Service providers will need to embrace software defined networking and network function virtualization to remain competitive, Adtran says.
Networking
Adtran makes case for SDN, NFV for service providers
by Robert Dutt •
Networking
Networking
DataMAPt looking to recruit channel for low-cost cloud network monitoring service
by Mark Cox •
DataMAPt is looking to recruit primarily VAR partners, is focused mainly on the SMB space, and pledged rock bottom pricing to partners and commitment to a channel model.
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Mobility, Networking
Cradlepoint expands 4G LTE WWAN platform with AER 3100 solution
by Mark Cox •
The new AER 3100 offers a more powerful, higher value option for micro and small branch offices.
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Big Data, Channel Communities, Distribution, Networking
MaintenanceNet acquisition means non-Cisco vendors likely leave
by Mark Cox •
Cisco acknowledges it acquired MaintenanceNet because it was uncomfortable with its longtime partner’s drive to sign on more OEM clients, and indicates that while Cisco doesn’t plan to fire those clients, it won’t have to.
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Channel Programs, Distribution, Networking
D&H Canada and Cisco unveil joint partner enablement program
by Mark Cox •
While many distributor programs tend to be limited term and focused on moving specific products for vendors, this program, a first of its type for D&H, is long-term and focused on providing assistance to help resellers build up their Cisco practice.
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Cloud, Networking
New Silver Peak virtual network overlay aims to displace MPLS networks – gradually
by Mark Cox •
Unity EdgeConnect, which builds on the Unity fabric Silver Peak announced last year, is a virtual network overlay which leverages broadband to connect users to applications, while also letting them retain their existing routers and firewalls and move to a broadband WAN at their own speed.
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Networking
Go digital or perish, Chambers says in swansong
by Robert Dutt •
John Chambers delivers a stark warning to Cisco Live in his final keynote as CEO – while many will try to go digital, most won’t change enough to succeed.
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Managed Services, Networking
Waterloo’s Auvik Networks entering RMM market with MSP Edition
by Mark Cox •
The Canadian cloud-based network management software provider has modified its software to produce a version for the MSP market that has some pluses it believes are missing from the market now. The plan is to sell it direct for a while to establish proof of concept while they work on building a proper channel program.
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Networking
Aruba looks to HP channel to grow SMB business
by Robert Dutt •
Aruba Networks, now an HP company, is betting that access to the broader community of SMB-focused HP VARs will help it grow traction for Aruba Instant.
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Channel Programs, Mobility, Networking
Pulse Secure partner program to test competency, abandon certifications
by Mark Cox •
The Juniper spinoff launches its first partner program, to which old Juniper partners have to apply, and says that it has some unique differentiating factors.
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Networking
Dell extends proactive automated support to consumer PCs and tablets
by Mark Cox •
Dell’s proactive support services have been a big hit in the channel, but this particular product is designed as a retail play, rather than for solution providers.
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Channel Programs, Networking
Cisco Canada looks within for new sales teams
by Robert Dutt •
A new program at Cisco Canada is encouraging staff from other parts of the business to try their hand at selling the networking giant’s offerings.
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Networking
Cisco Canada chief: Robbins will drive execution
by Robert Dutt •
Bernadette Wightman calls incoming Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins “an execution engine” arriving at a time when pace of change is accelerating.
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Channel Programs, Networking
Xirrus completely recrafts channel program with new Xirrus Xcellerate
by Mark Cox •
The changes reflect the wireless networking vendor’s transition in the last several years from a direct seller to a company that sells entirely through the channel, where the internal sales force now works to drum up business for partners.
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Networking, Sponsored Content
Increase your business opportunity in SDN by asking these 8 questions
by Robert Dutt •
Cheryl Neal of Avnet Technology Solutions offers solution providers eight questions that can maximize their software-defined networking (SDN) business.
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Channel Programs, Networking
Riverbed continues value partner program emphasis with new enhancements
by Mark Cox •
They include changes to Professional Services training designed to increase dollar spend, up-leveling Premier partner competency requirements, and a new Demo program which reduces the cost outlay to partners.
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Mobility, Networking
Pulse Secure combines VPN, NAC and EMM in new central policy manager
by Mark Cox •
The Juniper spinoff previously had separate box-by-box management for the broad range of capabilities it offered, and being able to do everything now through one pane of glass becomes a competitive advantage.
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Networking, Opinion/Editorial
Thoughts on Chuck Robbins’ ascension and the channel
by Robert Dutt •
How Cisco previewed Chuck Robbins’ introduction as CEO last week, and what the new boss means to the channel, and potentially to the channel chief role.
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Networking, Podcasts, Sponsored Content
Podcast: Cisco Partner Summit 2015
by Robert Dutt •
Cisco Canada president Bernadette Wightman, channel chief David De Abreu, and Westcon North America EVP Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy recap Cisco Partner Summit.
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Networking, Virtualization
Citrix CloudBridge Virtual WAN to provide ‘always-on’ branch availability
by Mark Cox •
Available as a physical or virtual appliance, the new offering is designed to provide reliability at reasonable cost to server-less remote locations which are about as helpless as Chromebooks if network access is lost.
