The VAR Guy

High-end TelePresence systems allow executives scattered across the world to feel as if they’re sitting across from each other in a single, virtual boardroom. But what if this next-generation video conferencing technology could be scaled down for use in your living room? Apparently, Apple is quite interested in making that dream a reality. If true, they should give Cisco Systems call.

Extreme Networks isn’t a networking giant. Instead, the company quietly focuses on four core vertical markets: Higher education, government, health care and hospitality. Think about that for a minute… At a time when everybody is concerned about an IT spending slowdown, three of Extreme’s four target markets are somewhat insulated from economic turbulence. That’s a pretty compelling message for partners seeking to maintain healthy revenue pipelines.

As The VAR Guy somewhat expected, Cisco CEO John Chambers today made cautious statements about the economy and IT spending in selected markets across the U.S. and Europe. The current economic turbulence should not be confused with the dot-com bubble bursting in 2001, but many signs indicate that we are now witnessing an IT spending slowdown.

Investors and partners are holding their breath as Cisco Systems prepares to announce quarterly results on February 6. Cisco CEO John Chambers (pictured) spooked investors during the company’s previous quarterly earnings call, when he said enterprise sales felt a bit “lumpy.” The VAR Guy spoke with several Cisco partners ahead of the latest earnings release to gather their expectations.

The VAR Guy spends ample time bashing a few Microsoft offerings (chiefly Windows Vista). But in this blog entry, he needs to tip his hat to the software giant. A small announcement between Microsoft and ShoreTel provides some big ideas for partners moving into the unified communications market. Here’s why.

Is it possible to compete below Cisco’s radar in the unified communications market? Before you answer, check out the buzz over at LifeSize Communications — which specializes in HD video conferencing technology. LifeSize appears to be carving out a healthy niche for itself as a true TelePresence alternative to Cisco Systems. Here’s how.

When The VAR Guy first heard about Cisco’s forthcoming data center push back in mid-2007, he was skeptical. What did Cisco — the wiring closet expert — know about data centers? But time and several key interviews have made The VAR Guy far less skeptical. Based on a meeting with a major Cisco partner two weeks ago, The VAR Guy is now convinced that Cisco’s Data Center 3.0 strategy is poised to succeed. Here are five reasons why.

As networks and applications converge with one another, many pundits are focused on the looming showdown between Cisco Systems and Microsoft. But there are plenty of subplots worth following in the unified networks market. One of them involves Microsoft channel veteran Steve Hale (pictured), who is quietly working to build the networking industry’s next $1 billion company.

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).

The VAR Guy hates the “R” word. Everybody seems to be talking about an imminent “recession.” A Harvard economist insists there’s more than 50 percent chance of the US heading into a recession. Hmmm. Will IT sales hold up in the small business space? Here are two quick perspectives from thought leaders at Cisco Systems and Autotask (a leading managed service platform provider).