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• How to protect your SMB customer against sophisticated cyberattacks

  Service providers must up their game to protect their SMB customers from evolving security threats. Stanley Louissant offers best practices for ensuring your clients and their data remain secure. 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

• Mobility services 101

  With the enterprise mobility professional services market expected to grow into an $11.1-billion opportunity by 2018, it's no wonder that solution providers are eager to add managed mobility services to their portfolios. However, the barrier of ... Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of managed communications services?

  Of all the managed services types that solution providers can potentially offer, managed communications has proven to be among the knottiest. Learn about the difficulties involved in delivering them and evaluating prospective partnerships. Continue Reading

• Channel partners pursue healthcare data management opportunities

  As healthcare organizations continue to amass stores of electronic information, an opportunity has emerged for service providers to host and manage the data repositories. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • managed security service provider (MSSP)
  • cloud service provider (cloud provider)
  • service-level agreement (SLA)
  • RMM software (remote monitoring and management software)

  • cloud provisioning
  • request for proposal (RFP)
  • TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)
  • Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)

  View All Definitions

• Key skill sets for capturing the booming enterprise mobility market

  IT solution providers need a fairly broad set of skills to tap into the range of enterprise mobility demands. Read up on the skill sets that channel firms are obtaining to bolster their mobility practices.Continue Reading

• How to create an IT subcontractor agreement with peers

  In this tip, David Streit provides best practices for conducting business with peers, as well as a guide to a reciprocal IT subcontractor agreement.Continue Reading

• Free IT subcontractor reciprocal agreement template

  David Streit offers a guide to drafting a reciprocal subcontractor agreement. Download the agreement template for free.Continue Reading

• The tradeoffs of partnering with managed mobility services providers

  The increasingly complicated world of enterprise mobility spells opportunity for channel partners, and partnering with a large managed mobility services provider may be the best way to overcome the high barrier of entry.Continue Reading

• HTG Peer Groups: What to expect

  Arlin Sorensen has remained steady in his vision for HTG Peer Groups since its founding in 2001, and it might not be for everyone. Learn about HTG's holistic approach to peer groups.Continue Reading

• Vendor relationship management: Best practices for solution providers

  Vendor relationship management is no less important than customer relationship management for solution providers looking to unlock business growth. Learn best practices and why small solution providers especially should make VRM a top priority.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

• Help desk ticket system approach: Should users file their own tickets?

  While most help desk ticketing processes require end users to file their own tickets, there are benefits to shifting the burden back to your IT support staff.Continue Reading

• Three principles for successfully selling cloud services

  Jason Bystrak, senior director for the Americas at Ingram Micro Cloud, explains three important principles for IT services companies that are looking to boost their cloud sales revenue.Continue Reading

• Ancillary MSP tools add an edge to managed service practices

  RMM and PSA software serve as foundational tools for a managed services practice. Many MSPs choose to supplement these with network assessment tools and more.Continue Reading

• Building a big data practice

  For IT solution providers, there's big money in big data. That's because data volumes are growing at staggering rates, and SMBs are discovering use cases for big data. Perhaps even better for the channel, many SMBs don't have the skills needed to ...Continue Reading

• How to develop big data consulting services

  Experts offer advice around developing big data consulting services, including building use cases, preparing staff, standing out among competitors and uncovering opportunities.Continue Reading

• Modernizing the 3-2-1 backup strategy for SMB customers

  The old 3-2-1 backup strategy is a good rule of thumb for protection of your SMB customers' data. We take a look at what the strategy looks like in the current state of technology.Continue Reading

• DDI technology takes the work out of IP address administration

  Take note of DNS/DHCP and IPAM (DDI), three behind-the-scenes network infrastructure technologies that have changed IP address administration.Continue Reading

• HP Channel Services Network (HP CSN)

  HP Channel Services Network (HP CSN) is a Web-based management system and membership program for HP's authorized channel service partners.Continue Reading

• Channel business: Determining tech vendor onboarding costs

  Find out about the hard and soft costs involved in adding a new tech vendor to your product portfolio.Continue Reading

• Microsoft managed partner designation: What it takes, what it's worth

  A Microsoft managed partner designation can get you a warm body within Microsoft whose job it is to help you. Get info on how partners are selected.Continue Reading

• Media and entertainment technology market opens for channel

  The media and entertainment technology market centers around storage. And while the use cases vary, they all demand more capacity.Continue Reading

• Working with your IT channel account manager

  Get partner and vendor insight on the relationship between your company and your IT vendor's channel account manager.Continue Reading

• Healthcare digital signage: Starting small, but growing

  The healthcare digital signage market is still relatively small, but systems are surfacing in lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias and patient rooms.Continue Reading

• IBM PartnerWorld

  IBM PartnerWorld is a program run by IBM that outlines how the company works with IBM Business Partners such as VARs, systems integrators, managed service providers, consultants and independent software vendors.Continue Reading

• Demand for rental management software, solutions on the upswing

  Channel partners are finding increased demand for rental management software as the equipment rental market picks up steam.Continue Reading

• cloud marketplace

  A cloud marketplace is an online storefront, operated by a cloud provider, through which customers may subscribe to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications that are built on, integrate with or complement the cloud provider's main infrastructure, ...Continue Reading

• Understanding the cloud service broker model

  Cloud service brokers have become essential for many customers and providers. Learn more about brokers' role, strategies and growth potential.Continue Reading

• Six tips for improving channel customer communications

  Find six tips for improving channel customer communications, with information on training, hiring, written communications and technology options.Continue Reading

• Intel Technology Provider

  The Intel Technology Provider program is Intel Corp.'s partner program designed to support the sales and marketing efforts of channel partners who specify, design, build or resell Intel-based technology products.Continue Reading

• Fleet management systems opportunities for the IT channel

  Fleet management systems are being ported to the cloud and finding acceptance among a wider customer set, creating opportunities for broad-based VARs.Continue Reading

• Citrix Solution Advisor

  Citrix Solution Advisor is Citrix Systems Inc.'s global channel partner program for partners who plan, design, implement and maintain Citrix products for customers.Continue Reading

• How to sell a small business in the IT services, VAR space

  Get advice on how to sell a small business in the MSP and VAR space, including determining the business valuation and finding a potential buyer.Continue Reading

• NetApp Insight

  NetApp Insight is an annual technical conference series for NetApp, a computer storage and data management company. Continue Reading

• cloud broker

  A cloud broker is a third-party individual or business that acts as an intermediary between the purchaser of a cloud computing service and the sellers of that service.  Continue Reading

• sales performance management (SPM)

  Sales performance management (SPM) is the practice of monitoring and guiding personnel to improve their ability to sell products or services. Continue Reading

• co-selling

  Co-selling is an approach to product and service distribution in which channel partners are the primary route to market.Continue Reading

• Navigating cloud computing regulations and compliance requirements

  Cloud computing regulations and compliance issues can be confusing and overwhelming for providers and customers alike. This guide can help.Continue Reading

• Full Packaged Product (FPP)

  Full Packaged Product (FPP) is the retail version of a Microsoft licensed product. FPPs are sold in stores in shrink-wrapped boxes.Continue Reading

• Eucalyptus

  Eucalyptus is an open source software platform for implementing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) in a private or hybrid cloud computing environment.Continue Reading

• channel captain

  A channel captain is the individual or organization responsible for managing a particular distribution channel and overseeing channel partnerships. The channel captain is usually a channel member.Continue Reading

• VAR agreement (value-added reseller agreement)

  A VAR agreement is a legal contract between a manufacturer and a value-added reseller that specifies details of the rights and obligations of both parties.Continue Reading

• vendor neutral

  Vendor neutrality is a business and design approach that seeks to ensure broad compatibility and interchangeability of products and technologies. The model encompasses non-proprietary design principles and unbiased business practices.Continue Reading

• Barracuda Networks Partner Program Checklist

  Learn the benefits of becoming a Barracuda Networks reseller partner with our Partner Program Checklist.Continue Reading

• Apple Authorized Reseller (AAR)

  An Apple Authorized Reseller (AAR) is a business partner that has entered into a contractual relationship with Apple Computer Inc., to sell software and/or hardware products.Continue Reading

• IT reseller

  An IT reseller is an intermediary entity in the distribution channel that purchases software and/or hardware from the manufacturer or some other entity, such as a wholesaler or a distributor, and sells it to consumers.Continue Reading

• IT distributor

  An IT channel distributor is a business that acts as an intermediary between vendors and value-added resellers (VARs) or system integrators (SIs) in the distribution of software or hardware.Continue Reading

• Red Hat Cloud Partner Program

  The Red Hat Cloud Partner Program is an initiative offering Red Hat certification for cloud providers.Continue Reading

• GB billing

  In the telecommunications industry, gigabyte (GB) billing is a form of Internet usage-based billing determined by how many GBs of bandwidth are used by a customer across an Internet service provider's (ISP's) network.Continue Reading

• Red Hat Certified Cloud Provider

  A Red Hat Certified Cloud Provider is a member in the company's cloud partner program that has met requirements to offer Red Hat products and services in a cloud computing environment.Continue Reading

• white label cloud service

  A white label cloud service is a cloud provider that sells customers resources that they can, in turn, offer to their own customers under their own brand.Continue Reading

• cloud aggregator

  A cloud aggregator is a type of cloud broker that packages and integrates multiple cloud computing services into one or more composite services.Continue Reading

• keyword stuffing

  Keyword stuffing is the practice of inserting a large number of keywords into Web page content and meta tags in the attempt to artificially increase the page's ranking in search results.Continue Reading

• cloud portability

  Cloud portability is the ability to move applications and data from one cloud computing environment to another with minimal disruption.Continue Reading

• Symantec.cloud Service Provider Program

  The Symantec.cloud Service Provider Program is Symantec’s partner program for managed service providers, hosted application providers, Internet service providers and telecommunication companies.Continue Reading

• EMC cloud architect certification (EMCCA)

  EMC Cloud Architect Certification (EMCCA) is a certification and training offering by storage vendor EMC on high-level cloud architecture and design concepts.Continue Reading

• Citrix Cloud Provider Program

  The Citrix Cloud Provider Program is an invitation-only partner program for cloud computing service providers.Continue Reading

• Cisco Cloud Partner Program

  The Cisco Cloud Partner Program is an initiative by Cisco to help its channel partners enter the cloud computing marketplace. The Cisco Cloud Partner Program consists of three tracks: Cloud Builder, Cloud Provider and Cloud Services Reseller.Continue Reading

• Cisco Cloud Builder

  Cisco Cloud Builder is one of three tracks within the Cisco Cloud Partner Program. The other two tracks of the program are Cloud Provider and Cloud Services Reseller.Continue Reading

• HP CloudAgile Service Provider Program

  HP CloudAgile Service Provider Program is an initiative aimed at cloud and telecommunication providers, hosting service providers, system integrators and value-added resellers (VARs) in the cloud market.Continue Reading

• AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service

  AT&T Synaptic Compute as a Service is an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offering that allows software developers and business customers to access virtualized servers in an AT&T data center on a pay-per-use basis. Continue Reading

• SlapOS

  SlapOS (Simple Language for Accounting and Provisioning Operating System) is an open source operating system for distributed cloud computing.Continue Reading

• Jamcracker

  Jamcracker Services Delivery Network (JSDN) is a platform for purchasing and managing public and private cloud computing services.Continue Reading

• computing arbitrage

  Computing arbitrage is a cloud services business model in which a company purchases computing resources -- typically a large block of bandwidth – at wholesale rates and offers it in smaller packages, with a greater cumulative value, to other ...Continue Reading

• cloud adaptor

  A cloud adaptor is a software utility that controls the transfer of information between local back office systems and a cloud provider.Continue Reading

• user self-provisioning

  User self-provisioning, also known as cloud self-service, is a system that allows end users to set up and launch applications and services in a cloud computing environment without the direct intervention of an IT organization or a service provider.Continue Reading

• automated provisioning

  Automated provisioning is the ability to deploy an information technology or telecommunications service by using predefined procedures that are carried out electronically without requiring human intervention.Continue Reading

• cloud integrator

  A cloud integrator is a product or service that helps a business negotiate the complexities of cloud migrations. Continue Reading

• Tsunami UDP

  Tsunami UDP is an open source file transfer protocol that enables high-speed data transfer over network paths with a large bandwidth delay product.Continue Reading

• SaaSgrid

  SaaSGrid is an application server and integrated framework for software as a service (SaaS) applications.Continue Reading

• cloud services reseller

  A cloud services reseller is a middleman who facilitates commerce between a cloud service provider and the marketplace.Continue Reading

• cloud provider API

  A cloud provider API is an application program interface that allows the end user to interact with a cloud provider's service. Continue Reading

• not for resale (NFR)

  Not for resale (NFR) is a designation for products that vendors give to their channel partners for testing and educational purposes with the understanding that the channel partner will not resell those products.Continue Reading

• Large Account Reseller (LAR)

  A large account reseller (LAR) is a label used by Microsoft to identify its largest value-added resellers (VARs). Continue Reading

• Application-aware firewall strategies for the channel

  With the emergence of virtualization and converged data center networks, it is crucial for systems integrators to educate their customers on application-aware firewall strategies.Continue Reading

• database activity monitoring (DAM)

  Database activity monitoring (DAM) systems monitor and record activity in a database and then generate alerts for anything unusual.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

• data recovery agent (DRA)

  A data recovery agent (DRA) is a Microsoft Windows user who has been granted the right to decrypt data that was encrypted by other users. The assignment of DRA rights to an approved individual provides an IT department with a way to unlock ...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

• 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

• CISSP practice quiz: Law, investigations, ethics

  Take this CISSP practcie quiz to ensure your knowledge of information security laws, investigations and ethics and in turn help you prepare for and pass the CISSP exam.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

• CISSP quiz: Business continuity and disaster recovery

  This CISSP quiz, which is a part of the SearchSecurityChannel.com CISSP Study Guide will test your knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery best practices and help you pass the CISSP exam.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing networks: True or false?

  A basic understanding of the cloud computing model ensures that the cloud computing services you offer will be top notch. Test your knowledge of cloud computing networks in this true or false quiz.Continue Reading

• proxy hacking

  Proxy hacking, also known as proxy hijacking, is an attack technique designed to supplant an authentic Web page in a search engine's index and search results pages. An attacker may use proxy hacking to gain an advantage over a competitor or, ...Continue Reading

• CISSP practice quiz: Access control and authentication

  This CISSP quiz, which is a part of the SearchSecurityChannel CISSP Study Guide will test your knowledge of access control and authentication and help you pass the CISSP exam.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

• Healthcare networking: Healthcare IT services guide

  Planning to offer healthcare IT consulting services? Make sure you know the ins and outs of healthcare networking and other healthcare IT services, which are covered in this comprehensive guide for networking solution providers and consultants.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

• CISSP practice exam: Physical security

  In this CISSP practice exam you can test your knowledge of physical security measures and threats in order to prepare for and pass the CISSP test.Continue Reading

• CISSP practice test: Cryptography

  This CISSP practice test, which is a part of the SearchSecurityChannel.com CISSP Study Guide, will test your knowledge of cryptography and help you pass the CISSP exam.Continue Reading

• managed network security services

  Managed network security services are third-party service providers, solution providers or value-added resellers that can be hired to outsource tasks or processes related to network security.Continue Reading

• sales certification

  A sales certification is a designation given to a channel professional once he or she has gained an amount of expertise that a vendor considers necessary to sell a given product.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 features and backup guide

  Browse through the new Windows Server 2008 R2 features, and learn best practices for Windows Server 2008 R2 backup, which can help boost sales for solution providers.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

• Citrix XenServer guide: Hypervisor comparison and configuration

  When helping customers make decisions during a hypervisor comparison, Citrix XenServer licensing, Active Directory integration and other features are important factors to consider.Continue Reading

• Snort Tutorial: How to use Snort intrusion detection resources

  In this Snort Tutorial, you will receive advice from the experts on Snort rules, installation best practices and unified output. You will learn how to use Snort, how to test Snort and how to upgrade to different versions of the intrusion detection ...Continue Reading

• VAR guide: Wireshark, the open source network monitoring tool

  Your customers rely on you to monitor their networks to keep them safe and efficient. This VAR guide with Richard Bejtlich outlines the importance of Wireshark, the open source network monitoring tool, and why networking service providers that offer...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