Features

Features

Managed cloud services

• Digital transformation projects pick up pace under pressure

  IT service providers see accelerating demand for cloud, data analytics, AI and automation as organizations face the challenge of retooling their operations as the economy reopens.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners' cloud opportunities see a boost

  Cloud usage spiked In the first phase of pandemic as organizations rushed to retool operations. Going forward, partners should expect an uptick in cloud opportunities.  Continue Reading

• OST helps grill maker migrate connected products

  Traeger Grills asked a managed service provider to migrate its IoT-enabled grillers to a new cloud platform. The four-month transition has Traeger cooking with AWS.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Healthcare cloud adoption may be turning another corner

  Healthcare cloud adoption has grown at a relatively slow pace, but experts say the tempo is poised to speed up. Learn how channel partners can support hybrid cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry

  In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services.  Continue Reading

• Ended support for Windows Server 2008 leaves clients circumspect

  The conclusion of support for Windows Server 2008 has Microsoft partners helping clients decide what to do next. A wholesale transition to Azure is one option under consideration.  Continue Reading

• Cloud managed services beyond the beaten path

  Accenture, CDS and Modern Systems are developing cloud-related services and approaches at the periphery of traditional offerings, which points the way to portfolio differentiation.  Continue Reading

• FedRAMP authorization and the quest for a better process

  Service providers and consultancies are among the organizations attempting to build a better way to get cloud-authorized under the government's FedRAMP program.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 2019 feature stories for channel partner companies

  Channel partner readers in 2019 took interest in a wide variety of topics, including emerging tech and business management challenges. Here are our 10 most-read feature stories.  Continue Reading

• Computer vision technology, chatbot reboot on tap for 2020

  Look for retailers to emerge in 2020 as a key adopter of AI in vision applications. Other anticipated developments include chatbot integration and a boost for cloud-native apps.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Media and entertainment cloud use poised to shake up industry

  The media and entertainment industry is moving workflows to the cloud in a dramatic cultural shift. InterVision's Ray Panahon sheds light on this development.  Continue Reading

• Nerdio for Azure arrives in Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace

  Nerdio's cloud transition continues with its distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, which offers Nerdio's Azure automation product for MSPs on Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Workplace by Facebook partners evolve as demand grows

  The Workplace by Facebook partner ecosystem has expanded to include more channel partners, as well as technology providers covering everything from analytics to security.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams platform emerges as training, governance opportunity

  Microsoft Teams governance, training and other services are emerging as business opportunities for channel partners working with Microsoft's collaboration platform.  Continue Reading

• 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

• No-code app development vendor Crowd Machine bets on channel

  Crowd Machine is enlisting help from channel partners as it bids to differentiate itself in the growing no-code app development platform marketplace.  Continue Reading

• Green House Data on becoming a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP

  The task of becoming a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, under a Microsoft partner program launched in 2018, is rigorous and time-consuming. Just ask Green House Data.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• MSP market rides M&A momentum into 2019

  Last year's mergers and acquisitions spree looks set to continue into 2019, as buyers look for geographic reach and skills that span multiple public cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Cloud, edge, technology for small businesses top 2019 trends

  From the cloud 'foundation of innovation' to intelligent edge computing, channel partners will have numerous technology developments to consider in 2019.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Partners align to bold SAP S/4HANA migration plan

  SAP boldly stated an ambitious S/4HANA migration plan for existing customers. While SAP partners are on board with the transition, they recognize the challenges involved.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Public sector technology: New FY brings IT uncertainties

  State government IT could run into shifting priorities with 36 governorships in play this fall, but areas such as cloud are expected to see public sector technology investment.  Continue Reading

• Early-stage companies reach out to channel partners

  Bigleaf, CloudZero, Rescale are among the early-stage companies investigating alliances with channel partners as they seek help with sales and support.  Continue Reading

• Cloud GDPR compliance: Partners note lack of urgency among clients

  Cloud firms work busily to align their businesses with Europe's data protection legislation, but many observe a lack of urgency among clients in face of the hefty GDPR penalties.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud cost optimization an ongoing opportunity for partners

  For all its virtues, the hybrid cloud model can create a number of cloud cost optimization and management headaches for customers. Learn how partners can step in to help.  Continue Reading

• ZeroStack sees future in channel partners

  ZeroStack, a private cloud platform startup, aims to grow its customer base through distributors, service providers and resellers such as Morris Technology Partners.  Continue Reading

• Primary and secondary storage combos attract channel partners

  Nontraditional storage vendors, such as ClearSky Data and Reduxio, are attracting resellers and managed service providers with technology, simplicity and business partnerships.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack private cloud deployments spell channel opportunity

  Customers across a broad range of industries are growing increasingly interested in deploying OpenStack private cloud technology but often lack the in-house expertise required.  Continue Reading

• Brother International Europe taps Ensono for hybrid cloud

  Ensono, a hybrid IT services provider, migrated an electronics firm's SAP and Sitecore applications to a private cloud and Amazon Web Services, respectively.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud architecture: Partners hone skills, build tools

  With multi-cloud deployment poised to become more widespread among enterprises, channel partners are expanding their expertise across cloud platforms and pursuing management tools.  Continue Reading

• Cloud migration services: Use a cloud enablement company to get started

  Cloud enablement companies, such as PlumChoice, BitTitan and NetEnrich, have emerged to help small channel firms provide the migration services their customers are asking for.  Continue Reading

• Clients migrating to the cloud? Prepare for these challenges

  Cloud migration is far from simple: Channel partners should consider the challenges of workload allocation, application design and system dependencies when pursuing projects.  Continue Reading

• CASB market poised for channel growth

  Fueled by cloud security concerns, the CASB market is expected to boom into a $713 million opportunity by 2020. However, not all customers yet understand the technology.  Continue Reading

• Datapipe-Adapt deal expands cloud computing on two continents

  Datapipe's 2016 acquisition of Adapt, a cloud consultant in the United Kingdom, has led to new business such as a hosted Skype for Business project at a food manufacturer.  Continue Reading

• A leap into the cloud security market: The story of Fishtech

  Gary Fish is no stranger to business reinvention. In 2016, he decided to transition from background in traditional cybersecurity and spin up a cloud security firm.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based HR software: How channel partners play a strategic role

  Human resources departments initially might have lagged in moving management functions to the cloud, but adoption of the technology is gathering momentum.  Continue Reading

• Oracle cloud partner program aims to boost vendor's cloud sales

  Oracle's year-old cloud partner program has certified some 2,000 resellers as the company looks to bolster its cloud business and catch up with rivals.  Continue Reading

• Unclouding projects: Service providers weigh in on reverse migrations

  The rise of cloud computing adoption has given way to a countertrend: reverse cloud migrations. Service providers discuss the factors driving their customers' unclouding projects.  Continue Reading

• AWS and VMware alliance raises questions for channel partners

  The partnership between Amazon Web Services and VMware could help partners in the enterprise cloud market, but also raises questions regarding pricing and support.  Continue Reading

• Tips to align cloud computing strategies with clients' business goals

  Many organizations remain puzzled about how cloud computing should integrate with their overall business objectives, creating an opportunity for cloud providers to step in and help.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce telehealth system lets channel add real-time video, audio

  Salesforce's telehealth tool, built on top of its Health Cloud platform, offers partners the ability to add real-time video and audio to their healthcare vertical offerings.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing: Ecosystem challenges and how to navigate them

  Channel companies can find a wealth of opportunities in cloud ecosystems, but must take care to navigate challenges such as vetting partners and addressing liability concerns.  Continue Reading

• Channel: Lack of cloud governance framework complicates adoption story

  MSPs and IT service providers say some customers lack a coherent strategy, while others face EBITDA challenges as they grapple with cloud adoption.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT security services firms resell cloud-based offerings

  Managed service providers are reselling security as a service offerings from third-party providers to expand their service portfolios in the IT security arena.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based security helps channel partners cut client costs

  Channel partners are helping their customers adopt security in the cloud, which executives say provides cost-effective protection compared with on-premises technology.  Continue Reading

• Cloud marketplaces: Can channel partners make money?

  Channel partners can take advantage of many cloud marketplace options as part of their go-to-market strategies. Here's what you need to know to get started.  Continue Reading

• Dropbox partner ecosystem helps with security, shadow IT

  Dropbox channel partners, which number more than 2,200 worldwide, are looking for places to add value around the file storage service as it moves into the business space.  Continue Reading

• Integrating legacy systems, hybrid clouds: Channel partner tips

  Channel partners need not flinch at legacy systems and cloud integration. An application audit, attention to latency issues and a solid connectivity model can help ease the task.  Continue Reading

• Cloud management tool strategies: Channel weighs hybrid options

  Automation is a must for managing a hybrid cloud environment. Channel partners are tapping commercially available products and homegrown capabilities to get the job done.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud technology: A channel partner overview

  The hybrid cloud model offers a flexible way to meet clients' IT needs. But there are several factors channel partners should consider when building a hybrid cloud environment.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure partnership with HPE: Channel reaction

  News analysis: The recent alliance between Microsoft Azure and HPE could eventually open opportunities for the channel, but appears to have minimal short-term impact.  Continue Reading

• AWS Audit: MSP partners reveal how they passed

  Amazon Web Services has devised a stringent third-party audit process that channel partners must pass to become a designated Managed Service Partner. Here's how to make it through.  Continue Reading

• Application rationalization: Assess your clients' cloud options

  To determine which apps to migrate to cloud and which to maintain on premises, application rationalization projects analyze numerous aspects of your customers' businesses.  Continue Reading

• Securing data in the cloud: Should channel partners build a practice?

  Channel partners have an opportunity to provide cloud security consulting services as clients seek to bolster cloud data protection amid growing cybersecurity threats.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data encryption options: How service providers address security concerns

  Service providers can address their customers' cloud security concerns by offering a range of cloud encryption options.  Continue Reading

• Data security: In cloud computing environments, partners bulk up

  Partners who offer cloud computing services are taking a number of steps to make sure their offerings protect customer data.  Continue Reading

• Channel partners see customers uncloud: Reverse cloud migration strategy

  Channel partners report that a small but increasing number of customers are moving some or all of their applications off the cloud.  Continue Reading

• How AWS partner status helps cloud-savvy MSPs differentiate themselves

  Cloud-focused channel partners can take advantage of a recently launched AWS program that offers business, marketing, education and training benefits.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Intercloud: Benefits for cloud providers and their customers

  Channel partners can get involved in Cisco Intercloud in a number of ways. Learn how to take advantage of Cisco Intercloud's unique benefits.  Continue Reading

• Cloud brokerage: Are cloud brokers 'tomorrow's system integrators'?

  With the cloud brokerage market expected to reach $160 billion by 2018, traditional IT companies vie with cloud brokers to tap into the growing customer demand.  Continue Reading

• How to sell storage into virtualized infrastructure environments

  Knowing today's best storage options and how they best match to your customers' virtualized infrastructure is critical when crafting storage offerings.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud management software: Keeping up with the complexity

  To keep pace with their customers' increasingly complicated, hybridized environments, service providers employ a range of new and developing tools.  Continue Reading

• Performing a cloud readiness assessment: Technology, process, people

  Cloud partners provide insight into the objectives and challenges involved in each step of a cloud readiness assessment: the technology, the operational processes and the people.  Continue Reading

• Third-party, open source AWS management tools offer unique benefits

  Amazon boasts a broad range of tools for managing an EC2 instance, but partners say third-party and open source tools expand on Amazon's offerings.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing SLA failures: Preparing for the aftermath

  The aftermath of a cloud computing SLA failure is hectic if providers don't have a detailed plan in place that they can share with customers.  Continue Reading

• Cloud single sign-on adds convenience, but does it sacrifice security?

  Cloud SSO has become desirable as more companies adopt applications using multiple cloud services. But providers must not jeopardize security.  Continue Reading

• Can flash storage technology meet cloud service providers' needs?

  Flash technology can be a boon to both cloud service providers and enterprises as they continue the hunt for a highly available and cost-effectively scalable storage solution.  Continue Reading

• A cloud broker can be a cloud provider's best friend

  Gartner says most cloud customers will be using cloud brokers by 2015. Cloud providers need to build partnerships with them today.  Continue Reading

• Cloud service management and cloud monitoring for providers: A primer

  In this primer, learn how providers can use cloud service management and cloud monitoring tools to maximize performance, reduce costs and differentiate their cloud services.  Continue Reading

• How cloud computing fits into identity federation

  Implementing identity federation along with cloud computing can make interoperation between your customers easier. Read the rules and regulations in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• IPv6 addressing brings benefits, few problems to storage administrators

  IPv6 addressing brings benefits to storage networking in terms of scalability and performance, without big downsides for storage administrators.  Continue Reading

• NAS clustering: What it is and how it's being used

  Find out about the different meanings of the term NAS clustering, how it's being used for scalability, its limitations and how it differs from file virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing: Threat or opportunity?

  The channel can benefit from cloud computing if solution providers can turn virtual technologies into physical profits.  Continue Reading

• I/O virtualization (IOV): Delivering cost and power savings to data center servers

  Find out how I/O virtualization (IOV) can cut costs and save power for data center servers, how it compares with other networking technologies, what IOV products are on the market, when and how to implement it, and what the main management concerns ...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 tips for creating Software as a Service business opportunities

  Now, more than ever, this economy is forcing VARs to adapt to their surroundings. These tips will help you generate business using the Software as a Service model.  Continue Reading

• Migrating to a Software as a Service environment

  The transition to Software as a Service (SaaS) isn't always a smooth one. Knowing the dos and don'ts of SaaS migration and implementation is essential when using SaaS offerings to meet clients' needs.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 SaaS implementation considerations

  Once you go through this list of the top 10 considerations for implementing Software as a Service (SaaS), you will be ready to tackle SaaS implementation head on. These tasks are meant to ensure that there are no surprises in the implementation ...  Continue Reading

• Common SaaS problems that occur after implementation

  There are still a few problems you can run into after implementing Software as a Service and this list can help you prepare clients for connection or software application issues.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 pitfalls when implementing Software as a Service

  Reading about the common issues that occur when implementing Software as a Service can save you time and money. Find out what these pitfalls are and how you can avoid them.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Cloud-based computing applications and services

  In this podcast, expert Greg Schulz discusses the value of offering cloud computing applications and services to clients.  Continue Reading

• NAS filer implementation: Solving three big problems

  Implementing NAS filers for a local company is a simple project. But when the job is for a global company with offices all around the world, it's a much bigger challenge. Find out how one consultant solved the NAS filer implementation problems for a...  Continue Reading