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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E-Zine
03 Jul 2020
MicroScope: MSPs lend a helping hand
In this issue, read about how the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for managed services players to show their worth, and discover how the use of collaborative tools has made businesses consider how to make conference calls more engaging Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2020
Dell and Rackspace strengthen edge pitch
Vendors launch fresh products and services to make sure the channel has the answers that customers are increasingly looking for Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2020
Ingram Cloud Summit shares thoughts on the long view
Sessions at the distributor's virtual conference look beyond the current demands of the pandemic to what will be coming next Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
Ingram Micro opens its cloud marketplace up to more ISVs
Distributor will give local ISVs and channel partners the opportunity to have their own services listed on its cloud platform Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
RM hopes trading will be boosted by schools reopening
Education specialist shares a first-half trading update that shows the impact of the coronavirus Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2020
IT pros struggling to juggle Covid-19 demands with innovation agenda
The current coronavirus crisis is making life increasingly difficult for those tasked with keeping the lights on at IT departments Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2020
Channel launches continue with XTECH and D|Ops Digital
A worldwide pandemic has not dampened the entrepreneurial spirit in the channel, with a couple of well-known figures choosing to strike out with startups Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Jun 2020
MicroScope: The surge in home working
The shift by many to home working has created opportunities and challenges for the channel as it looks to help customers through the changes. Also discover the importance of diversity in your workforce, and how Covid-19 is affecting IT events Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2020
BSA shares its vision for a remote working future
Software industry group has shared its expectations from governments to support workers both now and in the future Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Coronavirus: Fujitsu adds to list of vendors increasing support for partners
Fujitsu has indicated it is taking steps to support its Select partners, and Adobe has come up with a solution to keep partners and ISVs busy during Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2020
Highlight views channel as key to revenue expansion goals
Network monitoring player makes key hire with a brief to work with partners to significantly increase revenues Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
IBM reaches out to MSPs and ISVs
Big Blue makes major enhancements to its partner programme with the aim of attracting and rewarding those that specialise in developing their own IP and providing services Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2020
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
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News
03 Apr 2020
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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News
20 Mar 2020
Cherwell extends platform depth with developer support
IT services management specialist Cherwell has launched its Marketplace as it looks to extend the options in its CORE platform Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2020
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
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Opinion
12 Mar 2020
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
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News
05 Mar 2020
Software focus spurs channel growth at IGEL
Endpoint OS specialist has seen its decision to split the hardware and software offerings deliver results, which could lead to a widening of its channel base Continue Reading
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E-Zine
03 Mar 2020
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
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News
24 Feb 2020
McAfee stresses benefits of open approach to partners
Security vendor widens its ecosystem by adding more alliance partners and developers Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2020
Ultima Labs launches to increase automation support
Ultima has set up an ISV operation to make life easier for those customers looking to embrace the fruits of greater automation Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Feb 2020
Zero clients: The future of mobile security for the channel?
As cyber attacks and security breaches continue to grow, IT managers are seeking new ways to secure their critical business data. While thin clients have been a good option in the past, they have limited benefits for remote working. That is where zero clients step in Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2020
Avaya steers channel towards cloud and SaaS
Partner programme tweaked to encourage more subscription, SaaS and cloud sales alongside new launches Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2020
Cloud tops the menu in 2020, with helpings of HCI, security and 5G
We ask the channel what technologies and trends they see dominating in 2020 – cloud tops the list, with hyper-convergence, security and 5G also featuring Continue Reading
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E-Zine
03 Feb 2020
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
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News
30 Jan 2020
Partners driving growth at Microsoft, SnapLogic and Scale Computing
A trio of vendors have shared their latest quarterly results with the channel getting a mention Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2020
Channel could benefit from SME Brexit bounce
With the UK just hours away from officially leaving the EU it looks like many SMEs are gearing up to start spending on tech Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2020
ERP specialist Symatrix steps up investment in managed services
Manchester-based business is looking to build on its existing managed services offering adding more staff to support its ambitions Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jan 2020
IT security is broken: Six ways partners can help fix it
Many organisations have numerous non-integrated security point products installed across their enterprise, the management of which is a huge challenge. Here, we discuss how partners can help their customers to adopt a more holistic approach to security Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2020
Windows 7 turn off sparks security pitches
The end of support has finally arrived and the spectre of rising security risks is likely to be a boon for the channel Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2020
Sabio continues down acquisition path with Team vision buy
Customer experience player looks to Spain for its latest acquisition opting to snap up fellow CX specialist Team vision Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2020
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
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News
06 Jan 2020
LogicMonitor planning to invest in partners
It's been almost a full twelve months since the AIOps player launched its channel programme and it is looking to build on that over the course of 2020 Continue Reading
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E-Zine
03 Jan 2020
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
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Feature
02 Jan 2020
Channel predictions: Opportunities in AI, hybrid cloud, edge and security
Some of the great and the good in the industry have shared their predictions for what they expect in 2020 Continue Reading
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E-Zine
06 Dec 2019
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
- 04 Dec 2019
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Opinion
04 Dec 2019
Why are software development houses switching to no-code?
No-code platforms for application development offer the advantages of speed and ease of use, and help firms escape developer skills shortages. Will the UK follow the Netherlands’ lead in taking up this approach? Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Nov 2019
Opportunities and threats with Microsoft 365 Business Voice
The latest announcement from Microsoft brings significant business benefits and increased revenue to its resellers Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
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
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News
13 Nov 2019
Microsoft channel needs to be talking about Business Voice
A perfect storm of market conditions are making it the right time for partners to approach customers about their unified comms and collaboration plans Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Nov 2019
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
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Opinion
07 Nov 2019
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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News
06 Nov 2019
VMware nudging partners towards SaaS model
Software and services is the way that the vendor is expecting more of its partners to go Continue Reading
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E-Zine
01 Nov 2019
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
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Opinion
30 Oct 2019
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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Opinion
29 Oct 2019
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
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News
29 Oct 2019
NetSuite makes “largest ever” investment in channel
ERP software vendor outlines new partner programme Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2019
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
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Opinion
17 Oct 2019
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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E-Zine
04 Oct 2019
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
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Opinion
03 Oct 2019
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
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Opinion
02 Oct 2019
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
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News
19 Sep 2019
Quest and SecureAuth look for growth through the channel
If you have ambitious targets to meet then there is no better way of cranking up the sales activity than deepening relationships with the channel Continue Reading
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E-Zine
06 Sep 2019
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
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News
29 Aug 2019
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
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News
23 Aug 2019
Channel advice: How to spend the holiday weeks
Staff might be coming and going topping up their tans but there is still plenty that the channel can do both internally and crucially externally with customers Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2019
IT Lab acquires Mirus IT
Managed services player with a focus on Microsoft takes revenues past the £75m mark with a move to pick up Mirus Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2019
Cyber security and the channel
Leading lights in the industry give their assessment of where the cyber security market is headed in the second half of 2019 Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Aug 2019
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
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Opinion
05 Aug 2019
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
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News
02 Aug 2019
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
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News
01 Aug 2019
Ingram Micro extends AWS relationship to cover UK&I
Distributor builds on existing US relationship to add AWS to its UK and Ireland portfolio Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2019
Microsoft's OpenAI investment a positive for developers
The $1bn multi-year investment should put Microsoft developers at the forefront of coming up with artificial intelligence tools for the Azure Cloud Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2019
Partners help Microsoft deliver solid fourth quarter
Vendor's CFO highlights the role that partners have played in the vendor's crucial fourth quarter Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Nadella: Trust has to be earned every day
Microsoft CEO uses Inspire keynote to cover the importance of building trusted relationships Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2019
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
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News
12 Jul 2019
Microsoft climbs down over IUR changes
Vendor performs a U-turn in the face of mounting partner opposition over plans to cut back software licenses for internal use Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2019
IUR row overshadowing Microsoft Inspire
Vendor's honesty about the costs of providing partners with licenses dominating the Inspire build-up Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2019
The hybrid cloud and clearing technical debt
When done properly, hybrid infrastructure can deliver efficiency, cost savings and performance, but with so many options available, good advice from a channel partner is key to achieving these benefits Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2019
OpenText: Partners in “incredible position” in post-ERP world
Channel partners should guide customers in their transition to next generation information management Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2019
OpenText looks to channel to fulfil ambitious growth
EIM software specialist OpenText reveals plans to grab enterprise market share from rivals Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Jul 2019
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
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News
09 Jul 2019
K3 boss upbeat on business transformation progress
The ERP specialist has indicated it continues to improve its fortunes, despite issuing some challenging H1 numbers Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Jul 2019
MicroScope: The effects of Brexit
Brexit is still to be delivered, but the channel has to carry on as usual – discover how executives are reacting to the effects of Brexit on business. Also read about the pros and cons of virtual storage, and how Barracuda is helping partners go further Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jul 2019
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
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Opinion
01 Jul 2019
Apstra stops the cyber criminals from loitering with intent
Intent-based networking fine-tunes all the complicated variables that influence the performance of a network infrastructure and can head off any potential cock-ups Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Jun 2019
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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News
24 Jun 2019
IoT seen as key revenue and fresh business generator
CompTIA has turned to its emerging technology community to ask what technologies are going to drive opportunities and for the second year IoT has topped the list Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jun 2019
Shifting business model to benefit from the rise in cloud
Channel partners will need to undergo their own version of digital transformation to take full advantage of the shift to cloud Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Blue Prism snaps up Thoughtonomy
Channel building intelligent automated specialist the target of an acquisition which leads to joint commitment to continue building the partner network Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
HPE to go fully as a Service
The firm has set 2022 as the deadline all of its portfolio will be available on an as a Service basis with the channel playing a key role delivering it Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2019
CRM sellers advised to push cloud offerings
With three quarters of CRM sales heading into the cloud those looking to make revenues in the market need to have a strong SaaS offering Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2019
Advanced thanks channel for delivering growth
Changing market conditions have played into the hands of software player Advanced and its partners Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2019
Splunk encouraging partners to look beyond security
The vendor's recently appointed EMEA channel boss is keen to get partners selling its technology to more than just security customers Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2019
Cisco bringing networking pros and software developers together
Vendor wants to increase levels of network automation and is rolling out certifications and training to unify the channel's networking and software expertise Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Jun 2019
MicroScope: Sourcing IT among the clouds
In this issue, discover how outsourcing is changing as the anything-as-a-service model takes off, and read about the channels promising start to the year from the viewpoint of experts Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Jun 2019
Save your tiers – Infosec 2019 could be the start of a common-sense revolution, says Becrypt
There are changes afoot in the infosecurity market, with Deep Secure seeking partners’ help in fighting the curse of steganography, Ignition Technology’s identity offering creating appeal beyond the IT department, and Becrypt taking its disk encryption and data protection products direct to resellers Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2019
GCI beefs up Microsoft skills with Modality buy
The firm has made its first acquisition since it gained access to a sizable M&A war chest last May Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
More AI education needed
CompTIA finds that many firms are in the dark over the technology and would benefit from some guidance over its advantages Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
Salesforce reaches out to ISV community
The firm has made changes to its app platform to arm ISVs with more information about how their software performs Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2019
Brexit crisis: How are businesses coping?
Theresa May’s impending departure has only deepened the confusion surrounding Brexit – so what does the business community make of it all? Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2019
Scaling new heights
In the third and final part in his series, Predatar’s Alistair Mackenzie considers the top four technological challenges businesses are likely to face when they’re looking to scale their recurring revenue model Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
Firm grip on technical asset management eluding most customers
Real time insights into the technology estate is a wish for the majority of customers but at the moment just remaining a dream which is opening up an opportunity for the channel Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Oncore IT and Node4 hit the acquisition trail
Both firms bolster their activities through purchases that will deliver unified comms for Oncore IT and SaaS skills for Node4 Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 May 2019
A bridge too VAR
The expedition from VAR to MSP is not short of challenges but, equipped with the right map, ambitious companies can feel more confident in getting past first base. In the second part of his series, Predatar CEO Alistair Mackenzie takes a closer look at the importance of a strong culture and highlights why marketing should no longer be viewed as an afterthought Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 May 2019
MicroScope: A virtual world
In this month's issue, we cover changes in distribution and the challenges being faced by those aiming to add value Continue Reading
- Opinion 03 May 2019
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News
01 May 2019
Channel hitting the SME market for Dropbox
Partners delivered growth for the content and collaboration specialist last year and the foundations are building built to support future efforts Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Apr 2019
VAR from the madding crowd
Predatar’s CEO reflects on the transformation from VAR to MSP, highlighting some of the key milestones and the obvious pitfalls to avoid Continue Reading
