Managed Services

Microsoft worldwide channel chief Phil Sorgen
Channel Programs

Microsoft shines light on partner valuation

July 22, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Microsoft shines light on partner valuation
Microsoft offers partners tips on increasing their valuation in a cloud world, and a tool to measure their success in the transformation.

Managed Services

Dell formally launches CloudRunner, one-stop shop for MSPs

July 21, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell formally launches CloudRunner, one-stop shop for MSPs
Quietly launched last November to Dell’s top MSP partners, Dell is now looking to broaden out its turnkey, vertically focused CloudRunner, which is suitable for both experienced and newer MSPs.

John Corley, president of Xerox’s channel partner organization
Managed Services

Xerox channel MPS push continues with new tools, programs

July 7, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Xerox channel MPS push continues with new tools, programs
Xerox is looking to make partners more productive as it sees a boom coming in demand for managed print services in the SMB space.

Podcasts

Podcast: Epson’s BrightLink Pro, and the MSP journey with AVG Business

June 24, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Podcast: Epson’s BrightLink Pro, and the MSP journey with AVG Business
Epson’s Judy Burns discusses the company’s interactive projectors, and Marco LaVecchia of AVG Business talks managed services on this podcast.

Managed Services

Toshiba signs on IT Weapons to take Toshiba-branded IT services to market

June 22, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Toshiba signs on IT Weapons to take Toshiba-branded IT services to market
Having exited the consumer market in Canada, Toshiba is beefing up their B2B offerings, and has partnered with Brampton managed services provider IT Weapons to provide what will be a growing package of services and support.

Sukh Randhawa, vice president of business operations at Tech Data Canada
Cloud

Tech Data brings TDCloud to Canada

June 18, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Tech Data brings TDCloud to Canada
The Tech Data Cloud Solutions Store offers a one-stop shop for solution providers to sell cloud services, and an opportunity to bring new cloud services to market.

aid Nick Earle, senior vice president of cloud and managed services at Cisco
Cloud

Cisco expands Intercloud Fabric capabilities, community

June 16, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Cisco expands Intercloud Fabric capabilities, community
Cisco adds new technology to Intercloud Fabric, and introduces new offerings from partners including Calgary’s Long View Systems.

Greg Myers, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Tech Data Canada.
Distribution

Tech Data Canada doubles down on managed services

June 8, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Tech Data Canada doubles down on managed services
Tech Data inks deals with Intel Security and Mobi, showing the further inclusion of vendor offerings in the emerging “subscription economy” in the channel.

Channel Communities

Customers moving beyond cost issues in considering managed services

June 1, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Customers moving beyond cost issues in considering managed services
CompTIA data indicate that customer knowledge of managed services is up significantly over last year, and that emphasis on cost saving is no longer their main concern. This should impact the way that MSPs sell their offerings.

Channel Programs

Riverbed continues value partner program emphasis with new enhancements

May 21, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Riverbed continues value partner program emphasis with new enhancements
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.