professional services

Podcasts

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

October 9, 2026 Robert Dutt 0
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: Blumira launches universal AI security command center, Vistera brings AI professional services to Canadian SMBs, and CrowdStrike warns on ransomware targeting MSPs

August 13, 2026 Robert Dutt Comments Off on The Buzz: Blumira launches universal AI security command center, Vistera brings AI professional services to Canadian SMBs, and CrowdStrike warns on ransomware targeting MSPs
Blumira unveils a universal AI command center for security tools, Vistera launches a Canadian-built professional services platform for SMBs, and CrowdStrike warns that Punk Spider ransomware attacks on MSPs are up 134 percent. Plus ConnectSecure expands M365 security, GTIA warns on AI adoption gaps, and Verizon channel chief Mark Tina departs for Humana.

Big Data

Splunk announces new global channel chief and additional partner incentives

February 26, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Splunk announces new global channel chief and additional partner incentives
Microsoft vet Aziz Benmalek takes over as Splunk’s global channel chief, while the company announced new partner incents, improvements to their partner portal, and the implementation of the new partner tracks announced at last fall’s Splunk .conf18.

Channel Programs

Comodo Cybersecurity lets partners define their own benefits in their first channel program covering endpoints

February 21, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Comodo Cybersecurity lets partners define their own benefits in their first channel program covering endpoints
Comodo is recruiting partners who are prepared to make a deeper commitment to the company and supporting them through the program, while leveraging distribution for the first time ever to support much larger numbers of more transactional partners.

Channel Programs

SOAR vendor Siemplify stresses Partner First philosophy, enablement focus, in new partner program

February 5, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on SOAR vendor Siemplify stresses Partner First philosophy, enablement focus, in new partner program
Siemplify has moved to a model that directs all new business through partners, and will support them with a new single tier program that has a high emphasis on partner enablement and a commitment to protect partner profitability through margin transparency as well as deal registration.

Distribution

Alert Logic to reach agent channel community for first time through AVANT partnership

January 4, 2019 Mark Cox Comments Off on Alert Logic to reach agent channel community for first time through AVANT partnership
AVANT, which provides offerings to over 500 agents focused on next-generation technologies, opens up an expanded route to market for Alert Logic’s SaaS services.

Distribution

Tech Data secures sole North American distribution for Cohesity

December 4, 2018 Mark Cox Comments Off on Tech Data secures sole North American distribution for Cohesity
Cohesity has tabbed Tech Data as their first comprehensive distribution partner in North America, after soliciting bids through an RFP process. Cohesity says that bringing on distribution won’t change its fundamental principles towards partnering, and using a value-focused channel.

Channel Programs

SOAR vendor Siemplify brings in Bradd Barmettler as first global channel chief to execute transition to partner-led model

November 26, 2018 Mark Cox Comments Off on SOAR vendor Siemplify brings in Bradd Barmettler as first global channel chief to execute transition to partner-led model
Barmettler’s planned initiatives include a major revamp of the Siemplify channel program. He also wants to build out a channel presence in Canada, where he has had success in the past at other companies.

Internet of Things

AWS-focused Onica unveils pre-integrated IoTanium solution for Internet of Things solution builders

November 26, 2018 Mark Cox Comments Off on AWS-focused Onica unveils pre-integrated IoTanium solution for Internet of Things solution builders
Onica, which acquired Vancouver-based TriNimbus this year as part of a strategy to create a very large AWS consultancy, has launched a solution which combines a reference hardware platform, a software package for building IoT applications and analytics, and professional services that greatly shortens the time needed for IoT deployments.

Security

Software security vendor Checkmarx continues building out channel with addition of Fishtech Group

November 19, 2018 Mark Cox Comments Off on Software security vendor Checkmarx continues building out channel with addition of Fishtech Group
Checkmarx makes application security testing software that covers the entire software development lifecycle, and over the last several years has evolved from a direct model from one that aims to get as close as possible to all of their new business coming through the channel.