Tag: automation

  • The Lure of Services Automation

    Mike Jude

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    I have written here and elsewhere about the desirability of services as a high-margin alternative to product sales for VARs that are seeking to increase revenues in the face of product commoditization. I have also gotten some pushback. One criticism, in particular, is that I totally disregard the cost of delivering service. Several correspondents have… Read more

  • Red Hat Announces ISV Appliance Platform

    Red Hat Announces ISV Appliance Platform

    Steven Vaughan-Nichols

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    Red Hat has delivered an early Christmas present to ISVs. At a press conference Nov. 7, the leading Linux company announced that in 2008 it will release a new appliance version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1: Red Hat Appliance Operating System. With RHAOS, and its associated SDK (software developer kit), ISVs will be able… Read more

  • MySQL Adds Automation to Enterprise Subscription Service

    MySQL Adds Automation to Enterprise Subscription Service

    Elizabeth Millard

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    Open-source database developer MySQL announced a new version of its commercial subscription service, which will feature automated technology designed to help users monitor their databases more effectively. MySQL Enterprise is available as an annual subscription in four different service tiers. The highest level, Platinum, contains components such as enterprise server software, network monitoring and advisory… Read more

  • MSP Automation Saves, While Customization Costs

    MSP Automation Saves, While Customization Costs

    Channel Insider Staff

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    When Bill Clinton ran successfully for President in 1992, he won largely on the strength of the campaign mantra, “It’s the economy, stupid.” As legend has it, this statement was posted in the war room of his campaign headquarters. All service providers should have a similar mantra if they want to be successful and sell… Read more

  • Intel Enlists Channel for Home Automation Bid

    Intel Enlists Channel for Home Automation Bid

    John Hazard

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    With the release of the Viiv entertainment computers this week, Intel Corp. will rely on its channel partners to deliver a market still new to them—home users. The Viiv platform, built on Intel’s Yonah dual-core chip technology and Microsoft’s Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, is designed to allow users to control music, video, streaming… Read more

  • Automation: What’s Good for Customers Is Good for VARs

    Automation: What’s Good for Customers Is Good for VARs

    Pedro Pereira

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    It’s tough to be a VAR in a competitive, low-margin world, so VARs have to constantly refine their business models to remain profitable. One approach, which many in the channel admit is underutilized, is to adopt the very notion VARs constantly pitch to customers: automate. That means taking customer orders and processing them electronically. But… Read more