Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Security questionnaires: How to prepare your SMB clients

  SMBs working with regulated clients may need to complete detailed security assessment questionnaires. Managed service providers can help with data security tools and capabilities. Continue Reading

• Device as a service set to expand for channel partners

  The device-as-a-service market is poised for growth as customers look to trim Capex, but channel partners may need to recast themselves if they want to serve as a DaaS provider. Continue Reading

• Bug bounty service offerings unlock new channel revenue

  Channel firms like security consultant NCC Group are pioneering vulnerability management service offerings that target bug bounty programs. Continue Reading

• Business continuity solution: How should MSPs price an offering?

  A backup offering, when packaged as a business continuity solution, can pique your customers' interest and provide attractive margins if positioned and priced appropriately. Continue Reading

• ERP-EDI integration: Partners rely on speed, flexibility

  BAASS Business Solutions is partnering with trading partner connectivity specialist TrueCommerce to support customers who need core ERP-EDI integration.Continue Reading

• Unified communications as a service: The next generation

  New-look UCaaS solutions are opening opportunities for channel partners that can navigate differing customer needs, regulatory environments and the security landscape.Continue Reading

• HCL software push lands Actian in latest venture

  HCL software: The recent acquisition of Actian gives the $7.6 billion IT services provider a range of data analytics products it can sell as a global systems integrator.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

• A cybersecurity self-assessment helps IT teams, partners flag risks

  IT teams, partners and vendors can benefit from an internal checkup when it comes to reducing the risk of a cybersecurity breach. This approach can help document security efforts.Continue Reading

• From VAR to IT managed service company: NSI's journey

  In hindsight, NSI would have done a few things differently during its transition from a reseller to an MSP. NSI president Tom McDonald shares lessons learned from the journey.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN market growth sparks new channel services

  SD-WAN services are growing in popularity and IT solutions providers are looking to boost their revenue in the rapidly expanding managed SD-WAN market segment.Continue Reading

• MSP business model transformation: Five tips for navigating change

  MSP business model transformation: Channel partners face challenges as they cultivate as-a-service offerings, seek dollars for investment and promote their new offerings.Continue Reading

• Cloud services offerings: Partner investments on the rise

  Managed service providers and other channel firms are upping their investment in cloud services but must confront the challenges of cloud profitability and revenue contribution.Continue Reading

• SAN storage devices: MSP finds new business in tech upgrade

  Evercom, a managed services provider, was able to both upgrade its storage and find a new business opportunity when it purchased new gear from Reduxio Systems.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

• Premier BPO gains cloud infrastructure in DinCloud buyout

  Premier BPO has purchased DinCloud, a cloud services provider, in a move that acknowledges the increasing importance of scale in the highly competitive IT service market.Continue Reading

• Robotic process automation software unites vendors, partners

  RPA solution vendors are gearing up for the next wave of software robot deployment, cementing alliances with channel partners to extend market reach.Continue Reading

• MSP pricing: How to compete without slashing prices

  Experts share strategies for battling price erosion in the competitive managed services market. MSPs shouldn't bow to pricing pressures without trying these approaches first.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

• Cloud for healthcare: What is the role of IT channel firms?

  Healthcare providers are under greater pressure to pursue digital transformation this year. Learn how partners can aid cloud for healthcare initiatives.Continue Reading

• Database DevOps: Channel partners land implementation projects

  Datical and Redgate Software, vendors in the database DevOps space, are teaming with systems integration and consulting partners to help customers deploy the technology.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

• Enterprise network market: Key trends partners should monitor

  Key networking trends channel partners can expect to navigate include a shift in WAN design, developments in network microprocessor tech and rising demand for automation.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

• Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions to set 2018 pace

  In 2018, channel partners can expect to see continued demand for hyper-converged infrastructure solutions and greater traction in the flash storage market.Continue Reading

• 2017 in review: Top stories highlight IT industry trends

  Before embarking on a new year of reporting on IT industry trends in the channel, we wanted to take a moment to review some of our 2017 coverage that struck a chord with readers. Not surprisingly, ...Continue Reading

• MSPs: VCIOs fill tech leadership gap among SMB customers

  IT services companies said providing vCIOs helps their small and midsize customers acquire business and technology guidance without having to hire a full-time employee.Continue Reading

• IT channel partners: A look ahead at 2018

  Here's a look at the most popular Channel Marker blog posts of 2017 and what they might say about 2018 trends for IT channel partners.Continue Reading

• Tech trends 2018: Partners to grapple with AI, app modernization

  Tech trends 2018: MSPs and cloud consultants may find themselves working on AI projects, refactoring applications for the cloud, and adding containerization to their portfolios.Continue Reading

• Software bots, MSP tool consolidation could figure in 2018

  Intelligent automation technology and a consolidating MSP software market are two of the trends expected to affect the IT services provider market in 2018.Continue Reading

• Vendors adapt to the demands of IT services companies

  The growing market for IT services has compelled vendors such as Dell EMC and Cisco to rethink their traditional partner programs, which previously focused on reselling products.Continue Reading

• 2018 event listings for channel companies

  When making 2018 travel plans, refer to this list of channel events -- including conferences hosted by IT vendors, distributors, industry organizations and vendors that cater to VARs and MSPs.Continue Reading

• AI in retail opens new business opportunity for channel firms

  Channel partners with expertise in AI-powered retail technology are helping their customers transform shopping experiences and marketing strategies.Continue Reading

• Container consulting: Channel can help deploy technology

  Channel partners may find new business opportunities in container consulting as customers grapple with container adoption and how to achieve competitive advantage.Continue Reading

• IT channel explores finer points of DevOps consulting

  DevOps challenges are creating demand for IT consultancies such as Nebulaworks and Entisys, which both cite cultural changes as a significant customer pain point.Continue Reading

• Digital transformation consulting emerges as partner niche

  Digital transformation consulting firms are growing in stature as they partner with traditional channel firms and IT vendors to help customers deal with digital disruption.Continue Reading

• GDPR compliance requirements: Deadline looms for MSPs, CSPs

  When the European Union's data privacy legislation goes into effect in less than six months, service providers will be working in a new world of GDPR compliance requirements.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

• BMC channel strategy seeks tighter partnerships in multicloud world

  Multicloud environments have given rise to a new set of customer challenges. As BMC looks to tackle these issues, the vendor said it wants partners to play a strategic role.Continue Reading

• IT service provider companies must build trust to thrive

  Service providers can take a number of steps toward building trust with clients, including obtaining insurance to financially protect customers and earning technical certifications.Continue Reading

• Natural disaster emergency preparedness lets MSP endure Irma

  Data Integrity Services, a managed services provider in central Florida, helped its clients through the Hurricane Irma aftermath, as well as prestorm preparation.Continue Reading

• Channel execs grapple with IT security staffing challenges

  Channel firms say security talent is hard to find and expensive to acquire. Learn how executives are overcoming the cybersecurity skills gap.Continue Reading

• Will digital whiteboards put partners in the black?

  Channel partners may find a resurgent whiteboard market with large IT vendors making a splash, but they will need to get a handle on products' emerging functionality.Continue Reading

• Facebook collaboration tool leans on channel partners

  Facebook Workplace, a collaboration platform targeting the enterprise, is tapping channel partners for help in deploying the system and integrating it with other applications.Continue Reading

• Federal IT budget: Look for security, cloud spending in 2018

  Industry executives cited an uptick in federal IT procurement activity during the government's fiscal fourth quarter and expected FY 2018 to feature security and cloud investments.Continue Reading

• Cloud services offerings expand via acquisition activity

  The growing need for multi-cloud deployment has inspired cloud solution providers to expand their service portfolios through acquisitions and partnerships.Continue Reading

• Why TIC Gums chose a cloud computing disaster recovery plan

  After a manufacturer recognized the risks in having its systems and data located onsite, the company implemented a cloud computing disaster recovery plan with the help of a channel partner.Continue Reading

• MSP sales: Cloud business calls for new tactics, skills

  This rise of cloud computing is transforming the MSP sales landscape, cloud solutions providers and other channel partners. Here is how to cope.Continue Reading

• Cisco strategy bets on software to deal with cloud shift

  Cisco has embarked on a technology transition as it deals with the effects of cloud computing and the virtualization of networking functions via software.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

• Paths for starting a big data service business

  The big data market has grown into a potentially lucrative opportunity for the channel. This guide offers insight into core technologies and tips for providing services.Continue Reading

• Taking a look at the HPE hybrid IT strategy

  Since Hewlett Packard Enterprise's creation in 2014, the company's evolution has been marked by buyouts and divestments, bringing it to its current focus on hybrid IT.Continue Reading

• Microsoft: Intelligent cloud, digital business remaking firm

  Microsoft appears set to pursue a greater focus on vertical markets and technology partners as it takes on digital transformation and cloud computing at the enterprise edge.Continue Reading

• Citrix: Cloud platform, analytics among key vendor trends

  Citrix is pursing cloud, analytics and hyper-converged infrastructure as the virtualization and networking company continues its transition under new leadership.Continue Reading

• MSP pricing: How to build an effective plan

  Pricing managed services? Don't become preoccupied with per-user or per-device pricing decisions and make sure to aim for a profit margin rather than markup, David Streit writes.Continue Reading

• Big data application development: An introduction to Hadoop

  Getting into the big data market? Hadoop offers a platform for dealing with very large data sets and the technology's vendors offer training and support for channel partners.Continue Reading

• Find your niche in big data: Consulting, software, platforms

  Channel partners looking for a niche in big data may find opportunities in consulting, predictive analytics system deployment and software implementation.Continue Reading

• Cisco: Channel partners can take five paths to profits

  Cisco has outlined a profitability roadmap for its channel partners that must navigate Cisco's growing role in software and customers' digital transformation efforts.Continue Reading

• Financial services platform efforts drive new partner ecosystem

  Vendors such as IBM are launching financial application development platforms in hopes of attracting fintech companies and independent software vendors.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

• Selling UCaaS in the highly regulated healthcare vertical

  Before selling unified communications-as-a-service solutions to healthcare organizations, channel firms should understand the industry's strict regulatory framework.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Inspire 2017 conference guide

  Follow the latest channel news and analysis coming out of Microsoft's global partner conference, held July 9 to 13, in Washington, D.C.Continue Reading

• 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