Microsoft

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: CyberFOX buys Optimize365, Microsoft secures Windows AI agents, AWS cuts Marketplace fees

October 9, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: CyberFOX buys Optimize365, Microsoft secures Windows AI agents, AWS cuts Marketplace fees
CyberFOX acquires Optimize365 as it builds a broader security platform for MSPs. Plus, Microsoft introduces security boundaries for Windows AI agents, and AWS cuts Marketplace fees to make professional services more attractive for partners.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Broadcom explains Insight’s VMware removal, Schneider bids for PTC, and Anthropic invests in deployment skills

October 6, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: Broadcom explains Insight’s VMware removal, Schneider bids for PTC, and Anthropic invests in deployment skills
Broadcom addresses Insight’s VMware authorization, Schneider agrees to acquire PTC, and Anthropic launches deployment-engineer training, plus CData, Helix, Partner Tech and Augmentt.

Podcasts

The Buzz: AppDirect buys Soul Machines, CyberFOX lands TD SYNNEX deal, RSA takes on AI agent identity

October 1, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: AppDirect buys Soul Machines, CyberFOX lands TD SYNNEX deal, RSA takes on AI agent identity
AppDirect acquires AI avatar company Soul Machines, CyberFOX signs a North American distribution agreement with TD SYNNEX, and RSA launches an agentic identity platform for regulated industries. Plus Fortinet’s Calgary hub, NinjaTech AI’s fixed-fee AI employees, and Microsoft on agents as the customer.

In The Channel

Okta Canada check-in: Agentic AI hits the boardroom, partner contribution doubles, and the pitch is ‘sell better, not more’

September 30, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Okta Canada check-in: Agentic AI hits the boardroom, partner contribution doubles, and the pitch is ‘sell better, not more’
Six months ago, Okta Canada’s Ryan Sydor talked about investment: a data cell, 600 employees, a plan to triple the business. At Oktane 2026, the story is demand – for agentic identity, for agent security, and for partners who can advise rather than sell. Sydor on board mandates, the Blueprint Alliance, Microsoft coexistence, and 100 per cent partner growth.

Podcasts

The Buzz: TD SYNNEX names Chris Fabes in Canada, Huntress flags Azure CLI password spray attacks, and MSSP retention moves beyond salary

July 21, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: TD SYNNEX names Chris Fabes in Canada, Huntress flags Azure CLI password spray attacks, and MSSP retention moves beyond salary
TD SYNNEX appoints Chris Fabes as President of Canada, Huntress warns of massive Azure CLI password spray attacks targeting non-human identities, and MSSPs face an employee retention problem driven by invisible manual work.

Podcasts

The Buzz: Microsoft drops 570 July patches, Citrix flexes services, and AI compliance shifts to ops

July 15, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: Microsoft drops 570 July patches, Citrix flexes services, and AI compliance shifts to ops
Microsoft fixes 570 flaws including 3 zero-days, Citrix gives partners a new services angle with Platform Flex, and AI compliance is moving from policy paper to recurring operations.

In The Channel

Long View’s Dave Frederickson on HPE’s rediscovered mojo, the quote-cycle crisis, and why AI starts with data

June 25, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Long View’s Dave Frederickson on HPE’s rediscovered mojo, the quote-cycle crisis, and why AI starts with data
Former HP Canada ESSN lead and now Long View Systems EVP Dave Frederickson joins us live from HPE Discover 2026 with a perspective on the partner program, the real cost of the quote-cycle crisis, and why his AI conversations still start at the data layer.

Podcasts

The Buzz: OMERS-backed Integris targets Australian MSP First Focus, AI agents weaponized for infostealing, M365 E7 launches today

May 1, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: OMERS-backed Integris targets Australian MSP First Focus, AI agents weaponized for infostealing, M365 E7 launches today
Today’s channel headlines: OMERS-backed Integris announces intent to acquire First Focus, the largest SMB-focused MSP in Australia and New Zealand; NeuShield partners with Ontario-based Data Guards on ransomware recovery that restored 6.2TB in fifteen minutes; and ThreatDown’s ThreatLabs Europe discovers AI agent skills being weaponized to deliver the GachiLoader infostealer. Plus Sublime Security goes 100% channel, Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C5080, Forescout’s 90-city Mission:Possible partner tour, and Microsoft 365 E7 goes generally available today.