Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Managed IT services market to grow more competitive in 2021
Kaseya Corp. predicts multiple opportunities for MSPs to expand their businesses next year, but it also points to a backdrop of uncertainty and intensifying competition. Continue Reading
MSP retools bank IT systems with HPE Nimble Storage dHCI
Faced with a strained IT infrastructure, Central Pacific Bank upgraded to Nimble Storage dHCI. Learn how solution provider Pacxa played a critical role in the project. Continue Reading
Cisco partners back software push, EA acceleration
Software development, simplicity and platforms are among the current channel watchwords at Cisco. Partners share their views on the vendor's latest initiatives. Continue Reading
-
HPE GreenLake partners to help Kern County take control of IT
Kern County, Calif., faced a daunting challenge of reigning in costs and a sprawling technology ecosystem. HPE GreenLake and MSP Nth Generation were brought in to help. Continue Reading
Multi-cloud services grow increasingly important for MSPs
As organizations expand their multi-cloud environments, they'll look to partners for support and expertise. It's time for the channel to board the multi-cloud train, experts say. Continue Reading
The importance of platforms and how MSPs can take advantage
Dave Sobel discusses Google's rebranding of G Suite to Google Workspace and how MSPs should focus on which platform they offer customers, not just operating systems.Continue Reading
6 tips for channel partner sales, marketing in turbulent times
The pandemic introduced a new set of challenges for channel partner sales and marketing. Here are six tips for how to better navigate today's complex business environment.Continue Reading
5 tips for building a successful MSP marketing strategy
MSPs need to develop a marketing strategy if they hope to grow beyond the startup stage. Industry executives share their views on everything to include in a marketing approach.Continue Reading
Key concepts of the MSP sales process
To grow a managed service provider business, companies must develop a consistent MSP sales process. Use these tips to build a strong sales arm for your business.Continue Reading
Colocation, managed services meet legacy needs, point to cloud
Colocation lacks the high profile of cloud computing, but it continues to meet customer needs. Some MSPs and cloud specialists incorporate colocation in their offerings.Continue Reading
-
Use an outcome-based relationship model to manage IT vendors
Company IT leaders shouldn't need to spend their time micromanaging IT vendors, which is where implementing an outcome-based relationship model comes into play.Continue Reading
Beware paying ransomware: How MSPs should protect companies
Dave Sobel and Joseph Brunsman discuss how paying ransomware attackers could have businesses run afoul of OFAC and what MSPs and solutions providers can do to help.Continue Reading
Tips for executing an SAP S/4HANA brownfield implementation
Executing an ECC-to-S/4HANA brownfield migration involves tools such as SAP's Maintenance Planner and Software Update Manager. Read on for insight into brownfield conversions.Continue Reading
4 MSP pricing strategies for clients facing financial deficits
When managed IT services customers face revenue shortfalls, MSPs don't have to respond by offering discounts and taking a loss. Consider these MSP pricing options first.Continue Reading
How to plan an SAP S/4HANA brownfield migration
SAP S/4HANA brownfield migrations aim to convert existing SAP environments without reimplementation. Find out how to prepare for this type of conversion.Continue Reading
Need for data management frameworks opens channel opportunities
Organizations with weak data management policies provide partners with opportunities to offer support. Insight Enterprises explains how it helps clients get a handle on their data.Continue Reading
CompTIA's lobbying efforts and how MSPs could self-regulate
CompTIA's Todd Thibodeaux talks with Dave Sobel about the current lobbying efforts by the MSP industry and how it could start self-regulating before more states follow Louisiana's lead.Continue Reading
Diversity in IT channel for 2020: It's time we take action
Dave Sobel looks to move beyond just discussing becoming more diverse in the workplace, with IT channel companies championing change and hiring more diverse leaders.Continue Reading
Remote work fuels identity and access management market
Channel partners have an opportunity to help customers adopt and implement identity and access management programs across their organizations. Learn more about IAM offerings.Continue Reading
4 tips for proper cyber hygiene during the remote workforce era
IT services firms have a responsibility to secure their clients' remote workforces. Here are four tips for maintaining cyber hygiene in the cloud, using AWS as an example.Continue Reading
Accenture cloud computing paves way for integration plan
Penelope Prett, CIO at Accenture, aims to provide employees a holistic user experience, taking advantage of cloud computing to integrate various technology tools.Continue Reading
Channel business exit strategies during uncertain times
The difficult economic climate wrought by the pandemic is making waves in the channel industry, with some MSPs having to decide whether to stay put or pursue an exit strategy.Continue Reading
Remote learning technology emerges as top ed market focus
MSPs and consultants say customers in the education vertical are ramping up distance learning systems as they prepare for the new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Continue Reading
How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive
We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed.Continue Reading
How MSPs and MSSPs should market cybersecurity to find success
It's time for MSPs and MSSPs to reevaluate how they sell their security solutions. Dave Sobel offers his recommendations, such as emphasizing the human aspect of cyber attacks.Continue Reading
Regulation is coming to MSPs, who will stand up and lead?
Louisiana was the first state to sign into law any sort of regulation around MSPs and MSSPs, but it won't be the last. Someone from within the industry must step up now.Continue Reading
MSP business model and financial lessons learned in pandemic
MSPs are facing financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. Industry experts offer advice on managing the pandemic's impact and preparing for hard times.Continue Reading
The only MSP marketing and sales advice you need to hear
To succeed at MSP marketing and sales is actually quite simple, Dave Sobel contends. He explains the best way to handle MSP marketing and sales.Continue Reading
Remote workforce management strategies for MSPs
Channel partners have been rethinking employee productivity, collaboration and skills development. Learn how Ensono, SADA Systems and AllCloud have adjusted their approaches.Continue Reading
How capital affects MSPs and technology services companies
Vendors that get acquired promise a lot of things but don't always deliver. Here are several recommendations to help MSPs and technology services companies adjust their strategies accordingly.Continue Reading
3 ways managed service providers can still succeed in 2020
MSPs that can best adapt to the changes 2020 has brought to the market are poised to survive the year and be in an excellent position to lead the way in 2021.Continue Reading
Digital transformation projects pick up pace under pressure
IT service providers see accelerating demand for cloud, data analytics, AI and automation as organizations face the challenge of retooling their operations as the economy reopens.Continue Reading
Channel partners' cloud opportunities see a boost
Cloud usage spiked In the first phase of pandemic as organizations rushed to retool operations. Going forward, partners should expect an uptick in cloud opportunities.Continue Reading
Ethical business in a world of distrust and big tech
As trust of big tech continues to drop, companies should consider collaborating and investing in their vertical with other organizations rather than just trying to outperform them.Continue Reading
SD-WAN for home workers becomes partner opportunity
SD-WAN technology is seeing increased customer interest due to the sudden expansion of remote workforces. IT service providers are offering product advice and implementation help.Continue Reading
Solution providers need to understand what customers think
With so much uncertainty during the pandemic, solution providers need to spend time learning about the current behavior of their clients' customers to better plan for the future.Continue Reading
Forecasting M&As for MSPs beyond COVID-19
COVID-19 has cooled M&As for managed service providers, but opportunities still exist. This forecast examines M&As for MSPs and provides a prescription for MSPs to stay healthy.Continue Reading
OST helps grill maker migrate connected products
Traeger Grills asked a managed service provider to migrate its IoT-enabled grillers to a new cloud platform. The four-month transition has Traeger cooking with AWS.Continue Reading
Windward Consulting accelerates managed services
Windward Consulting wasn't initially enthused with managed services, but now the company is adding MSP offerings around platforms such as ServiceNow, Splunk, IBM and Moogsoft.Continue Reading
MSP staffing strategies change during a pandemic
The overall economic and employment impact of coronavirus is affecting service provider staffing -- some more than others, if at all. See why and gain tips to help with hiring.Continue Reading
Data, not opinion, should drive MSP best practices
Dave Sobel breaks down why business leaders must use data instead of personal opinion to guide their business decisions and shares best practices for data-driven decision-making.Continue Reading
Effects of COVID-19 on channel partners
New research on solution and service providers reveals how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting business plans and technology priorities for the coming months.Continue Reading
Healthcare cloud adoption may be turning another corner
Healthcare cloud adoption has grown at a relatively slow pace, but experts say the tempo is poised to speed up. Learn how channel partners can support hybrid cloud environments.Continue Reading
How managed service operations are adapting to a pandemic
IT service providers are deeply involved in curbing the pandemic's disruptions to U.S. businesses. Learn how companies have uncovered hidden strengths and new service offerings.Continue Reading
How channel partners navigate the security vendor landscape
Channel firms, whether new to or experienced with cybersecurity, must avoid numerous pitfalls when purchasing security products. Read these tips for selecting the best technology.Continue Reading
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is a component of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that works with defense contractors to ensure government services and supplies are delivered on time, come at the expected cost and satisfy...Continue Reading
MSPAlliance: What's next for the managed services industry
In part two of our interview with the CEO of MSPAlliance, we discuss the continued influence of cybersecurity on the managed services industry and the opportunities that lay ahead.Continue Reading
Top tips for providing co-managed IT services
Co-managed IT services give MSPs an opportunity to partner with the internal IT staff of their clients. Get insight into how to successfully implement a CoMITS offering.Continue Reading
Respond Software revamps SOC staffing, MDR at MSSP
A managed security services provider is using a virtual analyst product from Respond Software that reduces the need for level-1 analysts and finds attacks other platforms miss.Continue Reading
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