Networking

Cloud

Forcepoint next-gen firewall becomes their first solution with Advanced Malware Detection

April 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Forcepoint next-gen firewall becomes their first solution with Advanced Malware Detection
Forcepoint plans to integrate its new anti-malware service throughout its other products over the next several months.

Networking

Cisco doubles down on security messaging at Partner Connections

March 29, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cisco doubles down on security messaging at Partner Connections
Cisco is emphasizing to their networking partners that they need to rethink security, intertwining it fundamentally with networking, and driving automation, which can only truly come with a common architecture rather than a myriad of point products.

Mobility

Cisco beefs up SMB wireless portfolio

March 29, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cisco beefs up SMB wireless portfolio
The highlight of the multiple product announcement is the upgrading of the Cisco Mobility Express management software, to deliver true enterprise functionality at a small business price point.

Data Centre

Cisco implores partners to capture the digital opportunity

March 28, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Cisco implores partners to capture the digital opportunity
Cisco execs emphasized to partners that while the digital opportunity is a massive opportunity, especially because it is so critical to customers, partners like Cisco itself, need to make major changes of their own to succeed with it.

Jason Gallo, director of collaboration and software partner business development at Cisco.
Networking

Cisco adds new tools, services to support partners on DNA

February 21, 2017 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Cisco adds new tools, services to support partners on DNA
Cisco DNA Advisor aims to help partners figure out their customers’ network modernization status, plot strategy to build from there.

Unified Communications

Avaya Canada introduces both new country manager and new channel chief

February 15, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya Canada introduces both new country manager and new channel chief

Rejean Bourgault, who has been in the lead role in Canada since October, and Corey Mindel, who has been acting channel leader since Ange Valentini left at the end of the year, were both formally introduced at Avaya Engage.

Cloud

Masergy sees new Cloud Contact Center solution as entrée to enterprise

February 13, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Masergy sees new Cloud Contact Center solution as entrée to enterprise
The new offering complements Masergy’s established Unified Communication as a Service solution, and may also prompt some customers using that solution to switch to this one.

Managed Services

Open Mesh acquisition gives Datto networking services purpose-built for MSPs, SMBs

January 31, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Open Mesh acquisition gives Datto networking services purpose-built for MSPs, SMBs
Datto makes a play for the cloud networking managed services market, which it says is full of enterprise-focused offerings that have ill-served MSPs and aren’t well suited to the SMB market.

Channel Programs

Citrix outlines channel priorities for 2017 at Summit partner event

January 9, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Citrix outlines channel priorities for 2017 at Summit partner event
Citrix’s new global channel chief also indicates that some simplifications of the program are in the works to make it easier to do business with Citrix – but likely not until 2018.

Distribution

D&H Canada continues strong growth with 26 per cent overall sales growth in 2016

January 6, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on D&H Canada continues strong growth with 26 per cent overall sales growth in 2016
Growth was good pretty much across all D&H segments, although notebooks, collaboration and video conference solutions, systems components, and even printers, all did exceptionally well.