Distributors get into managed services business
Going into competition with MSPs could be dangerous, but it may help small resellers
Is a Toronto-based journalist and regular contributor to IT World Canada's publications.
Enterprise Software Channel: Keys to success
Some enterprise markets are saturated, but at least four technologies have emerged that smart VARs could take advantage of. The trick is to align them with business drivers that customers need
Special service for boutique retailers
This Toronto solution provider offers small chains a way to tie together front and back-office applications with CRM and e-commerce
Welcome news for the channel
System builders should be pleased AMD intends to buy graphics chipmaker ATI. It will give Intel more competition
AMD acquisition a boon to system builders
Chip maker buys ATI for US$5.4 billion and puts Intel and Nvidia on the defensive
Deconstructing islands of SANs
LAS VEGAS – Companies now have islands of SANs and want to bring that back down to a single unified view, said Bob Schultz, senior vice-president and general manager of HP StorageWorks during a keynote speech at the Americas StorageWorks conference.
Struggling with storage
Proliferation of SANs leads to partner opportunity, says HP official
Distributors hold key to SMB market
Resellers can influence SMB purchasing, but it is the distributors who keep them informed
Distributors hold the key to SMB market
Vendors should be marketing to distributors because they have better access to the SMB channel
Make the right bet
Smaller companies need help in buying IT products and services. Understanding their priorities and carefully explaining the advantages of technology will help the channel cash in on this growing market
Microsoft offers hosted CRM
DALLAS – Software as a service was a hot topic at this year’s Microsoft Convergence here last month. With the announcement of CRM 3.0, Microsoft is now offering customer relationship management to third parties, which will allow them to provide hosted solutions where customers can rent CRM services through a subscription model.
The wireless wave
Governments are increasing their spending on mobile technologies, creating niches for system builders and integrators. Those willing to invest resources may find this area has a number of rewarding opportunities
Distributors not willing to take the Eurotrip
Tech Data and Bell Micro take some financial hits in Europe as both distributors restructure their divisions overseas
Avoiding the crush
Squeezed by vendors selling direct, VARs have to develop sophisticated survival strategies
Distributors take a bath in Europe
European operations had affected overall earnings for both Tech Data and Bell Micro