Cloud

Box.Net Integrating with ConnectWise, Autotask

• June 19, 2009

Back in March 2009, I heard managed service providers were recommending Box.net as a tool for businesses to easily but securely share files with selected clientele. Now comes word that Box.net is working to integrate its software with ConnectWise and Autotask within the next month. Here are some quick details.

Why Scrum Software Development Rules

• June 18, 2009

The waterfall method of development is as old as time itself.  For those unfamiliar, waterfall is a production process in which the development of a product takes place in sequential stages. It has served as a ubiquitous framework for production in various industries. Most notably, waterfall has been the go-to method for development teams in […]

Managed Services APIs: Six Questions You Need to Ask

• June 18, 2009

Consider the following scenario. You’re a managed service provider that leverages a mix of RMM (remote monitoring and management), PSA (professional services automation), storage and security services software. Now, you want to tie all of those applications together.

Should You Join Yet Another Partner Program?

• June 17, 2009

HP Servers and Ubuntu: Reading Between the Lines

• June 17, 2009

You can’t be half-pregnant. And Hewlett-Packard can’t be half-committed to Ubuntu Server Edition. Over the next few months, I think you’ll see HP make a far more comprehensive commitment to Canonical’s Linux server strategy. Here’s why.

Australia: N-able Pushes SaaS Managed Services

• June 17, 2009

Australia’s managed services market continues to grow up rapidly. The latest example: N-able says its hosted N-supportPro software is now available in Australia and New Zealand. It’s the latest in a series of MSP software company efforts down under. Here’s some perspective. According to N-able: N-supportPro can also be used to remotely support desktops, notebooks, […]

IBM's Cloud Will Feature Ubuntu

• June 15, 2009

When IBM announces its Smart Business cloud computing strategy on June 16, Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux distribution will be along for the ride. The news represents IBM’s latest vote of confidence in Ubuntu, amid growing evidence that Canonical and Ubuntu are finding a home in cloud computing. Here’s the scoop.

Microsoft xRM: The Next Platform as a Service?

• June 15, 2009

If you’re a Microsoft partner, you likely know about the software giant’s Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) and hosted Dynamics CRM plans. But Microsoft’s software as a service (SaaS) strategy doesn’t end there. The company also is working on a platform as a service (PaaS) called xRM.

Symantec: Late or Early to SaaS?

• June 12, 2009

The VAR Guy thinks Symantec didn’t hear the first Software as a Service (SaaS) wake-up call. But the security and storage company is finally making some SaaS noise, and Wall Street is pleased to hear it. Here’s where Symantec could be heading next with SaaS and cloud computing.

Tech Data: We Won’t Emulate Ingram Micro Seismic

• June 12, 2009

Even as Tech Data inks reseller relationships with managed services software providers, the distributor has no plans to emulate rival Ingram Micro’s Seismic master managed services strategy, according to eChannel Line.

Microsoft: Waking Up to Managed Services?

• June 12, 2009

Another sleeping giant is waking up to the managed services opportunity.

Cloud Services: Stretching From Asia to North America?

• June 10, 2009

Two major cloud services developments in Asia — involving large service providers and Google Apps rival Zoho — have captured The VAR Guy’s attention. If you’re a VAR trying to track turnkey SaaS (software as a service) offerings, keep an eye on Zoho’s work in Asia. Our resident blogger believes similar cloud trends will unfold in Europe and North America. Here’s the scoop.

Google Apps for Resellers: Update

• June 9, 2009

During the recent IO Developer Conference in San Francisco, Google Channel Manager Jeff Ragusa (pictured) offered an update on the Google Apps Reseller program (see video below). But that’s not all. During a separate webcast today, Google gave participants an update on the Google Apps Enterprise strategy. Here’s the scoop.

1,000 Google Employees Focus On Enterprise SaaS

• June 9, 2009

Google’s march beyond the search engine market continues. The latest proof: Google now has more than 1,000 employees focused on a Google Apps for Enterprise push, according to a Webcast briefing Google hosted earlier today.

IBM Launches Social Network for Partners

• June 9, 2009

As part of an global channel partner briefing, IBM CEO Sam Palmisano (pictured) and IBM Global Business Partners GM Rich Hume today launched PartnerWorld Communities. The social network is designed to accelerate partner collaboration and channel-driven business deals. Hmmm. Does the channel really need yet another social network community?