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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E-Zine
02 May 2025
MicroScope: Getting partner programmes right
Partner programmes promise support and benefits, but there’s a real need to recognise true value and reward channel players that go the extra mile. Also read about encouraging partners to make the move away from PSTN, and how it’s time for a rethink on refurbished tech Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2025
Channel catch-up: News in brief
Developments this week at Datatonic, Parallels, Central Technology Group, Cowbell and FiberLocator Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
28 Jan 2022
Capita offloads Trustmarque
Divestment strategy continues with sale of software and services player as Capita prunes its portfolio Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
08 Apr 2021
Stone gets Microsoft thumbs-up and Redstor adds Azure support
Stone has been recognised for its position in the education market and Redstor is becoming a greater source of support for Microsoft partners Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2021
ValueLicensing seeking £270m in lost sales from Microsoft
Pre-owned software reseller goes to High Court in attempt to get Microsoft to reverse its stance on perpetual licence ownership changes Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Unit4 reaches out to developers to support ERPx
Firm cuts the ribbon on its next-generation enterprise resource planning offering with a programme specifically designed to increase developer activity Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2021
Ultima CEO talks of digital strategy
With the recent deal for cloud services player Just After Midnight in the bag, Scott Dodds is looking ahead to carving out more digital transformation business Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2021
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
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News
30 Mar 2021
K3 continuing to reshape the business
Firm shares its full-year numbers with a determination to continue the focus on IP and global accounts Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
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
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News
08 Mar 2021
Sabio moves for Salesforce partner makepositive
Customer experience specialist Sabio again turns to acquisition as a route to expanding its capabilities and market reach Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Mar 2021
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
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Feature
02 Mar 2021
Five-minute interview: Matt Nicholson, Trustwave
Matt Nicholson, EMEA channel manager at Trustwave, tells MicroScope about his early start in the channel but reveals he’s not a natural early riser Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
SAP channel consolidation continues as Sapphire buys InCloud
Sapphire Systems has moved for InCloud Solutions in a bid to add more depth to its cloud ERP expertise Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
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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News
11 Feb 2021
Microsoft encourages more co-sell in programme updates
Vendor is keen to unify its programmes and put more partners in front of each other and customers Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Feb 2021
MicroScope – February 2021: The forecast on channel security
MicroScope asks experts to share their opinions on what lies ahead for the channel in the security market, along with their predictions for what upcoming threats to expect. Also read about how the managed service community helped to keep SMEs afloat during Covid-19, and how to arm the business with the best IAM tools for remote working Continue Reading
- 04 Feb 2021
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Opinion
18 Jan 2021
The cyber security channel – what’s in store for 2021?
Ben Richardson, head of channel EMEA at Forcepoint, shares his thoughts about what cyber security could look like in the year ahead Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2021
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
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News
14 Jan 2021
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
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News
08 Jan 2021
Intel unifies partner programmes
Vendor hoping simplicity and increased support in a fresh partner programme will benefit its channel Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Jan 2021
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
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Feature
21 Dec 2020
2020: A year of accelerated change in the channel
A look back over some of the main themes of a year that will be long remembered thanks to the pandemic Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
Subscription model predicted to increase
Those looking ahead have already tipped increases in flexible consumption models as one of the main features of 2021 Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2020
Bytes IPO over subscribed
Business valued at approximately £646.6m as it marks a successful IPO with conditional trading starting on the LSE Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2020
AWS channel chief: Partners key to growing the business
Public cloud giant Amazon Web Services’ channel chief speaks of the importance of partners and the acceleration of cloud adoption during the coronavirus pandemic Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2020
AWS rolls out fresh programmes and competencies
Cloud giant uses partner slot at Re:Invent to share its ambition to support ISVs and give partners the chance to gain more competencies Continue Reading
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E-Zine
04 Dec 2020
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
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Podcast
01 Dec 2020
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
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News
20 Nov 2020
Automation driving the strategy at Ultima
Channel player has been a firm advocate of automation technology and is now sharing its expertise across the channel Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
Insight urges customers to examine costs closely before cutting jobs
Channel player is concerned customers are laying off IT staff when savings could be made elsewhere in the business Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
DWS snaps up Giacom
Cloud marketplace player Giacom sells up to Daisy-owned Digital Wholesale Solutions Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Nov 2020
Why consultation helps IT service providers keep customers for longer
Managed service providers need to focus on the ‘partner’ aspect of their role, says Mav Turner, group vice-president of products for SolarWinds MSP Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2020
Centreon looks for UK growth via the channel
Software player shares an ambition to grow its business here and to do so by working with resellers and MSPs Continue Reading
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E-Zine
06 Nov 2020
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
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News
03 Nov 2020
CDW Q3 numbers show coronavirus impact
Channel player saw corporate and SME sales dip as the recovery from the worst of the pandemic continued Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2020
Bytes signals flotation ambitions
Channel player Bytes looks to split from South African owners and go it alone as a public company Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
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
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News
16 Oct 2020
‘As a service’ a critical part of the Nuvias strategy
The distributor is continuing to develop its services options for resellers in an area of the market that is gaining more attention Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2020
NetSuite upbeat over channel progress
Cloud ERP specialist has seen partner numbers increase in the 18 months since it launched its latest channel programme Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2020
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
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News
12 Oct 2020
Nutanix looks for GSI growth
Pressure is increasing to demonstrate to customers that cost savings can be realised quickly, according to the GSI leader at Nutanix UK Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
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
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E-Zine
02 Oct 2020
MicroScope: Get in touch with remote network security
In this issue, find out how the security channel has been working to ensure the network safety of remote workers during the pandemic. Also read about how flash-based storage is being enhanced to include ground-breaking technology using helium and DNA, and discover how data is the key to encryption Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2020
Content+Cloud emerges out of IT Lab and Content & Code merger
Newly formed entity will be one of the largest MSPs in the UK providing Microsoft cloud services to customers Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2020
Shift to home working exposes virtual app opportunity
Cameyo is signalling the chance for partners to add some value for those customers that are not prepared to go fully into a virtual desktop deployment Continue Reading
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News
04 Sep 2020
Mendix increases channel investment
Low-code player sets out plans to expand its marketplace in the new year to offer partners more apps and ISVs a chance to get more involved Continue Reading
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E-Zine
04 Sep 2020
MicroScope: Reach out to resellers
In this issue, discover how the channel is making sure the human touch is maintained during the pandemic, with insight into how closer bonds can be developed and on how to maintain productivity. Also read about how 'hybrid working' is set to shape the future of the workplace Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2020
Quest picks up Microsoft gold partner Binary Tree
The two firms combined will be able to offer a greater depth of migration support to customers Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2020
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
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News
28 Aug 2020
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
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Opinion
28 Jul 2020
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
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News
23 Jul 2020
Business Cloud growth drives Sage recurring revenues
Software player Sage is on a mission to become a SaaS player, and its third quarter update has indicated the progress made so far Continue Reading
