The VAR Guy

Microsoft generates more than $1 billion in annual SharePoint sales. VARs are cashing in on SharePoint as well. But hackers increasingly target and attack SharePoint systems. In this podcast, Sophos Global Channel Programs Director Chris Doggett describes the security risks facing SharePoint, and some natural steps channel partners can take to protect their customers. Plus, Doggett describes how to monetize your SharePoint security practice.

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The market for  online backup and recovery has exploded. With many service providers  looking to expand their offerings and the lure of recurring revenue and low up-front costs, online backup has become a very attractive business venture. But there are some dirty little secrets VARs and MSPs need to investigate before choosing a back-end service provider.

Services is the name of the game. If you doubt that, just look at recent moves by Dell when they acquired Perot Systems, Xerox purchasing ACS, and even when HP acquired EDS last year. But what do these deals mean to IT service pros?

Consider the following scenario: mindSHIFT, a Microsoft Gold Partner, is pretty excited about Windows 7′s scheduled Oct. 22 launch. Yet mindSHIFT also is launching a cloud service that blends hosted Windows desktops with open source applications. Is this the start of a bigger trend across the IT channel?

The VAR Guy thought Cisco Systems was preparing to acquire LifeSize Communications, a tiny but fast-growing provider of video conferencing technology. But apparently the networking giant had much bigger things in mind — spending $3 billion to gobble up Tandberg. It’s an interesting move, especially when compared to Avaya’s bid to acquire Nortel’s enterprise networking business. Here’s some perspective.

If you’re at SMB Nation in Las Vegas, The VAR Guy and MSPmentor will host a Tweetup at the Riviera Hotel’s Sports Book Bar and Grill. Watch our Twitter feeds (@TheVARguy and @MSPmentor) for an invite on Oct. 2. The first 20 people who show up get a round of drinks care of The VAR Guy (just don’t ask where he got the cash…). If you’d prefer to potentially book an editorial meeting at SMB Nation simply email our resident blogger (TheVARguy [at] NineLivesMediaInc.com).

Canonical is preparing to raise the storage limit on Ubuntu One, based on beta tester feedback from those who are using the online storage system. Longer term, Canonical also is listening closely to user feedback requesting Ubuntu One support for Windows, Mac OS X and Apple iPhones. Here’s the update.

Talk about a potentially awkward moment. Last week in a Boston bar, The VAR Guy was taking interview notes on his Intel-based notebook. Sitting across the table was David Kenyon, VP of worldwide channel marketing at AMD. The VAR Guy was in the right place with the wrong silicon. But the conversation was a good one. Here’s a recap.

Talk about a disruptive solutions provider. Foehn Ltd., a UK-based systems integrator, has completed its first ever Skype for Asterisk enterprise deployment. Why should other VARs care? You’re about to find out.