SMB

Mobility

Canadian SMBs bullish on economy, mobility

November 17, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on Canadian SMBs bullish on economy, mobility
An annual study from Sage finds Canadian SMBs are more bullish about the economy, and about how mobility can help their businesses, even though that comes at a cost of being contacted outside of traditional working hours.

Virtualization

ViewSonic, Userful roll out first joint VDI product for low-cost markets

November 10, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on ViewSonic, Userful roll out first joint VDI product for low-cost markets
ViewSonic and Calgary-based Userful announced last month that they would bundle Userful’s software and ViewSonic’s hardware into a VDI bundle, and now the first solution from this partnership has been announced.

Storage

Dell emphasizes SMB with new all- flash array, and hybrid EqualLogic entry level offerings

November 5, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on Dell emphasizes SMB with new all- flash array, and hybrid EqualLogic entry level offerings
The Dell Storage SC 4020 all-flash array is a less expensive follow-up to Dell’s Flash Optimized Solution from last year, while the PS4210, which replaces the PS4110 and PS4100 in the Dell EqualLogic lineup, is targeted at the entry-level customer, but has some other market potential.

Security

McAfee trims prices, enhances partner margins on new SMB portfolio

October 22, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on McAfee trims prices, enhances partner margins on new SMB portfolio
McAfee has retooled its SMB offerings, with three new suites which feature McAfee’s next-generation anti-malware technology, which is being deployed for the first time in these solutions.

Channel Programs

Michael Dell talks security, channels to security partners

October 14, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on Michael Dell talks security, channels to security partners
Dell’s CEO gave advice to partners on how to improve their businesses and indicated more channel enhancements will be announced at Dell World next month.

Channel Programs

Partners counted on to meet enhanced new Dell expectations

October 2, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on Partners counted on to meet enhanced new Dell expectations
At this week’s Dell Canada Partner Summit 2014 in Toronto, Dell execs reiterated their channel commitment, asked for partner help in better defining their needs, and asked them to do even more business to help Dell make its targets.

Cloud

IndependenceIT adds AWS to its Cloud Workspace Suite integrations

September 22, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on IndependenceIT adds AWS to its Cloud Workspace Suite integrations
The AWS integration follows up earlier ones with Azure and Google, to expand IndependenceIT’s reach and partner network.

Big Data

PROMISE Technology launches FileCruiser private cloud solution

August 20, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on PROMISE Technology launches FileCruiser private cloud solution
The long-time maker of RAID controllers and subsystems embarks on its first venture in the cloud, and its first software application venture, with plans to expand it into a hybrid cloud offering.

Channel Programs

Channel continues strong performance for Lenovo

August 18, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on Channel continues strong performance for Lenovo
Lenovo has also just relaunched its New Customer Bonus program, giving the option of a front-end as well as a back-end rebate.

Distribution

D&H Canada cuts ribbon on new office/warehouse complex

August 7, 2014 Mark Cox Comments Off on D&H Canada cuts ribbon on new office/warehouse complex
The extra warehouse space had become an absolute necessity because the expansion of D&H’s Canadian business was straining its capability to give its customers the service they expect.