Articles by Robert Dutt

About Robert Dutt
Robert Dutt is the founder and head blogger at ChannelBuzz.ca. He has been covering the Canadian solution provider channel community for a variety of publications and Web sites since 1997.
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In The Channel

Flare launches partner program to take cyber threat intelligence downmarket

October 8, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Flare has launched a new partner program as the Montreal cybersecurity company looks to expand its channel reach. CRO John Williamson and director of partner marketing Eunice Leung join In The Channel to discuss how partners can bring threat intelligence to the midmarket and build services around the technology.

Podcasts

The Buzz: TD SYNNEX buys BlueStar, HPE launches ProLiant Gen13, and Cisco puts AI agents in Webex

October 8, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
TD SYNNEX agrees to acquire specialty distributor BlueStar, HPE unveils its first AMD-powered ProLiant Gen13 servers, and Cisco brings collaborative AI agents and broader workplace intelligence to Webex.

In The Channel

KnowBe4 channel chief Mills looks to bring greater focus, distribution to partner strategy

October 7, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
New KnowBe4 channel chief Kurt Mills sees significant opportunities to evolve the security vendor’s channel model as it looks toward its next stage of growth. He joins In The Channel to discuss distribution, Canadian coverage, partner program changes and why he says KnowBe4 “can do better” with MSPs.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Frontline buys KL Software, WatchGuard expands AI security, and Dell tackles the AI data gap

October 7, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Frontline Managed Services buys KL Software and launches an intelligent applications business, WatchGuard adds AI and secure-access capabilities for MSPs, and Dell expands its AI Data Platform to help enterprises turn their data into usable fuel for AI.

In The Channel

Barracuda to MSPs on AI security: Don’t wait for customers to ask

October 6, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
As AI use spreads through SMB organizations, many businesses don’t know which tools their employees are using or what data they’re sharing with them. Barracuda’s Brian Downey joins In The Channel to discuss why that creates both a security challenge and a new advisory opportunity for MSPs.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Broadcom explains Insight’s VMware removal, Schneider bids for PTC, and Anthropic invests in deployment skills

October 6, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Broadcom addresses Insight’s VMware authorization, Schneider agrees to acquire PTC, and Anthropic launches deployment-engineer training, plus CData, Helix, Partner Tech and Augmentt.

In The Channel

Oktane 2026: BeyondID CEO Arun Shrestha on KeyData Cyber, AI agents, and the identity opportunity for MSPs

October 1, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
In The Channel sits down with BeyondID co-founder and CEO Arun Shrestha at Oktane 2026 to talk about the KeyData Cyber merger, Okta’s partner-first services transition, and why MSPs can’t afford to leave identity as an afterthought.

Podcasts

The Buzz: AppDirect buys Soul Machines, CyberFOX lands TD SYNNEX deal, RSA takes on AI agent identity

October 1, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
AppDirect acquires AI avatar company Soul Machines, CyberFOX signs a North American distribution agreement with TD SYNNEX, and RSA launches an agentic identity platform for regulated industries. Plus Fortinet’s Calgary hub, NinjaTech AI’s fixed-fee AI employees, and Microsoft on agents as the customer.

In The Channel

Okta Canada check-in: Agentic AI hits the boardroom, partner contribution doubles, and the pitch is ‘sell better, not more’

September 30, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Six months ago, Okta Canada’s Ryan Sydor talked about investment: a data cell, 600 employees, a plan to triple the business. At Oktane 2026, the story is demand – for agentic identity, for agent security, and for partners who can advise rather than sell. Sydor on board mandates, the Blueprint Alliance, Microsoft coexistence, and 100 per cent partner growth.

In The Channel

Okta rebuilds its channel program: the Partner Accelerator brings three tracks and a services-first bet

September 29, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Okta has unveiled the Okta Partner Accelerator, a ground-up rework of its Elevate partner program, at Oktane 2026. Laura Padilla, Okta’s head of partners, walks In The Channel through the three-track structure, the customer-outcome metrics that gate the elite tier, the expansion of partner-delivered professional services to every deal, and the AI agent security opportunity she thinks partners are still early on.