Channel News Briefs: Week of Nov. 9

OpenDNS Delivers New Capabilities to MSPs

OpenDNS, a provider of cloud-delivered security, has unveiled new capabilities that allow managed service providers (MSPs) to automate common tasks associated with deploying and managing security across their customer base. The new “Centralized Settings” feature multiple new controls that enable MSPs to improve their operational efficiency and profitability.

Critical tasks such as applying and managing security policy settings across dozens or hundreds of customers can now be done in seconds, instead of minutes or hours, said the company. Other improvements include easier creation of branded block pages, customized security settings, and Web filtering bundles in the Umbrella MSP console.

Westcon Group Signs Agreement with SafeNet

Westcon Group has signed a North American distribution agreement with SafeNet. Under the agreement, Westcon’s North American reseller partners have access to SafeNet’s authentication, encryption and crypto-management product portfolio. There were 237 breaches that compromised more than 175 million customer records of personal and financial information worldwide in the second quarter of 2014, according to the SafeNet Break Level Index (BLI). During the first half of 2014, more than 375 million customer records were stolen or lost as a result of 558 breaches globally, according to SafeNet. As part of Westcon Group’s Security Solutions Practice portfolio, SafeNet solutions are available immediately.

CMR Launches Partner Program

Computer Market Research (CMR), a provider of Web-based channel management solutions, has launched its CMR Partner Program for channel-focused agencies and consultants that are interested in a partnership with CMR. Approved partners get immediate access to an online portal that includes white-label agreements, referral agreements, product literature, white papers and marketing content.

The portal also offers an opportunity registration module that allows partners to register new leads and request Web-based training from CMR. The new program is hosted on PartnerPortal, an online hub for channel programs used by clients. PartnerPortal supports a variety of channel management modules such as co-op/MDF, deal registration, rebates and partner sign-up.

IndependenceIT Upgrades Cloud Workspace Suite

IndependenceIT, a software provider of IT management solutions for application and desktop-as-a service (DaaS) delivery, has released its next-generation Cloud Workspace Suite (CWS) with end-to-end automation for ease-of-use.  With the new release, the company claims the first automated virtual data center (VDC) deployment, delivering a fast and easy workspace-as-a-service platform.

Other new capabilities include the universal service broker that manages virtual VLAN deployments for the customer by creating rules that pertain to a specific customer instead of network layer rules, enhanced end-user self-support features including more granular controls, and a private application catalog for IT service providers that allows them to further personalize their own instances of CWS for customizable partner-managed application suites. IT service providers and administrators can select their preferred cloud infrastructure for globally accessible workspaces across single or multiple clouds.

NaviSite Expands Channel Partner Program

NaviSite, a Time Warner Cable Company and provider of enterprise-class hosting, managed applications, managed messaging and managed cloud services, has added 10 master agents to its partner network.

They are ChaseTek, CNSG, Connectivity Source, Glacier Communications,One Connect, Subsidium, Synnex, Telarus, Teledomani-MPG, Telegration and VGE. They join Avant, Intelisys, TBI and WTG to offer NaviSite’s suite of managed services, as well as Time Warner Cable’s telecommunications solutions, to agents, resellers and end users. New partner program enhancements provide greater resources to NaviSite’s master agents including a partner portal content management system and enhanced training capabilities. The company also recently launched a sub-program that focuses on software-as-a-service providers.