Features

Features

• Online data storage services can still be profitable, providers say

  Solution providers can use online data storage services as the first step toward selling more valuable IT services to customers.  Continue Reading

• Intel Tri-Gate 3D processor aims to beat the heat, boost performance

  The new Intel Tri-Gate chip is designed to use less energy and provides faster speeds. This 3D processor line may help VARs solve clients’ data center problems.  Continue Reading

• Managed video conferencing services finally in demand

  MSPs can use IT management platforms to provide managed video conferencing services and save customers money, time and headaches.  Continue Reading

• Vendors, providers hawk cloud UC, but UCaaS market slow to develop

  Unified communications (UC) vendors may be hawking cloud-ready products, but the Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) market is still tepid, for now.  Continue Reading

• MSPs improvise to overcome lackluster cloud support in RMM software

  MSPs are clamoring for the next generation of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to support hybrid cloud customers or those mixing public cloud with legacy IT.  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 orchestration management

  Cloud computing service providers can benefit from a service strategy, including service catalogue management and SLA development.  Continue Reading

• An MSP's guide to selling cloud backup services and cloud-based DR

  Learn more about how MSPs can offer cloud backup services, cloud disaster recovery services and other data protection services in the cloud in this free chapter download.  Continue Reading

• Selling the intelligent network wiring closet

  Users need more than commoditized switching in the network wiring closet to meet the demands of integrated wired and wireless, mobility, video and unified communications.  Continue Reading

• Cloud integrators offer assessment, integration and ongoing support

  Cloud integrators don't fear the public cloud will kill the channel. Partners that sell cloud integration weave together on and off-premise resources for their clients.  Continue Reading

• Commentary: Customers won't start cloudsourcing until data costs drop

  Enterprises are coming to terms with cloudsourcing, but they are also recognizing that some of their early expectations for the cloud simply won't pan out.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid hosting services primer: Lessons from Rackspace and GoGrid

  In this primer, learn how Rackspace and GoGrid developed hybrid hosting services by combining cloud and managed hosting services into a standard offering.  Continue Reading

• Midsize IaaS cloud providers win SMBs with custom, flexible services

  While large IaaS cloud players compete on price, small and midsize providers are developing custom and complementary managed services to conquer the SMB market.  Continue Reading

• Why Metro Ethernet services matter to VARs

  Selling Metro Ethernet services was once a play for telecom service providers, but now VARs are offering the technology to diversify WAN and disaster recovery options.  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

• Using AuditPol to audit Windows users and set policies

  Solution providers may find value in the AuditPol utility for auditing and organizing Windows users, setting policies and configuring settings such as user privileges.  Continue Reading

• The virtues and vices of virtual appliances

  Virtual appliances bundle up just the software functions required for a specific job into a virtual machine that can be deployed on any hardware. So what’s the downside?  Continue Reading

• Capitalizing on data center services, Windows 8 upgrades: Q&A

  Learn about current hardware opportunities for solution providers, including data center services and the effect Windows 8 upgrades will have on Windows 7 hardware.  Continue Reading

• Resellers tap iPads for business

  Channel players can access ticketing, remote monitoring apps on media tablets.  Continue Reading

• Advantages and disadvantages of server virtualization

  Server virtualization is still very much a crucial aspect of today’s solution provider business. Read through advantages and disadvantages of server virtualization, and how the top vendors' products compare.  Continue Reading

• Helping customers with VMware ESX version comparisons

  Some differences between VMware ESX v3 and ESX v4 are more subtle than others, such as how the system boots. This chapter excerpt details the significant changes, including v3's Intel 10/100 NIC device no longer being viable in v4.  Continue Reading

• Virtual disaster recovery best practices guide for VARs

  Separate yourself from competitors by knowing how to produce a disaster recovery (DR) plan for your customers, including how to cut costs for them, and the best approaches for a virtual DR environment.  Continue Reading

• Tips for virtualizing Exchange Server with vSphere 4

  Virtualizing Microsoft Tier 1 applications such as Exchange Server 2010 with vSphere 4 will help VARs avoid some roadblocks posed by physical deployment, including performing host upgrades without downtime. Knowing how to virtualize server roles in ...  Continue Reading

• Virtualization high availability architecture guide for VARs

  Although implementing a virtualization high availability (HA) architecture may seem like an enticing option for cash-strapped customers, solution providers should know the HA requirements and its potential drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• VAR uses digital signage to grow business

  Here’s how one VAR turned to digital signage and hasn't looked back.  Continue Reading

• How to develop a digital signage business

  Here are five tips for VARs getting into the digital signage business  Continue Reading

• Shaping a solution provider's ESX DR plan: Disaster types

  Solution providers can avoid surprises late in the ESX disaster recovery (DR) game by forming a solid DR plan and knowing how to deal with different disaster types such as chassis failure or rack disaster.  Continue Reading

• Digital signage brings new revenue for VARs

  To make digital signage a profit center, VARs must merge IT skills with customer objectives and targeted content  Continue Reading

• Unified data center hardware: Changing the equation

  Converged infrastructure is gaining momentum as the new model for data center upgrades. How should smaller specialized VARs prepare themselves for this big cultural shift?  Continue Reading

• Managing your customer's Hyper-V system state, virtual hard disks

  Solution providers who want to maintain their customer’s Hyper-V environment will want to focus on managing system state and virtual hard disks (VHDs) by learning VHD management functions.  Continue Reading

• How VARs can get creative with consumer technologies in the cloud

  Solution providers may find that creativity with consumer technologies in the cloud can help drive business. Focusing on services such as data and voice for on-demand applications is one way VARs can take advantage of the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 requirements, features guide: VAR considerations

  VARs would be smart to check out all of the pertinent Exchange Server 2010 requirements and features to determine if they can perform and make money off of Exchange Server 2010 upgrades for customers.  Continue Reading

• Forming a vSphere upgrade strategy: Upgrading vCenter Server and ESX, ESXi

  During the vSphere upgrade process you will need to upgrade your customer’s vCenter Server, ESX and ESXi hosts and virtual machines. Get the best upgrade methods in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading vSphere: Concerns and methods for VARs

  Solution providers using vSphere should take note of potential hardware and third-party application compatibility issues, and know the different vSphere upgrade methods, including upgrading existing hosts or a fresh install.  Continue Reading

• Offering cloud-managed wireless LAN services: One provider's journey

  Joshua Smith, HIT strategist from Untangled Solutions, explains the effective and successful integration of cloud-managed wireless LANs into his company’s IT consulting services.  Continue Reading

• VAR concerns and considerations for handling vSphere security: FAQ

  Dealing vSphere security is a different animal for VARs than their customer’s physical environments. Our expert explains the various products, concerns and recommendations involved with vSphere security in this FAQ.  Continue Reading

• Current VAR cloud computing business trends: Top resources

  Get a grip on the key predictions, analysis and news when it comes to cloud computing business trends in the channel by reading through these top VAR cloud resources.  Continue Reading

• Creating, viewing and installing Oracle Solaris 10 into a domain

  Check out the proper commands to create a guest domain, view its devices and install Oracle Solaris 10 into it while monitoring the domain's activity.  Continue Reading

• Logical Domains migration tips for VARs in Oracle Solaris 10

  Read the differences between Logical Domains’ warm and cold migration to CMT servers and how to use the Logical Domains Physical to Virtual (P2V) tool and Configuration Assistant.  Continue Reading

• Configuring, implementing Logical Domains in Oracle Solaris 10

  Learn what separates Logical Domains from other hypervisors and use this excerpt to find out all the relevant information for VARs on domain implementation and configuration.  Continue Reading

• SCVMM 2008 R2: Resources for Hyper-V management

  See how SCVMM 2008 R2 compares with other Hyper-V management tools, determine if it fits your customers' environments and learn some implementation tips.  Continue Reading

• XenServer VM and CPU resource sharing: FAQ

  Delve into XenServer VM and CPU resource sharing management for your customer’s environment in this FAQ.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise mobility services: VARs offer mobile device management

  There’s money for VARs in offering enterprise mobility services, but it’s probably not in equipment sales. Instead, partners should expect to provide a host of enterprise mobile device management services, including asset tracking and contract ...  Continue Reading

• Setting up and installing applications in Windows XP Mode

  After installing Windows XP Mode on Windows 7, you will need to set it up properly. Follow the steps in this chapter excerpt to perform tasks such as installing applications.  Continue Reading

• Installing Windows XP Mode on your customer's Windows 7

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn the requirements, such as hardware virtualization capabilities, for a Windows XP Mode installation on your customer's Windows 7 computer.  Continue Reading

• How VARs can use virtualization on a Windows 7 desktop

  From desktop to application virtualization, solution providers have options when implementing virtualization in their customer's Windows 7 desktop.  Continue Reading

• Selling unified communications services: One VAR’s story

  Unified communications is no longer considered an extra – it’s a must. One VAR talks about what’s necessary for selling unified communications to customers.  Continue Reading

• Primary storage deduplication's impact on backup deduplication

  Learn about the issues customers should consider when implementing primary storage deduplication alongside a backup deduplication system, such as rehydration and performance penalties.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VMotion SVMotion: Requirements for VARs

  Learn what configuration and compatibility requirements are necessary for VMotion and SVmotion, such as at least having a Gigabit Ethernet network adapter.  Continue Reading

• VSphere Fault Tolerance requirements and FT logging

  To provide continuous availability for a VM in case of a host failure, you'll need a strong understanding of VSphere Fault Tolerance (FT) requirements and FT logging.  Continue Reading

• Enabling VMware HA, DRS: Advanced vSphere features

  Learn how to configure vSphere features such as VMware HA and DRS that will ease VM management if a host failure occurs and help balance resources in your customer's environment.  Continue Reading

• Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands for VARs

  The Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands listed in this chapter excerpt will be valuable to solution providers trying to customize their customers' Linux environments.  Continue Reading

• VAR business opportunities for 2011: What to focus on

  Learn about the new specific technologies and services that can be translated into big VAR business opportunities in 2011, including VDI, cloud computing and the mobile market.  Continue Reading

• Working with configuration files in Linux systems

  Learn how to find and edit configuration files in your customers' Linux systems by using the shell commands provided in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Offering managed WAN services: A case study

  One VAR offers retail clients managed WAN services that include high-performance nationwide networks, VPN, PCI compliance and hosted cloud security.  Continue Reading

• What's new with vSphere editions, features for VARs?

  Take a look at the major differences and new changes in vSphere editions and get information on the advanced vSphere features in this FAQ.  Continue Reading

• VSphere license options for solution providers: FAQ

  Become familiar with the different VSphere license options that will appeal to both SMB and enterprise customers, as well as possible license limitations to keep in mind.  Continue Reading

• Finalists: 2010 data storage Products of the Year

  Find out which products were chosen as finalists in the 2010 storage Products of the Year competition by Storage magazine and SearchStorage.com.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 R2 editions, requirements: Top 10 resources

  SQL Server 2008 R2 editions offer different things to specific types of customers, learn about them and about the SQL Server 2008 R2 requirements.  Continue Reading

• VAR services with cloud vendors: Key considerations

  A customer using cloud computing doesn't mean there is no longer a need for services. Read the different services that you could profit from while working with cloud vendors.  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

• Cloud computing business concerns: Environment testing

  Testing in your customers' environments in areas such as bandwidth and understanding potential cloud business concerns will help determine whether the cloud is a good fit.  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

• Network change and configuration management morphs for the cloud

  Solution providers offering network change and configuration management services must now offer NCCM for the cloud, which will mean mapping components and implementing planned change in a very dynamic environment.  Continue Reading

• How solution providers can profit from SCVMM 2008 R2 upgrades

  If your customers already have Hyper-V R2 in their environments, pushing them toward SCVMM 2008 R2 is the next step. Find out SCVMM 2008 R2's key selling points in this Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and Hyper-V licensing FAQ

  Knowing the capabilities of all Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and how they pertain to Hyper-V licensing will prevent issues from popping up when selling Windows Server 2008 R2.  Continue Reading

• How to use nsswitch.com to find Linux system information

  In this chapter excerpt, learn to find information in your customers' Linux systems by using nsswitch.conf to search for information types, including netgroups or networks, and method searches such as dns or nis.  Continue Reading

• Secure your Linux server with a chroot jail or TCP wrappers

  Decide whether to secure a customer's Linux system servers using chroot jail or with TCP wrappers, and learn how to run commands with each method.  Continue Reading

• Assessing the cloud computing market for solution providers

  Cloud computing solutions offer business opportunities for solution providers, but they aren't a panacea. Before urging customers to enter the cloud, VARs need a solid strategy.  Continue Reading

• Linux DHCP server and client: Configuration and deployment

  DHCP offers several benefits that you can't get from storing network configuration information in local files. Learn the best practices for a successful Linux-based DHCP server and DHCP client configuration and deployment.  Continue Reading

• Parallel execution: Determining SQL suitability, benefits

  When deciding whether SQL is suitable for parallel execution, consider the factors listed in this chapter excerpt, such as the execution time needed for SQL statements.  Continue Reading

• Parallel processing: Using parallel SQL effectively

  Using parallel processing only makes sense for your customers in specific situations. Find out when to use parallel SQL with the Oracle databse to avoid excessive usage.  Continue Reading

• Using parallel SQL with Oracle parallel hint to improve database performance

  Enhance customers' Oracle database performance by using parallel SQL with an Oracle parallel hint, enabling a SQL statement to be simultaneously processed by multiple threads or processes.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Management Shell, Queue Viewer: Message tracking tools

  Learn how Exchange 2010 message tracking tools, such as Queue Viewer, allow solution providers to uncover potential mail flow issues in their customers' Exchange Server 2010 systems.  Continue Reading

• Tracking performance counters to monitor Exchange Server 2010

  Solution providers use the Exchange Server 2010 Performance Monitoring tool to track performance counters and the Performance Troubleshooter to solve problems as they occur.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring Exchange Server 2010 : Using event logs, ExBPA

  Using the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) for an Exchange health check and monitoring event logs will help keep Exchange Server 2010 at peak performance.  Continue Reading

• Using the Disk Management MMC to manage Windows 7 disks

  The Disk Management MMC snap-in can simplify Windows 7 management by helping with tasks, such as converting disks from basic to dynamic or creating a new striped volume.  Continue Reading

• Hardware devices for Windows 7: Installation, management

  Ease Windows 7 management by knowing the different types of hardware devices, such as internal drives, that can be installed, and how to use Windows Update for driver downloads.  Continue Reading

• MMC console management: Adding Windows 7 snap-ins

  From ActiveX Control to Task Scheduler, there are many Windows 7 snap-ins available. Check out the different user and configuration settings that manage a customer's MMC console.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Using Resource Governor in SQL Server 2008 R2 to allocate resources

  Ensure your customer's SQL Server 2008 R2 environment has the proper resources by determining workload group requirements with Resource Governor and classifying server requests.  Continue Reading

• Determining your desktop virtualization strategy

  As desktop virtualization develops, you should have a firm desktop virtualization strategy in place and know how your business opportunities will differ from server virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage services: Peer advice

  Learn how one IT services and consulting company entered the cloud storage services business and get advice for how to approach the marketing, including evaluating how your company's current strengths match up with customer needs and conducting ...  Continue Reading

• FAQ guide: Bandwidth management services projects

  Bandwidth management services can be a lucrative addition to any networking solution provider's portfolio. Learn how to provide bandwidth management products and services in this FAQ guide with IT expert Ron Barrett.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 troubleshooting: Top 10 resources

  There are a number of potential problems during a Windows 7 upgrade. These Windows 7 troubleshooting resources can help you configure SSDs and resolve a Windows 7 freeze.  Continue Reading

• Using hard disk partitions to ease Linux tasks

  Using Linux hard disk partitions and partition commands require extreme care, but they can help maximize efficiency in your customer's environment.  Continue Reading

• Choosing between Red Hat Enterprise Linux backup utilities

  Determining a backup schedule and which Linux utilities, such as tar or dump/restore, to use in your customer's environment can be crucial decisions in case of a disaster.  Continue Reading

• Enabling User Manager in Red Hat Enterprise Linux

  User Manager in Red Hat Enterprise Linux helps solution providers add, delete and modify system users and groups. Find out what the useradd and groupadd utilities can offer.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Hyper-V high availability requirements for VARs

  Determining your customers' requirements for Hyper-V high availability in their infrastructure is no easy task. Explore available HA implementation options, such as CSVs.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Installing Windows 7 hardware devices and drivers

  Solutions providers need to be aware of potential roadblocks during a Windows 7 hardware installation, including being unable to find a Windows 7 driver for an older device.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 upgrades: Top 10 resources for providers

  Solutions providers can attract new customers by making sure they're up to date on Exchange 2010 high availability features and upgrade and installation requirements.  Continue Reading

• Cloud applications: A programming languages background

  If your customers are clamoring for cloud-based applications, you need to get a grip on various kinds of applications and the programming languages used to create these apps.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of cloud storage services

  Cloud storage services can ease the pain of backup tasks and have short- and long-term use cases. Solution providers should emphasize cloud storage's various benefits to customers.  Continue Reading

• Choosing a wireless networking vendor

  When selecting wireless networking vendors as partners, you want to make sure you fully understand the benefits as a reseller. This Partner Program Directory examines wireless vendors across the board, including major vendors and some smaller ones. ...  Continue Reading

• Using system properties to configure Windows 7 options

  The system properties dialogue box in Windows 7 is split up into five tabs that let you change your customer's computer name or dual-boot settings.  Continue Reading

• Using the reliability and resource monitor in Windows 7

  Solutions providers can ensure Windows 7 operating system stability by using the reliability monitor. The resource monitor will help keep track of system usage, including CPU.  Continue Reading

• How to save Perfmon data using Windows 7 performance monitor

  There is a great deal of performance data to sort through in Windows 7, but the performance monitor uses data collector sets to allow you to view and analyze collected data.  Continue Reading

• Windows task manager: Viewing Windows 7 processes and applications

  If applications or processes in a customer's Windows 7 operating system aren't responding, you can use the task manager to view, end and restart them.  Continue Reading

• 802.11 wireless network attacks: Prevent them on customers' networks

  In order to stop wireless network attacks on behalf of your customers, you must understand wireless network attacks. This chapter excerpt examines 802.11 attacks, including the TJX security breach, and how WEP, WPA and WPA2 can be cracked.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 administrative tools: Creating shortcuts

  Windows 7 administrative tools such as the iSCSI Initiator may be under your radar, but you can use them to help customers more easily manage everyday tasks.  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