bar helps them rise above rivals in a competitive market. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
14 Feb 2019
How to manage Windows 7 user accounts and groups
Whether your customers operate in a workgroup or a domain/Active Directory environment, user account setup and group memberships control their rights, permissions and roles. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2019
Sale of Avast Managed Workplace sharpens vendor's security focus
Following Barracuda Networks' purchase of Avast Managed Workplace, an RMM-free Avast plans to build out its SMB security portfolio; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya partners at forefront of vendor's cloud transformation
According to Avaya, the business communications vendor will reward partners that help build out Avaya cloud business; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Jan 2019
Microsoft Azure migration: Accenture team supports Carlsberg
A more agile infrastructure was among the benefits of an Azure migration at brewer Carlsberg Group. An Accenture-led team assisted with the cloud transition. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Jan 2019
VMware partners craft managed services for AWS offering
VMware Cloud on AWS: Partners are stepping up to provide managed services around the hybrid cloud offering that combines VMware's virtualization products and the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Jan 2019
Unified communications market sees demand for customized offerings
Channel partners can use unified communications APIs to help customers simplify business workflows. Learn about this niche opportunity and what trends will shape the market. Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Dec 2018
Cloud trends in 2019: Cost struggle, skills gap to continue
IT service providers should have their hands full in 2019 helping enterprise customers deal with cloud cost management in expanding multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Dec 2018
Colo vendors, MSPs explore new data center cooling methods
Unconventional cooling methods, such as evaporative cooling and data center liquid cooling, provide alternatives to traditional computer room air conditioning systems. Continue Reading
-
Answer
05 Dec 2018
Tactics for selling MSP backup services
A sales approach that illustrates the potential of ransomware threats to disrupt small business operations could help managed service providers sell backup and recovery offerings. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Nov 2018
Network design checklist: How to design a local area network
Local area network design considerations for IT consultants range from IP default gateway redundancy to device standardization. Browse these tips iIf you are building a LAN. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Nov 2018
Network documentation checklist: 10 steps for channel partners
Network documents can provide service providers with valuable insight when it's time to troubleshoot problems. Follow these 10 steps for a smooth documentation process. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Nov 2018
Rackspace managed VMware service provides AWS steppingstone
A new multi-cloud platform from Rackspace seeks to take advantage of customer experience with VMware technology and the need to tap public cloud services, such as AWS. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Nov 2018
MSP cybersecurity concerns may require a business model retune
Many managed service provider partners consider IT security an important revenue opportunity, but they may have to retool their offerings to address emerging threats. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Nov 2018
Cisco strategy revolves around multi-domain architecture
Cisco aims to interconnect various networking domains -- from the data center to the cloud -- in an approach it has dubbed multi-domain architecture. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Nov 2018
Cisco partners view Catalyst 9200 as service opportunity
Channel executives at Cisco Partner Summit 2018 say Cisco's new Catalyst switches offer the ability to wrap software and services around hardware sales. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Nov 2018
Cisco Partner Summit 2018 continues software emphasis
The Cisco software strategy is accelerating, according to a company official who cites growth in recurring revenue, enterprise agreements and Lifecycle Advisors as evidence. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Nov 2018
IBM business partners mull benefits, risks of Red Hat buyout
The success of the $34 billion Red Hat buyout would rely on Big Blue's handling of the open source software vendor's portfolio and culture, according to IBM business partners. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Nov 2018
Rackspace retools managed public cloud business
Rackspace's managed public cloud business is packaging services to help customers at different phases of their cloud journeys; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 Oct 2018
MSPs highlight 3 top tools for cybersecurity practices
Managed services providers must navigate a complex market to find the right tools for cybersecurity. Three MSPs discuss products they deem essential to their businesses. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Oct 2018
Array Networks pursues virtualized network services channel
Array Network's new ASAP program looks to enable VARs and MSP partners to offer services around its AVX Series Network Functions Platforms, and other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Oct 2018
Hardware makers discuss tariff effects at channel event
Hardware vendors aim to mitigate the effects of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported Chinese goods, using such strategies as tariff engineering. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Sep 2018
Microsoft Ignite 2018: Channel eyes Azure products, virtual desktops
Channel companies cited Azure Data Box offline and inline data transfer products and Windows Virtual Desktop as among the interesting developments at Microsoft Ignite. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Sep 2018
Small business Wi-Fi market heats up for channel partners
An Adtran offering for service providers, Linksys Cloud Manager and Meraki Go are among the new Wi-Fi options available to partners seeking wireless tech for small businesses. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
14 Sep 2018
Ensono data center readies for Hurricane Florence
The Ensono data center in Kings Mountain, N.C., is designed and maintained to withstand events such as Hurricane Florence, according to a company official. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Sep 2018
Meraki Go offers channel new small-business Wi-Fi market
Cisco Meraki's small-business Wi-Fi offering, Meraki Go, opens opportunities for channel partners among a new set of customers; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Sep 2018
4 tips for MSPs building a cloud backup services business
Getting started as a cloud-based backup services business requires a grasp of the target market, a solid mix of backup vendors and a sound pricing formula. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Aug 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions boost channel
Hyper-converged infrastructure technology has become a core part of channel partners' technology portfolios, but customer requirements still call for traditional storage gear. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
21 Aug 2018
CDO role: What's keeping chief data officers up at night?
Get to know your clients' CDOs: Their challenges include building a strong data foundation, getting the most out of data investments, transforming talent and migrating legacy data. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Aug 2018
Cloud-based storage options open channel opportunities
Industry giants such as Amazon Web Services and startup solutions such as Qumulo QF2 are taking file storage to the cloud. Partners can advise clients on platform adoption. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Jul 2018
SMB business security: MSPs could be doing more
A recent study of small and medium-sized businesses by IT management software firm Kaseya found growing trepidation and investment around cybersecurity. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Jul 2018
White-label cloud marketplaces become valuable tool for MSPs
MSPs are tapping cloud-based commerce platforms to bolster sales and marketing. Find out about using white-label cloud marketplaces and popular online shops run by AWS and Google. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2018
Microsoft Azure platform sparks partner offerings
Microsoft Inspire 2018: Channel partners are rolling out products and services to take advantage of Azure's market momentum and its status as a pivotal Microsoft platform. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Jul 2018
Mobile management services offer SI, reseller opportunities
Mobile lifecycle management services offer opportunities for a range of companies, including resellers, systems integrators, outsourcers and communications service providers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jul 2018
Kubernetes consulting: Helping with the basics, security issues
The Kubernetes container management system has become a source of growing consulting opportunities for IT service providers such as Accenture and Sapient Consulting. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2018
Unitrends revamps enterprise backup solutions program in wake of merger
Unitrends revised its channel partner program, adding new tiers and benefits for its legacy partners, as well as incentives for Kaseya MSP partners to join; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jul 2018
Edge computing market: Far-reaching opportunities for channel partners
The confluence of edge computing and IoT are generating a broad range of partner opportunities. Learn about the scope of the edge computing market and skills needed to pursue it. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jun 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions: Scale, Nutanix tap channel
Channel partnership strategy: Scale Computing and Nutanix have launched partner programs in the hyper-converged solutions market; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
28 Jun 2018
DattoCon 2018 attendees get a glimpse of the future
At DattoCon 2018, company executive Ian McChord shared his views on emerging trends and opportunities for managed service providers. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2018
Aruba partners urged to target traditional branch office routers
The new Aruba SD-branch offering, unveiled at the HPE Discover conference, gives channel partners a way into the SD-WAN space, Aruba said; other news from the week. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2018
DattoCon 2018: New storage features, development schedule
Datto partner companies got a slew of new data protection features, a cloud storage product beta and updates on business management software at the recent DattoCon event. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Jun 2018
DRaaS solution: US Signal makes rounds in healthcare market
A DRaaS solution from US Signal provides an additional level of data protection and remote replication for its client, a regional health system in western Massachusetts. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2018
HPE GreenLake targets channel with on-premises consumption opportunity
HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity is a central piece of the HPE Partner Ready channel strategy and a plan for capturing the anticipated growth of the consumption-based procurement. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jun 2018
Cisco Live 2018: Vendor opens management console to partners
In Cisco's latest nod to software, the company has opened its Cisco DNA Center to developers, including a number of IT services providers and consultancies. Continue Reading