AI Governance

Podcasts

The Buzz: Oracle commits $1 billion to partners, Kiteworks names channel chief, Portal26 targets managed AI

October 26, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Oracle is committing $1 billion over four years to partner enablement and growth, while Kiteworks has appointed Matt Marlier to lead its global channel strategy. Portal26 is looking to help MSPs turn AI governance into a managed service.

Podcasts

The Buzz: OpenText stakes out its AI strategy, ThreatLocker secures AI agents, Flexera expands cost controls

October 21, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
OpenText CEO Ayman Antoun outlines the company’s place in the enterprise AI stack at OpenText World. Plus, ThreatLocker introduces enforceable controls for AI agents, and Flexera expands its AI cost-management platform.

Podcasts

The Buzz: ConnectWise suspends cloud services, Cloudflare expands AI workspace, Rewst launches global automation platform

October 20, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
ConnectWise has suspended several cloud services following unauthorized access involving application identities used in Microsoft 365 customer environments. Plus, Cloudflare expands its AI workspace integrations and services ecosystem, while Rewst brings AI-native automation to MSPs worldwide.

Podcasts

The Buzz: GTIA launches managed AI alliance, Proofpoint buys Varonis, Upstream Works introduces Totalix

October 19, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
GTIA formally launches its Managed Intelligence Alliance with Pax8, CrowdStrike, Microsoft and other founding participants. Plus, Proofpoint agrees to acquire Varonis in a $6.3 billion cybersecurity transaction, while Ontario-based Upstream Works introduces Totalix through its channel partners.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Acronis names former WatchGuard CEO, Virtuozzo shrinks cloud infrastructure, Proofpoint expands MSP security

October 16, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
Acronis appoints former WatchGuard CEO Prakash Panjwani to lead its next phase of growth. Plus, Virtuozzo introduces a one-server infrastructure option with updated Nvidia support, and Proofpoint expands its MSP security platform with new Microsoft 365 governance capabilities.

In The Channel

From Shadow AI to managed AI: WatchGuard CEO on the next MSP opportunity

October 15, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on From Shadow AI to managed AI: WatchGuard CEO on the next MSP opportunity
With employees increasingly adopting AI outside corporate oversight, WatchGuard CEO Joe Smolarski sees a growing opportunity for MSPs to deliver AI governance as a distinct managed service. In this episode of In The Channel, he discusses the business opportunity, WatchGuard’s latest AI investments, and the risks emerging as AI agents gain greater autonomy.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Slide names McChord interim CEO, Arctic Wolf expands AI security, N-able finds MSP alert overload

October 15, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: Slide names McChord interim CEO, Arctic Wolf expands AI security, N-able finds MSP alert overload
Slide co-founder and Datto founder Austin McChord becomes interim CEO following Michael Fass’s departure. Plus, Arctic Wolf expands its security platform with new endpoint, AI visibility and agentic SOC capabilities, while N-able research finds MSPs adopting AI faster than they can confidently manage its output.

Podcasts

The Buzz: IonQ buys Elisity, TD SYNNEX expands partner AI, Pax8 finds SMB AI governance gaps

October 14, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: IonQ buys Elisity, TD SYNNEX expands partner AI, Pax8 finds SMB AI governance gaps
IonQ agrees to acquire zero-trust security specialist Elisity for up to $1.3 billion. Plus, TD SYNNEX expands PartnerFirst with agentic AI and new AI cost-management services, while Pax8 research finds growing gaps in SMB AI governance and spending.

In The Channel

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

October 6, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Barracuda to MSPs on AI security: Don’t wait for customers to ask
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.

In The Channel

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

September 29, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Okta rebuilds its channel program: the Partner Accelerator brings three tracks and a services-first bet
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.