Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• New ERP implementation: How to ensure value realization

  C-level executives may not have much experience deploying a new ERP system, but a consultant can help them realize the benefits of implementation, Jeff Carr writes. Continue Reading

• Social media tools and applications: Channel execs sharpen strategies

  Channel company executives are finding some success with social media platforms, but report it takes time and effort to develop effective social media marketing plans. Continue Reading

• Will MSPs answer the call for cybersecurity services?

  Despite high demand, channel businesses have largely avoided developing a focus around security services. Learn how companies can do more. Continue Reading

• DRaaS market: Ransomware, compliance open channel opportunities

  Organizations battling ransomware attacks or responding to regulatory obligations may be prime candidates for channel partners' cloud-based DR services. Continue Reading

• How to start a cloud business: A channel partner guide

  Channel companies entering the cloud computing business must prepare for a subscription-based revenue model, cultivate partnerships and differentiate their services. 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

• Cybersecurity strategies: Best-of-breed or integrated security suites?

  The cybersecurity discussion about best-of-breed point products vs. integrated security architectures is one of many enduring tech debates; this handbook aims to frame the dialogue.Continue Reading

• School infrastructure project: ConvergeOne upgrades aging data center

  ConvergeOne, a communications service provider, is working on a project in the education vertical that could help a school district recover $30 million in state aid.Continue Reading

• Cloud hosting firm turns to Agiloft for customer support automation

  ENKI, a managed cloud services provider, has developed a series of applications using Agiloft's customizable business software applications platform.Continue Reading

• Fortinet Security Fabric: Channel partners find a role

  Fortinet's pursuit of a unified security architecture to protect against cybersecurity threats may open opportunities for channel partners in consulting and integration services.Continue Reading

• Channel weighs integrated security solution vs. point-product approach

  Channel partners can make arguments for the integrated security suite and the best-in-class point product method, but the decision ultimately rests on a customer's specific needs.Continue Reading

• New tech, old virtues keep server virtualization platforms going

  Server virtualization is well past the peak of the technology adoption curve, but SMB customers, open source technology and hybrid clouds keep demand going.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

• Technology ROI: Partners say the numbers don't tell the whole IT story

  Organizations have traditionally focused on ROI to justify IT investment, but channel partners suggest a more convincing argument can be made beyond the financial numbers.Continue Reading

• SMB customer IT spend: Barriers and how to overcome them

  Channel companies may need to overcome technical and financial obstacles among their SMB customers to encourage them to acquire and adopt new technology.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged technology evolves into compelling sales pitch

  Advocates for hyper-convergence envision an important place for the technology in future data centers. Learn about the expanding uses for HCI and emerging markets.Continue Reading

• CompTIA sheds light on small business IT services spending

  The market for small business IT services is large, extremely varied and challenging to address. Those are among the takeaways from CompTIA's research in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) ...Continue Reading

• IoT managed services: How channel partners can get started in 2017

  Channel partners can capture a slice of the growing IoT managed services market if they can overcome the steep learning curve.Continue Reading

• Aruba Networks: IoT adoption trends point to channel prospects

  A new study on IoT adoption commissioned by Aruba Networks, a networking vendor and Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, has yielded some food for thought for channel partners. The study, The ...Continue Reading

• Amazon Chime: Channel execs see potential, room for improvement

  Channel partners said Amazon's new Chime unified communications offering has the potential to disrupt the market, but may need additional features to boost its competitive stance.Continue Reading

• HIPAA business associates can expect more penalties ahead

  HIPAA business associates can expect more compliance penalties in 2017. MSPs should take steps to ensure they are meeting the requirements.Continue Reading

• Partners: Citrix hyper-converged tech opens VDI to midrange clients

  The Citrix Ready HCI Workspace Appliance Program, coupled with the company's Citrix Cloud, will open VDI opportunities among midmarket customers, Citrix channel partners said.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

• NLP technology inspires customer interaction projects in key verticals

  Natural language processing is opening opportunities in customer service, but channel companies must understand the technology's architecture and build alliances to succeed.Continue Reading

• More cybersecurity trends to watch for in 2017

  Cybersecurity trends in 2017 may include a growing role for SDN, a higher profile for CASB and changes in privacy and security law.Continue Reading

• Seceon MSSP program 'the way a channel is supposed to work'

  Secure Designs encountered Seceon while on the hunt for the right SIEM tool. Seceon's Open Threat Management fit the bill and paved the way to a strategic partnership.Continue Reading

• The Trump economy: IT channel weighs business opportunities for 2017

  What's ahead for channel businesses? According to industry experts, the channel should prepare for significant changes.Continue Reading

• A retrospective on IT: Technology 'trends' of 2016 revisited

  Contributor Stanley Louissaint revisits the predictions he made last year regarding tablets, the internet of things, cloud computing and near field communication.Continue Reading

• Channel technology trends 2017: Cloud, cybersecurity and automation

  Channel partners can expect to see plenty of activity next year in cloud computing, multicloud in particular, as well as cybersecurity and IT automation.Continue Reading

• Machine learning projects fuel new lines of channel business

  Machine learning projects are creating a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for partners. Get ready with the right range of skills and experience to take part.Continue Reading

• Blockchain technology, applications spark channel opportunities

  As more enterprises consider blockchain technology, IT services firms and consultancies have an opportunity to discuss adoption strategy and deployment options with their clients.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

• SD-WAN: Providers could see strong growth, but face hurdles

  The SD-WAN market beckons with high-growth potential, but channel partners must confront incomplete feature sets, training requirements and market consolidation.Continue Reading

• Printer security: How to differentiate your managed print services

  In the relatively mature managed print service space, printer security creates a compelling differentiator, experts say.Continue Reading

• Study: Cyber security measures widespread but vulnerabilities persist

  Most organizations have developed cyber security measures for battling today's mounting threats, yet many admit their businesses remain seriously at risk. That’s according to new research published ...Continue Reading

• Channel partnerships: How to form alliances with peers

  Strategic alliances with your channel peers could be the key to expanding your business. However, it takes more than a handshake to create a successful partnership.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

• Take this quiz to catch up on IT partnership news

  This month's channel news quiz takes a look at a range of topics, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, distribution, partner conferences and the copier market.Continue Reading

• What does the role of CDO mean for channel companies?

  Chief digital officers may hold the keys to many of your customers' decisions, and, just as importantly, to your own company's evolution.Continue Reading

• Business influencers: What guides your IT channel decisions?

  Channel executives are responsible for making tough decisions that impact the fates of their companies. We asked a few company chiefs to name the top influencers that shape their leadership.Continue Reading

• Cloud services: Market opportunity bypasses many channel companies

  While the cloud reaches critical mass among customers of all sizes, many partners don't offer cloud services or have yet to make cloud services a major revenue contributor.Continue Reading

• Softchoice: Windows 10 adoption elusive among customers

  With Windows 10 having celebrated in July its first year on the market, service provider Softchoice has found a scant presence of the OS within its client base. Softchoice's recent study of its ...Continue Reading

• Trace3 grows its innovation research program

  Trace3 is growing its innovation research program, which aims to help CIOs obtain early access to emerging technologies.Continue Reading

• HIPAA compliance services a double-edged sword

  Before MSPs take on HIPAA compliance work, experts advise they understand the regulatory framework they're subject under, obtain certifications and mitigate the risks.Continue Reading

• The cloud-based security market: How to 'break in'

  Cloud-based security has gained mass appeal for businesses small and large, and channel partners are taking notice.

  In this three-part handbook, we provide a range of tips and insight on the cloud-based security market and the areas in which ...Continue Reading

• How to change up your channel business model

  "It seemed if we didn't invest heavily in growing our services organization, then we’d end up behind the curve." That was said by Barry Shevlin, CEO of Vology, about his company’s decision to transition from its product-centric focus to an IT ...Continue Reading

• IT security service provider taps Kaseya to deliver cloud offerings

  Internet & Telephone, a managed service provider, is offering its customers cloud-based IT security services through Kaseya's IT management platform tech.Continue Reading

• RPA software: Service firms automate customers, themselves

  IT service providers pursue differing robotic process automation projects, while navigating the technology's cognitive developments and labor considerations.Continue Reading

• Cloud vendor relationship management for channel partners

  Account management, marketing support and cloud performance -- these are just a few of the concerns that channel partners may have when working with cloud vendors.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery certification: Must have or nice to have?

  Channel partners have a number of options for disaster recovery training and certification, but some execs see greater value in certifying in specific DR technologies.Continue Reading

• IT industry certifications boost morale, grow partner revenue

  IT services companies that follow an industry certification plan can create a positive work environment and offer clients a greater number of valuable services, writes Amy Kardel.Continue Reading

• IT channel sales and marketing strategy for the digital era

  Every channel partner should have a sales and marketing strategy if they hope to reach their true potential in the industry. Here's a guide to develop and put a plan into action.Continue Reading

• Channel marketing plan a must for partners

  A well-honed marketing plan provides insight into who your customers are, what they need and how you can help them with what you know and what you sell, Jennifer Anaya writes.Continue Reading

• DRaaS could open SMB channel opportunities

  DRaaS, or disaster recovery as a service, may open opportunities for channel partners to provide data protection services to small and medium businesses.Continue Reading

• Tech OEMs: Gray market goods are a growing concern

  The gray market revisited: A KPMG report explores whether the sale of gray market products has decreased since 2008 when economic conditions proved conducive to unauthorized sales channels.Continue Reading

• BPM platforms unlock channel partner opportunities

  Channel partners say business process management offers greater opportunity today in light of lower BPM platform costs and increased awareness of what the tools can accomplish.Continue Reading

• State CIOs may call on channel partners for cloud advice

  As the role of the state CIO evolves, IT service providers have an opportunity to provide assistance as government agencies consider their cloud computing options.Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity services: MSPs look to expand portfolios

  MSPs are pushing beyond traditional services such as patch and firewall management as they look to stand out from other companies offering managed IT security services.Continue Reading

• IP assets: Channel companies seek differentiation

  Channel partners are building their own IP assets to help differentiate themselves. That strategy involves a learning curve and requires a resource commitment, however.Continue Reading

• Managed services companies rethink their portfolios

  MSPs have to consider whether the gaps in their portfolios leave them exposed to competitors, especially as nontraditional managed services companies target their market.Continue Reading

• UC technology: Tips for channel partners

  In this Tech Buyer Snapshot installment, we examine purchasing priorities for unified communications technology. UC expert Stephen Tong weighs in.Continue Reading

• Computing, then and now: A 30-year view

  Computing has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, yet there are a few enduring patterns.Continue Reading

• IT channel training and certification: Priorities shift in 2016

  Leading IT vendors such as Microsoft and Salesforce are looking to transform how they deliver channel training and accredit their partners this year.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN technology offers channel partner opportunities

  SD-WAN promises to reduce the cost and complexity of WANs, while boosting the performance of real-time applications, according to channel partners and tech vendors.Continue Reading

• Citrix channel partners encouraged to pursue IT services

  At Citrix Summit 2016, company and partner executives pointed to certification, specialization and consulting services as ways channel companies can stand out from the crowd.Continue Reading

• Thought leadership content marketing: How the IT channel can benefit

  Channel partners use thought leadership content marketing strategies to get in front of potential customers and build credibility within the industry.Continue Reading

• IT services: Remote monitoring and management to get boost in 2016

  Old MSP standbys such as RMM and backup/disaster recovery will find rejuvenation this year, according to executives. Business process management will rank among the new trends.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

• Channel companies enjoy solid business growth in 2015

  Channel partners speaking with SearchITChannel say they grew revenue in 2015 and now aim to solidify their business strategies for the coming year.Continue Reading

• Funding for MSPs: VC investors, angels and other sources

  When raising money for your MSP business, several factors will determine whether the best approach is to solicit funding from VC investors or from sources closer to home.Continue Reading

• 2016 channel trends: Digital transformation to alter relationships

  A look ahead: Digital transformation trends will persist into 2016, impacting channel shops, their vendor partners and end clients. Notable techs will include cloud, security and IoT.Continue Reading

• 2015 in review: Dell-EMC deal among top events impacting channel

  The pending Dell-EMC deal and HP's split into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise topped the list of significant events for IT news in 2015 from a channel perspective.Continue Reading

• E-commerce channel partners prep merchants for holiday sales

  Channel partners in the e-commerce space are optimizing and testing shopping sites for what one market watcher predicts will be a $95 billion-plus sales season.Continue Reading

• Channel startups: How business partner agreements protect your investments

  When starting channel businesses, making the wrong decisions about the business partner agreement and entity selection can have severe consequences later on down the line.Continue Reading

• How to build out your managed print service business

  Channel partners adapt to the changing managed print service market by pushing into software and creating services to meet the needs of vertical and niche industries.Continue Reading

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 and 4: A business play for channel partners

  Microsoft channel partners cite an uptick in Surface Pro sales in the enterprise, with healthcare, retail and law enforcement among the leading markets.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

• Oracle: Partners can find work in engineered systems, cloud

  Oracle's recently appointed channel sales vice president emphasizes 'Oracle on Oracle' engineered systems, the company's cloud portfolio and midmarket accounts.Continue Reading

• Security consulting firms find niche in breach detection platforms

  Channel partners, particularly those with IT security experience, may find new opportunities in the emerging field of breach detection technology.Continue Reading

• Solid-state/flash storage technology: Customer insight

  In this Tech Buyer Snapshot, we offer insight into the challenges and purchasing priorities of solid-state/flash storage technology customers.Continue Reading

• SDN benefits obscured by misconceptions: How to beat the myths

  Software-defined networking can benefit customer organizations, but lingering misconceptions hamper broader adoption. Greg Stemberger of Force 3 debunks five common SDN myths.Continue Reading

• Cloud transition echoes client-server technology shift

  Looking back at the shift to client-server technology offers insight into recent activity among large systems integrators and small born-in-the-cloud consulting firms.Continue Reading

• SharePoint alternatives open the door to new channel opportunities

  Channel partners and vendors are capitalizing on SharePoint's weaknesses with alternative products and services. Learn about two enterprise collaboration tools that partners can leverage.Continue Reading

• Production scheduling software emerges as channel opportunity

  Channel partners and industry experts report rising interest among manufacturers in production scheduling systems as supply chain complexity grows.Continue Reading

• The legal vertical isn't for every IT services provider

  The legal services market isn't every service provider's cup of tea. Learn about one company that embraced the vertical and another that decided to walk away from it.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

• Software-defined networking market growth could benefit channel partners

  While SDN market size grows, channel partners stand to benefit from the technology's ease-of-management features.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

• The gamification platform: Cool toy or CRM partner opportunity?

  Dynamics CRM partner companies can expect to see gamification features integrated in Microsoft's fall software release.Continue Reading

• Google Nearline storage: How to develop a channel play

  Google Nearline offers unique perks for channel partners that Amazon Glacier cannot, but deciding which cloud storage service to deploy for your customers depends on a variety of factors.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 roadmap: Plotting a path to partner revenue

  Channel partners seek to take advantage of Microsoft Windows 10 opportunities in upgrades, project services and managed servicesContinue Reading

• IT assessments provide revenue lifts for channel partners

  Channel partners say IT assessments help them generate revenue and provide valuable insight into customers' technology environments.Continue Reading

• Cloud BI projects: Partners finding BI work, but not profits

  Channel partners report a double-edged sword in cloud-based BI: Consulting projects abound, but the elimination of hardware erodes profits.Continue Reading

• Selling hyper-converged architecture: A channel primer

  Partners interested in hyper-converged systems need to evaluate different sales approaches, technology options, potential use cases and related services.Continue Reading

• Managed services business model relies on careful client acquisitions

  When it comes to customer acquisitions, MSPs have to be particularly selective. Learn best practices to steer clear of bad clients and wasted time.Continue Reading

• Inside a DaaS service pact: EarthLink teams with IndependenceIT

  EarthLink, a cloud service provider, and IndependenceIT, a DaaS vendor, provide an example of partnering in the emerging hosted desktop space.Continue Reading

• In-house IT clients transitioning to the cloud? MSPs assess readiness

  Many businesses now consider cloud computing as a viable IT delivery option. MSPs can help their customers assess whether the cloud is right for them.Continue Reading

• 5 CIO trends channel partners should watch

  Channel partners should recognize that "keeping the lights on" is no longer a CIO's primary responsibility, writes Jeff Jackson of Ingram Micro.Continue Reading

• Data storage online: Tugboat firm E.N. Bisso partners with Venyu cloud

  E.N. Bisso has migrated most of its IT assets to cloud partner Venyu's environment, a transition that includes running NAS in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Wireless network technology: Selling access points

  In this Tech Buyer Snapshot installment, we examine customer priorities for WLAN access points. Insight includes top drivers, features and more.Continue Reading