Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Atlassian partners cite cloud migration, ITSM growth

  The software company offers a range of partner opportunities as it pursues digital transformation and transitions from server products to cloud-based offerings. Continue Reading

• Partners weigh OEMs' private cloud options for clients

  Dell Apex, HPE GreenLake and NetApp Keystone are among the pay-per-use hardware platforms partners can offer clients considering alternatives to the public cloud. Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of co-creating innovation

  Collaborating ecosystem partners can access a broader range of talent and accelerate time to market, but they must closely manage their relationships. Continue Reading

• Tuning enterprise architecture to cope with accelerating change

  In the realm of enterprise architecture, real agility starts with architectural simplicity. Learn how businesses can reduce complexity -- and boost organizational dexterity. Continue Reading

• The cloud is changing the channel, and customers win

  The Ingram Micro Cloud Summit called for channel partners to develop intellectual property around cloud offerings and emphasize customer success to boost retention. Continue Reading

• Keeping pace with different types of manufacturing processes

  It's horses for courses in the industrial sector as partners look to help various kinds of manufacturers run on the emerging technologies that track with their needs.Continue Reading

• OS players move on managed services, bring competition

  Major players announced significant developments in the IT services industry with Apple managed IT services, new Microsoft hybrid work solutions and Kaseya's acquisition of Datto.Continue Reading

• Understand online marketplaces, SLOs for providers

  Service providers can engage in online marketplaces and use service-level objectives to understand their application's behaviors and its effect on customers.Continue Reading

• How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains

  Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need.Continue Reading

• Russia-Ukraine war prompts security best practices refresher

  The Russia-Ukraine war hasn't led to major cyber attacks affecting MSPs, but IT services providers should review cybersecurity best practices, including hardening and response.Continue Reading

• Partners cite reinforcement learning use cases, gradual uptake

  Consultants view reinforcement learning as a tool for decision-making at scale and a way to solve optimization problems, but its capabilities remain a mystery for some customers.Continue Reading

• Consultants see retail payment systems adapt to pandemic

  A mix of consulting and integration opportunities could drive partner business, as retailers look to adopt omnichannel technologies and hybrid sales models.Continue Reading

• Subscription models shape future of IT services providers

  Forrester researcher Jay McBain discusses how subscription models work, how to look at customer behaviors in a trusted way and where IT services providers should invest.Continue Reading

• VoltaGrid taps Rackspace for AI Ecosystem portal, cloud app

  With a lofty goal to revolutionize the mobile energy industry, VoltaGrid needed support to improve customer operations quickly. Learn how MSP Rackspace Technology stepped up.Continue Reading

• Web consulting project helps users prep for language test

  Computools created a website for users preparing for the International English Language Testing System exam, which helps people study in, or migrate to, English-speaking nations.Continue Reading

• MSPs set up IT services for retail transformations

  MSPs can help the retail industry digitally transform in six areas, including customer and employee experience, and emerge stronger after the unique challenges of 2020 and 2021.Continue Reading

• AIOps challenges ease into MSP system management

  AIOps is still early in development; however, the technology will help channel partners and customers contextualize large volumes of data and streamline management processes.Continue Reading

• Partners see client transformation in industry clouds

  Verticalized offerings could help organizations get more out of their cloud investments and seize competitive advantage, with service providers playing an advisory role.Continue Reading

• 2022 predictions include more cloud offerings, more breaches

  Service providers must stay abreast of the forces shaping the market. Dave Sobel revisits his 2021 predictions to assess how accurate they were and dives into predictions for 2022.Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity outlook 2022: Consultants cite 5 trends

  What's in store for IT security? Consultants and MSPs point to zero trust, cryptographic governance and a more targeted approach to education as among the key developments.Continue Reading

• 2022 in-person, virtual partner events calendar

  This channel partner conference listing features a range of events for MSPs, cloud consultants, resellers, systems integrators and other partner types.Continue Reading

• Regulation to address enduring MSP cybersecurity problem

  Cybersecurity regulations and trends in the managed services market push for more formal MSP accountabilities to deliver and secure clients' technology.Continue Reading

• Data analytics in IoT offers new opportunities for MSPs

  For MSPs monitoring thousands of IoT devices, parsing the associated data stream provides an outlet for growth. MSPs, however, must first acquire the essential skills.Continue Reading

• Service providers predict 2022 technology trends

  Cloud developments, data analytics technology and nascent metaverses could keep consultants and integrators occupied for the coming year and well beyond.Continue Reading

• Reframing cybersecurity in the 'golden era' of ransomware

  Ransomware attacks have targeted hospitals, critical infrastructure and government agencies in recent months. But do cyber events provoke the same response as a physical assault?Continue Reading

• IoT hardware sales can bolster MSPs

  Offering connected devices could prove a lucrative business, given the potential to monitor a large installed base. But MSPs must prepare for the scope of the challenge.Continue Reading

• IoT opportunities for MSPs in monitoring, management

  Partners can extend their existing services into the realm of IoT, but they should brace themselves for massive device populations and gear up for security.Continue Reading

• 4 key managed services trends to watch in 2022

  Service providers should prepare to navigate industry consolidation, an uneven vertical market landscape, rising digital transformation demand and new partnering models.Continue Reading

• MSP resistance to Windows 11 exposes business problem

  Microsoft's Windows 11 release received relatively little fanfare in the MSP industry. The lack of enthusiasm points to a problem among IT services firms.Continue Reading

• AWS Marketplace professional services gain momentum

  Partners cite flexible contracting and custom offers as key advantages of selling in the marketplace, but they look for AWS to help with T&M contracting and catalog creation.Continue Reading

• Education technology market seeks stability in hybrid model

  Channel partners said schools now have a chance to revisit hastily created remote learning systems as they take a longer-term, enterprise view of cloud and security.Continue Reading

• Cloud integration services emerge as partner opportunity

  Consultants help customers unify disparate cloud systems, offering services reminiscent of 1980s vintage systems integration. They face obstacles along the way, however.Continue Reading

• Accenture backs Climeworks on CO2 removal tech

  The consulting firm offers software, market advice and visual design services to the carbon removal venture, which recently opened a plant in Iceland.Continue Reading

• Cisco routes to market expand amid cloud marketplace growth

  Cisco cited a significant shift toward the cloud and a decline in reselling. However, the company said resellers will remain important to its sales approach.Continue Reading

• The importance of building an agile and resilient infrastructure

  No one knows what the future will demand. Here's how channel partners can help their clients prioritize agility and resilience in their infrastructures.Continue Reading

• A two-pronged password security model for channel partners

  Password security is too important to ignore. To ensure end users adopt strong practices, partners must address the human and technical side of password management. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft 365, Windows 365 matter for IT services firms

  Office 365, Microsoft 365 and Windows 365 differ not only in their feature sets and capabilities, but in the opportunities they afford service providers.Continue Reading

• AI, zero trust support remote work technologies

  Artificial intelligence and zero-trust frameworks have played a critical role in helping enterprises support a surging remote workforce.Continue Reading

• Channel companies face cybersecurity reckoning

  A CompTIA ChannelCon panel discusses the current landscape and what it means for channel partners that must strengthen their own security while protecting their clients.Continue Reading

• Salesforce partner demand soars, M&A follows

  The Salesforce skills crunch has generated a wave of acquisitions in the partner ecosystem. But M&A isn't the only remedy: Consultants have also boosted training.Continue Reading

• Explore a maturity model for inclusive workplace cultures

  Dave Sobel speaks with Reframe CEO Jeffrey Bowman about creating inclusive workplaces. Reframe created a maturity model to help organizations measure their transformations.Continue Reading

• Tech giants foster green software engineering movement

  The Green Software Foundation, which includes Accenture and Microsoft as members, will create an ecosystem of people, standards, tools and practices to develop green software.Continue Reading

• How IT services firms can push back on misinformation

  IT services firms have increasingly put marketing dollars into digital advertising. But do they know which websites their ads appear on and, consequently, help fund?Continue Reading

• Does the Microsoft partner ecosystem follow the 80/20 rule?

  Partner Elevate director Desmond Russell believes Microsoft's channel strategy underserves the bulk of its partners. Here's how Microsoft could better support its channel ecosystem.Continue Reading

• Outcome-based contracts: Be careful what you wish for

  Outcome-based contracting has gained momentum in the IT services market, but Charles Weaver cautions against its use by managed service providers.Continue Reading

• Guide to building and executing an MSP business model

  This managed service guide provides an overview of how to get started in the MSP business, covering the basics of building a service provider and the challenges in doing so.Continue Reading

• Tips for MSPs to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap

  Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals represent uphill battles. Some MSPs have adopted a combination of internal training and AI tools to offset the dearth in talent.Continue Reading

• Why and how MSPs adopt cybersecurity industry standards

  Cybersecurity industry standards can help MSPs mitigate internal security risks. Here are the benefits and challenges of adopting security frameworks.Continue Reading

• IT services firms shoulder undue amount of security risk

  A steady stream of major security breaches hasn't persuaded businesses to change their ways. IT services firms, meanwhile, continue to assume an inordinate amount of risk.Continue Reading

• Selling professional services on cloud marketplaces

  Partners say cloud sales platforms offer a way to find new customers, launch proofs of concept and seed bigger deals. Learn more about this emerging channel.Continue Reading

• In-house vs. outsourced marketing for MSPs

  Content marketing has emerged as an effective strategy for MSPs, but it can get tricky when deciding if in-house or outsourced talent should create these marketing materials.Continue Reading

• How will 5G deliver on its potential?

  The pandemic made businesses and users more reliant on wireless services and paved the way for the 5G deployments. Here's why it's hard to predict just how beneficial 5G will be.Continue Reading

• Consultants work around mainframe staffing limitations

  Specialized service providers aim to offset labor constraints with a mix of education programs, on-the-job experience and tools such as robotic process automation.Continue Reading

• Exec discusses Ensono acquisition, vertical strategy

  In this Q&A, Ensono president Marc Capri details the company's post-deal plans, which include bolstering its transformation capabilities and cultivating an industry focus.Continue Reading

• What channel partners should know about modern CIOs

  CIOs' traditional roles have evolved into a much more complex set of responsibilities. Learn about this key customer.Continue Reading

• Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation

  Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners.Continue Reading

• MSPs can combine traditional, digital marketing tactics

  MSP marketing strategies may benefit from tactics drawn from both traditional and digital marketing. MSP Radio's Dave Sobel explores this approach.Continue Reading

• 6 best practices for informing MSP clients about cyber risks

  With the cybersecurity threat landscape in a constant state of change, MSPs must help clients understand how to protect themselves. Here are six best practices.Continue Reading

• Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic

  Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers.Continue Reading

• Top 5 IT services trends for technology, service providers

  As businesses embrace digital services, technology and service providers must align with five market-changing trends, according to Gartner analyst Twiggy Lo.Continue Reading

• Accenture Cloud First exec cites C-suite engagement

  In this Q&A, Accenture Cloud First lead Karthik Narain reflects on the business group's first months of operations and the growing C-suite interest in cloud computing.Continue Reading

• IT industry must open up about mental health

  The IT industry is stressful, even without a pandemic. It's time to do more to encourage an open discussion about mental health.Continue Reading

• IoT integration services evolve in maturing market

  IT service providers are moving upstream to address client needs in an IoT market that has lost some, but not all, of its science project reputation.Continue Reading

• Top MSP marketing tools to generate leads

  MSP marketing tools are a must-have for successful lead-gen efforts. Execs at Valiant Technology, SADA and Synoptek round up the products supporting their marketing strategies.Continue Reading

• Return-to-office debate sparks channel partner opportunity

  After a year-plus of remote work, organizations have begun to mull their next steps: return to the office, stay remote or go hybrid? Here's how partners can help.Continue Reading

• E-commerce firm Radial taps Presidio for VDI cloud migration

  As the pandemic sparked a surge in e-commerce demand, Radial needed to expand its capabilities. Learn how Presidio helped Radial with a VDI cloud migration to VMware Cloud on AWS.Continue Reading

• Aruba partner tackles university's wireless network upgrade

  Doane University kicked off a two-phase wireless network overhaul in response to the pandemic. Learn how Aruba partner DataVizion has helped execute the project.Continue Reading

• SAP modernization calls for varied skills, phased approach

  SAP's partner ecosystem plays a role in legacy-system-to-cloud migration, moving customers away from aging hardware platforms such as mainframes and client-server systems.Continue Reading

• What solution providers must know about fintech companies

  Solution providers can help fintech companies by offering IT infrastructure expertise. Here are considerations for targeting this vertical market opportunity.Continue Reading

• IT industry's lack of diversity remains key issue in 2021

  The first quarter of 2021 saw almost no changes in the composition of IT leadership teams. Here's how channel partners can change the status quo.Continue Reading

• How threat modeling technology fits into modern security

  Dave Sobel speaks with Nuspire about the objectives of threat modeling. Learn how threat modeling can support modern security approaches such as zero-trust security.Continue Reading

• Archival cloud storage market expands for channel partners

  Channel partners can expect demand for archival cloud storage to grow as vendors mature their offerings. Learn about this cloud storage category's strengths and limitations.Continue Reading

• Third-wave cloud consultants take on larger scope of services

  Cloud consultancies have grown from boutiques to firms with global ambitions. The latest iteration of these consultancies will push the business in new directions.Continue Reading

• M&A integration plan calls for careful systems balance

  Systems and business process rationalization can be a chore when pursuing a post-merger integration plan. IT services firms carefully choose the components to deploy companywide.Continue Reading

• ClearScale telemedicine app uses range of Amazon services

  Creative Practice Solutions, a medical consulting company, called on ClearScale to develop a telemedicine offering that lets physicians conduct and record remote patient visits.Continue Reading

• New tool helps IT vendors assess their channel readiness

  Channel partners, do your tech vendors need a more productive channel strategy? A new tool from CompTIA's Channel Development Advisory Council can help.Continue Reading

• Federal technology upgrade could see security, SaaS outlay

  Channel partners expect major shifts in the government's technology priorities. Find out which IT trends are poised to shape spending in the coming years.Continue Reading

• Nerdio's strategy evolves for cloud desktop, Azure markets

  Nerdio CEO Vadim Vladimirskiy discusses the state of the cloud desktop market and his company's strategy for developing an Azure IT automation platform for MSPs.Continue Reading

• Where IT is headed in 2021: 5 key trends to watch

  2021 might not yet feel too different from 2020, but CompTIA's latest report highlights five intriguing trends in the IT industry for which you need to be ready.Continue Reading

• Veristor taps Cloudian for cloud adjacent architecture

  MSP uses vendor's S3-compatible technology to offer storage as a service, backup/disaster recovery and ransomware protection, while avoiding the inefficiency of overprovisioning.Continue Reading

• MSPs can't ignore the e-commerce trend

  E-commerce has made it possible to buy practically anything online, but MSPs have shied away from this sales and marketing strategy. Dave Sobel says it's time to embrace the trend.Continue Reading

• AI in managed service software to boost automation

  From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future.Continue Reading

• MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence

  MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds.Continue Reading

• Channel relationships shift as cloud storage expands

  As MSPs look to harness the advantages of cloud storage, they must also articulate the value they provide and enter into a regimen of nonstop training and certification.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage reseller or consumer? Partners face market shift

  A market rife with storage options provides a varied and sometimes ambiguous environment for IT services firms, which take varying paths in a changing infrastructure sector.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of MSP private equity deals

  Greystone Technology CEO Peter Melby has long believed that private equity creates problems for MSPs. But then he decided to take a private equity deal. Find out why.Continue Reading

• Why 2020 may have changed the MSP industry forever

  Managed service providers will come to view 2020 as the year their industry finally received the recognition and legitimacy they have long sought.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN industry growth opens partner opportunities in 2021

  Channel partners can take advantage of SD-WAN industry expansion by addressing customers' interoperability and security concerns, according to Spirent Communications executives.Continue Reading

• Top tips for building a Microsoft Azure MSP practice

  As MSPs expand into cloud offerings, many are deciding to focus on Microsoft Azure. Lunavi, Synoptek and 1Path explain why and how they grew their Microsoft Azure MSP practices.Continue Reading

• What does data show regarding diversity in IT channel for 2020?

  Dave Sobel updates his look at diversity in IT, with a greater focus on solution providers and vendors in the industry, aiming to help highlight companies championing diversity efforts.Continue Reading

• Top 10 channel partner business articles of 2020

  Channel partner business trends of 2020 included the expansion of cloud computing, the acceleration of emerging technologies and the widespread adoption of remote work products.Continue Reading

• Evaluate tools to help improve cybersecurity for MSPs

  Learn what types of cybersecurity tools -- including those for email security, endpoint protection and DNS filtering -- MSPs can use to ensure safety of their clients' systems.Continue Reading

• Vertical marketing strategies shouldn't dismiss QSR, retail

  The pandemic has pummeled restaurants and retailers, but service providers could still find opportunities in areas ranging from contactless technology to virtual reality.Continue Reading

• MSP business planning for 2021: What you should consider

  From remote working to new security threats, 2020 introduced a range of new dynamics for MSPs. Here are four important considerations to address in your business planning for 2021.Continue Reading

• How leading SAP S/4HANA implementation partners compare

  Advisor firm UpperEdge attempts to pin down the differences between how SAP S/4HANA implementation partners Accenture, Deloitte and IBM approach client projects.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

• How the U.S. election may affect managed services providers

  Dave Sobel breaks down the tech issues MSPs need to be aware of following the federal and state elections, such as right to repair in Massachusetts and California's Prop 22.Continue Reading

• Top 5 MSP challenges in the 2021 business climate

  MSPs and IT consultancies anticipate several challenges in 2021, including developing growth strategies, broadening areas of expertise and cultivating talent.Continue Reading

• How would a K-shaped economic recovery affect MSPs?

  Dave Sobel explains how MSPs should be prepared economically and socially for a K-shaped recovery that economists see happening due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.Continue Reading

• When an SAP S/4HANA selective data transition makes sense

  An SAP S/4HANA selective data transition might be the best approach for a customer's ECC conversion. Learn how this approach differs from brownfield and greenfield implementations.Continue Reading