Business Intelligence Tools and Services

MicroScope: MSPs are the future

The managed service model has swept the channel in recent years and looks like the approach for the long term – but does it need to change? Also, read about how to best prepare for an AI-driven future, as well as celebrate e92plus’s 35 years as a distributor Continue Reading

Bytes H1 numbers show benefits of software and services strategy

Channel player shares results for its first half, revealing a decline in hardware but improvements in other parts of the portfolio Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Embracing the AI opportunity

In this issue, we look at how the channel is reacting to AI, share advice for those looking to harness the technology, and explore how MSPs can help customers to optimise AI investments Continue Reading

ANS opens apprenticeship scheme to channel

Firm adds its apprenticeship academy to the range of benefits available for its indirect partners to tap into Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AST bolsters UK position with Symatrix buy

Tie-up of Oracle specialists will provide operations on both sides of the Atlantic for expanding American business Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: The challenge of our time

In this issue, explore what you can do to help customers on their net-zero journeys as sustainability grows in importance in the boardroom. Also read up on the benefits of refurbished kit, and learn how Tech Channel Ambassadors are promoting careers to young people and reskillers Continue Reading

HP emphasises AI in partner programme enhancements

Vendor uses partner event to share details of changes coming in May, and its plans to increase support for partners keen to get involved with artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Dell encourages GenAI involvement with partner competency

One of the features of the enhanced Partner programme was the launch of a process to validate those up to speed on the technology Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

NTT Data strengthens SAP channel position with Sapphire

Tie-up will provide greater coverage of the mid-market customer base and provide more geographical reach Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Team up for peak success

In this issue, we explore the need to handle pitches and collaboration carefully to create more opportunities as an increasing amount of IT spending goes via partners. Also discover Canalys’ predictions for the use of generative AI, and just what exactly it means when we talk ‘cyber security’ Continue Reading

MicroScope: Channel pushes on against the odds

In this issue, we take a look at the struggles and triumphs faced by the channel this year so far. Also read up on possible solutions to the skills shortage, including the opening up of STEM to a more diverse range of students, and the necessity for improving skills on the job Continue Reading

Umbraco involves channel in sustainability efforts

Content management system specialist Umbraco recognises the need to create a community effort to tackle the reduction of carbon emissions Continue Reading

ISVs, AI and multicloud on Oracle channel chief’s to-do list

The vendor is looking to make sure its partners deliver high levels of customer experience and can take advantage of emerging opportunities Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Take a balanced approach to security

In this issue, read about how to help customers manage their security portfolios in a world of increasingly complex systems, discover how insights are providing more opportunities for partners, and learn whether being an MSP is enjoyable or not Continue Reading

ChatGPT offers the channel a chance to level the playing field

There is a lot of hype around the AI-driven content generating tool – and it could genuinely help the channel – but there are risks involved. Continue Reading

Using Microsoft Power BI to leverage your data

Callum Gillespie head of infrastructure operations at Littlefish, shares some advice on getting the most out of the business intelligence offering Continue Reading

By

• Callum Gillespie head of infrastructure operations at Littlefish,

Epicor swoops for ISV partner

Financial planning player Epicor adds more depth to portfolio with the addition of established developer DSPanel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Capita continues divestment strategy with HR sell-off

Firm sells off more of the portfolio as it continues to trim the focus to its two core businesses, Capita Public Service and Capita Experience Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Nasstar bolsters data expertise with Colibri Digital buy

MSP’s ambition to be a major UK provider of cloud and comms services to the mid-market and enterprise customer bases continues to take shape Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel seen as route to growth for iplicit and Sycope

Vendors iplicit and Sycope look to partners as a way to help drive growth in the UK and extend their market reach Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Thirdera and Aptum use acquisition to bolster reach and skills

Firms go into M&A market to support ambitions, with both deals having implications for the UK channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Poor data quality is undermining chance of gaining insights

Research signals to those in the channel with a handle on data analytics that there is an opportunity in the market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

RM slims down with MIS sale

Education player continues to review the business as it looks to put itself in a position to support schools Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Codestone and OSF Digital hit the acquisition trail

Firms look to bolster skills, expertise and geographic reach with latest purchases Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Prices are rising and maybe that’s not so bad

Life is getting more expensive and many will look to cut costs and reduce prices where possible – but in the channel it might be OK to do the reverse Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

MicroScope: Elevate security to minimise risk

Security remains a major concern for customers and a continuing area of growth for the channel – so what can managed service providers do to help out? Also read about expectations for the last quarter of 2022 and how partnerships are key to digital transformation Continue Reading

Couchbase CEO flags database-as-a-service opportunity

With customers transitioning to the cloud, the moment is right for partners to pitch something different Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cloud shift set to benefit insightsoftware channel

Vendor has identified a gap that its partners can help fill for finance teams keen to move to the cloud and get more out of technology Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: The green agenda

Sustainability is now seen as a necessity for business to have on their agenda, so read about how the channel is turning green to capture customer attention. Also discover how the pandemic has changed sales forever and boosted the importance of relationships, as well as learn about how to handle currency fluctuations, rises and inflation Continue Reading

Sage lifts lid on channel skills concerns

Vendor shares research that reveals the channel is looking to bolster expertise to support customers as well as their own businesses Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Daisy Communications and DSP-Explorer add to consolidation trend

Firms move to add depth and skills with deals for fellow channel players Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

K3 Business Technology CEO has seen progress in year one

The turnaround at the channel player continues, but the man in charge has delivered a fair bit in the year a bit since he stepped into the chief executive role Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech Data enhances managed print offering

Distributor adds more depth to its OpenMPS cloud-based offering after getting partner feedback Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SAP channel consolidation continues as Codestone buys Clarivos

Deal will add more muscle to ERP, analytics and provide extra depth to the cloud services that the combined operation can offer Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Content+Cloud picks up Microsoft Dynamics player Azzure IT

Acquisition comes just a few months after the channel player was itself a target of a deal that has given it more muscle in the market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Lemongrass widens hyperscaler line-up by adding Azure

SAP cloud specialist explains the process it went through in settling on a multicloud strategy Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Sapphire Systems building digital operations platform proposition

Firm identifies opportunity to target mid-enterprise market with an offering that touches on finance, asset management and supply chain Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Balancing the risks as an MSP

There is a growing trend among partners in converting into managed service providers – but are there risks to this approach that the channel needs to be aware of? Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

ThoughtSpot looks for channel growth

Self-service data analytics player believes the market is there and that the channel growth opportunities are attractive Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Squaring up to ransomware

In this issue, discover how to best fend off the ever-increasing threat of ransomware, learn what the next stage of the data warehouse could be, and find out what leading channel experts believe awaits the industry in the year ahead Continue Reading

Workflow player monday.com seeks UK channel growth

Firm has cut the ribbon on a London HQ and is keen to increase partner numbers and revenues coming through the channel Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Valuing the MSP

In this month’s MicroScope, we look at why customers should be prepared to pay for the value offered by a managed service provider, identify the biggest drivers in the data storage market, and look at why some firms are struggling to get to grips with remote working. Read the issue now Continue Reading

Avanade adds more Microsoft depth with Quantiq buy

Tie-up will give more depth around Microsoft business applications and support for those customers undergoing digital transformation Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SoftwareONE adds SAP depth with Centiq buy

Firm is back in the acquisition game as it continues to add more muscle to its EMEA coverage and ability to support SAP customers Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Enterprise software an investment target

The channel has seen investment levels rise this year, and market dynamics are making those involved with supporting the changing working world attractive to backers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

K3 continues to slim down business with Sage unit sale

Pinnacle Computing adds more depth to its claim to be the leading Sage channel partner with the acquisition Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Computacenter on track for another strong year

Computacenter issues trading update covering H1, with the business enjoying growth and positioned to build on that in the second half Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Welcome to the age of insight

HPE CEO Antonio Neri talked at the company’s recent shindig of the need to give customers insights into their data, but just how easy will that be? Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

MicroScope: Life on the edge

With opportunities around edge computing on the up, we ask experts to weigh in on how the channel can approach using the tech to its advantage. Also discover how to encourage employees to take cyber security lessons seriously, and how collaboration is key to growth this year Continue Reading

MicroScope: A hybrid working world

With hybrid working set to become the norm as the world starts to return to a more normal footing post-Covid, we look at how businesses are preparing for the new world of work. Also discover how to tackle the sustainability challenge, and have some key questions answered around handling bottlenecks caused by large volumes of data Continue Reading

Fujitsu putting €3m into its channel programme

Vendor will use funds to support enhancements and increase rewards for partners that line up behind its strategic areas of focus Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

If Levity creates an artificial intelligence DIY boom, we’ll all be laughing

Low-code systems allow anyone to have a go at artificial intelligence, but will that allow any hacker to have a go at your insecurities? Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Sapphire expands prospects through acquisition

SAP specialist’s CEO shares the strategy behind the string of deals it has already signed this year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: The 5G opportunity

Experts predict that 2021 is meant to be the year of 5G, but what does that mean for the channel? In this issue, discover what 5G technology could bring to the reseller community, learn about how smart buildings are influencing the way we live, and discover how remote working is shaping the way we work Continue Reading

SAP looking for ambitious channel growth

Vendor keen to ramp up revenues from partners over the next few years as it takes steps to increase support for the channel Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Kaseya CEO: MSPs stopped an SME catastrophe

 Continue Reading

Kaseya CEO: MSPs stopped an SME catastrophe

The managed service community has kept many small and medium-sized enterprises going throughout the course of the pandemic, says Kaseya CEO Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Distribution comes through pandemic year strongly

Record sales and a rapid response to the changing demands caused by the coronavirus pandemic helped the channel get through 2020 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope – January 2021: Looking to the future

In this issue of MicroScope, take a look at what the year ahead holds for the channel after a largely positive 2020. Also discover why IAM technology is so important for post-pandemic cloud computing, and what approaches are fundamental to finding business success Continue Reading

MicroScope: Reasons to be positive for 2021

In this issue, discover why the continued digital transformation trend means 2021 is looking good for the channel. Also read how business processes can be optimised by adding artificial intelligence to the mix, and how the channel is looking at the challenge of sustainability Continue Reading

The channel in the pandemic, datacentres for investors – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast

In this episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Simon Quicke joins Caroline Donnelly, Clare McDonald and Brian McKenna to discuss how the IT channel has fared in the pandemic, how datacentres have evolved as investment assets, STEM education for children, and data strategy at Guide Dogs Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor
• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK
• Brian McKenna, Senior Analyst, Business Applications

MicroScope: Simplify the path to partner programmes

In this issue, discover how to navigate the complexity of channel partner programmes to best foster relationships, how business intelligence software is helping companies look beyond Covid-19, and why leaders are looking forward to 2021 Continue Reading

Sophos and Splunk register spikes in channel activity

Vendors share details of increased activity on the channel front over the course of the coronavirus pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Veeam will extend channel options with Kasten

The addition of container back-up options will give channel partners a wider solution to pitch, according to Veeam’s CTO Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

VMware and Nvidia say AI is maturing

This week's VMworld also included some announcements about artificial intelligence that should have repercussions for the channel Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Context: Toner sales reveal slow return to offices

Analyst house Context has found that it is able to reveal the different reactions across Europe to working back in the office by charting the sales of toner Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tricentis expands channel horizons with SAP relationship

Software testing player has been added to the products that vendor allows partners to take to market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Content is king, but context is queen

Context is having a major impact on those making the buying decisions as artificial intelligence spreads its reach even further Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Five-minute interview: Jason Skelton, Acxiom

Through a series of questions we find out a little bit more about another channel executive, this time Jason Skelton, Acxiom’s platform alliances head Continue Reading

Home working product demand increasing strain on channel stocks

The rush of customers to equip staff for a world of home working has led to huge spikes in demand of certain products over the past few weeks Continue Reading

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• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Sabio hits the acquisition trail again with DVELP buy

Customer experience specialist Sabio makes its eighth deal in the space of three years Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Building customer trust with an open approach

In the final piece of our three-part series, Barracuda’s director International talks of the importance of delivering promises and being honest about services to build customer trust Continue Reading

By

• Jason Howells, Barracuda MSP

MicroScope: Making life easier for the channel

In this issue, read about how Dell is continuing on its mission to make life easier for partners by introducing improved tools, and we take a closer look at how cloud, cyber security and 5G are set to dominate over the course of 2020 Continue Reading

MicroScope: Power to transform

In this issue, MicroScope asks experts what to expect in 2020, and the channel shares why change is necessary to thrive in different business environments Continue Reading

CES sets an agenda around AI and 5G

The organisers of the first major show of the year have predicted some of the technologies that will dominate the decade Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: SMEs and managed services

In this issue of MicroScope, we look at the channel opportunity in the SME customer base as they look for managed services support, our roundtable discussion looks at the transformative appeal of unified communications, and consider why software development houses are switching to no-code. Read the issue now Continue Reading

MicroScope: Time for change

In this issue, we ask experts how they're approaching digital transformation to meet customers demand, and we look at whether the actions of the user should reflect on the accountability of the cloud provider Continue Reading

Changing of the guard: Will technology leaders soon set business strategy?

 Continue Reading

How to improve customer experience

Billy MacInnes questions experts on what they’re doing to digitally transform the customer experience and asks what advice they have for channel partners Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

AI: The smart side of surveillance

Surveillance combined with artificial intelligence allows fast and superior levels of data analysis and reaction to make smart, informed decisions Continue Reading

By

• Nick Powling, Exertis Hammer

What’s in a name? Inside sales versus telesales

Inside sales seems much the same as telesales, only dressed up for the modern age. What's brought the change about and is it really so different from what we already know? Continue Reading

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• Billy MacInnes

MicroScope: The growing SD-WAN opportunity

After plenty of hype, software-defined wide-area networking is delivering revenues for the channel, but how are partners taking advantage of it? Also read about how to tackle the growing skills gap in the face of Brexit, and how businesses are supporting intelligent workspaces Continue Reading

What resellers want: Countering customer frustrations

Alex Tatham, managing director of Westcoast, discusses his conclusions from the results of the company’s recent survey Continue Reading

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• Alex Tatham, Westcoast

Changing of the guard: Will technology leaders soon set business strategy?

IT must increasingly align with the business to keep up with modern customer demands, leading to a change of how the technology leadership role is performed Continue Reading

By

• Sean Farrington, Pluralsight

Claris boss looking to add thousands of developers

The CEO of the workplace technology specialist has an ambition to significantly extend its developer community Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Digital transformation: How far are we really in the journey?

Are customers really in as much of a hurry to digitally transform as the shrillest advocates of the technology would like us to believe? Continue Reading

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• Billy MacInnes

MicroScope: What’s next for the channel?

The fourth quarter is the busiest in the channel, so we talk to experts to ask what technologies should be selling strongly in the coming months. Also, discover whether vendor certifications are really worth it, and what Brexit could mean for the GDPR sales pitch Continue Reading

What can IT providers learn from the Tortoiseshell Group attack

Following recent news around the Tortoiseshell Group attack targeting IT providers in Saudi Arabia, Alex Bransome discusses what IT providers can learn from the attack and advises on ways to reduce the risk of supply chain attacks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Bransome , Doherty Associates

Supporting intelligent workspaces

As new technology continues to drive new ways of working, IT departments need support in facilitating the flexibility and connectivity demanded by today’s tech-savvy workforce Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Beale, Ultima Business Solutions

MicroScope: Helping digital transformation

Find out how the channel is helping customers to digitally transform their businesses to keep up with trends and plan for the future, and read about what changes could come about from the shift to business-led IT. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Tech Data CEO points to Q2 results as validation of strategy

Rich Hume is keen to move the firm to higher value solutions and viewed the second quarter results as a sign that the strategy is delivering Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Control or shift – channel’s role in the move to business-led IT

What impact could the shift to business-led IT have on channel partners’ role with customers and the relationships they have grown and developed within customer organisations? Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Are you ready to trade with the world on Brexit day?

While some claim there are no freight management systems in place to help businesses trade after Brexit, the vendors of such systems – both traditional and newer, more user-friendly versions – would disagree Continue Reading

By

• Nick Booth

Ultima talks of growth prospects after landing PE investment

The intelligent automation specialist has gained a significant investment from a private equity backer that will give it the chance to dedicate funds to both its product strategy and M&A activity Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Customers don't fear AI but need plenty of education around it

A couple of pieces of research into the reaction of UK businesses to artificial intelligence has indicated there is an educational role for the channel to play if the technology is to become more widely adopted Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

OpenText: Partners in “incredible position” in post-ERP world

Channel partners should guide customers in their transition to next generation information management Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

OpenText looks to channel to fulfil ambitious growth

EIM software specialist OpenText reveals plans to grab enterprise market share from rivals Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

Brexit: the demo and the reality

IT industry should make it clear whether the “technological solutions” being bandied about by politicians to solve the Irish border problem are realistic Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

What are the risks of not responding to a critical alarm in time?

When selling management tools, managed service providers need to educate users about the importance of acting on the alarms generated by such equipment Continue Reading

By

• Klaus Allion, ANT Telecom

Why organisations cannot afford to get carried away with contact centre success

To build sustainable success in the contact centre world, you need a strong focus on business goals, incremental business gains, teamwork and a culture based on trust Continue Reading

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• Jeremy Payne, Enghouse Interactive