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secure channel

Security Hardware + Services = Sustained Profitability?
Security hardware vendors are trying to reverse the slide in appliance sales and margins by marrying cloud-based services to the on-premise box. While it sounds like a good deal, solution providers should examine the go-to-market structure to ensure they're getting a sustainable share of the business.

certifications

7 Vendor Tech Certifications End Users Love
Technical certifications are a major factor in end users' selection of solution and service providers. Channel Insider and Amazon Consulting asked more than 200 enterprise and midmarket purchases which vendor certifications they value the most when selecting a solution provider. Here are the top seven.

[CI] blog topics

security

Study: Where Security
Help Is Needed Most
Enterprises to small businesses are facing a increasing number of threats and risk exposure, and they're often ill-equipped to deal with security problems, according to a new survey by CompTIA. Here's where solution providers can help rescue end users from their security woes.

Events

CompTIA Breakaway 2009
Resellers, solution providers and integrators gather for networking, collaboration and education sessions.
August 3-6, Las Vegas
MSPWorld Las Vegas
Join managed and solution service providers for discussions on service delivery, best practices, profitability and partnership.
November 12-13, Las Vegas



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    Seven Musts to Drive DR Plan
    Developing an effective strategy to address myriad security threats takes time, personnel and a significant monetary investment. Here are seven steps Accenture says you can take to help you and your customers develop a holistic strategy.
    >> Continue Reading

    Watching Old Friends Become Enemies

    Cisco says its unified computing systems -- or virtualized blade servers -- are not intended to compete with existing server offerings by Dell, Hewlett-Packard and IBM. Not only are they a competitive offering, but an example of how vendors are pushing into adjacent markets and turning old friends into enemies.

    Technology Spending Growth to Return in Q4

    Forrester Research says that IT spending took a harder hit than expected in the first half of 2009, but IT spending growth will return in Q4 and will continue in 2010. The report aligns with another recent report from Gartner that shows a return of PC sales growth in Q4. Declines are still forecast for the full year of 2009.

    Delaying PC Purchases Cost SMBs More in the Long Run

    Small and midsized businesses looking to save money on their IT budgets may be costing themselves more by delaying new PC purchases, according to a new study. Older PCs cost businesses more in ongoing maintenance costs, lower productivity, security breaches and system failures than newer computers -- in some cases over $700 more a year.

    Insider`s View of the Mind of the Midmarket IT Executive

    To win midmarket IT customers, you must understand how those IT executives think and who they rely on for advice.

    PC Sales Growth to Return in Q4, but ASPs Still Pressured

    Personal computer unit sales are now expected to turn around in Q4 from a decline to positive growth, paving the way to a healthy market recovery in 2010. ASPs remain under pressure, but pent-up demand is expected to fuel a computer refresh cycle in 2010 and 2011, according to Gartner, creating a brighter picture for PC makers like Dell, HP, Acer and Lenovo.

    Top 10 Most Profitable Vendor Certifications

    Solution providers that invest in vendor technical certifications are more profitable, sell more complex systems and have better relationships with their customers, according to the new Channel Insider/Amazon Consulting certification study. But not all vendor certifications have the same ROI. The following vendors have the best certifications for return on their partners’ investment.

    Microsoft Not First with Free Anti-virus Protection

    While Microsoft Security Essentials promises basic malware protection for free, several security vendors already offer free versions of their software to stimulate interest in their products and open opportunities for partners.

    Netbook or Notebook? Many Consumers Don't Know the Difference

    Sure, netbooks are portable and convenient. But plenty of consumers still don't realize there is a difference between traditional laptops and netbooks--and some are ultimately disappointed by the performance of their systems. Traditional notebooks offer better performing processors, more applications and the full computer experience.

     

    [ci] commentary: Carolyn April

    Managed Services: Time to Grow Up?
    Supposedly everybody's doing it, but when it comes to reaching the full potential of the managed services business model, the industry is still in its infancy.

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    Best Free Antivirus Apps
    Microsoft isn’t the first vendor to offer free antivirus software to consumers and small businesses. Several vendors have free general available versions of their malware protection suites. Their strategy: get customers interested and open opportunity to partners. Here are few worth free AV packages worth considering.
    View Slideshow

    Top 10 Most Profitable Vendor Certifications
    Solution providers that invest in vendor technical certifications are more profitable, sell more complex systems and have better relationships with their customers, according to the new Channel Insider/Amazon Consulting certification study. But not all vendor certifications have the same ROI. The following vendors have the best certifications for return on their partners’ investment.
    View Slideshow
    The IT industry is in the midst of a mass metamorphosis. Lines are blurring between networking technologies, storage, servers, software and telephony. Vendors that represent the tried and true establishment in one discipline are now making hard-right turns into new, largely unfamiliar and often competitive markets. Read on to see just a few of the major convergence plays of the last year.
    View Slideshow