ChannelCon

Managed Services

RapidFire Tools strengthens PCI Compliance module with partnering to provide ASV scans

August 4, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on RapidFire Tools strengthens PCI Compliance module with partnering to provide ASV scans
While a low price will create a minor margin opportunity for the MSP, the main MSP benefit will be the better use of their time that will come from having the ASV scan capability integrated directly in the compliance module.

Managed Services

Mailprotector readies super-simple Bracket encryption technology for market

August 3, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Mailprotector readies super-simple Bracket encryption technology for market
Bracket provides high grade encryption that is easy to send, easy to receive, and is designed to overcome traditional barriers to encryption use by SMBs.

Backup

Datto selects Pax8 for their first distribution deal

August 3, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Datto selects Pax8 for their first distribution deal
Pax8 and Datto have announced a strategic partnership, which is what a company that has not used distribution before calls entering into its first distribution agreement.

Backup

SolarWinds MSP unveils new, more granular automated document recovery solution

August 3, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on SolarWinds MSP unveils new, more granular automated document recovery solution
SolarWinds MSP’s price to partners of $4 per endpoint in Canada is designed to allow both the MSP to make money while also being less expensive for the customer than consumer-grade alternatives.

Cloud

Ingram Micro unveils new Cloud Intelligence Program to help partners increase cloud business

August 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Ingram Micro unveils new Cloud Intelligence Program to help partners increase cloud business
The program’s main element is an online tool that lets partners benchmark their cloud readiness against their peers and provides insights on increasing their cloud business.

Managed Services

CrushBank prepares for launch of first IT Help-Desk application built on IBM Watson

August 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on CrushBank prepares for launch of first IT Help-Desk application built on IBM Watson
CrushBank has early customers moving into production now, and has been taking orders. They are working the IT trade show circuit, to introduce their product to MSPs.

Cloud

Ingram Micro reworks cloud business unit to make strategy more systematic

August 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Ingram Micro reworks cloud business unit to make strategy more systematic
Ingram Micro was the first broadline distributor to make a big push into the cloud. Now, as the cloud opportunity expands, it is fine tuning how it makes that push.

Channel Programs

SAP makes structural changes around channel business to double down on SMBs

August 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on SAP makes structural changes around channel business to double down on SMBs
SAP turned some heads with their presence at the CompTIA channel event this week, a presence motivated by an increased new emphasis on recruiting the right type of partner covering SMB customers, in order to double their cloud business by 2020.

Cloud

Intermedia adds new automated marketing campaigns around ransomware, Office 365

August 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Intermedia adds new automated marketing campaigns around ransomware, Office 365
While many channel partners still don’t think marketing is worth their time and investment, Intermedia stresses that it has become vital to survival in the digital age.

Channel Communities

GMS Live Expert seeks to expand MSP channel for outsourced help desk

August 8, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on GMS Live Expert seeks to expand MSP channel for outsourced help desk
GMS Live Expert offers MSPs boutique services around their help desk support offering. The Toronto-based company has ramped up its recruitment efforts, which included exhibiting at last week’s CompTIA ChannelCon.