hybrid cloud

Storage

Entry into hyper-converged market highlights multiple major NetApp announcements

June 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Entry into hyper-converged market highlights multiple major NetApp announcements
Other highlights include the new version of their ONTAP software, a new usage-based consumption option to purchase infrastructure, enhancing their OCI software, and expanding their free controller upgrade program to credits for a broader array of NetApp purchases.

Managed Services

ClearSky Data formalizes partner program for metro-based on-demand primary storage

May 31, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on ClearSky Data formalizes partner program for metro-based on-demand primary storage
The present ClearSky partner ecosystem includes both MSPs and traditional reseller partners, and they are looking to increase the numbers of both.

Cloud

Flexxible IT launches new SMB-focused hybrid cloud virtual workspace appliance

May 23, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Flexxible IT launches new SMB-focused hybrid cloud virtual workspace appliance
UK-based Flexxible IT has been focused on Europe, but has opened a US office with ex-Appsense channel chief Jim Airdo running the North American business.

Backup

Changes in sales strategy bearing fruit for Veeam

May 19, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Changes in sales strategy bearing fruit for Veeam
Veeam is also close to announcing the appointment of a new Canadian channel leader, which they think will help enlist some major new partners.

Backup

Cloud is focus of partner programmatic announcements at VeeamON

May 16, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cloud is focus of partner programmatic announcements at VeeamON
New initiatives include a Veeam Accredited Service Partner program, the release candidate of a new Veeam Availability Console and new multi-tenancy in Veeam Backup for Microsoft Office 365.

Storage

Dell EMC positions new VxRail appliances more towards the enterprise

May 11, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell EMC positions new VxRail appliances more towards the enterprise
While VxRail was originally aimed more at the mid-market, unexpected orders for large numbers of nodes from enterprise customers has led Dell EMC to add more enterprise features to the new 4.5 release of the appliances.

Cloud

Dell Technologies expands Virtustream with new Healthcare Cloud

May 9, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell Technologies expands Virtustream with new Healthcare Cloud
The company also announced a new plug-in, which fulfills a critical task in linking the Virtustream cloud to VMware’s vRealize suite.

Unified Communications

Avaya Canada channel chief sees real momentum in march from PBX to software and services

May 8, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya Canada channel chief sees real momentum in march from PBX to software and services
Avaya Canada channel chief Corey Mindel discusses partner momentum selling Avaya’s software-based next-gen products, including Zang, which can be a tricky issue for some partners.

Cloud

Dell EMC sees big partner play in new Dell EMC Cloud for Microsoft Azure stack

May 4, 2017 Mark Cox 1
Dell EMC Cloud for Microsoft Azure Stack will be available in the second half of the year, although smaller developer versions are available now.

Backup

Rubrik extends its data management platform natively into the cloud

April 25, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Rubrik extends its data management platform natively into the cloud
Rubrik previously had the ability to archive in the cloud, but now has extended their cloud capability to allow their software to run natively on the major public cloud providers.