One in Five Small Businesses At Risk of Collapse According to a survey conducted by American Express, 20 percent of small businesses--the prime customers of the IT reseller channel--say they are endanger of going out of business because of the economic crisis. NetGear Cuts Earnings Outlook The networking equipment vendors says weak consumer and partner sales brought about by the weakening economy are dragging down its revenue forecasets. Apple Unveils New, Updated Laptops Oct. 14 Apple Inc will unveil its updated laptops on October 14 and they may cost less, but analysts say the company s drooping stock has already taken any change into account. IBM's Earnings Strength Calms Tech Jitters Observers believe that IBM pre-announced its earnings to quell market fears about technology in general and IBM in particular. IBM posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit and affirmed its full-year outlook, calming some of the fears of a meltdown in technology demand. Wi-Fi Security Crack Creates Ample Opportunity : Wi-Fi's WPA and WPA2 encryption systems are no longer enough to protect wireless data. Dells PartnerDirect Gaining Momentum Dell Channel Chief Greg Davis says Dell is now approving about 74 percent of deal registrations. And partners that have pursued certifications with Dell have seen their revenues from Dell sales nearly double year-over-year. Report: Supply Chain Shows PC Sales Lower Through Q1 News: IT solution providers that have noticed their PC sales are down recently are not alone. FBR Research reports that recent supply chain checks indicate that PC shipments are down and will continue to lag into Q1 of 2009. Dell Rolls Out Federal Partner Certification Dell is increasing its PartnerDirect footprint by offering a Federal Practice Certification to its IT solution provider channel partners. The new certification path for PartnerDrect solution providers marks the third for Dell and the first that focuses on a vertical industry space. Nimsoft Investment Validates Managed Services Model Despite the global financial crisis, the software company completed a $12 million round of funding led by Goldman Sachs. Insiders say deal erases any doubts that managed services is a fad. Don`t Jump for the Quantum Leap in Cryptography European scientists say they’ve successfully tested a new system that will lead to the commercialization of quantum cryptography within the next three to four years. So what? Star Trek-like security isn’t going to be a necessity anytime soon. IBM Creates Data Center Certification, New Support The New Enterprise Data Center specialization marks a turning point in Big Blue’s approach toward supporting solution providers to speed sales and growth of their businesses.

Tech Talent Shortage:
The Biggest Inhibitor to Growth

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