The VAR Guy

A couple weeks ago, I wrote some posts on GNOME Shell which included a number of criticisms of the desktop environment that will likely become Ubuntu’S default at some point in the future.  Jon McCann, lead designer for GNOME Shell, recently got in touch to offer his responses to the problems I found with the new interface.  Here’s what he had to say.

A growing list of circumstantial evidence suggests Microsoft is preparing BPOS Lite, a small business version of the software company’s SaaS application platform. The move could help Microsoft to (A) provide a migration path from Microsoft Small Business Server while (B) strengthening Microsoft’s competitive hand against Google Apps. But where will channel partners potentially fit in? Here’s some perspective.

Here’s an interesting twist: Behshad Behnam, a veteran of hosted Exchange and SaaS-centric companies, has joined Open-Xchange to help drive the open source email company’s U.S. partner program. Here are the details.

One of the lesser-discussed changes to the default Ubuntu application stack for Lucid is the addition of gbrainy to the GNOME games suite.  Wondering what gbrainy’s all about?  Here’s a look.

The VAR Guy got caught in a time warp this week, hanging out near WKRP in Cincinnati. But here’s the twist: Whether it’s old media or new media, all media requires plenty of personality to thrive. And it helps to have a gossip monger like The VAR Guy or Herb Tarlek around for some colorful commentary. With that thought in mind, here are six channel partner blog entries The VAR Guy didn’t have time to write for the week ending April 2, 2010.

Chances are you already know Dot Hill Systems Corp. — but perhaps not by name. The storage specialist has a solid track record working behind the curtains with big-name OEMs. Now, Dot Hill wants to step into the spotlight with an expanded channel program, and disk-to-data protection appliances for small and midsize businesses. Can Dot Hill stand out in the crowded storage and disaster recovery markets? Here are some clues from The VAR Guy.

I’m sure you busy VARs can kick back for a minute and listen to the buzz, right? With the iPad debuting April 3, it’s no wonder that notable reviewers have already gotten their hands on the tablet computer. Lots of the reviews are long and lengthy, but here are the highlights…and my critiques…

Transcend Information, the storage and RAM specialist, has joined forces with Tech Data. The new ‘strategic partnership’ is designed to proliferate Transcend’s line of products through France. Here’s the deal on the deal…

Data storage application vendor Unitrends has launched a cloud-based disaster recovery service for resellers. Rather than push all your stored data back to you over IP when calamity strikes, Unitrends will actually rush customers a brand new appliance fully loaded with your sensitive data. Here’s the scoop.

It’s still too early for open source application providers to declare victory in the IT channel. But a growing number of open source application providers — from Alfresco to Zimbra — continue to gain momentum with VARs and solutions providers. Here are the details.

The VAR Guy continues to keep a close eye on Microsoft’s cloud strategy, which includes BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite). Our resident blogger was curious to know if Microsoft would add horizontal applications like online backup to BPOS. Microsoft answered that question. And the software giant further clarified its SaaS and cloud strategy for Exchange 2010 and SharePoint 2010. Here are the details.

Kleiner Perkins, the famed venture capitalist, is pumping $200 million dollars into their ‘iFund’ — which is designed for companies that develop Apps for Apple. Anyone who isn’t taking the iPad seriously yet might want to take a closer look at Kleiner Perkins’ strategy. Here’s why.

When it debuts in a few weeks, Ubuntu 10.04 will bring some major changes in the form of a new theme, changes to window titlebars and the advent of the Ubuntu One Music Store.  But that’s not all that’s new.