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.

News 25 Sep 2023
Software spending getting chief financial officer scrutiny

The cost of SaaS tools is getting attention from those that have the power to tighten budgets Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Sep 2023
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

News 30 Aug 2023

K3 Business Technology transition continues

Channel player focused on fashion industry shares H1 progress indicating that it is making progress Continue Reading
News 17 Aug 2023

Insight picks up Amdaris

Acquisition will add more depth to the channel player’s ability to support customers looking for digital transformation support Continue Reading
News 15 Aug 2023

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
News 19 Jul 2023

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
News 10 Jul 2023

AI, automation and edge driving Red Hat channel

Vendor looks to identify areas where its partners can make a difference and provide support Continue Reading
E-Zine 07 Jul 2023

MicroScope: The pressure to deliver

With technology always changing, it can feel like an impossible feat to keep up – we speak to experts about how the channel handles rapid change and the pressure this places on partners to meet customer expectations. Also read about major themes of the market and how the topic of return on investments needs to stretch beyond economics Continue Reading
E-Zine 02 Jun 2023

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
E-Zine 06 Apr 2023

MicroScope: The benefits of security certifications

In this month’s MicroScope ezine, we look at how industry-recognised certifications can strengthen business defences. We also see how ChatGPT offers the channel a chance to level the playing field. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
03 Apr 2023

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
Opinion 31 Mar 2023

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
News 29 Mar 2023

IT system issues hit RM numbers

Rolling out a fresh system caused problems for RM, but executives stress that the educational specialist remains in a strong position Continue Reading
News 23 Mar 2023

Microsoft responds to feedback with partner programme enhancements

It’s been six months since its cloud partner programme launched, and in that time the channel has shared its views with the vendor Continue Reading
News 09 Mar 2023

Babble hits M&A trail to bolster Microsoft position

Channel player Babble adds two more firms to its growing list of acquisitions as it continues to grow the business Continue Reading
News 07 Mar 2023

Epicor swoops for ISV partner

Financial planning player Epicor adds more depth to portfolio with the addition of established developer DSPanel Continue Reading
News 06 Mar 2023

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
E-Zine 01 Mar 2023

MicroScope: Steering the storage market

In this issue, read all about how the storage world is continuing to evolve as it looks to the cloud, security and ESG compliance requirements. Also discover six steps to making your business more sustainable and read about how IBM’s channel boss is set to make a difference. Continue Reading
News 22 Feb 2023

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
News 22 Feb 2023

Red Hat simplifies product access with subscription offering

Open source player is making it more straightforward for its channel to get their hands on its technology to help with proof of concepts and technical development Continue Reading
News 13 Feb 2023

VeUP launches to add value to AWS channel

Consultancy operation with offices on both sides of the Atlantic has spotted a gap in the market Continue Reading
News 07 Feb 2023

NetSuite enjoys decent EMEA channel growth

Vendor provides update on how 2022 went for its channel business across the region Continue Reading
News 02 Feb 2023

Trustmarque starts mid-market growth plan with Livingstone buy

Firm talks of taking the first step as it signals ambitions to make a greater impact in the UK Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Feb 2023

MicroScope: Opportunities in security

In this month’s issue, we explore the possibilities for the channel to make its mark with security services, and take a closer look at whether the ChatGPT revolution brings more benefits or negatives with it Continue Reading
News 25 Jan 2023

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
Opinion 19 Jan 2023

Why a Microsoft 365 security assessment is good for business

Jason Rothwell, solutions architect at Littlefish, believes the auditing process delivers some positives for customers Continue Reading
News 18 Jan 2023

Intechnica embraces fresh owner and Version 1 makes double swoop

Consolidation in the channel continues at pace with three deals being announced within the past 24 hours Continue Reading
News 13 Jan 2023

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
E-Zine 09 Jan 2023

MicroScope: Channel themes for 2023

In this month’s ezine, we provide a guide to the main areas of focus for the channel in the year ahead, with security, sustainability and hybrid working already standing out as major themes. We also look at what makes a good partner incentive programme. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 09 Dec 2022

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
News 07 Dec 2022

Air IT and Nexer Group active on M&A front

Firm Air IT continues to show its determination to use M&A as a way of bolstering its position in the UK managed services market Continue Reading
E-Zine 02 Dec 2022

MicroScope: Dealing with rising prices

With prices rising, many are looking at what costs to cut – yet in the channel, the opposite might prove for better business. In this issue, read about how to navigate the cost issue, learn about the growing area of security, and learn about how to create a more appealing employment experience to attract talent Continue Reading
News 28 Nov 2022

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
News 17 Nov 2022

IGEL pulls plug on thin client hardware

Firm will focus on software going forward as it reveals it will no longer sell hardware from the end of the first quarter of 2023 Continue Reading
News 08 Nov 2022

Codestone and OSF Digital hit the acquisition trail

Firms look to bolster skills, expertise and geographic reach with latest purchases Continue Reading
Feature 07 Nov 2022

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
E-Zine 04 Nov 2022

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
News 24 Oct 2022

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
News 13 Oct 2022

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
E-Zine 03 Oct 2022

MicroScope: 40 years of MicroScope

As we celebrate MicroScope’s 40 anniversary, we look back (and forward) to assess how the channel keeps changing, with experts weighing in with their opinions Continue Reading
Feature 30 Sep 2022

The channel: Four decades of change

To celebrate MicroScope’s 40th anniversary, we ask channel leaders to reflect on the changes seen over the past four decades – a shift to software, and the emergence of the managed service provider and the cloud are among the highlights Continue Reading
Opinion 29 Sep 2022

UK systems integrator aims to untangle Ukraine supply chain

Nick Booth catches up with someone who has the answers to making trade across borders happen more smoothly, with it being pitched as an answer to help Ukraine ease the flow of grain exports Continue Reading
News 23 Sep 2022

Alibaba Cloud outlines $1bn investment in partner ecosystem

Cloud player will spend the money over the next three years to enhance and grow its partner base Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Sep 2022

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
News 16 Aug 2022

Expereo and Wavenet hit acquisition trail

Firms expand their options by picking up more expertise and market coverage though deals Continue Reading
News 29 Jul 2022

Pandemic has changed the SaaS sales process

The channel has a small window to pitch in and needs to make sure it is prepared if it is going to be successful Continue Reading
News 20 Jul 2022

ISV support is the focus at Microsoft Inspire

Vendor’s partner event has included programme updates and enhancements to its commercial marketplace Continue Reading
News 15 Jul 2022

Microsoft gives Dezen channel chief role

Months after former incumbent left the business, the vendor has made its choice for who will be at the helm of the partner organisation Continue Reading
Feature 01 Jul 2022

Five-minute interview: Tim Britt, Dropbox

MicroScope talks to Tim Britt, Dropbox’s director of sales and channel for Central Europe, about what his thoughts on the channel and what gets him up in the morning Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Jul 2022

MicroScope: The slow march to Windows 11

It's taken a while, but the latest Microsoft OS is having an impact – read all about the journey to Windows 11, as well as the uptake of co-innovation and co-creation strategies in the channel, and Broadcom's acquisition of VMware Continue Reading
30 Jun 2022

The slow journey to Windows 11

Continue Reading
News 21 Jun 2022

Avanade and Intact add fuel to consolidation trend

Microsoft specialist and ERP player seal acquisitions as they look to strengthen their positions Continue Reading
Feature 14 Jun 2022

Five-minute interview: Kit Kyte, Checkit

MicroScope talks to Kit Kyte, CEO at intelligent operations platform CheckIt, to discover what makes him tick and what his opinions are surrounding remote working and technology Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jun 2022

The slow journey to Windows 11

Microsoft has been emphasising the positives of Windows 11, but users appear to be taking their time in migrating to the latest operating system Continue Reading
News 09 Jun 2022

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
News 27 May 2022

Daisy Communications and DSP-Explorer add to consolidation trend

Firms move to add depth and skills with deals for fellow channel players Continue Reading
News 13 May 2022

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
News 09 May 2022

Tech Data enhances managed print offering

Distributor adds more depth to its OpenMPS cloud-based offering after getting partner feedback Continue Reading
E-Zine 06 May 2022

MicroScope: Charging at SME security challenges

With cyber threats growing, SMEs have to improve their security position, and the channel is best placed to support that aim. Read all about improving security, how sustainability is more important than ever in channel conversations, and the impact of hybrid working Continue Reading
News 05 May 2022

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
News 19 Apr 2022

Windows 11 adoption increasing, but challenges remain for the channel

Adoption of the latest operating system from Windows is picking up, but those pitching software and hardware upgrades still face a number of obstacles to see it increase further Continue Reading
News 12 Apr 2022

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
E-Zine 01 Apr 2022

MicroScope: Can life ever really be simple for partners?

In this issue, discover whether simplifying programmes and interactions with partners is achievable, and what barriers stand in the way for vendors looking to make life easier. Also read about why reskilling in a post-pandemic world is key to boosting industry, and learn about what to expect from the manufacturing sphere over the next year Continue Reading
News 18 Mar 2022

Cloud, Windows and Teams should spur Microsoft channel growth

Microsoft puts its forthcoming shift in context as it outlines major changes to its partner programme Continue Reading
News 17 Mar 2022

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
E-Zine 04 Mar 2022

MicroScope: Taking the steady approach to becoming an MSP

In this issue, take a closer look at the risks and pitfalls on the journey to becoming a manages services provider, read about expected ongoing change and consolidation in the year ahead, and discover what experts have to say on the skills and supply chain shortages Continue Reading
News 03 Mar 2022

Being open is at the heart of Red Hat’s channel approach

Open source player has worked hard to develop a strong ecosystem and is keen to develop that further to work closely with partners Continue Reading
News 02 Mar 2022

PIM player Electrika in channel-building mode

SaaS player is looking to extend its reach by increasing its channel base across the UK Continue Reading
News 22 Feb 2022

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
Feature 14 Feb 2022

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
Opinion 14 Feb 2022

Predictions for the manufacturing industry in 2022 and beyond

Jason Chester, director of global channel programmes at InfinityQS, provides his thoughts on what we can expect to see from the manufacturing industry over the next 12 months and beyond Continue Reading
News 28 Jan 2022

Capita offloads Trustmarque

Divestment strategy continues with sale of software and services player as Capita prunes its portfolio Continue Reading
News 26 Jan 2022

SCC extends HMRC deal

Channel player gets another five-year contract worth £91m to continue to work with the government’s tax department Continue Reading
News 21 Jan 2022

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
E-Zine 07 Jan 2022

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
News 06 Dec 2021

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
E-Zine 03 Dec 2021

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
News 05 Nov 2021

Channel petition urges Microsoft to reconsider 365 price changes

Momentum in the partner community is gathering around attempts to get Microsoft to review its planned Office 365 price increase Continue Reading
E-Zine 05 Nov 2021

MicroScope: Scaling the skills shortage

Navigating the challenges of retaining talent is an increasing concern for the channel, with many professionals set to change jobs – discover why this is and how big of a problem the industry faces. Also read about the increase in demand for anything as a service, and why exactly the channel keeps enduring through the years Continue Reading
News 20 Oct 2021

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
News 06 Oct 2021

Channel will have to wait for impact of Windows 11 launch

Views coming out of Canalys Channel Forum indicate that maybe 2022 is going to be a year when the OS makes a real impact Continue Reading
News 05 Oct 2021

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
News 04 Oct 2021

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
E-Zine 01 Oct 2021

MicroScope: Choosing a channel career

In this issue, we explore whether more partners equals better business, and take a closer look at how IT consumption is changing thanks to subscription services. Also read a special feature looking into whether the channel offers good prospects for school-leavers hoping to start on a career path that could make a difference Continue Reading
News 20 Sep 2021

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
E-Zine 03 Sep 2021

MicroScope: Stepping forward after Covid

In this issue, discover what the lasting impact of Covid-19 is likely to be as the channel emerges into a post-pandemic world. Also discover more about disaster recovery for SMEs and how best to make a plan to protect your business, and read about an uptick in cloud-based contact centre-as-a-service solutions Continue Reading
News 20 Aug 2021

Microsoft 365 price hikes coming

Software giant gives six months’ notice of the first price rises since it launched the product suite a decade ago Continue Reading
News 21 Jul 2021

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
News 21 Jul 2021

Node4 expands Microsoft expertise with TNP buy

Addition of Microsoft gold partner will add more expertise and knowledge to managed service provider’s business Continue Reading
Opinion 16 Jul 2021

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
News 15 Jul 2021

Microsoft channel boss ramps up spending on digital and technical support

Vendor uses Inspire event to reveal plans for next year, including a revamped deal reg and significant increases in technical skills training Continue Reading
E-Zine 02 Jul 2021

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
News 01 Jul 2021

Coupa takes sustainability pitch to the channel

Business spend management specialist puts more emphasis on environmental product features as customers look to measure their green credentials Continue Reading
News 23 Jun 2021

Stone Group gets refurbisher status from Microsoft

Channel player will be able to add Windows 10 onto refurbished hardware and help others in the market handle their licences Continue Reading
E-Zine 04 Jun 2021

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
News 20 May 2021

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
News 11 May 2021

Workato builds a European channel

Automation specialist is investing in its platform infrastructure and expects that to translate to rising channel partner numbers Continue Reading
E-Zine 07 May 2021

MicroScope: Exploring digital metamorphosis

Digital transformation is the buzz phrase, but is it more a question of evolution? In this issue, experts weigh in on digitisation and its effect on the world of work. Also read about local broadband providers aiming to improve internet connection and productivity, and find out how to tackle sales in a post-pandemic landscape Continue Reading
News 28 Apr 2021

Red Hat CEO calls on partners to get behind hybrid cloud

Open source player is holding its Summit event, with the partner keynote session seeing CEO Paul Cormier promise more improvements for partners Continue Reading
News 27 Apr 2021

BitTitan gives partners more targets with Perspectium buy

Acquisition gives cloud migration player greater access to ServiceNow world and its partners the chance to extend their reach Continue Reading
News 20 Apr 2021

Unit4 cheers channel momentum

Figures for the first quarter reveal that the ERP player has seen triple-digit growth in the value of contracts coming from partners Continue Reading
E-Zine 09 Apr 2021

MicroScope: Chart course to Covid-19 recovery

Customers have had to react to changes caused by the pandemic, so what decisions have they made in the past year? In this issue, we explore how businesses have adapted to the new normal, different approaches to remote working, and take a look at the challenge of sustainability Continue Reading