Cloud Platforms

Adapt for the era of virtual distribution

Virtual distribution – the delivery of subscription services rather than physical products – is a growing IT trend. We consider what this means for channel businesses and how they can remain relevant in this changing IT world Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Olive Communications sets sights on global expansion

The communications firm has taken steps to increase its global coverage with an operation in Australia Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Journey to the cloud not a straight line from A to B

Campaign from Cogeco Peer 1 to help customers understand that moving to the cloud can be more complex than some might think Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Help us to help you – how the customer-first model helps you empower your business

We are in the middle of the fourth industrial revolution, with technologies such as the internet of things, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud-based business management tools a regular talking point. But technology alone won’t solve productivity bottlenecks and open new avenues for growth. There is a bigger picture that cannot be ignored – it starts with the customer Continue Reading

By

• Thomas Honoré, Columbus

Cloudflare open to channel expansion

Cloud based security and web performance player is keen to expand its UK channel relationships Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

ConnectWise looking at sale to private equity player

The MSP tools specialist has announced its intention to accept an acquisition offer from Thoma Bravo Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Vendor lock-in a user concern for those heading to the cloud

Research from Fujistu has revealed some of the anxieties that customers are going through with the cloud Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Fear of failure a digital transformation barrier

KCOM has taken a closer look at what is holding back customer innovation Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cloud providers need to build channel trust

The big cloud providers need the channel to help widen sales but Canalys has warned they must generate more trust in those relationships Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

What has the channel ever done for digital transformation?

How the channel can play an important role in the drive for digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Karl Roe, Nuvias Group

CompTIA reveals the trends the channel must track

The industry organisation has pulled together its thoughts about what the rest of the year will hold Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Dell calls for more digital transformation progress

The vendor has revealed the findings of global research into the progress in the adoption of digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Mitel: Users want cloud comms and are looking for channel help

Research from the comms player has uncovered not only a strong interest from UK firms in cloud-based UC but also a desire to work with experienced partners Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CloudHealth partner programme set for 2020 re-launch

Following its acquisition by VMware, CloudHealth will overhaul its channel programme Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

Fujitsu aims to lower risk for MSPs with uSCALE option

The vendor continues to roll out more offerings to support the service providers in the channel looking for support and flexibility Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channelling the cloud – building healthy CSP relationships

Creating a successful relationship with cloud service providers is essential for channel partners looking to increase their cloud portfolio. iLand 's director of channel sales has five tips to make the most of the opportunity Continue Reading

By

• Stuart Day, Iland

2018 review: The main channel themes

With the last days of December drawing near it's time to look back at the year that has passed before we do it all over again in 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Acquisitions fuel Claranet revenue growth

The managed hosted player has reported decent improvements in revenue thanks in part to the acquisitions it made over the course of its last fiscal year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech Data’s Advanced Solutions: 2019 channel predictions

Miriam Murphy, Senior Vice President EMEA , Advanced & Specialist Solutions at Tech Data shares some thoughts about what next year will hold Continue Reading

By

• Miriam Murphy, Senior Vice President EMEA , Advanced & Specialist Solutions at Tech Data

Cogeco Peer 1 targeting VAR community

The hosting specialist has identified a group of resellers that it plans to start working with Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech must be a force for good

 Continue Reading

Improving processes with the cloud

Dominik Birgelen, CEO of oneclick, has some advice for those looking to harness the cloud to improve their operations Continue Reading

By

• Dominik Birgelen, CEO of oneclick

Juniper Networks heralds multi-cloud channel opportunity

Networking player views SD-WAN as a staging post on a much longer journey towards a multi-cloud automated world Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

RingCentral lands shots in cloud battle

RingCentral CEO declares on-premise UC technology “dead” with customers forcing partners’ hands on cloud Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

Exclusive Group increases cloud training options with Arcitura Education

The distributor has been signed up to provide cloud training from Arcitura Education Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Rackspace: Blocks will benefit channel and a UK welcome for RelationEdge

Rackspace expects its flexible service blocks approach will benefit the channel and the firm has introduced RelationEdge to the UK Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech must be a force for good

VMware CEO shares his belief that the industry has a responsibility to use technology as a positive force in society Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Are the good old days coming back?

Long lunches and conversations of substance are things that Nick Booth hopes will return Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Nuxeo aims to help companies with problems of subject access review and digital transformation

Subject access reviews cost money and Nick Booth finds someone that not only understands how to save customers a few pennies but also how to help the channel make some Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

CompTIA: Channel leaders must have one eye on the future

The industry organisation has used its UK community event to talk of the need to look to the future as well as the present Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

IaaS and PaaS combination in demand from public cloud buyers

Forecasts from Gartner and Synergy Research Group have highlighted grow in IaaS, PaaS and SaaS next year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Virtustream is about to get biblical on the channel and its Aas

The vendor gathered the great and the good together to outline its cloud strategy and Nick Booth was in the audience Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

MicroScope: Thinking digital in the world of storage

In this issue of MicroScope, read the full report of the recent storage roundtable which discusses how cloud and GDPR has changed the industry Continue Reading

Rackspace ramping up channel business

The cloud player has been looking to ramp up its channel over the course of this year and those efforts are continuing Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel key to greasing the public cloud wheels

Both customers and public cloud vendors benefit from the involvement of partners to provide expertise and feedback Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Multi-cloud the theme at VMWorld

An acquisition and some partner programmes have underlined the commitment of VMware to carve out more share in the multi-cloud market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Qualys rolls out MSP and consultant support

The security player has an offering that should appeal to MSPs and consultants Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AI Cops Walk the Thin Line Between Fin Tech and Fiend Tech

Steps are being taken to ensure that AI and machine learning do not damage consumers finds Nick Booth Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

OCSL becomes Cancom's UK hub

The German firm is looking to reassert itself in the UK and the acquisition of OCSL provides it with a hub to push further into the market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Customers need cloud experience both on and off prem

One of the talking points at the recent MicroScope storage roundtable was around the shift towards off-prem with vendors concluding that the experience is what really matters more than the location Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

UKFast increases public options with ClearCloud

Firm known for hybrid and private cloud provision steps up efforts in the public space Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Microsoft flagging channel Azure MSP experts

Ahead of the Inspire event the vendor has made it easier for those who are experts at Azure managed services to stand out from the crowd Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

You don’t need to treat clients mean to keep them keen, says WP Engine

The technology that made WordPress so easy to use is something that has caught Nick Booth's eye Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Exclusive unifies security and cloud approach

A couple of months after it got private investment backing the distributor has outlined its future strategy Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Automation a major focus at UKFast

UKFast has created a chief technology officer role to ensure it can continue to automate more processes across its business Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Considerations on a European channel strategy

Brad Parks, VP of business development at Morpheus Data, shares some of the thoughts that go through then mind of a vendor looking at increasing European channel coverage Continue Reading

By

• Brad Parks, VP of business development at Morpheus

The rise of IoT

Craig Smith, director IoT and analytics solutions and services at Tech Data, shares his thoughts about the rise of the Internet of Things Continue Reading

By

• Craig Smith, Director IoT and Analytics Solutions and Services at Tech Data

Nutanix and SonicWall hand partners tools to target the mid-market

Both vendors have launched programmes that will help their channel partners increase sales in the mid-market customer segment Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cloud journey still causing problems for many users

Rackspace identifies the key role that the channel can play in helping customers through the cloud migration process Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cloud appeals come rain or shine

The recent hot weather got Billy MacInnes thinking about the benefits of paying for what you use Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

MicroScope: Focus on film

In this issue, we look at how video marketing can help companies capture customers' attention, as well as the challenges of a multi-cloud world and a focus on Dell's desire to make business easier Continue Reading

Resellers missing out on cloud cross-selling opportunities

The decision by many channel firms to offer a low number of subscription services has been highlighted by Ingram Micro as a missed chance to sell more cloud applications Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CompTIA: Cloud the springboard to further innovation

The industry group has found that more customers are looking to use the cloud as a way to introduce more emerging technologies into their organisations Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Ingram Micro urges more cloud action

In the run up to the distributor's Cloud Summit the firm has underlined just why it believes more channel partners need to get involved in the hosted world Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Salesforce leaning on partners in enterprise push

Channel thanked for the progress made so far but sizeable market opportunity is still there to address Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AWS: The channel really matters

The public cloud giant has been expanding its channel base and is keen to work with more resellers and ISVs Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Oracle encouraging partners to develop IP

The vendor's UK channel chief is encouraging partners to add their own 'secret sauce' to its cloud portfolio Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Are resellers ready for the race to multi-cloud?

Multi-cloud is here to stay and could offer resellers a chance to stand out from the crowd if they can rise to the challenge Continue Reading

By

• Chris Roberts

MicroScope: Bundles deliver surprise package for SMEs

In this issue, we look at the growing attraction of bundles for small customers, how to secure networks in the age of digital transformation, and offer some advice on GDPR Continue Reading

Claranet adds Azure depth with Union buy

The managed services player is again hitting the headlines for making an acquisition to bolster its cloud offering Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Puppet signals channel opportunities as it extends ecosystem

The DevOps specialist has indicated it is now working with a number of vendors with some of those offering its technology via the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel can help users with inefficient cloud usage

An analysis of the cloud infrastructure services market from Canalys has highlighted an opportunity for partners with the right skills Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Business unit spending opening up compliance risks

SAM specialist Snow Software has highlighted the concerns of CIOs that the growing spending power outside the IT department is putting the business in danger of becoming non-compliant Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Densify launches UK&I channel

Cloud optimisation provider Densify signs distiribution agreement with DataSolutions Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

MicroScope: Hatch a plan for retirement

In this issue, we look at problems around business management and retirement and how distribution plays a crucial role with cloud and the internet of things Continue Reading

DXC extends Microsoft support with deals in the UK and Australia

Ambitions by the channel player to be the largest independent Microsoft Dynamics operator get a shot in the arm with a double acquisition Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Barracuda uncovers user issues with cloud licensing

A failure to provide customers with a menu of payment options for cloud services could be a problem, according to the vendor's research Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Morpheus seeks channel partners for UK expansion

The firm is keen to expand its partner base to take advantage of a growing demand around multi-cloud orchestration Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

HPE adds more personal options to Cloud28+ platform

The vendor is increasing the depth of customisation available to channel partners looking to promote their own brands and services on Cloud28+ Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Opportunities on the horizon

Where are the best places for the channel to gain revenue and which areas risk bogging them down for little reward? We take a look at where the market is going Continue Reading

Cloud and IoT to play key role for distributors

Forecasts coming out of the Global Technology Distribution Council indicate that there is growth out there for disties if they focus in the right technology areas Continue Reading

By

• Zach Emmanuel, Computer Weekly

Dell EMC steps up support for digital transformation skills

The vendor has rolled out a series of certifications aimed at arming people with the right skills to navigate some of the cloud and security issues that many customers are dealing with Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Rubrik shares growth stats and welcomes fresh faces

The cloud data specialist has revealed it is growing quickly and has attracted more talent to join the executive ranks Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Time to stop sweating

Customers that have tried to extend the life of the IT risk losing out on the benefits of digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Steering IT in the right direction

In this issue, we look at the timing of the ideal sales pitch and just what's happening with IoT and the channel. Continue Reading

Hugging hardware is outdated - the new trend is cuddling a cloud

The world is changing and as Nick Booth finds out after a chat with Arcserve the days of stroking the tin is coming to an end Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

The opportunities and threats of cloud

The months ahead will give resellers plenty of chances to make revenue out of cloud but there are dangers for those that get it wrong Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

What's to come? Plenty of cloud and security

The year is still young enough for the great and the good to be making predictions about just what technologies will make a difference in the months ahead Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Microsoft boasts of partner profitability levels

The vendor's partners are able to generate extra revenue for every $1 that they gain selling Microsoft Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Big bang not the way to deliver digital transformation

Managed services player Claranet has looked into the market and exposed a series of challenges for those trying to pitch digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

No winners in a race to the bottom in the cloud market

Warnings from intY have been sounded over the dangers of trying to sell cloud on price Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SAP increases support for partners selling SME cloud services

The vendor has increased the support that partners can gain access to if they are serious about increasing their cloud revenues Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

There is no Margin for Error in Azure it’s Strictly Bill Room

Nick Booth finds some inspiration in what Microsoft partner Astel Systems has been doing to deliver cloud services Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Continuing in the face of disaster

Paul Blore, managing director at Netmetix, cloud network specialists, writes about the importance of business continuity and how businesses can best implement it Continue Reading

By

• Paul Blore, managing director at Netmetix

Focus on cost cutting a danger in digital transformation pitches

Customers might be looking for cost savings but the channel needs to steer the focus onto growth and longer term business benefits Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

GTDC: Distribution set for a solid year

Distribution is well placed in a cloud and multivendor solution world to deliver the support that suppliers are looking for Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Grasp the social networking opportunity

An issue looking at the issues around social media, the growth in unclouding and some security industry predictions for the year ahead Continue Reading

Top ten channel technologies of 2017

The most discussed technologies of last year are also set to dominate 2018 so here is a look back with more than a hint of the themes to come Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Unpacking cloud potential

In this issue of MicroScope, we look at what steps distribution has taken to help resolve the move to cloud, and in the second part of our storage roundtable coverage, vendors look at what opportunities the world of DevOps offers the channel and how flash is changing the world. Continue Reading

Capita snaps up Trustmarque

Capita acquires Trustmarque to bolster its software licensing capabilities across private and public sector customers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SCC boosts hosted voice reach with SIPCOM investment

SCC continues to invest in expanding its cloud and hosted options with UCaaS and hosted voice player SIPCOM the beneficiary of its latest moves in the market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Nadella delivers a fresh org chart as Microsoft restructures

Resellers will have a fresh structure to familiarise themselves with as Microsoft's CEO outlines a company restructure Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Interview: Microsoft's channel head urges IP development

Phil Sorgen, Microsoft's worldwide channel head, is encouraging partners to develop their own IP as they embrace a cloud model Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Amazon Web Services beefs up channel programme

Amazon Web Services is increasing the support for those resellers that put some consulting muscle behind selling its cloud offering Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Arrow Computerlinks purchase a done deal

The acquisition of Computerlinks by Arrow Electronics formally closed on 28 October 2013 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor