The VAR Guy

If you thought using free software protected you from the privacy invasion and forced advertising that are often bundled with proprietary platforms, you may have thought wrong. Until recently, the alpha release of Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) sported a feature in Firefox called “Multisearch,” which modified Google searches in order to collect data about user behavior.  Here’s the story.

Hey Monty, who made key channel partner program deals for the week ending Aug. 14, 2009? Here’s a look at new alliances, reseller agreements and partner program initiatives, as tracked by The VAR Guy.

Is the Maytag repairman preparing to drive The Geek Squad off the road? Ummm… Maybe. Sears Holdings — yes, that Sears — is beta testing ServiceLive.com, an online services marketplace where all types of independent contractors can bid on projects. Yes, the service includes an area for IT pros to bid on consumer and small business work. Here’s the scoop.

Just when I was getting nervous about Dell’s Ubuntu Linux strategy, the PC giant delivered some good news at the OpenSource World conference in San Francisco, according to PC World. The Dell statements don’t address all of my concerns but they do restore my faith in Dell’s commitment to Ubuntu.

The VAR Guy has a rule: He never underestimates Microsoft. And that rule holds true for Windows Azure, the software giant’s emerging cloud platform for Windows ISVs (independent software vendors). Our resident blogger’s Azure curiosity grew considerably when The VAR Guy learned David Cutler was involved in the project. Here’s why.

Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt. The FUD is flying fast and furious around Microsoft Word today. Bloggers and IT sites are buzzing about a judge ordering Microsoft to stop selling Word. Oh my. But The VAR Guy is calling for calm and pointing readers to a voice of reason: bMighty blogger Matthew McKenzie, who offers some level-headed thoughts on the legal “controversy” surrounding Microsoft Word.

The VAR Guy spends considerable time watching Amazon Web Services and Microsoft’s emerging Windows Azure cloud strategy. But in recent days our resident blogger has noticed a pattern: RightScale, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based cloud management company with considerable buzz, seems to be connecting with the open source crowd. Here’s the scoop.

It’s official. ZaReason is launching an Ubuntu Linux netbook called the Terra A20, confirms CTO Earl Malmrose. The netbook has loads of options, including several solid state drive (SSD) configurations. Here are specifics about ZaReason’s Ubuntu netbook, plus some observations from WorksWithU.

Sure the headline is a little harsh. But let The VAR Guy explain. Red Hat is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a publicly held company. Kudos to the Linux and JBoss middleware provider. Now, the problem: Red Hat’s status as the only pure-play publicly held open source company is a troubling fact for the open source industry. The big question: Can other open source companies repeat Red Hat’s profitable, successful business model?

The Amahi Home Server, an open source system that handles a range of in-home applications, could soon run on the Ubuntu 9.04 desktop environment. Here’s the scoop and some thoughts about Ubuntu’s potential presence in the home server and media server markets.

Sometime before 2009 ends, old pals Intel and Microsoft will likely market the benefits of Intel vPro PCs and laptops running Windows 7, The VAR Guy hears. The target market: Established and aspiring managed service providers seeking to remotely maintain customer systems — for a profit. Here’s the scoop.

Alfresco, which positions itself as the open source alternative to Microsoft SharePoint, is getting very serious about the IT channel. After joining the Open Source Channel Alliance in April, Alfresco is playing an encore and expects to sign up 40 new system integrator partners in North and South America this year. Here’s the scoop.

As Windows 7′s October 22 arrival approaches, The VAR Guy is hearing more and more buzz about virtualized Windows and Linux desktops — including an imminent announcement from Red Hat. Looking ahead, our resident blogger thinks the virtualized desktop market is ripe for channel partners. Here’s why.

As Dell continues to adjust its Ubuntu system lineup, niche Ubuntu PC makers are pressing ahead with expanded Ubuntu-driven offerings. A key example: System76 has refreshed its Starling Ubuntu netbook with more memory and the company has introduced two new Ubuntu desktops. This could be the start of a busy August for Ubuntu systems: I’m expecting multiple Ubuntu netbook developments later this month.

Like many emerging technology companies, Intronis Technologies originally had a blended direct and indirect sales strategy. But going forward, the online backup and recovery SaaS specialist will exclusively sell through the channel. Here’s the scoop.

As McAfee gobbles up MX Logic in the SaaS (software as a service) security market, an MX Logic rival called Reflexion Networks pushes ahead with a pure channel partner business model. In this FastChat Video, Reflexion VP of Sales and Marketing Scott Barlow (pictured) describes his company’s market position and partner strategy.

Red Hat’s fastest-growing channel business — the JBoss middleware platform — potentially faces new competition. The aggressor is VMware, which has acquired SpringSource for $420 million. Here’s the scoop.

It’s a classic software industry strategy: Build a solution and then position it as an intuitive alternative to anything from Microsoft. To wit, Box.net says its shared content solution is a simple, cost-effective alternative to Microsoft’s super-hot SharePoint offering. Here’s the scoop.

Razorfish, one of the most famous (or infamous…) digital media brands from the dot-com era, has a new owner. Microsoft has sold the digital advertising agency to Publicis Group SA for $530 million in cash and treasury shares, according to The Wall Street Journal.

As WorksWithU reported last week and Canonical announced the following day, the company has released a new set of support services targeted at Windows and Mac OS X expatriates migrating to Ubuntu.  At first glance, the entry-level “Starter Desktop” package might appear a bit lackluster, at least to experienced Ubuntu users.  But that’s exactly what Ubuntu needs in order to break into the mainstream.  Here’s why.

As a solution provider, your business is solving your customers’ problems in the best possible way, generating the highest possible value for them and in turn, for your firm as well. Today there is a pervasive challenge that is once again becoming increasingly painful for your customers: protecting against malware. The question to ask yourself is: are you proactively helping them address this in a way that creates value?

Our sister site, MSPmentor, will host its next webcast on Aug. 19 at 2:00 p.m. eastern. During the discussion, we’ll cover six ways for MSPs (managed service providers) and VARs  find and win new business. The format will be interactive. We’ll spend roughly 10 minutes on each business and sales tip.

Hey Monty, who made key channel partner program deals for the week ending Aug. 7, 2009? Here’s a look at new alliances, reseller agreements and partner program initiatives, as tracked by The VAR Guy.