Networking
New DNS security service a major highlight of PAN-OS 9.0 release
Another key software addition is a new Policy Optimizer, that uses network intelligence to find and remove legacy firewall rules that create security issues.
Service Provider
Cloud
Cloudistics looks to drive growth with Lenovo partnership and new tools
Cloud software platform provider Cloudistics has had a strong year, both increasing their own channel significantly and entering into a new partnership with Lenovo. Their software now powers the Lenovo ThinkAgile CP Series, which has a joint go-to-market motion, and Cloudistics expects it will significantly expand their business, outside of North America in particular.
Virtualization
Resurgent VMware Canada discusses strategy at Dell Technologies Toronto Forum
VMware Canada Country Manager Sean Forkan discusses changes made since he took the job to restore the company’s momentum in Canada, and talked about where they are going in the months ahead.
Channel Programs
Vancouver’s D3 Security looks to expand channel with new partner program to enable focused security specialists
D3, which has been in business since 2002, has always had channel partners, but has decided to get more systematic about recruiting and training them. They have hired Peter Marini as their first channel leader, and launched their first channel program.
Managed Services
Bell launches Cisco Viptela as first service on Canada’s first cloud-based Virtual Network Services platform
Bell becomes the first Cisco service provider partner to take the Viptela SD-WAN solution, which Cisco acquired a little over a year ago, to market on a broad national platform.
Backup
Commvault launches SaaS portfolio aimed at broad addressable market
Commvault formally launches its as-a-Service portfolio, which has been on the market in some geos for several months. Three services are available now, with more to come.
Artificial Intelligence
Splunk CEO Merritt: Splunk opportunities riding the crest of a technology explosion
Doug Merritt, Splunk’s President and CEO, kicked off the Splunk .conf18 event in Orlando by emphasizing the congruence between the company’s greatest wave of innovation ever, and the time in the market when the pace of change and the ability to tap into the monstrous mess that is contemporary data are at their peak of importance.
Backup
Cohesity adds service provider component to expanded partner program with significantly more resources
Cohesity has doubled the amount of dollars allocated to their partner program, with new perks like rebates for sales to very large customers and formalized and expanded MDF. They have also established a model for service providers within the program, which provides mechanisms like consumption-based pricing suited to this business model.
Managed Services
Infoblox adds new MSP consumption-based pricing model for DDI and DNS-based security solutions
Infoblox already has a significant number of MSP partners, and their focus has been primarily on the enterprise, but the new consumption-based pricing option is much more attractive if they are also pushing downmarket into the midmarket and the SMB.
Networking
ADTRAN CEO Stanton emphasizes cautious innovation in strategy review
The ADTRAN CEO has never been one to lead the pack chasing hot trends, and he remained consistent to that vision while outlining the company’s strategy at their CONNECT event for press and analysts.
Cloud
Ingram Micro brings platform businesses together under CloudBlue brand
Ingram Micro announces CloudBlue, a new brand for its cloud platform business, planning to ramp up its offerings for service providers and Cloud Marketplace customers alike.
Cloud
Pulse Secure adds cloud and virtual Pulse Secure Appliances
The expansion of the PSA appliances beyond their original form factor will open up new opportunities for Pulse Secure partners, particularly around LAN security regarding contractors and partners, which has become a subject of major concern, and where cloud and virtual models offer more flexibility for some use cases.
Hardware
Dell EMC unveils Virtual Edge hardware platform for SD-WAN
Dell EMC isn’t becoming an SD-WAN vendor, but they will go to market with software partners integrated with their customized x86 adaption in the form of a networking platform, which is the first using the new Intel Xeon D-2100 processor.
Managed Services
OPAQ adds Palo Alto Networks as key partner on midmarket-focused security-as-a-service platform
Palo Alto Networks next-gen firewall offerings are now available as a service on OPAQ’s platform, in one of only two strategic relationships that OPAQ has.
Channel Programs
Flexxible IT launches multi-tenant Citrix Cloud workspace solution
U.K.-based Flexxible is growing its presence in North America, and is also introducing their first partner program for North American partners at the Citrix Summit event.
Cloud
eG Innovations offers native monitoring for Citrix in cloud environment in Enterprise 6.3 release
While eG Innovations has a broad portfolio of offerings, half of their revenues are related to Citrix, so the lion’s share of the enhancements in this release are Citrix-related as well.
Networking
Cisco eyes lower enterprise agreement limit
Cisco will soon lower limits on its Enterprise Agreement software sales as it “looks to move more enterprise and commercial business to the new structure.
Security
Arbor Networks doubles down on SME market with appliance, VM and AWS DDoS options
Arbor Networks has reached the SME space mainly through managed services until now, but is now offering alternatives in appliance, virtual, and AWS instance form factors.
Cloud
IR makes updated UC assessment and testing solution available in the cloud
Last year, IR introduced a network assessment and testing tool. It is being well received by Microsoft partners, and the new version is switching from software to a cloud-based tool.
Cloud
Netgear looks to the cloud with new Insight solution for small business
Netgear’s new smart cloud offering provides a free app and a free subscription for a basic version. New switches and APs are required though, and a paid version with unlimited device support and additional features will be available early next year.