Microsoft

Channel Programs

Pure Storage adds Microsoft, Citrix to FlashStack CI reference architectures

June 22, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Pure Storage adds Microsoft, Citrix to FlashStack CI reference architectures
New solutions for Microsoft SQL Server and Citrix XenDesktop, and a new FlashStack CI support program for resellers who don’t provide Level 1 and 2 support, will expand FlashStack’s partner reach. Pure is also looking to reach deeper into Canada, with two western road shows following up today’s announcement.

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.

Hardware

Microsoft Surface Hub large-screen collaboration device available July 1

June 11, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Microsoft Surface Hub large-screen collaboration device available July 1
Partners who have been selling A/V gear should like the Surface Hub, which Microsoft is touting as a product that will make traditional high end conferencing systems and displays obsolete, as well as replace projectors, wireless receivers and digital whiteboards.

Cloud

Microsoft to launch first local Canadian data centres

June 3, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Microsoft to launch first local Canadian data centres
Microsoft’s announcement that it will set up data centres in Toronto and Quebec City is big news for Microsoft, for the provinces and cities involved – and for Microsoft partners.

NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson
Cloud

NetSuite announces alliance with Microsoft

May 11, 2015 Robert Dutt Comments Off on NetSuite announces alliance with Microsoft
How hyper-competitive NetSuite found an ally in a longtime rival as Microsoft transitions into a cloud-first, mobile-first company.

Channel Programs

Microsoft channel chief Sorgen talks up cloud to partners

May 11, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Microsoft channel chief Sorgen talks up cloud to partners
While the software giant is actively transforming itself into a cloud giant as well, its channel chief says partners need to take fuller advantage of what Microsoft can offer on this journey, and aggressively benchmark themselves in the transformation.

Storage

New Dell storage offerings enhance both old IT and new IT

May 6, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on New Dell storage offerings enhance both old IT and new IT
Dell unveils its new SCv2000 entry class array, the PS 6610, a new dense offering for the PS family along with new PS software, and Dell Storage with Microsoft Storage Spaces, which beefs up Dell’s software-defined portfolio.

Mobility

Free Lenovo WRITEit app improves handwriting on Windows devices

April 16, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Free Lenovo WRITEit app improves handwriting on Windows devices
Today, the app supports four Windows 8 Lenovo devices, with more on the road map for this year. An Android version is in development.

Servers

Savision releases new HTML5-based dashboarding tool for Microsoft System Center

April 9, 2015 Mark Cox 1
Savision, a Dutch company who makes business service and cloud management solutions for Microsoft System Center, but whose R&D is mainly in Canada, has released a new dashboarding tool for System Center Operations Manager aimed at more technical users, which complements their flagship Live Maps solution

Cloud

BitTitan launches Partner Advisory Service for complex Office 365 installs

April 2, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on BitTitan launches Partner Advisory Service for complex Office 365 installs
Because BitTitan does not have a professional services arm, it has opted to provide high level professional services help to its partners on complex installs by certifying the BitTitan Cloud Rangers, Microsoft MVPs who are also fully certified on BitTitan products.