The VAR Guy Blog

$9 Billion Cisco Opportunity: Seize Your Fair Share

• February 8, 2010

Cisco Systems recently disclosed plans to End of Life (EOL) and End of Service (EOS)

The iPad Likes to Play, But Can She Work?

• February 2, 2010

In the few days since the launch of the iPad, both naysayers and cheerleaders have had ample opportunity to either harangue or applaud Apple’s newest invention. Advocates say that the iPad’s i

FastChat Video: Sophos Channel Chief Chris Doggett

• January 28, 2010

Sponsored Video: Sophos Channel Chief Chris Doggett isn’t resting on his laurels. Only days after being promoted to VP of global channels, Doggett is flying from the U.S. to Austra

Partner Specialization: Finding the Right VAR for the Right Job

• January 11, 2010

Some industry reports are beginning to show a measured return of growth to IT budgets. But in many cases, IT l

Read the Fine Print: ISMO Is a Smarter Choice

• January 8, 2010

We are all familiar with 3rd party maintenance — and the premise that VARs can make additional residual revenue; however if we pay close attention to the ‘fine print’ in the programs and contracts, what really happens to the residual revenue and who really owns the customer? Are there options? What can VARs do to protect their revenue and cust

Yes: Rhythm Can Boost Workplace Productivity

• December 22, 2009

Getting into a rhythm is probably one of the most important disciplines a team can grasp to help their company excel. A rhythm is like going to the gym. The first week is really difficult, but if you stick with it, it will eventually pay off. Here’s how to help your company get into a rhythm for 2010.

First, set a schedule for yourself and your

Five Best Practices for Growing Your Managed Services Business

• November 19, 2009

With low barriers to entry (i.e., low up-front costs) and the potential for signficant recurring revenue, many service providers are moving into the MSP market.  But what is the key to successfully growing your MSP practice and retaining customers so they will not turn elsewhere for their IT needs?  By keeping some key best practices in mind, you

Blending Mobility with Unified Communications

• November 9, 2009

Recently listening to a group of Channel Partners with Unified Communication (UC) expertise was fascinating. Questions ranged from when it will become ubiquitous in small and medium business to the industry players that are going to make it a reality. Here’s a closer look at the conversation.

As always, my thoughts turned to the hardware side of

Dirty Little Secrets Some Online Backup Providers Don’t Tell You

• October 2, 2009

The market for  online backup and recovery has exploded. With many service providers  looking to expand their offeri

Going Virtual Opens New Business Opportunities for VARs

• September 17, 2009

There is considerable talk about virtualization in the PC market right now, especially around servers. Because virtualization is an abstract concept, end customers may be reluctant to realize its

Pervasive Computing Meets Netbooks — And Thinbooks

• June 16, 2009

For years I have been speaking about pervasive computing, the concept that technology will be ubiquitous in our everyday life. The debate has centered on whether we will focus on one powerful and flexible computing device to service all of our needs — from email, web surfing, gaming, managing personal finances to running our small business. Or wil

PCnomics: How VARs Can Thrive in Tough Economic Times

• May 11, 2009