Explore unfolding managed IT services for manufacturing
MSPs are exploring opportunities to help manufacturers navigate digital transformation challenges, including integrating legacy systems and staying competitive. Continue Reading
How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains
Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need. Continue Reading
Partner ecosystem strategy: Co-innovation and other variants
Co-innovation, generative partnering and co-creation describe alliances among customers, service providers and tech vendors. But what do the terms mean and what are the benefits? Continue Reading
Co-innovation partnership model emerges as best practice
Digital transformations have pushed technology to evolve rapidly, sparking co-innovation as a partnership model to drive change among vendors, channel partners and customers. Continue Reading
Partners cite reinforcement learning use cases, gradual uptake
Consultants view reinforcement learning as a tool for decision-making at scale and a way to solve optimization problems, but its capabilities remain a mystery for some customers. Continue Reading
Financial industry cloud model gains momentum
Channel partners working with industry clouds, such as IBM’s Cloud for Financial Services, can limit the work customers must do to meet application security and compliance requirements. Continue Reading
Consultants see retail payment systems adapt to pandemic
A mix of consulting and integration opportunities could drive partner business, as retailers look to adopt omnichannel technologies and hybrid sales models. Continue Reading
VoltaGrid taps Rackspace for AI Ecosystem portal, cloud app
With a lofty goal to revolutionize the mobile energy industry, VoltaGrid needed support to improve customer operations quickly. Learn how MSP Rackspace Technology stepped up. Continue Reading
Web consulting project helps users prep for language test
Computools created a website for users preparing for the International English Language Testing System exam, which helps people study in, or migrate to, English-speaking nations. Continue Reading
SD-WAN project covers security, latency and cloud
PM Pediatrics, an urgent care provider, hired service provider Vandis to improve branch security, but the project transformed into something much broader. Continue Reading
Mission’s machine learning consulting gig boosts image
E-card platform JibJab sought a better way to crop images for a new physical book product. Mission improved the process’s accuracy in an effort that won a 2021 Top Projects Award. Continue Reading
Aruba partner equips facility with managed network solutions
To build room to grow, Wiptec established a new distribution center with Aruba Edge Service Platform. See how channel partner CPU ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Continue Reading
MSPs set up IT services for retail transformations
MSPs can help the retail industry digitally transform in six areas, including customer and employee experience, and emerge stronger after the unique challenges of 2020 and 2021. Continue Reading
5 ways to improve MSP marketing and sales
Review these tips to get a better understanding of the people, process and tools you’ll need to bolster what has been a traditional weakness among service providers. Continue Reading
AIOps challenges ease into MSP system management
AIOps is still early in development; however, the technology will help channel partners and customers contextualize large volumes of data and streamline management processes. Continue Reading
Cloud data platforms spark partners’ consulting business
Service providers can find a range of consulting opportunities as they help clients navigate a plethora of emerging data management platforms and associated tools. Continue Reading
Channel partners prepare data analytics managed services
Customers may not fully understand AI and machine learning technology yet, but channel partners have been building their expertise to make the use cases a reality for clients. Continue Reading
Cloud for industry sectors calls for co-innovation
The verticalization of cloud computing will hinge on alliances in which service providers, hyperscalers and customers collaborate on industry-specific platforms. Continue Reading
MSPs find soft-skill, tech challenges in help desk ticketing
Service provider personnel must work through automation, staffing and software challenges when they deploy help desk ticketing central business management systems. Continue Reading
Deloitte software engineering gets global boost
Recent acquisitions help the consultancy pursue 24/7 software sprints to meet customer demand for digitalization and faster product delivery cycles. Continue Reading
Partners see client transformation in industry clouds
Verticalized offerings could help organizations get more out of their cloud investments and seize competitive advantage, with service providers playing an advisory role. Continue Reading
Keeping talent may call for apprenticeships, training
Service providers struggling with conventional employee hiring and retention approaches may need to pursue alternate routes, industry executives said. Continue Reading
Cybersecurity outlook 2022: Consultants cite 5 trends
What’s in store for IT security? Consultants and MSPs point to zero trust, cryptographic governance and a more targeted approach to education as among the key developments. Continue Reading
2022 in-person, virtual partner events calendar
This channel partner conference listing features a range of events for MSPs, cloud consultants, resellers, systems integrators and other partner types. Continue Reading
Data analytics in IoT offers new opportunities for MSPs
For MSPs monitoring thousands of IoT devices, parsing the associated data stream provides an outlet for growth. MSPs, however, must first acquire the essential skills. Continue Reading
Service providers predict 2022 technology trends
Cloud developments, data analytics technology and nascent metaverses could keep consultants and integrators occupied for the coming year and well beyond. Continue Reading
IoT hardware sales can bolster MSPs
Offering connected devices could prove a lucrative business, given the potential to monitor a large installed base. But MSPs must prepare for the scope of the challenge. Continue Reading
IoT opportunities for MSPs in monitoring, management
Partners can extend their existing services into the realm of IoT, but they should brace themselves for massive device populations and gear up for security. Continue Reading
4 key managed services trends to watch in 2022
Service providers should prepare to navigate industry consolidation, an uneven vertical market landscape, rising digital transformation demand and new partnering models. Continue Reading
Multi-cloud deployments challenge customers, partners
The complexity of operating multiple clouds has opened opportunities for consultants and service providers, who aim to instill a more holistic management approach. Continue Reading
Consultants promote sustainability in technology industry
IT advisors aim to boost green practices, assessing everything from air travel to service delivery methods. Their efforts influence the sustainability services they offer clients. Continue Reading
SearchITChannel 2021 Top Projects Awards
We’re recognizing channel partners that have supported a client’s groundbreaking IT initiative. Nominate your company for the SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards below. Continue Reading
SMB cybersecurity challenges create new roles for MSPs
SMB cybersecurity challenges have caused MSPs to become their clients’ go-to security experts. Here are tips for becoming a security-focused MSP. Continue Reading
Sustainability consulting services on the rise
Partners’ offerings for sustainability initiatives range from technical services and tools to leadership advice. Supply chain concerns and regulatory duties could boost demand. Continue Reading
Local government ransomware attacks and how MSPs can help
State and local government ransomware attacks will persist unless agencies put stronger security measures in place. MSPs offer a cost-effective means of support. Continue Reading
State and local government technology revs digital services
Agencies, in a bid to quickly roll out citizen services, rely on a combination of chatbots, upgraded networks, no-code/low-code technology and cloud computing. Continue Reading
IT firm scores victory with stadium technology project
IT services provider Atomic Data helped set up key networking components for FC Cincinnati’s new soccer stadium. The project deployed a mix of Aruba Networks technology. Continue Reading
Citrix partner supports UTM’s remote learning technologies
Citrix partner Third Octet made its first foray into the education vertical in 2020, when it helped the University of Toronto Mississauga execute a remote learning transition. Continue Reading
AWS Marketplace professional services gain momentum
Partners cite flexible contracting and custom offers as key advantages of selling in the marketplace, but they look for AWS to help with T&M contracting and catalog creation. Continue Reading
Education technology market seeks stability in hybrid model
Channel partners said schools now have a chance to revisit hastily created remote learning systems as they take a longer-term, enterprise view of cloud and security. Continue Reading
Cloud integration services emerge as partner opportunity
Consultants help customers unify disparate cloud systems, offering services reminiscent of 1980s vintage systems integration. They face obstacles along the way, however. Continue Reading
SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards for 2021
We’re recognizing channel partners that have supported a client’s groundbreaking IT initiative. Nominate your company for the SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards below. Continue Reading
Accenture backs Climeworks on CO2 removal tech
The consulting firm offers software, market advice and visual design services to the carbon removal venture, which recently opened a plant in Iceland. Continue Reading
Cisco routes to market expand amid cloud marketplace growth
Cisco cited a significant shift toward the cloud and a decline in reselling. However, the company said resellers will remain important to its sales approach. Continue Reading
AI, zero trust support remote work technologies
Artificial intelligence and zero-trust frameworks have played a critical role in helping enterprises support a surging remote workforce. Continue Reading
Channel companies face cybersecurity reckoning
A CompTIA ChannelCon panel discusses the current landscape and what it means for channel partners that must strengthen their own security while protecting their clients. Continue Reading
Salesforce partner demand soars, M&A follows
The Salesforce skills crunch has generated a wave of acquisitions in the partner ecosystem. But M&A isn’t the only remedy: Consultants have also boosted training. Continue Reading
How cloud consultants execute a product development strategy
Creating intellectual property can help partners meet soaring demand for cloud services, differentiate their offerings and boost their appeal to investors. Continue Reading
Tech giants foster green software engineering movement
The Green Software Foundation, which includes Accenture and Microsoft as members, will create an ecosystem of people, standards, tools and practices to develop green software. Continue Reading
Does the Microsoft partner ecosystem follow the 80/20 rule?
Partner Elevate director Desmond Russell believes Microsoft’s channel strategy underserves the bulk of its partners. Here’s how Microsoft could better support its channel ecosystem. Continue Reading
Guide to building and executing an MSP business model
This managed service guide provides an overview of how to get started in the MSP business, covering the basics of building a service provider and the challenges in doing so. Continue Reading
SADA’s FinOps lead sheds light on an emerging field
In this Q&A, SADA’s Rich Hoyer discusses the fundamentals of FinOps, why it’s gaining visibility, and the conundrum of cloud technology and its value to customers. Continue Reading
Tips for MSPs to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap
Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals represent uphill battles. Some MSPs have adopted a combination of internal training and AI tools to offset the dearth in talent. Continue Reading
Why and how MSPs adopt cybersecurity industry standards
Cybersecurity industry standards can help MSPs mitigate internal security risks. Here are the benefits and challenges of adopting security frameworks. Continue Reading
Selling professional services on cloud marketplaces
Partners say cloud sales platforms offer a way to find new customers, launch proofs of concept and seed bigger deals. Learn more about this emerging channel. Continue Reading
In-house vs. outsourced marketing for MSPs
Content marketing has emerged as an effective strategy for MSPs, but it can get tricky when deciding if in-house or outsourced talent should create these marketing materials. Continue Reading
Consultants work around mainframe staffing limitations
Specialized service providers aim to offset labor constraints with a mix of education programs, on-the-job experience and tools such as robotic process automation. Continue Reading
Exec discusses Ensono acquisition, vertical strategy
In this Q&A, Ensono president Marc Capri details the company’s post-deal plans, which include bolstering its transformation capabilities and cultivating an industry focus. Continue Reading
Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation
Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners. Continue Reading
Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic
Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers. Continue Reading
Accenture Cloud First exec cites C-suite engagement
In this Q&A, Accenture Cloud First lead Karthik Narain reflects on the business group’s first months of operations and the growing C-suite interest in cloud computing. Continue Reading
IoT integration services evolve in maturing market
IT service providers are moving upstream to address client needs in an IoT market that has lost some, but not all, of its science project reputation. Continue Reading
Top MSP marketing tools to generate leads
MSP marketing tools are a must-have for successful lead-gen efforts. Execs at Valiant Technology, SADA and Synoptek round up the products supporting their marketing strategies. Continue Reading
Digital maturity laggards play catchup, consultants say
Companies behind the curve of digital transformation can close the gap on digital business leaders, according to professional services firms. Continue Reading
E-commerce firm Radial taps Presidio for VDI cloud migration
As the pandemic sparked a surge in e-commerce demand, Radial needed to expand its capabilities. Learn how Presidio helped Radial with a VDI cloud migration to VMware Cloud on AWS. Continue Reading
Aruba partner tackles university’s wireless network upgrade
Doane University kicked off a two-phase wireless network overhaul in response to the pandemic. Learn how Aruba partner DataVizion has helped execute the project. Continue Reading
SAP modernization calls for varied skills, phased approach
SAP’s partner ecosystem plays a role in legacy-system-to-cloud migration, moving customers away from aging hardware platforms such as mainframes and client-server systems. Continue Reading
Co-managed IT support sees demand in the remote work era
As businesses weather the pandemic, many organizations’ IT departments find themselves pushed to the limits and in need of outside help. Enter co-managed IT support services. Continue Reading
Unified communications managed services evolve amid pandemic
Service-level agreements, management layers, incident tracking and governance are all part of the evolving cloud communications service provider business model. Continue Reading
How MSPs can build a post-merger integration team
Combining two companies is a complex undertaking, spanning employees, operations and line-of-business applications. An integration team ensures MSPs stay on task. Continue Reading
Archival cloud storage market expands for channel partners
Channel partners can expect demand for archival cloud storage to grow as vendors mature their offerings. Learn about this cloud storage category’s strengths and limitations. Continue Reading
Third-wave cloud consultants take on larger scope of services
Cloud consultancies have grown from boutiques to firms with global ambitions. The latest iteration of these consultancies will push the business in new directions. Continue Reading
M&A integration plan calls for careful systems balance
Systems and business process rationalization can be a chore when pursuing a post-merger integration plan. IT services firms carefully choose the components to deploy companywide. Continue Reading
ClearScale telemedicine app uses range of Amazon services
Creative Practice Solutions, a medical consulting company, called on ClearScale to develop a telemedicine offering that lets physicians conduct and record remote patient visits. Continue Reading
VMware Cloud on AWS partners see ongoing opportunity
Rackspace Technology, Faction and Converge Technology Solutions help clients tap into VMware Cloud on AWS for a range of uses. Continue Reading
Veristor taps Cloudian for cloud adjacent architecture
MSP uses vendor’s S3-compatible technology to offer storage as a service, backup/disaster recovery and ransomware protection, while avoiding the inefficiency of overprovisioning. Continue Reading
IT services industry tweaks business models amid pandemic
MSPs and IT consultants have developed new services, emphasized cloud offerings and boosted cybersecurity capabilities to address COVID-19 and its effects on customers. Continue Reading
Healthcare security services firms tackle ransomware spike
As healthcare organizations face an onslaught of ransomware attacks, channel partners can assist with security initiatives such as zero-trust architectures to prevent breaches. Continue Reading
AI in managed service software to boost automation
From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future. Continue Reading
MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence
MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds. Continue Reading
MSPs tap Red Hat Ansible for managed services automation
IT services providers have deployed the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to minimize repetitive work and boost productivity — even in uncertain times. Continue Reading
Channel relationships shift as cloud storage expands
As MSPs look to harness the advantages of cloud storage, they must also articulate the value they provide and enter into a regimen of nonstop training and certification. Continue Reading
Cloud storage reseller or consumer? Partners face market shift
A market rife with storage options provides a varied and sometimes ambiguous environment for IT services firms, which take varying paths in a changing infrastructure sector. Continue Reading
Partners guide clients on mainframe modernization strategy
The chore of revitalizing the mainframe involves a range of approaches and may call for modern languages, microservices and cloud migration, consultants and service providers said. Continue Reading
Azure Virtual Desktop partners find SMB deals
The economics of Microsoft’s AVD has made virtual desktops more feasible for some smaller business, but partners said the technology scales to support enterprise clients. Continue Reading
4 considerations for rebranding a company in the MSP sector
Planning to rebrand? Here are some factors to consider, whether you’re seeking a new look for a maturing business or a unified image that spans multiple acquisitions. Continue Reading
SD-WAN industry growth opens partner opportunities in 2021
Channel partners can take advantage of SD-WAN industry expansion by addressing customers’ interoperability and security concerns, according to Spirent Communications executives. Continue Reading
2021 in-person, virtual channel partner events calendar
The 2021 channel partner event schedule features a mix of virtual and in-person conferences. Our listings include events for MSPs, consultants, VARs, SIs and other partner types. Continue Reading
Managed IT services market to grow more competitive in 2021
Kaseya Corp. predicts multiple opportunities for MSPs to expand their businesses next year, but it also points to a backdrop of uncertainty and intensifying competition. Continue Reading