SMB

Cloud

Flexxible IT launches new SMB-focused hybrid cloud virtual workspace appliance

May 23, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Flexxible IT launches new SMB-focused hybrid cloud virtual workspace appliance
UK-based Flexxible IT has been focused on Europe, but has opened a US office with ex-Appsense channel chief Jim Airdo running the North American business.

Backup

Australia’s BackupAssist formally launches in North American market

May 22, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Australia’s BackupAssist formally launches in North American market
BackupAssist has timed a new channel initiative in North America with Version 10 of its software, which adds several enterprise grade features to its SMB-focused solution.

Networking

Dell EMC announces broad range of new Open Networking switches

May 10, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell EMC announces broad range of new Open Networking switches
These include the first Dell EMC 25GbE Open Networking top-of-rack switch, for the high end, a new switch with Fibre Channel connectivity, and a new 1/10GbE switch for SME environments.

Channel Programs

Lenovo Canada’s Stefan Bockhop promoted to run Lenovo server channel business

April 25, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Lenovo Canada’s Stefan Bockhop promoted to run Lenovo server channel business
The promotion for Canada’s long-time channel chief means that a replacement will be named – but no decision there has yet been reached.

Networking

TP-Link expanding brand recognition, market reach in Canada

April 25, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on TP-Link expanding brand recognition, market reach in Canada
TP-Link, which once sold pretty much exclusively into the consumer and small business spaces, has been expanding its enterprise-grade products, and having more success selling upmarket.

Cloud

Sage announces upgrades of multiple cloud products

April 13, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sage announces upgrades of multiple cloud products
Sage also announced details of an IDC survey they sponsored showing a correlation between use of technology and both success and enjoyment of running a business.

Backup

Hyper-V specialist backup vendor Altaro officially launches in North America

April 10, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Hyper-V specialist backup vendor Altaro officially launches in North America
Malta-based Altaro simultaneously announced the version 7 of their VM Backup, which was originally a Hyper-V backup solution, but has also supported VMware environments since Version 6.

Cloud

Intermedia completes move of its large McAfee install base onto its own, revamped platform

April 5, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Intermedia completes move of its large McAfee install base onto its own, revamped platform
Intermedia is formally announcing availability of its new platform, Intermedia Email Protection, which replaces both the end-of-lifed McAfee platform and Intermedia’s legacy Advanced Email Security offering.

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.

Managed Services

Avast partners with KYOCERA Document Solutions in Canada

March 28, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avast partners with KYOCERA Document Solutions in Canada
The three year deal makes KYOCERA Document Solutions Canada an Avast Elite Channel Partner, and the managed IT services portfolio from AVG Business by Avast will be offered both to KYOCERA Document Solutions Canada’s customers and to their own channel.