Articles by Mark Cox

Networking

ZyXEL expands 10 GB SMB switch lineup

March 2, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on ZyXEL expands 10 GB SMB switch lineup
In addition to expanding its 10 GB roster, ZyXel also indicated they are planning a major push into the Canadian SMB market in the near future.

Channel Programs

New Dell partner benefits kick in with new fiscal year

February 27, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on New Dell partner benefits kick in with new fiscal year
Compared to last year, the changes to Dell’s partner program as the company begins a new fiscal year are much more modest, although the extension of rebates for new business to Registered partners will cause much cheer in that quarter.

Channel Programs

German network monitoring firm Paessler strengthening North American channel

February 27, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on German network monitoring firm Paessler strengthening North American channel
Paessler is seeing a significant increase in its North American channel business, and this year plans to improved MSP support, enhance their channel program, and make a deeper push into the Canadian channel.

Mobility

Citrix is a security company: Citrix Canada’s Michael Murphy

February 25, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Citrix is a security company: Citrix Canada’s Michael Murphy
In a wide-ranging discussion of where Citrix is headed in the Canadian market, their country manager also identifies key issues with competition, mobility, storage, and the impact of recent announced changes to the partner program.

Big Data

Channel veteran Justin Crotty joins MaintenanceNet

February 25, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Channel veteran Justin Crotty joins MaintenanceNet
The long-time Ingram Micro exec joins a company that uses Big Data analytics to capture annuity contract revenue data for OEMs and distributors, which is then passed to channel partners to create immediate renewal sales opportunities.

Data Centre

Dell announces next generation of XC series converged appliances with Nutanix software

February 25, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell announces next generation of XC series converged appliances with Nutanix software
The new offerings benefit from the thirteenth generation of Dell servers, but also have new configurability and support flexibility options which can bring down the price point significantly.

Cloud

Connected Data unveils smaller Transporter private business cloud devices

February 25, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Connected Data unveils smaller Transporter private business cloud devices
The company rolls out smaller and less expensive appliance alternatives to Dropbox, and emphasizes that it relies on partners to show SMBs that their upfront cost is cheaper over time.

Data Centre

Scale Computing enhances hyperconverged platform interface for SMBs in 6.0 release

February 24, 2015 Mark Cox 1
Scale is placing its bet on the SMB space, and the latest changes to its platform bring more of the simplicity that market wants.

Cloud

IndependenceIt fully centralizes multi-data centre administration in CWS enhancement

February 24, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on IndependenceIt fully centralizes multi-data centre administration in CWS enhancement
The new Workflow Manager feature will particularly help larger partners and those whose business revolves around remote app and remote desktop delivery. The company also discussed a new upcoming relationship with Google.

Security

Avast seeking MSPs to sell new freemium Avast for Business offering

February 23, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avast seeking MSPs to sell new freemium Avast for Business offering
While the product, aimed at the sub-100 seat market, is free, Avast thinks MSPs will sign on because the free product will attract new customers who they can then sell other services.