Managed Services

Managed Services

Sophos launches partner program for MSPs

May 9, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sophos launches partner program for MSPs
While Sophos has MSP partners, they have not had a program that provides support for their specific business model and requirements before now. MSP Connect is aligned with the ways MSPs sell, and provides rewards for upselling and cross-selling Sophos’ broad range of security services.

Cloud

EMC refines enterprise cloud strategy with Virtustream Storage Cloud

May 3, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on EMC refines enterprise cloud strategy with Virtustream Storage Cloud
The new Web-scale object storage platform will extend on-prem EMC storage and backup applications into the cloud, and continue the trend of requiring the assistance of more channel partners than had been the case when Virtustream was acquired.

Managed Services

HPE releases hybrid compute managed service for small business/ROBO market

April 13, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on HPE releases hybrid compute managed service for small business/ROBO market
The HPE ProLiant Easy Connect Managed Hybrid solution is a subscription based offering for small businesses and ROBO environments. But while American partners get access to it in a couple weeks, Canadian ones will have to wait a while – like until Q4.

Channel Programs

Riverbed expands partner program, will add subscription offerings

April 6, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Riverbed expands partner program, will add subscription offerings
Riverbed adds new tracks for integrators and managed services, extends rebates and incentives, and is aiming to have all its offerings capable to being offered by partners on a subscription basis by the end of 2016.

Channel Communities

CompTIA rethinks approach to member education with new Channel Standards program

March 22, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on CompTIA rethinks approach to member education with new Channel Standards program
The IT Solution Provider Standard is the first of five scheduled to roll out this year. The Channel Standards differ from the Trustmarks in their emphasis on imparting best practices to make the business better, rather than earning a badge to use in your marketing.

Cloud

NetApp CEO says new tech trends aid NetApp

March 10, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on NetApp CEO says new tech trends aid NetApp
At a customer event in Toronto on Wednesday, NetApp CEO George Kurian laid out the company’s case to key customers and partners why the storage pioneer is well positioned for the new age of IT.

Mobility

Xirrus enhances MSP support with CommandCenter to simply Wi-Fi-as-a-Service management

March 1, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Xirrus enhances MSP support with CommandCenter to simply Wi-Fi-as-a-Service management
In addition to CommandCenter, which greatly simplifies the provisioning of new customers, Xirrus is also announcing enhancements to their MSP program to improve benefits.

Storage

HDS upgrades data protection, security capabilities of HCP Anywhere platform

February 17, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on HDS upgrades data protection, security capabilities of HCP Anywhere platform
Hitachi Data Systems continues to expand the functionality of its platform introduced in 2013 as a sync ‘n’ share variant of its Hitachi Content Platform with new and enhanced features.

Cloud

Cisco looks to drive Metapod business on strong data application, IoT demand

February 15, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cisco looks to drive Metapod business on strong data application, IoT demand
Selling Metapod successfully demands focus on LOB units and applications, something partners have responded to well.

Channel Programs

Cambridge ON-based eSentire expanding partner presence with new channel program

February 9, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cambridge ON-based eSentire expanding partner presence with new channel program
eSentire sold its SaaS-based cybersecurity solutions direct until a couple years ago, when they added referral partners. Now they have expanded their channel program to include MSPs and resellers, and partnered with Ingram Micro to add the focused partners they want.