The VAR Guy

It seems every other IT article these days mentions the cloud. (I guess you can add this one to the tally as well.) But has the cloud really arrived? While the conversation around cloud computing is hot, usage is quite a bit cooler. As I stated previously in this blog, enterprises and VARs are taking their time transitioning workloads to the cloud.

When the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) wraps up in Washington, D.C., it’s a safe bet that some system builders will pack their bags and continue on to the Ingram Micro System ArchiTECHS Community Invitational (Dallas, July 14-16). Roughly 125 system builders are expected to attend the Ingram event. Here’s why.

Outsourcing firm Exxova has announced a partnership with Summit Technology to deliver hosted and managed Oracle PeopleSoft ERP solutions and services to enterprises. Here’s the scoop.

xTuple has released a new version of their flagship open-source ERP product, designed to simplify the user experience for SMBs. At the same time, the copany has launched the xTuple Cloud service, which enables companies to host their databases on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2). Here’s the scoop.

What’s worse: The iPhone 4 reception software bug… or Apple’s lame handling of the situation? As The VAR Guy analyzes Apple’s latest communications to customers, our resident blogger believes arrogance is now the Number One challenge facing one of the world’s most powerful technology companies. Here’s some analysis.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6 beta 2 is now available. The new beta reinforces Red Hat’s strategy to promote RHEL in conjunction with KVM-based virtualization. Here’s an update on the efforts.

We’ve written a lot lately about serious, geeky topics, like virtualization.  But we here at WorksWithU also like to have fun from time to time.  To prove it, here’s a look at some of the hilarious–or at least amusing–Easter eggs and other jokes hidden in Ubuntu that you may never have heard of.

The VAR Guy connected with new Trend Micro U.S. Channel Chief Stephen Mungall earlier today. Our resident blogger had two key questions: What attracted Mungall to Trend Micro? Plus, what are Mungall’s top priorities as he settles in at Trend Micro? Here’s a recap of the conversation.

The VAR Guy is set to unplug for the July 4 holiday weekend. But before our resident blogger disappears for a little R&R with his family, here are six channel partner blog entries The VAR Guy didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending July 2, 2010.

Here’s something worth thinking about: While just about every high-tech company hypes cloud computing opportunities, Apple has remained fairly silent, dare I say, apprehensive about using “cloud computing” jargon. But Apple does have some cloud services. So where is Apple headed as the rest of the world moves in to the ether? Read on…

Hewlett-Packard has completed the Palm acquisition. And if you read between the lines it sounds like HP will leverage Palm’s technology for more than smart phones and tablet computers. Indeed, HP seems poised to deploy webOS on netbooks. Here are the details.

I’ve been downplaying the story forever as friends, family and co-workers ask me “So when does the iPhone come out on Verizon?” I typically respond with “Never” and explain  how Verizon uses a different style of signal than AT&T. As a result, Apple would need to build a new phone with a new receiver for Verizon’s network. So I’ve dismissed speculation about a Verizon-oriented iPhone. Until now.

Eucalyptus Systems, the open-source private cloud platform that’s making major channel moves, has completed a $20 million round of funding led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Also part of the announcement: NEA Partner Peter Sonsini has joined the Eucalyptus board of directors. Here’s the scoop and potential implications for channel partners.

Developer Rhomobile has launched of Rhodes 2.0, an open-source, cross-platform smartphone application development framework. Key features include native mapping, faster sync, optimized native styling, and metadata framework. Better yet for smaller ISVs, it’s now available for free under the MIT license. Here’s the scoop.

It’s been quite a busy week for channel chief moves. A reorganization at Cisco Systems, a new appointment at Trend Micro, and now a new North America Channel Chief at Lenovo. Here are the details, plus a broader look at how top positions seem

Cisco Systems Global Channel Chief Keith Goodwin (pictured) set off some fireworks ahead of the July 4th weekend. In a blog post today, Goodwin announced Worldwide Partner Organization (WWPO) leadership changes that strive to “accelerate growth in FY11 and beyond.” Three well-known names now have new roles within Cisco. Here they are.

The speculation won’t go away. Several companies apparently have bid to acquire Novell. Some pundits think VMware is among the bidders. Why’s that? The short answer involves a mutual enemy called, um, Red Hat (assuming you believe the rumor). Here’s the chatter.

As Windows 7 sales kick into high gear and Microsoft begins work on Windows 8, it’s no surprise that the software giant is starting to retire many of its older operating systems. In fact, Microsoft will end support for quite a few Windows releases within days. Here’s the death, er, retirement watch…

How do you differentiate in the highly competitive PC market? Lenovo thinks it has some new answers. The PC and mobile computing giant has inked a distribution relationship with Brightpoint and launched a new Partner Services Program. Here’s what ThinkPad and Idea channel partners can expect, according to Jay McBain (pictured), director, Small and Medium Business, Lenovo Americas.

Seeking to assist its partners in becoming more adept at selling multiple networking technologies, including those in the cloud, Brocade has developed a series of specializations within its Alliance Partner Network program.

Now I don’t pretend to be some big expert on Cisco Systems, but I do know a thing or two about consumer electronics and usability. That’s why I have some strong opinions about the Cisco Cius, a Google Android-based tablet that’s expected to ship in early 2011. Cius apparently has built-in video capabilities and is designed for businesses. But here’s why I think Apple’s iPad has already beaten Cius in the corporate market.

We’ve written a lot lately about Ubuntu and virtualization in recent weeks, especially on the server.  Lest we leave desktop users out in the cold, I’d like to take a look at the current virtualization scene on the desktop, with comparisons of the major virtualization solutions and where they’re headed in the future.

Qwest Communications will leverage SaaS technology from Angel.com to power the new IVR (interactive voice response) on demand cloud-based component of its Qwest iQ Contact Center call center suite. Here’s the scoop.