The VAR Guy

Seeking to build a channel — or join a partner program — but not sure where to start? Perhaps you should steal a page from NetEx, which specializes in Data Center Acceleration solutions for IP networks.

If you can sneak away from the office, feel free to join me at one or more of the following events on February 7, February 14 and March 30-April 1. Each event is designed for managed service providers, solutions providers and small business owners. The events have different themes and formats, but all of them will extensively cover the managed services space.

Our sister Web site, MSPmentor.net, has identified 100 of the world’s most progressive managed service providers. It’s called the MSPmentor 100. You’ll find a free PDF of the report in the MSPmentor Resource Center (registration required). You can read the PDF off-line at your leisure. Or, you can read individual components of the report online by visiting the MSPmentor 100 main content area.

Still skeptical about the managed service provider (MSP) market? Looking to learn from the best? Perhaps The VAR Guy’s sister site, MSPmentor, can give you a feel for the hottest trends — and players — in the MSP space. Check out the MSPmentor 100, which identifies 100 of the most progressive managed service providers in the world. The research project, published today, includes MSPs from across North America, Europe, Australia and other regions.

Cisco Systems is practicing what it preaches. For the past year, the networking giant has helped partners to recruit, retain and empower employees. Find your best talent, the networking giant said, and promote it. Cisco followed that very advice when the company named its new North American channel chief, Wendy Bahr (pictured).

Ingram Micro’s Infrastructure Technology Solutions (ITS) Division is now selling and supporting the complete line of IBM System Storage N series hardware, software and solutions for small-to-midsize enterprises (SMEs).

Mark Enzweiler, VP of North American Channel Sales at Red Hat, today unveiled the latest addition to the company’s channel strategy.

3Com finished 2006 on a high note, announcing strong quarterly results in December. Now, the company is seeking to accelerate its rebound, launching the Open Network Technology Partner Program.

Symantec caught The VAR Guy’s attention this morning when the company announced plans to acquire Altiris.