The VAR Guy

In separate moves, Canonical and Novell are taking steps to bolster their respective Linux training and certification efforts. Here’s a look at the moves, and the implications for channel partners.

Just in time for 3DTV (no joke, Norton), Microsoft is set to launch a Digital Home competency for channel partners in May 2010, according to documentation on the company’s Web site. The Digital Home channel initiative is part of a broader Microsoft Partner Network competency overhaul. Here are the details.

CompTIA, an association serving IT vendors, users and solutions providers, seems to be making progress with a Security Trustmark accreditation program. To wit, a dozen new companies have earned the CompTIA Security Trustmark. Here’s the update.

Somehow in the last few years the term “Reseller” has become an insult.  It’s not enough anymore to just sell a product, now to be a true Value Added Reseller (VAR) partners must provide services.  None of this is news but many partners are promoting themselves as a VAR when they may still be just a, dare I say it, Reseller.

Conventional wisdom says Linux application developers are most cozy with distribution specialists like Red Hat, Novell and Canonical. But the folks at Cisco Systems seem to be getting tighter with the Linux developer community, thanks to the so-called AXP (Application eXtension Platform) developer contest. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

During the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas, I spoke with CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. We discussed the CompTIA Security Trustmark accreditation, which is designed for VARs, managed service providers, solutions providers, IT vendors and end-users. Biddle explained the difference between security certification and security accreditation, and he provided some clues about where CompTIA is heading next with its accreditation programs.

 

 Podcast: Security Accreditation for VARs and MSPs [7:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Asterisk industry seems to be answering a loud, global call for open source IP PBX training. While Digium has started planning for the annual AstriCon conference, solutions providers and training centers are striving to educate the masses about the open source IP PBX. Here are some perspectives.

After Canonical launches Ubuntu 9.04 on April 23, the company will play an encore by launching a series of training courses — for Ubuntu Server Edition and even cloud computing. Here’s the scoop, only from The VAR Guy.

Some skeptics think IT certifications aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. But in reality, some certifications actually help to create massive partner and customer ecosystems. Skeptical? Consider the situation at Red Hat, which has certified nearly 40,000 professionals on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

The VAR Guy spends considerable time blogging about the emerging open source IT channel. But he can’t ignore Microsoft’s continued channel dominance. The software giant starting this week is hosting more than 175 partner-focused events in North America. The effort will culminate at Tech•Ed in May. Here’s the scoop.

When it comes to building secure IT solutions, who can you trust? CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is striving to define the answer. The IT association (best known for its A+ and Network+ certifications) appears to be gaining traction with its Security Trustmark accreditation. Here’s the scoop.

During a phone conversation yesterday, a trusted source discussed open source and Linux certification with The VAR Guy. It was an interesting chat, but our resident blogger is looking further down the road and expects Asterisk certification to be the next big trend for VoIP solutions providers. Here’s why.

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) has updated its Network+ certification exam for 2009. The association says more than 235,000 IT professionals are Network+ certified. Alas, The VAR Guy isn’t one of them. But perhaps it’s time for our resident blogger to brush up on his skills…

A tiny but strategic Silicon Valley company is helping Microsoft to certify open source applications for Windows Server 2008. It’s a super-smart move by Microsoft, The VAR Guy believes, as the software giant strives to compete effectively with Linux and ensure Windows Server remains popular in the age of open source.

Here’s an interesting debate: Assume your company employs one of the sharpest Cisco gurus in the region. Would you keep this pro’s credentials a secret — so that rivals don’t try to steal him — or would you promote the guru’s expertise in a bid to win more business?

Seven printing and document imaging companies—from Canon to Xerox—are working with CompTIA to design a new vendor-neutral certification for VARs and integrators.