Technologies

Open Source Meets Managed Services

• September 20, 2007

Sometimes The VAR Guy just can’t let go of a hunch. For a few weeks now, he’s been asking MSP platform providers if they would ever open source their software. Most MSP companies told him they haven’t considered such a strategy. That will change next week, when Untangle launches an MSP Partner Program focused on […]

Open Source Meets Managed Services

• September 19, 2007

Sometimes I just can’t let go of a hunch. For a few weeks now, I’ve been asking MSP platform providers if they would ever open source their software. The open source approach, as you likely know, would allow customers and VARs to add incremental value to MSP software components.

Neat, but most MSP companies told me they haven’t considered such a strategy. That will change next week, when Untangle launches an MSP Partner Program focused on open source network security.

Ubuntu Guide for Non-Geeks

• September 19, 2007

I have to admit: I love Ubuntu but I’m not ready to recommend it to PC novices. However, Ubuntu is making great progress and moving closer and closer to becoming a mainstream consumer operating system. A case in point: I just noticed this new book, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, Second Edition. I haven’t read it yet, […]

Losing An Open Source Friend

• September 17, 2007

The VAR Guy had mixed emotions today when he heard Yahoo acquired Zimbra, a provider of open source email and collaboration software. Over the past year, Zimbra has been on The VAR Guy’s radar multiple times. Some service providers and universities have aggressively embraced Zimbra as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Exchange in recent […]

Update: Dell's Ubuntu Strategy

• September 17, 2007

So far, so good. That statement sums up Dell’s current desktop Linux strategy, which focuses heavily on the Ubuntu operating system from Canonical. Even so, Dell representatives are careful not to hype the machines. Here’s why. “You’ve got to crawl before you can walk and run,” says John Hull, a Linux OS development manager at […]

Dell’s Desktop Linux Strategy: Slow and Steady

• September 17, 2007

So far, so good. That statement sums up Dell’s current desktop Linux strategy, which focuses heavily on the Ubuntu operating system from Canonical. Dell insiders tell The VAR Guy that reaction to the company’s Ubuntu PCs, introduced in June, has been good. Even so, Dell representatives are careful not to hype the machines. Here’s why. […]

Wall Street Journal's Mossberg Gives Ubuntu a Look

• September 13, 2007

Yes, The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg is an influential guy. He can make-or-break products with his columns and product reviews. And he has taken a look at Ubuntu. Before you slam Walt for pointing out Ubuntu’s potential weak points, I think the Ubuntu community has to take a deep breath and admit the Walt […]

Cisco VoIP Meets Asterisk Open Source

• September 13, 2007

The VAR Guy has spent considerable time wondering if — or when — Cisco was going to meld its VoIP platforms with Asterisk, the open source IP telephony platform. Turns out small integrators and consulting firms are already doing that heavy lifting. One prime example: NeoPhonetics has launched an Asterisk-based unified messaging platform that works […]

Cisco: 8 Trends Worth Watching

• September 12, 2007

The VAR Guy spent September 12 in Dublin, Ireland, locked away with Cisco Systems at the Guinness Brewery. And yes, he actually got some work done. Here are eight key takeaways from the event. 8. The Magic 50: Cisco is tracking 50 key trends that may benefit its partners. Edison Peres, VP for advanced and […]

Cisco Launches Software Partner Network; Takes Aim At Microsoft

• September 12, 2007

Cisco is launching an Industry Solutions Partner Network (ISPN), but don’t believe everything you read about the social network. For the next few weeks, many editors will likely compare ISPN to rival online systems that allow VARs to work with VARs. In reality, ISPN has a far more strategic mission. Hint: It involves Microsoft. Ultimately, […]

Cisco: Managed Service Program Coming In October

• September 12, 2007

Cisco Systems plans to roll out a worldwide managed services program in October, according to Keith Goodwin, the company’s worldwide channel chief. Goodwin made the statement during a press briefing in Dublin, Ireland, today. “The concept is to recognize the requirement to deliver a managed service rather than an on-premise solution,” said Goodwin. “For a […]

Cisco Finally Open to Open Source; Mulls Deeper Microsoft Relationship

• September 12, 2007

The VAR Guy is shocked and impressed. During several meetings with Cisco over the past year, the company made little — if any — mention of open source. But the company is finally waking up to the open source community, or at least the software community. During a chat with reporters that’s occurring right now […]

Symantec’s Thompson: “Our Job is to Out-Innovate Microsoft”

• September 11, 2007

In a private conversation with a small group of journalists at the Partner Engage conference here at the Del Coronado Hotel near San Diego, Symantec CEO John Thompson responded to a range of questions about the company’s services plans and competition. He talked extensively about the former, but dodged questions about the latter–with one exception. […]

September to Remember for Asterisk

• September 11, 2007

Sure, true fanatics are familiar with Asterisk — the open source IP telephony platform. But there are some clear signs that Asterisk is pushing beyond the open source crowd and gaining momentum within small and midsize businesses. Here are several announcements and events The VAR Guy is tracking. He thinks it’s time for solutions providers […]

Connecting the Dots: Symantec Partner Engage Kickoff

• September 11, 2007

Over 300 Symantec partners filed into the Grand Ballroom of the Del Coronado Hotel near San Diego, to the sound of “California Dreaming” piped over the sound system. (The VAR Guy would only date himself if he said he remembered when the song was first released. At least he outlived most of that band.) Nice […]