Year: 2017

Big Data

HPE promises quick channel integration, availability of new acquisitions

June 6, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on HPE promises quick channel integration, availability of new acquisitions
In contrast with Aruba, where the program was deliberately kept separate from HPE Partner Ready, the plan with the many new acquisitions is to bring everything together quickly as part of an integrated strategy.

Marketing

HPE looks to turbocharge partner marketing with new Digital Marketing Program

June 6, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on HPE looks to turbocharge partner marketing with new Digital Marketing Program
While many of the program’s components existed before, HPE is doubling down on promoting them as a bundle, looking to get greater numbers of them involved in an area where the vendor says many partners need to be doing more.

Channel Programs

HPE unveils more details on channel competencies

June 6, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on HPE unveils more details on channel competencies
Nine competencies are available, although some key issues, like how they will fit into Party Ready tiering, have still to be determined.

Servers

HPE strengthens small business servers with ClearCenter partnership, reborn MicroServer

June 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on HPE strengthens small business servers with ClearCenter partnership, reborn MicroServer
The exclusive deal with ClearCenter provides a Linux platform that provides server, networking and gateway functionality, and combined with the HPE ProLiant MicroServer, provides a low-cost offering for small businesses and SOHOs.

Storage

Entry into hyper-converged market highlights multiple major NetApp announcements

June 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Entry into hyper-converged market highlights multiple major NetApp announcements
Other highlights include the new version of their ONTAP software, a new usage-based consumption option to purchase infrastructure, enhancing their OCI software, and expanding their free controller upgrade program to credits for a broader array of NetApp purchases.

Mobility

Aruba turns to the core with first core aggregation switch

June 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Aruba turns to the core with first core aggregation switch
In addition to the new Aruba 8400 Core Switch, featuring an advanced new OS, Aruba is also announcing the addition of asset tracking capabilities to their Meridian Mobile App platform.

Cloud

New Sage channel chief Jennifer Warawa discusses her shift to the new role, and her plans

June 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on New Sage channel chief Jennifer Warawa discusses her shift to the new role, and her plans
In another of multiple executive moves announced by Sage, Nancy Harris, former Canada Managing Director at Sage, is also formally announced as North America Managing Director, a role she has been executing for some time.

Networking

Acquiring Avaya networking bolsters Extreme plan to take enterprise share from Cisco, HPE

June 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Acquiring Avaya networking bolsters Extreme plan to take enterprise share from Cisco, HPE
Extreme says it has had a strong reaction from Avaya networking partners, and that they expect the lucrative benefits of the Extreme program as well as the broader portfolio should woo them over.

Distribution

Sennheiser signs on Westcon-Comstor to distribute Enterprise portfolio in Canada

June 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sennheiser signs on Westcon-Comstor to distribute Enterprise portfolio in Canada
Sennheiser adds a distributor with focus on the communications space, after trimming its distribution channel by about half a year ago.

Software

Why Small Businesses Need to Focus on Human Resources

June 1, 2017 Mark Cox 1
Sage Canada’s Managing Director outlines the significance of human resources management for small businesses.