Cloud Platforms

Where the channel is going in 2026

It’s a good time to look deep into the crystal ball and pull out some ideas of what could happen over the next 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Bechtle, Westcon-Comstor, Distology, PebblePad and NEC Software Solutions Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Seeing through the AI hype

Channel leaders are weary of AI hype but AI business potential remains strong argues Chris Shaw from AvePoint Continue Reading

By

• Chris Shaw, UK channel director at AvePoint

11:11 Systems bolsters position in VMware ecosystem

Sixth acquisition gives 11:11 Systems more expertise and depth, putting it firmly on VMware’s radar Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: The changing nature of partner programmes

In this issue, read about the evolving world of partner programmes, which are increasingly focusing on measuring and rewarding value. Also discover how Exclusive Networks’ boss plans to advance the company, and learn show age discrimination is affecting the UK skills shortage Continue Reading

TXP snaps up Vigil

Addition of AWS specialist will bolster cloud options and provide greater global coverage, as elsewhere Integris and Boom strike up partnerships Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

PC vendors put emphasis on AI, design and power

The annual CES event has indicated the investments in product design the hardware players have made to encourage customer upgrades Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

2025 review: Channel stories of the year

A look back over the stories that generated headlines over the past 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

2025 review: The main themes in the channel

MicroScope looks back over 2025 with a focus on the main topics that affected the world of the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Pax8 heralds the year of the MIP

The arrival of agentic AI is changing the way the channel operates, and that shift has been identified by the marketplace specialist Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Does AI represent the tech industry’s irresponsible era?

To be economically dependent on the rise of artificial intelligence is a risk that some appear prepared to take Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Is AI dragging security back to the 1990s?

The introduction of artificial intelligence promises much, but the industry must prevent it from becoming a hacker’s paradise Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Dell CTO’s 2026 predictions highlight AI opportunities

It is crystal ball gazing time, and who better to talk about what technology trends will emerge next year than a senior leader from the vendor? Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Beyond Now and Azul expanding channel options

Vendors outline benefits of fresh ownership and acquisition to generate increased opportunities for partners Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Five-minute interview: Pete Wilson, Illumio

The latest to share personal insights is Pete Wilson, senior director of channel sales for EMEA at Illumio Continue Reading

AI widening data analytics opportunities

Those in the channel with the skills to support customers keen to get real-time insights should find evolving technology makes data analytics offerings more attractive Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Salesforce UK boss stresses the importance of partners

As Salesforce outlines an increasingly agentic AI future, the need for the channel to play a role in delivering that vision has been underlined Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Small businesses need help to unlock AI data insights

There is a willingness among SMEs to use technology to improve market knowledge, but a failure by many to turn that into action Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

FSP and Redsquid hit the acquisition trail

The channel players are using M&A as a route to expanding capabilities and market reach Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Winning in the cloud: Why services are the new differentiator

Aaron Rees from Westcon-Comstor and Rebura shares some thoughts on how partners can stand out from the crowd Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Rees, senior vice president, AWS business at Westcon-Comstor and CEO, Rebura

From managed services to managed intelligence

Eric Mink from Pax8 shares some thoughts on how MSPs can lead in the age of AI Agents Continue Reading

By

• Eric Mink, VP of AI Adoption EMEA at Pax8

MSP Evolution Summit: Acceleration towards services model

The portion of business derived from services has increased across the channel as partners move away from older revenue streams Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Focus firmly on AI at Microsoft Ignite

Vendor announces several enhancements to its cloud partner programme to encourage the development of expertise around artificial intelligence products and services Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

UK channel still working on AI skills

Although many accept in the industry accept there is more to do when it comes to AI skills, the UK channel is more confident in its abilities than peers in other countries Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AvePoint points to MSP contribution in Q3

Digital workplace player experiences a strong quarter with its channel continuing to play a pivotal role in delivering growth Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cisco channel chief talks 360, AI and partner value

As the vendor pulls thousands of its partners together for its summit, its recently installed channel leader shares his thoughts on a range of issues Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Cisco steps up security options for MSPs

Cisco’s cloud platform enhancements have been designed to make life easier for its managed service provider base Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at NCC Group, Arrow Electronics, NTT Data, Hammer and Kaseya Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Softcat CEO talks expansion, AI and growing in a tough market

With the publication of the channel player’s FY25 results, Softcat’s boss shares context around the firm’s strong performance Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Evolve IP outlines partner growth ambitions

Recently appointed global sales lead shares a vision for how the cloud comms specialist will grow in 2026 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Canalys: MSP foundations are eroding

Experts at the Canalys Channel Forum believe the pressure to increase security and the demand for co-managed services are affecting the traditional approach to market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AI levels the playing field for European MSPs

US MSPs aren’t ahead for once. When it comes to AI for MSPs, Europe is holding its own, says Pax8’s Rob Rae Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

Canalys: Channel success metrics have changed

The focus on simply transacting deals is being replaced by supporting the customer over a technology lifecycle, says Canalys Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Canalys: Despite lack of reward, the channel must embrace AI

The revenues might not be flowing in the direction of partners, but choosing to delay embracing artificial intelligence is an unwise move Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

A year of channel progress at Jamf

As the vendor sits down with partners this week at its event in Denver, a senior channel executive has talked of efforts made to improve its partner ecosystem Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Conscia, GTT Communications, Epson, TD Synnex, AutoRek, ANSecurity and BCS Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AvePoint points to clear partner AI opportunities

Vendor uses partner event to call for wider adoption of artificial intelligence and outline areas where partners can work with customers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Enterprises want to go faster on the AI front

Research from Climb Channel Solutions lifts the lid on current customer attitudes towards artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

TD Synnex beats expectations in Q3

Revenues rise as channel player enjoys growth across its products portfolio and geographies Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Dell and Lenovo hand partners fresh products to pitch

Hardware suppliers identify private cloud and the SME market as areas where they and their channels can make an impact Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel faces AI tool sprawl and inefficient workflows

Experts across the channel speak of opportunities for partners to help customers that are overwhelmed by the number of tools they are working with Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Nebula: AI is supporting channel ESG efforts

Report from services player highlights the positives of artificial intelligence for those looking to cut emissions and improve social responsibility Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Jitterbit alerts partners to AI agent sprawl

The rush by users to embrace the technology is creating its own headaches, presenting the channel with an alternative to pitch Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Bytes shows resilience in first half of 2025

Channel player Bytes shares trading update covering its first half, with the business remaining on track Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Partners across channel welcome US tech investments

Comments from across the channel express support for the significant sums of money that are going to be ploughed into the UK in the next few years Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

GTDC: CROs can grow with distribution

Industry organisation GTDC delivers a guide to inform those pulling the purse strings about the benefits of working with the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments of note this week at Synaxon, Ricoh Europe, Zyxel Networks, SentinelOne and Sharp Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Diversifying the channel

In this issue, read about what the channel can do to appeal to a wider workforce. Also discover how to futureproof business with AI technology, as well as discover how AI tools have increased productivity at Advania Continue Reading

Softcat and Pure Storage provide investor cheer

A trading update from the channel player and Q2 numbers from the vendor show both are heading in the right direction Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Microsoft shares insights from SI artificial intelligence initiative

Vendor has been working with a selection of partners over the past few months to support wider cloud and AI adoption Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Actions to future-proof your channel business with AI

Richard Eglon, CMO Nebula Global Services, shares six tips that should make a difference on how to use AI throughout your business Continue Reading

By

• Richard Eglon, CMO Nebula Global Services

Aspire sets sights on £100m revenue

Strength of channel player’s 2024 fiscal year gives it the confidence to go for an ambitious growth target Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Lenovo, Exertis Enterprise, Phoenix Software, NTT DATA and WatchGuard Technologies Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Ingram Micro CEO addresses ransomware attack

Paul Bay, CEO of Ingram Micro, shared an update while discussing the distributor’s second-quarter numbers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

OVHcloud rejigs partner team and increases support

Cloud player makes a fresh hire and a couple of promotions to change the lineup responsible for delivering partner programmes Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Climb Global Solutions hints at further M&A

Distributor shares Q2 progress, with CEO talking of willingness to make strategic investments to expand the business Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Maintel revenues flat in H1

Channel player provides update on how the first half of 2025 has gone, and the progress of its transformation efforts Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Westcoast, Exertis, TD Synnex, Orange Cyberdefense, Iomart, Source Code Control and Pentest People Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MSP platform player Inforcer looks for further European growth

After Inforcer secured its latest round of funding, its sights are set on increasing the volume of channel relationships Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

German AI player osapiens investing in UK

Firm will be looking to increase its channel base as it outlines plans to spend millions to expand its presence Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Catch up on developments this week at Apogee, Westcon-Comstor, BlueSnap, SoftwareONE and ISS Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Xeretec and Qodea active on M&A front

Xerox partner and Google consultancy takes steps to widen market reach and add to their portfolios Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Evolve IP talks growth amid brand refresh

Cloud collaboration player uses moment to elevate key personnel and underline its market pitch Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel moves: Who’s gone where?

Moves this past week at BCS, 8x8, Leaseweb, Alteryx, CyberArk and TrafficGuard Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AI plans gather pace - but expert partners are the key to success

Kenz Mroue, director EMEA partner sales, Nasuni, shares some thoughts on the role partners play in delivering artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Kenz Mroue, director EMEA partner sales, Nasuni,

Advania uses M&A to bolster AI position

Channel player picks up consultancy specialising in artificial intelligence to add more depth to its ability to support customers looking to adopt the technology Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

TD Synnex adds more development muscle with Apptium

Distributor TD Synnex adds more software development expertise while elsewhere Xerox closes its Lexmark deal Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

HPE arming partners with latest AI technology

Vendor keen to ensure its channel is up to speed on agentic AI as it unveils a number of product enhancements Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Colt and ALSO Cloud UK continue to talk sustainability

Channel players share progress to reduce emissions and call on more efforts to counter the energy demands of AI Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Westcon-Comstor marks 40th birthday with look ahead

Distributor outlines the main trends that are shaping the channel as it plans to share more insights to prepare partners for the future Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at AvePoint, Nebula Global Services, Pulsant, Skyhawk Security and HackerOne Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Pax8 enhances AI support for MSPs

Marketplace player Pax8 uses Beyond 2025 event to unveil offerings designed to make life easier and more profitable for managed service providers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel continues to deliver security training and support

Research and MSP training platforms from security players underline the position of partners to deliver threat awareness Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Kaseya hires ‘passionate SME advocate’ as next CEO

Supplier of tools for managed service providers concludes its five-month search for its leader Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Maintel shares progress ahead of AGM

Channel player Maintel provides update on how the first five months of the year have gone ahead of its annual general meeting Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Security growth buoys Westcon-Comstor

Distributor shares full-year results that underline the benefits of operating in security, networking and cloud Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Crayon Q1 hit by underperforming Nordics

Channel player Crayon shares first-quarter numbers that show a decent performance across Europe, APAC and the US, but softer conditions in the firm’s home markets Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Climb increases AI support

Distributor looks to guide partners from start to selling to get more comfortable pitching artificial intelligence offerings Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AWS continues to strengthen commitment to partners

A senior channel executive at Amazon Web Services shares insights into where the cloud giant has been gaining ground with its ecosystem Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

AWS targeting SME market with channel

Cloud giant indicates that growing its presence across a segment it believes is largely untapped – SMEs – is a priority Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Datatonic, Parallels, Central Technology Group, Cowbell and FiberLocator Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

UK acquisitions fuel Advania growth

Channel player shares numbers for FY ’24, with the business set up to repeat that performance again this year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Bytes signals financial milestone has been hit

In a trading statement ahead of its full-year results, channel player Bytes indicates it has broken through the £2bn barrier on gross invoiced income Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Exertis Supplies, Softcat, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Fivetran, SUSE and Centreon Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel express concerns over lack of cloud skills

The pressure is on to meet customer demand for hosted services, but some resellers lack the cloud skills to meet that need Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Developments this week at Schneider Electric and OVHcloud, while SonicWall and Sophos talk MDR Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Why the channel is vital in the AI leadership race

 Continue Reading

Westcon-Comstor driving data-sharing strategy

 Continue Reading

Corndel adds to evidence of channel role in providing AI education

More research reinforces the sense of disconnect between business leaders and their staff when it comes to using artificial intelligence, presenting opportunitities for the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Wavenet working with Konversational to improve systems

MSP Wavenet chooses Irish firm to help deploy ServiceNow to improve its workflow processes Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

N-able: MSP growth coming from security and AI demand

Survey of managed services community reveals that the majority feel optimistic about revenue prospects for this year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CrowdStrike and Okta reach AWS Marketplace milestones

Security players underline the volume of sales that can be generated by distributors, MSPs and ISVs on the AWS Marketplace platform Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel education needed to support more successful AI adoption

Research from WalkMe underlines the dangers of rolling out artificial intelligence tools and software without preparing users Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

WWT and Kyndryl expand customer support centres

Firms invest in more logistics and enablement capability to increase the assistance they can offer those users looking for help with digital transformation and artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Public sector IT projects: stupendous incompetence or bad luck?

Recent National Audit Office report on failed government IT projects provides the channel with a roadmap to help drive success, but only if the public sector listens Continue Reading

By

• Steve Bell

Kaseya boss looks back on his time at the helm

As he moves into a vice-chairman position, the boss at the managed service provider tools specialist reviews the progress made under his leadership Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

TD Synnex hands Andy Brown responsibility for driving AI programme

Distributor continues to put muscle behind data, analytics and artificial intelligence with latest senior appointment Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Evolve IP teams up with Cavell to share market insights

Comms channel player working with market watcher to make sure partners can identify opportunities provoked by an evolving landscape Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel catch-up: News in brief

Geographic expansion, partner programmes, fresh warehouses and attempts to increase trust levels in artificial intelligence have all been happening over the past few days Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Why the channel is vital in the AI leadership race

The government is hoping its recent AI opportunities action plan will give business and our economy a boost, but where are the opportunities and what role will the channel play in its success? Continue Reading

By

• Silvia Lehnis, consulting director of data and AI at UBDS Digital