The VAR Guy

The latest beat on the Apple rumor street is that the iPad 3 may look almost identical to the iPad 2. That is, save for the gorgeous retina screen and upgraded internals. Pictures of an iPad 3 shell have been leaked, suggesting a few moves by Apple that could be more interesting than an upgraded CPU. Here are the details …

Smaller channel programs are getting makeovers in 2012. We recently looked at Logitech’s burst of VAR love and channel improvements coming to D-Link VARs, and now networking company ZyXEL Communications is working its VAR mojo by adding a new incentive-based loyalty program to its channel partner program.

Google Chrome, the browser that spun off the sensation of Chrome OS and more, is now coming to that other ubiquitous Google platform, Android. Why? How? What? It’s not that complicated, it’s just a browser. Here’s what Android devices can look forward to.

F5 Networks continues to build out its virtualization prowess — fresh on the heels of its video tutorial portal for VMware View news, the company announced its BIG-IP products now support a wide swath of existing VDI infrastructure technology. Can you say “optimization”?

Tech Data is focusing even more on its mobility business with a new presidential appointment. Joseph H. Quaglia has been named president of Tech Data’s TDMobility sector. Here’s a quick look at Quaglia and the future of Tech Data’s offerings …

Turn the wayback machine to August 2011 and you’ll remember ADARA Networks crossed over from direct sales to 100 percent channel. After that bold move, ADARA then teamed up with Tech Data to help distribute its wares deeper in the channel. Well, ADARA Networks has seen such rapid growth it’s beefing up its channel program and going exclusive with Tech Data. More details are coming up …

Data is a powerful thing, but having it is only part of what makes data powerful — you have to be able to make sense of it. SAP’s HANA platform has been available to large enterprises looking for that all-important data analysis, but now SAP is making that technology available to the SMB and SME community with SAP HANA Edge, and it’s exclusively through the channel. Read on for the details …

Multimedia peripheral company Logitech has welcomed more than 120 VARs into its U.S.-based reseller program, Logitech for Business. We’ve already noticed Logitech’s expanded presence in the unified communications (UC) world thanks to its relationship with Jenne Inc., so what does Logitech’s growing partner program mean for the channel? We got fresh perspective coming up …

The mobile world is dominating every nook and cranny of the rest of the IT world. Another shining example: Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be coming to a tablet near you, sometime in Q2 2012. If analyzing your business analytics on the go is a priority, then get excited for this …

Sometimes the world of technology gets a little … technical. But it’s all worth understanding. Case in point: EMC’s new VFCache. It’s going to bring supercharged caching capabilities to servers for anything from storage, database needs or even application performance. How does it all work? Through a PCI Express slot, of course.

The file system is the lifeblood of a modern desktop operating system, so the ability to wield such power should come as easily as possible. For Windows 8, Microsoft took the task of revamping the file management to heart, listening to direct user feedback via the Building Windows 8 Blog to retool the user experience. Chances are, you’ll love the new changes …

Motorola Mobility, which is about to be acquired by Google, has made another less-than-stellar public move: The company accidentally sold refurbished Xoom tablets with old user data at the bargain site Woot.com. That’s kind of a big deal. So now what?

Not too long ago there was a rumor going around that Apple would release an A5 CPU-powered MacBook Air. Presumably, it would be super power-efficient, potentially running some special version of OS X. But it looks like that was a completely bogus claim: According to some Citigroup analysts who spoke to Apple CEO Tim Cook, there likely won’t be such a thing. But the iPad may start to get more powerful …

If you’re an F5 VAR and/or VMware VAR, and you’ve been cross-pollinating F5 and VMware solutions, things are about to get even easier. F5 Networks has launched a web portal featuring tutorial videos specifically outlining key ways to leverage VMware View with F5 Networks technology. Here’s the rundown …

Dot Hill, the company behind the AssuredSAN storage system, wants to assure all owners of the AssuredSAN storage system that their investment will be completely assured. Thus, enter the Dot Hill one-year-free, on-site-support initiative. If you’re sure you want to know more, rest assured, the full details of the AssuredSAN storage support program are surely coming up.

If you’re a VAR who just can’t get enough of the channel, Tech Data has something to satisfy your craving. The distributor is now publishing a digital edition of Authority magazine, and it’s designed to be “a wealth of expertise” on all things emerging in the channel. If thumbing through channel news sounds like your idea of fun, then it’s about to get better …

Apple’s Software Update application is one of the nicest things about OS X. You’re kindly alerted to a new update and can install at your leisure. But Apple slipped up Feb. 1, 2012, with the latest OS X Lion 10.7.3 update. Some users are reporting unsavory effects, the worst of which is heavy application crashing. But never fear, we’ve got the details on how to avoid any hiccups during your OS X update…

Riverbed, the company behind the Steelhead line of WAN optimization networking appliances, has simultaneously launched a series of enhancements to its Riverbed appliance and introduced a whole new product family, Granite, specifically designed for storage optimization. VARs hungry for optimal optimization might want to give Riverbed’s new offerings a look …

It’s a match made in unified communications (UC) heaven: ShoreTel announced it is acquiring hosted UC company M5 Networks. With two big UC companies merging their resources, what can we expect to get?  Quite a wedding. Check it out …

If you’re a Citrix partner itching for some big changes but aren’t sure of your next step, Citrix has that figured out for you. Introducing the Citrix Academy — much more than a partner portal.  Here’s what partners should know …

CommVault, the company behind the Simpana storage management software, is announcing a slew of enhancements to its flagship product. These updates focus on reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of data management and compliance requirements. I spoke to CommVault’s Jeff Echols, senior director of marketing, cloud strategies and alliances, about the new updates. Here are the details …

More evidence is building that Google will likely use Motorola Mobility as its personal manufacturing arm, once the acquisition is complete. The latest clue is the rumor that Nikesh Arora, senior VP and chief business officer at Google, will eventually head up Motorola Mobility. If it’s true, such a move would be quite telling of Google’s plans.

Avnet continues to expand its presence through acquisitions, and this time, the distributor has scooped up IT hardware, services and lifecycle management company Canvas Systems. How will Canvas System’s augment Avnet’s offerings? Read on for the details.

If you’re experiencing déjà vu, it’s completely normal. In December 2011 Avnet acquired Nexicore, which offers aftermarket technology services with a focus on electronic repair. Avnet is expanding that branch of “recycling” technology with the Canvas Systems acquisition. Canvas Systems focuses on “services that span the IT lifecycle,” which simply means it can help users make the most of their existing hardware. The company provides risk assessment, ensuring customers can migrate, upgrade or “refresh their data center infrastructure,” at as little cost and with as few problems as possible.

While Nexicore has become part of Avnet’s Integrated Resources, Canvas Systems will fall under Avnet’s Technology Solutions arm. Avnet plans on using Canvas Systems’ resources to build out “best in class solutions that help our business partners,” said Jeff Bawol, president of Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. Canvas Systems will be immediately accretive to Avnet’s earnings, but Avnet did not publish how much it will lay out to acquire Canvas Systems. However, Canvas Systems raked in nearly $122 million in its fiscal year 2011.