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• Cloud managed services beyond the beaten path

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

• Accenture: How to tackle cloud service management issues

  An Accenture study found that many organizations have yet to reach their cloud computing objectives. Here are tips for tackling cloud sprawl and other management challenges. Continue Reading

• Container adoption accelerates, consulting execs say

  The potential to massively speed up software cycle time is generating more container technology demand for channel partners, particularly in the new app development field. Continue Reading

• MSP automation taps PowerShell as multi-tool

  As MSP automation becomes increasingly important amid complex customer environments, service providers have turned to PowerShell as a flexible multi-tool. Continue Reading

• Desktop-as-a-service combo targets channel via Ingram Micro

  Citrix, IGEL and Ingram Micro are collaborating on a desktop-as-a-service offering, which could provide channel partners with a mechanism for replacing clients' Windows 7 desktops. Continue Reading

• MBX Systems reinvents itself in computer hardware manufacturing

  Twenty-five-year-old MBX Systems, a computer hardware manufacturer, is an example of how technology companies can continually adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. In 1995, the organization ...Continue Reading

• MSP software vendors play catch-up with security threats

  Hackers have exploited MSP software tools such as remote monitoring and management as a conduit for cyberattacks, leading some vendors to issue new security measures and resources.Continue Reading

• PowerShell automation helps MSPs, but with some caveats

  PowerShell scripting can help MSPs automate mundane and time-consuming chores, but service providers need to test their scripts and look to security first.Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity puts managed services industry at a crossroads

  MSP software vendor ConnectWise's annual IT Nation Connect event revealed the pressures managed service providers are under to transition to advanced cybersecurity.Continue Reading

• Single cloud counters multi-cloud trend among MSPs

  For some services providers, focusing resources on one cloud platform makes more sense than distributing resources across two or more public cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Channel partner account manager role is due for a refresh

  As change continues to sweep through the IT industry and channel ecosystem, vendors need to evolve the functions of partner account managers to keep up with the times.Continue Reading

• Channel firms take on multi-cloud management challenges

  As enterprise customers begin to grapple with the complexities of multi-cloud environments, channel partners have found a role in reining in and optimizing cloud spending.Continue Reading

• Digital process automation: Bonitasoft tool boosts BPM work

  Digital process automation technology is playing a key role in enabling business process management projects for one IT services firm.Continue Reading

• Office 365 managed services call for workflow, vertical skills

  Subscription business models, a focus on automating workflow and becoming a thought leader are important for taking advantage of the Microsoft Office 365 opportunity.Continue Reading

• MSP business expansion driven by cybersecurity, consulting

  MSPs are under pressure to expand their businesses beyond their traditional offerings. Cybersecurity and consulting services are two directions they can take their businesses.Continue Reading

• Managed Azure services hotspots span optimization to AI

  Demand for Microsoft Azure services ranges from cost optimization to AI services, according to service providers looking for business in this public cloud platform.Continue Reading

• The NetApp subscription model explained: A partner primer

  The NetApp subscription model opens opportunities for recurring revenue and renewable customers, but only if NetApp partners focus on successful technology adoption.Continue Reading

• Partners weigh prospects of NVMe storage market

  While NVMe technology has yet to gain the customer traction that industry watchers expected, channel partners believe it will become the de facto standard.Continue Reading

• Grant Thornton LLP taps Rightpoint for digital workspace

  Grant Thornton LLP, a professional services firm, got an assist from Rightpoint on a digital workspace project that breathed new life into an aging intranet system.Continue Reading

• Cognilytica expands on CRISP DM model for AI project management

  As AI projects become commonplace, channel partners may need to find a way to manage them. Cognilytica offers one approach that draws upon the CRISP DM modelContinue Reading

• MDR services evolve into distinct security service offering

  MDR services are developing into a new category of cybersecurity offering for channel partners. Learn how MDR providers take a different approach from traditional MSSPs.Continue Reading

• hardware-as-a-service (in managed services)

  Hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) is a procurement model that is similar to leasing or licensing in which hardware that belongs to a managed service provider (MSP) is installed at a customer's site and a service level agreement (SLA) defines the ...Continue Reading

• Sensu targets MSPs with multi-cloud monitoring, multi-tenancy

  Sensu's multi-cloud monitoring tool has been redesigned to support multi-tenancy, a plus for managed service providers.Continue Reading

• How to install and configure vCenter Update Manager

  Follow these steps to install and configure VMware vCenter Update Manager, which can help solution providers with patching hosts and virtual machines.Continue Reading

• managed service provider (MSP)

  A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages a customer's IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems, typically on a proactive basis and under a subscription model.Continue Reading

• Assured DP partners with Rubrik, Equinix in DraaS twist

  Assured DP is putting its own stamp on the disaster recovery-as-a-service market, creating a DRaaS offering through a partnership with Rubrik and Equinix.Continue Reading

• Green House Data on becoming a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP

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

• MSP software takes a different turn in ServiceNow-LogicMonitor link

  MSP software comes in various forms and combinations. Some larger MSPs are adopting ServiceNow and LogicMonitor to automate core business functions.Continue Reading

• Self-service analytics at Accenture boosts knowledge workers

  Accenture's enterprise analytics and AI models are helping the firm on a number of fronts, including determining sales opportunities, pricing deals and complying with internal and customer expense policies.Continue Reading

• MSP business model moves toward three key staples

  The developing MSP business model is showing some of the characteristics of an ancient agricultural technique. Find out how service providers are cultivating business.Continue Reading

• Keep a digital transformation strategy humming with these practices

  A digital transformation strategy starts with a client's vision and a focus on business outcomes. Find out what's working for Insight Enterprises and its clients.Continue Reading

• Generations in the workplace and how to manage them

  Managing different generations in the workplace calls for a clearer understanding of their characteristics, which will then help shape recruitment and retention strategies.Continue Reading

• Managed services companies upbeat despite economic signals

  At MSPWorld, managed services executives expressed guarded optimism regarding MSP market prospects and growth potential, despite some economic concerns.Continue Reading

• Accenture adds Google to multi-cloud strategy

  Accenture IT is embracing a multi-cloud management approach, providing an example for clients exploring the use of more than one public cloud platform.Continue Reading

• Hosted private cloud speeds Epic EMR system rollout

  A healthcare firm faced the daunting deadline challenge of deploying an Epic EMR system in eight months. US Signal's hosted private cloud helped the client beat the clock.Continue Reading

• Big Blue drives collaboration among IBM business partners

  IBM business partners run the gamut of skill sets and focus areas. Learn about an initiative that aims to facilitate alliances within IBM's complex channel ecosystem.Continue Reading

• Reseller business model transformation pivots on cultural change

  MNJ Technologies, a once fast-growing VAR, found its sales were stagnating. Here's how it got back on track with its effort to push beyond the reseller business model.Continue Reading

• AWS APN program changes spark partner reaction

  AWS partners said they support the new requirements established for the AWS APN program, noting the higher bar helps them rise above rivals in a competitive market.Continue Reading

• How to manage Windows 7 user accounts and groups

  Whether your customers operate in a workgroup or a domain/Active Directory environment, user account setup and group memberships control their rights, permissions and roles.Continue Reading

• 7 business and technology trends for 2019

  Business and technology trends for 2019 include a shifting competitive landscape and ample M&A activity, with managed service providers and cloud consultancies in demand.Continue Reading

• How to revamp your managed services pricing for predictable revenue

  Many MSPs still rely heavily on an hourly billing rate and cost-plus pricing. Michael Backers, an MSPAlliance board member, offers advice on moving to managed services pricing.Continue Reading

• What makes for a true MSP partner?

  Serving as a customer's partner requires more than a marketing label. David Kaszowicz of Aventis Systems discusses how channel companies can become managing partners.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure migration: Accenture team supports Carlsberg

  A more agile infrastructure was among the benefits of an Azure migration at brewer Carlsberg Group. An Accenture-led team assisted with the cloud transition.Continue Reading

• MSP market rides M&A momentum into 2019

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

• VMware partners craft managed services for AWS offering

  VMware Cloud on AWS: Partners are stepping up to provide managed services around the hybrid cloud offering that combines VMware's virtualization products and the AWS public cloud.Continue Reading

• 7 channel marketing strategy tips for 21st-century success

  Channel companies need to develop a marketing strategy that goes beyond word of mouth and vendors' programs. Those alone just don't cut it these days.Continue Reading

• Network design checklist: How to design a local area network

  Local area network design considerations for IT consultants range from IP default gateway redundancy to device standardization. Browse these tips iIf you are building a LAN.Continue Reading

• Network documentation checklist: 10 steps for channel partners

  Network documents can provide service providers with valuable insight when it's time to troubleshoot problems. Follow these 10 steps for a smooth documentation process.Continue Reading

• MSP cybersecurity concerns may require a business model retune

  Many managed service provider partners consider IT security an important revenue opportunity, but they may have to retool their offerings to address emerging threats.Continue Reading

• GDPR for MSPs: Channel partners question the law's reach

  Channel firms and customers outside the EU are still figuring out what they need to do to comply with GDPR personal data regulations, despite the law's May 2018 enactment.Continue Reading

• Virtual reality golf brings Trace3 into greenfield project

  A virtual reality golf center called on solutions provider Trace3 for technology infrastructure assistance with a greenfield deployment.Continue Reading

• Liability insurance policies: Tips for covering MSP businesses

  With the IT landscape growing more complex, liability insurance policies may be a necessity for MSPs. But MSPs should ensure they get the right coverage for their business model.Continue Reading

• partner account manager (PAM)

  A partner account manager is a job title within a vendor organization that uses channel partners to sell its products or services.Continue Reading

• managed hosting

  Managed hosting is an IT provisioning model in which a service provider leases dedicated servers and associated hardware to a single customer and manages those systems on the customer's behalf.Continue Reading

• Succession planning strategy: MSP execs consider the channel's future

  Have a succession planning strategy in place? If not, you're hardly alone. Get tips on why and what you should consider when planning for the future of your business.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

• Container adoption: Startup, enterprise giant tap partners

  Startup MadHive and Yahoo Japan may not share much in common, but both hired channel partners to take on container tasks such as linking Kubernetes and OpenStack.Continue Reading

• Apple Authorized Service Provider program: ComputerCare's story

  ComputerCare, a member of the Apple Authorized Service Provider program, has found a role in servicing iOS devices and meeting the repair needs of mid-size businesses.Continue Reading

• MSP tools: Virteva consolidates monitoring for better visibility

  Virteva, an MSP, has consolidated a handful of monitoring tools to LogicMonitor as a single platform, a move that has resulted in improved visibility.Continue Reading

• managed IT service

  A managed IT service is an information technology (IT) task provided by a third-party contractor and delivered to a customer.Continue Reading

• AWS MSP partners weigh impact of AWS Managed Services

  The launch of AWS Managed Services was met with speculation over whether the offering might encroach on channel business opportunities, but partners report the service hasn't hurt them.Continue Reading

• Digital transformation for insurance firms drives IT business

  IT service firms are finding new opportunities as insurers pursue digital transformation initiatives and deploy emerging technologies such as robotic process automation.Continue Reading

• Managed security service provider (MSSP)

  A managed security service provider (MSSP) is an IT service provider that provides an organization with some amount of cybersecurity monitoring and management, which may include virus and spam blocking, intrusion detection, firewalls and virtual ...Continue Reading

• Black swan event: Preparing for a dual ransomware attack

  While a black swan incident shut down Code Spaces, IT service providers and their customers can avoid a similar outcome, if they devise a comprehensive data protection plan.Continue Reading

• Digital transformation of business: What's the MSP's role?

  Managed IT services firms can help clients inject technology innovation into each area of business as they digitally transform, writes Paul Parisi, president of SaviorLabs.Continue Reading

• Dataprise boosts efficiency with Kaseya automation tools

  Dataprise uses automation tools from Kaseya to make its managed services business more efficient.Continue Reading

• Six digital content management tips from an IT consultant

  Want to make enterprise content relevant, useful and interesting for the millennial workforce? Srinivas Gopinath Parimi of Virtusa offers some tips for achieving those results.Continue Reading

• IT industry trends: Six major vendors chart new courses

  Vendors Cisco, Citrix, Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM and Microsoft are transforming to keep up with cloud and other IT industry trends.Continue Reading

• Former president Clinton shares advice at Autotask Community Live

  At the Autotask Community Live 2017 conference this week, managed service providers got some words of advice from former president Bill Clinton. Clinton, the 42nd president who was in office from ...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

• Google cloud migration: Agosto helps e-commerce firm retool

  A Google channel partner's cloud adoption project used migration as a springboard to modernize a customer's core application via multi-tenancy and containerization.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

• 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

• How to launch VoIP services for business customers

  Vendor selection, cross-selling and in-depth product knowledge are the keys to success when it comes to offering Voice over IP services, Mike Bloomfield writes.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

• Planning a B2B event? Set up expectations and define a clear purpose

  B2B events can help channel partners build relationships, but only if they define a clear purpose, market to customers they know, carefully plan the agenda and inspire action.Continue Reading

• How to create a cybersecurity program for your own MSP

  MSPs hoping to roll out an IT security practice would be well advised to first cultivate their own culture of security, writes Jason McNew in this Ask the Expert segment.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

• Channel companies lose customer scope to incumbency challengers

  Channel companies fail to retain many of their enterprise customer accounts when contracts are up for renegotiation, according to an ISG report.Continue Reading

• Four tips for selling to the manufacturing vertical

  Channel partners can succeed in the manufacturing market if they properly plan and initiate their relationships with customers in this industry segment, writes Mike Bloomfield.Continue Reading

• SADA Systems helps startup with cloud, Kubernetes container management

  Cloud consultant SADA Systems is supporting Smyte, a SaaS startup, in a variety of ways, including Google cloud optimization, Kubernetes support and business development.Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity products: Channel, clients look for better integration

  Channel partners, dealing with an industry rife with IT security product sets, are looking into integrated security architectures and doing some of their own integration work.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

• Cloud services overview: Pursuing a new business model

  Developing a cloud services practice is no easy feat. In this guide, we offer considerations for business model transitions, service offerings and partner networks you can join.Continue Reading

• Recruitment techniques for IT channel companies

  Channel firms must rethink their recruitment techniques to win in today's competitive job market. Get tips for updating your channel recruitment strategy and retaining talent.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

• How to protect your clients from ransomware infections

  Client education, advanced endpoint protection and image-based backups are some of the steps channel partners can encourage customers to take to thwart ransomware.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

• Cloud vendor management services see demand from SMBs

  Cloud vendor management poses a difficult set of challenges for SMB customers, opening up opportunities for channel partners to act as liaisons.Continue Reading

• How to sell your services in the public sector market

  The government sector is a large vertical for channel partners, but companies targeting this market need to know what they are doing, writes Tony Stirk, president of Iron Horse.Continue Reading

• Web data extraction: Custom, commercial offerings ease the task

  The task of pulling structured data from the highly unstructured web is getting easier thanks to machine learning and the emergence of custom and commercial extraction tools.Continue Reading

• Marketing strategy development: Partners ply social, traditional ways

  Channel partners say they will use social media platforms and traditional marketing methods, such as trade shows and speaking engagements, as they roll out strategies in 2017.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged technologies: A viable alternative to the cloud

  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

• 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

• 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

• ServiceNow gets results with use-what-you-sell thinking

  ServiceNow has developed an IT culture that taps a use-what-you-sell approach to boost business velocity, productivity and user experience.Continue Reading

• Flawed channel data management may result in partner overpayments

  Erroneous sales data may pose potential conflicts between some vendors and their partners; however, most vendors seem more interested in keeping the peace.Continue Reading

• Three tips for dealing with the IT labor shortage

  IT companies should seek out motivated workers, commit to continuous learning and invest in employee well-being to minimize the effects of the IT labor shortfall.Continue Reading

• Citrix DaaS: How to deploy virtual desktops as a service provider

  Need a leg up in the desktop-as-a-service market? Citrix offers business resources, marketing assistance and a reference architecture to help service providers get started.Continue Reading

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

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