Software Applications and Services
The software market is a side of the IT industry that is home to some of the largest names in the business, but the growth in open source software has shown it is not just all about Windows. As well as the operating system competition, there have also been changes in the way software can be delivered with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) becoming more popular. This section of the site will cover all of the latest software applications and services issues.
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News
19 Dec 2024
SoftwareOne and Crayon announce tie-up
SoftwareOne’s purchase of Crayon will create a significant-sized European software and cloud provider and Microsoft specialist Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
04 Dec 2024
Salesforce partners alerted to AI Agent opportunities
Vendor shares details of current state of UK’s ability to use AI as it looks to shake-up the market Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
30 Jan 2019
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
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News
29 Jan 2019
Scalable Software launches partner programme and signs distributor
The IT asset specialist is looking to work more formally with the channel to drive growth and increase the support it can offer partners Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
24 Jan 2019
Citrix identifies existing customer opportunity
The CEO of Citrix has revealed that the company believes it has only just scratched the surface with its customer base Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
23 Jan 2019
Rubrik formalises programme for ISVs
Cloud data management player Rubrik is looking to build a stronger ecosystem with its latest technology partner programme Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
14 Jan 2019
Sabio extends workforce optimisation depth with Callware buy
Sabio strikes its fifth acquisition in two years as it extends both technological depth and its geographical footprint Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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E-Zine
07 Jan 2019
MicroScope: Leading the way with SD-WAN
In this issue, read about how to help partners on their SD-WAN journey, as well as get up to date with the security predictions for the year ahead Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2019
Vector Capital acquires Aspect Software
Acquisitions could be on the cards after Vector indicates it has growth plans for the business Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
12 Dec 2018
Trying to make an Android appear to be an Apple
Just when does it help an Android app developer appear as if they are actually producing something for an Apple device? Billy MacInnes finds out Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Dec 2018
MicroScope: Tech for good
In this issue, read about why CEOs are talking about the positives of technology and why the channel will need to do the same Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Dec 2018
A failure to communicate
Billy MacInnes comments on Microsoft's recent price rises, which have not gone down well with the public sector with the channel getting some blame for not communicating the issue Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Dec 2018
Wireframer could save NHS from gung-ho developers argues Thoughtonomy
There are many ways that hospital patients could be protected by machines, but Nick Booth warns that we have to make sure these systems don’t fall victim to developer impatience Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2018
Public sector unhappy with Microsoft price rises
Public sector IT group hits out at price rises and has some criticism of the role of resellers in communicating it Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
19 Nov 2018
Data will be flowing through the retail systems this Black Friday
Resellers that support the retail sector will be keeping a keen eye on how their customers react to the huge amounts of data that will be generated this coming weekend Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
AI's moment has arrived for the channel
Vendors are making moves around artificial intelligence and more customers are starting to exploit the technology Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
08 Nov 2018
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
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News
02 Nov 2018
Customers want more automation and better data
A global Cisco study has found that customers looking to innovate need to take the pressure off the IT budget by getting better at predicting where problems might occur Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
02 Nov 2018
Datto “accelerating innovation” with latest updates
Vendor believes more frequent update cycle is better for managed service providers Continue Reading
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E-Zine
02 Nov 2018
MicroScope: Grow with peer-to-peer lending
In this issue, read about how peer-to-peer lending might just be the alternative the channel has been looking for, and whether Brexit means business as usual Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Microsoft sounds AI warning
Those customers that do not take an interest in artificial intelligence face losing ground and missing out on the benefits Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
29 Oct 2018
IBM pledges to support Red Hat developer community post acquisition
Big Blue's decision to strike a multi-billion deal for open source player Red Hat means it gains a firm with a strong channel and developer network Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
18 Oct 2018
Decision Inc buys stake in SAP player Copperman Consulting
South African firm makes move for UK SAP specialists to increase global footprint and gain a UK base Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
18 Oct 2018
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
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E-Zine
05 Oct 2018
MicroScope: Tap into wearables
An issue looking at opportunities in virtual reality, health and fitness give the channel a clear run for wearable technology Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
Application development market braced for Brexit impact
Warnings have been sounded over the likely prospects for the application development, testing and maintenance market as a result of Brexit Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
03 Oct 2018
Consolidation hits Microsoft channel with IT Lab and Content and Code tie-up
The combination of IT Lab and Content and Code will create one of the largest Microsoft partners in the UK Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
02 Oct 2018
Civica snaps up iCasework to bolster GDPR support
The firm has made its fifth acquisition this year to add more depth to the support it can provide for customers looking for GDPR support Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
28 Sep 2018
Tech Data gearing up for HP TaaS push
The distributor is encouraging SME resellers to get involved with the vendor's Technology as a Service approach Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
26 Sep 2018
Against a backdrop of Microsoft price rises it's time for the SAM message
Planned price changes that come in from Monday should mean that those pitching software asset management should find a more receptive audience Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
25 Sep 2018
Community Brands strengthens education pitch with Groupcall buy
US firm snaps up UK education specialist to react to changes in the schools market Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
24 Sep 2018
Nadella calls for more 'tech intensity'
It's an idea that the channel will have little argument with, that customers need to adopt and build the latest technology Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
13 Sep 2018
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
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News
12 Sep 2018
Users planning upgrading investments
Research from Spiceworks indicates that money will be spent next year by users looking to upgrade old infrastructure Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
10 Sep 2018
Clear Licensing Campaign turns the focus on maintenance contracts
Customers are often paying maintenance without giving it much thought and as a result could be spending too much Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
23 Aug 2018
Comparex exposes council server software vulnerabilities
Thanks to a Freedom of Information Request the channel now knows just how widespread the use of unsupported server software is among councils Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
22 Aug 2018
ScanSource snaps up Salesforce partner Canpango
Another deal struck in a summer of consolidation sees ScanSource increase its CRM options with Canpango Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
13 Aug 2018
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
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News
26 Jul 2018
Microsoft price changes to come from October
The vendor is taking steps to remove some of the complexity in its pricing and make it easier for customers to get an idea of cost regardless of whether they are buying on-prem or in the cloud Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
23 Jul 2018
Software and services suppliers face portfolio challenge
Making sure that everyone understands the full range of technology and services that are on offer is a challenge for vendors as well as for their channel partners states TechMarketView Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
20 Jul 2018
Nadella signals hybrid theme for fiscal year ahead
The CEO of Microsoft has indicated that it is going to work with partners around the hybrid message as it moves into a fresh fiscal year Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
18 Jul 2018
Microsoft to push migration message to Windows 7 users
A campaign starting this week will start to highlight the need for Windows 7 users to make the move to the latest OS with the end of support deadline not that far away Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
13 Jul 2018
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
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Opinion
12 Jul 2018
Coming back to the channel: why it’s time to rethink reselling
Neil Robertson, CEO of Compleat Software, shares the motivation for the firm's re-engagement with the channel Continue Reading
By- Neil Robertson, CEO of Compleat Software
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Opinion
26 Jun 2018
You know what’s over rated? Artificial intelligence
AI is sprinkled into almost every sales pitch but Nick Booth finds it is losing its punch with customers Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
Red Hat channel revenues increasing
The open source specialist has indicated that as of the end of its first quarter three quarters of its services business is going through the channel Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
21 Jun 2018
Thoughtonomy on track for 90% channel business target
The intelligent automation specialist has rolled out a fresh partner portal as it looks to increase channel revenues Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
08 Jun 2018
Channel part of Microsoft plans for GitHub
The software vendor is aware that if it wants to attract enterprise level developers it will have to work with partners Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
08 Jun 2018
Pegasystems gives the channel the Infinity option
The way some companies use CRM is less engaging than enraging. But Pegasystems has a suite of tools to help resellers fix that for clients Continue Reading
By -
News
06 Jun 2018
Interview: Miriam Murphy, senior vice president, Advanced Solutions, Europe, Tech Data
It has been just over four months since she was handed the chance to run the Advanced Solutions business across Europe and the focus is on next generation opportunities Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
05 Jun 2018
Software industry making a dent on piracy problem
The latest global figures around software piracy levels have indicated the the downward trend in the UK has continued Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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E-Zine
04 Jun 2018
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
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Feature
01 Jun 2018
Q&A: Luis Murguia, SAP
SAP is sitting down with partners and customers in Orlando next week, but before that one of its senior channel executives was prepared to give an update about its reseller base Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
- 31 May 2018
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News
29 May 2018
RedstoneConnect sells managed services and SI units
The managed workplace specialist will concentrate on developing its software business after cutting down the extent of its operations Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
29 May 2018
Compleat Software makes channel return
After a break the accountancy software player is back in the channel with a solution built from scratch with partners in mind Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
21 May 2018
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
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News
18 May 2018
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
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News
09 May 2018
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
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Opinion
08 May 2018
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
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News
04 May 2018
Comparex well on the road to meet managed service ambitions
The Microsoft partner is keen to demonstrate that ambitions and plans to increase service revenues continue to be delivered Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
04 May 2018
Dell plugs thin client mid-market gap
The vendor has simplified its portfolio and given the channel a chance to take its virtual desktop message out to the mid-market customer base Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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E-Zine
04 May 2018
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
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News
26 Apr 2018
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
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
How Kognitio mined the reality gap on London bus time tables
The work was inspired by TfL’s open data policy and could spark ideas in other channel partners Nick Booth argues Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Apr 2018
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
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News
04 Apr 2018
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
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News
03 Apr 2018
Microsoft rings in the changes to support devices
Partners have a new organisation management chart to get to grips with as the firm looks to split the teams running Windows and devices Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
19 Mar 2018
Sabio extends SaaS options with Bright UK buy
Sabio has made it's third acquisition in the last 18 months adding the customer service data and analytics player Bright UK Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
14 Mar 2018
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
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Opinion
13 Mar 2018
Twilio says it's time you gave your listening muscles a Flex
Most corporations use omni-channels for talking but they’ve got too little time for listening. Nick Booth thinks there’s plenty of scope for improvement Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2018
Anaplan looks to channel to support global growth
Software vendor talks channel growth as partners take greater role in go-to-market strategy Continue Reading
- 27 Feb 2018
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News
27 Feb 2018
Commercial market driving PC sales growth
A market analysis from Context has indicated that commercial PC sales are driving growth on that side of the hardware market Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
13 Feb 2018
GNR Technology snaps up QBS Software to fuel growth
It has been a busy couple of weeks for the distributor making an acquisition after signing up a couple more vendors to the portfolio Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Opinion
09 Feb 2018
New £655,000 Breast Cancer Care app inspires people on many levels
Finding out about the latest innovation in support for cancer sufferers has inspired Nick Booth on many levels Continue Reading
By -
E-Zine
02 Feb 2018
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
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News
26 Jan 2018
Couchbase formalises channel relationships
The engagement database player has launched a global partner programme to support its reseller base Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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News
25 Jan 2018
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
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News
23 Jan 2018
Sage looking for partners to bring in fresh customers
The software firm is stepping up support for its channel to encourage the generation of new customers Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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E-Zine
05 Jan 2018
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
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News
03 Jan 2018
Illegal software whistleblowing benefits the channel
Figures from the BSA indicate that a fair number of UK employees at SMEs are happy to blow the whistle over the use of illegal software Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Feature
02 Jan 2018
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
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News
21 Jun 2016
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
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News
18 Jun 2015
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
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Feature
04 Jun 2015
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
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Feature
01 Jun 2015
Windows of opportunity
This summer's launch of Windows 10 promises to be a shot in the arm for the channel finds Amro Gebreel Continue Reading
By- Amro Gebreel
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E-Zine
13 Nov 2014
MicroScope: November 2014
Just what are the current opportunities around wireless networking for resellers? Are Christmas parties back on the channel calendar? What are the first impressions of Windows 10? All of these questions are answered in the latest MicroScope ezine. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
20 Aug 2014
MicroScope: August 2014
An issue highlighting the opportunities in the UC market as well as the ways resellers are adapting to the growth in cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2014
Marussia F1 Team keeps racing with Sage partner expertise
Software specialists discuss how bespoke tailored apps successfully augment Sage ERP X3 sales into midmarket customers such as the Marussia Formula 1 Team Continue Reading
By- Alex Scroxton, Security Editor
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News
09 Apr 2014
Data set to grow 10-fold by 2020 as internet of things takes off
IDC’s Digital Universe study predicts the world's data will amount to 44 zettabytes by 2020, 10% of it from the internet of things Continue Reading
By- Antony Adshead, Storage Editor
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News
02 Apr 2014
Government signs £5.5m Microsoft deal to extend Windows XP support
The government has signed a deal with Microsoft to support Windows XP across the UK public sector for 12 months after 8 April deadline Continue Reading
By- Bryan Glick, Editor in chief
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News
03 Feb 2014
Microsoft settles copyright case with Discount-Licensing
Microsoft has settled its case at the High Court with second-hand software specialist Discount-Licensing Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Feature
25 Jan 2013
A trip down memory lane
Simon Quicke revisits some of the events that made the headlines during MicroScope's first decade in print – the heady days of the 1980s Continue Reading
By- Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
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Feature
07 Jun 2012
In-depth: Selling BI in the context of other market trends
Business intelligence vendors and their solutions need to be more agile and adaptive than ever, says Amro Gebreel. The need for business intelligence (BI) has never been greater. Data volumes continue to multiply and the requirement for real-time information is now an acute one. Continue Reading
By- Microscope contributor