Skype

Cloud

IR makes updated UC assessment and testing solution available in the cloud

September 25, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on 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

Five9 announces major new version of cloud contact centre platform

July 13, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Five9 announces major new version of cloud contact centre platform
The Summer Release expands Five9’s global capabilities and expands the number of apps available on their microservices architecture.

Mobility

Nutanix-powered Dell XC Xpress for VDI highlights flurry of Dell VDI announcements

July 12, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Nutanix-powered Dell XC Xpress for VDI highlights flurry of Dell VDI announcements
Dell also announces a new Latitude VDI notebook, upgrading of its ThinOS 8.4 software, and new management software.

Cloud

Quest unveils new Quest on Demand SaaS platform for Microsoft solutions

July 11, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Quest unveils new Quest on Demand SaaS platform for Microsoft solutions
Quest is releasing the new platform at Microsoft Inspire, because they see it as a strong channel offering, and are looking to recruit new partners to sell it.

Cloud

Do your customers love Office 365, but avoid the cloud?

June 13, 2017 Robert Dutt Comments Off on Do your customers love Office 365, but avoid the cloud?
A Softchoice survey finds that while customers accept Office 365 as a way of licensing software, many aren’t moving their infrastructure into the cloud.

Distribution

Westcon to exclusively distribute unique Embrava UCC productivity tools in North America

April 3, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Westcon to exclusively distribute unique Embrava UCC productivity tools in North America
Embrava makes status indication tools, with the main focus being Skype for Business, although they support a broad range of United Communications-as-a-Service solutions.

Virtualization

Dell refreshes low end of thin client lineup with new quad-core Wyse 3040 model

March 28, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell refreshes low end of thin client lineup with new quad-core Wyse 3040 model

The quad-core processor in the Dell new low-end thin client will be able to handle demanding apps like Skype for Business, which strained the resources of earlier models with less powerful processors.

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.

Unified Communications

Sennheiser moves into commercial noise cancellation market with MB 660 Series

September 26, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sennheiser moves into commercial noise cancellation market with MB 660 Series
The new Sennheiser headsets, designed specifically for knowledge workers in noisy open offices, feature high end adaptive noise cancellation capability.

Channel Programs

Addition of competencies to HPE Partner Ready program highlight GPC announcements

September 12, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Addition of competencies to HPE Partner Ready program highlight GPC announcements
Other important changes include the integration of programs for other groups which used to be outside the old umbrella program and the integration of the Aruba PartnerEdge and HPE Networking channel programs into the new Partner Ready for Networking program.