Channel Tech Watch

Whether or not Apple really sold 1 million iPhone 3G models during its first weekend on sale, as the company reported, the extended hoopla over its very existence marks a turning point for the smartphone category.

That's because, like the BlackBerry before it, the iPhone 3G is a bona fide mobile device status symbol. This has prompted much soul-searching both on the part of business users who bought it for personal reasons but would now love to take advantage of its built-in support for Microsoft Exchange synchronization and Cisco VPN software, and on the part of corporate America, which is grappling with the security implications of that integration.

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The power inefficiencies associated with many older desktops and servers start with the lowly power supply. But now these components are getting a makeover, giving value-added resellers (VARs) at least one short-term answer for customers' burgeoning concern over energy management and power costs.

SaaS, IP communications and business video driving terabit networks

Value-added resellers (VARs) should care at least a whit about terabit networks -- they may not be selling a lot of terabit routers and switches into the commercial enterprise or small and medium-sized business (SMB) space anytime in the next three to five years, but terabit capacity at the carrier level and backbone will become critical in an IT world increasingly obsessed with managed services and broadband applications such as videoconferencing.

3-D printer market poised for big growth

The proliferation of three-dimensional visual software -- tied to solid modeling and architectural applications as well as interest in cyber games and virtual communities such as Second Life -- has sparked an interest in technology that can output this content. In effect, more businesses are seeking ways to render 3-D models not just on the computer screen but in the real world.

Interest in network access control (NAC) rising

Hindered by concerns about cost and integration with SIEM, network access control (NAC) technology has been slow to infiltrate customer sites. But VARs are finding success with NAC in specific vertical markets and as part of larger projects.

Solid prospects for solid state storage drives

Advances in solid state technology are increasing the appeal for enterprise use of solid state storage. Learn about the developments that could impact your customers' storage choices.

Emerging FCoE spec to extend life of Fibre Channel SANs

First things first: Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) is still much closer to proof-of-concept than real product. It is not a replacement for or alternative to iSCSI, as debated by some. But its potential as a convergence technology within the data center already has the attention of enterprise storage VARs.

WiMax technology will widen your wireless world ... someday

WiMax technology revenue will see big growth in the next few years, though it's less certain when your customers will implement. Learn about the technology behind WiMax and whether or not it could mean profits for you.

Desktop virtualization movement creeping into customer sites

Analysts predict desktop virtualization will be headed for the mainstream by 2010, driven by VMware, Citrix and Microsoft, among others. This could mean more business opportunities over the next few years for channel partners. Find out if this trend could spell out profits for your channel business.

Fixed-mobile convergence opportunities for resellers

With two approaches to fixed-mobile convergence in today's business market, resellers have prime business opportunities and the potential to boost profits. Learn the details of both approaches and decide which one is best in the last installment of this TechWatch series.

The business case for fixed-mobile convergence

Fixed-mobile convergence is a potential windfall for both networking vendors and the channel. The challenge is picking how to get involved, when, and with which vendors. Find out about the business side of fixed-mobile convergence in this second installment of the series.

Plenty of potential in fixed-mobile convergence

The outlook for fixed-mobile convergence in the enterprise is good, but there are a few obstacles to be cleared before it takes off. This first installment of a three-part feature explores the driving forces in this trend.