The VAR Guy rarely shows up for scheduled Podcast calls, but we still manage to interview thought leaders who are shaping the next generation IT channel. Tune in each week for a new edition of The VAR Guy Live: Podcast Edition. And check out MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition for weekly discussions about the managed services market. You can also find our podcasts on Apple iTunes. For questions or to potentially appear in a podcast, email joe [at] ninelivesmediainc.com.
A so-called Master ISMO (independent service and maintenance organization) can help VARs generate recurring revenue from a range of opportunities. But what are those revenue opportunities? And how can solutions providers become certified ISMOs? In this podcast, ServiceKey VP and co-owner Angela Vines (pictured) provides some timely answers and clear advice to solutions providers.
It has been roughly a month since Tech Data launched Open Tech — an open source channel partner initiative. Why is the big distributor interested in the open source market? And how is Open Tech performing so far? I caught up with Tech Data VP Stacy Nethercoat for answers.
More >Most VARs have already cashed in on security basics like anti-virus software. So what hidden up-sell opportunities can VARs still uncover? Trend Micro’s T.J. Alldridge offers seven up-sell security tips for VARs and managed service providers in this podcast. Here’s a look at the minute-by-minute conversation:
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Microsoft generates more than $1 billion in annual SharePoint sales. VARs are cashing in on SharePoint as well. But hackers increasingly target and attack SharePoint systems. In this podcast, Sophos Global Channel Programs Director Chris Doggett describes the security risks facing SharePoint, and some natural steps channel partners can take to protect their customers. Plus, Doggett describes how to monetize your SharePoint security practice.
Trend Micro’s TJ Alldridge describes how solutions providers generate recurring revenue from Worry-Free Business Security Solutions. Here’s a chapter-by-chapter look at the podcast…
As Lenovo moves from the enterprise into small and midsize businesses, the PC giant has a unique view of the managed services market. Jay McBain, director of SMB at Lenovo, covers the basics of managed services and also provides a deeper dive — describing how Lenovo’s partners can benefit from the MSP trend.
This is Podcast No. 2 in a three-part series featuring Trend Micro’s TJ Alldridge. In this conversation, we explore the latest IT security threats facing small businesses, hosted and hybrid security solutions, recurring revenue opportunities, a single dashboard for complete security management, and practical strategies for solutions providers.
In this podcast, Trend Micro’s TJ Alldridge discusses opportunities in SaaS (software as a service) and hosted security for VARs and solutions providers. Alldridge, a product marketing manager for small and medium business at Trend Micro, covers market misperceptions, revenue models and partner opportunities for VARs looking at SaaS and hosted security. Here’s a minute-by-minute breakdown of the podcast…
In this pocast, SugarCRM Interim CEO Larry Augustin discusses the company’s search for a permanent CEO; the company’s cloud- and SaaS-focused channel partners; working with Microsoft and Windows Server; and SugarCRM’s growth strategy for open source CRM. Plus: Will SugarCRM run in Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud?
Fortinet, which specializes in unified threat management, leverages a channel-only sales model and is preparing to launch a competitive trade-in and trade-up program. Kendra Krause, VP of channel sales at the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company, describes Fortinet’s existing partner program and reveals how the company plans to work with VARs and managed service providers (MSPs) over the long haul.
More >Intronis Technologies Board Member George Roberts, a venture partner at OpenView Venture Partners, describes recurring revenue opportunities for VARs and managed service providers seeking online backup and recovery solutions.
Podcast: Intronis Online Backup and Recovery for VARs and MSPs [8:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadIn our latest podcast, Maryann Von Seggern, director of worldwide channels development for Cisco Capital, describes partner financing options from the networking giant.
Podcast: Cisco Capital Financing Options for Channel Partners [8:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
When Oracle announced its SaaS (software as a service) strategy for ISVs, The VAR Guy wanted to hear more. So our resident blogger opened his ears and listened to this podcast, featuring Oracle Channel Chief Judson Althoff. During the conversation…
Vyatta positions itself as the open source alternative to Cisco Systems. But what exactly does that mean? And how is Vyatta working with Citrix Systems, which recently invested in Vyatta? To find the answers, I spoke with Kelly Herrell (pictured), CEO of Vyatta.
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.
More >During MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition, I speak with David Schafran, president of Transformation Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that helps VARs transition to managed services. Also joining us is Michael Coopersmith, owner Integrated Technology Systems of New York City. We cover how Schafran is helping Coopersmith transition his business for managed services. This is Part I of a planned two-part podcast series. We’ll check back in with Schafran and Coopersmith in a few weeks to measure Integrated Technology Systems’ progress.
During the Ingram Micro Venturetech Network conference in Orlando, Ingram CEO Greg Spierkel (pictured) joined TheVARguy.com podcast on April 1 to discuss…
VARs and service pros completed 30 percent more work orders in OnForce’s online marketplace during 1Q of 2009 vs. 1Q of 2008, according to OnForce CEO Peter Cannone. But that’s not all. During a vodcast at the Autotask Community Live conference, Cannone revealed several other IT trends from 1Q. Take a look.
The Cisco Unified Computing strategy is grabbing headlines. But are the products here today? Is this more than a server strategy? And what’s in it for partners? John Growdon, senior director, Go-to-Market Group, Cisco Worldwide Channels, provides some answers.
Podcast: Cisco Unified Computing's Implications for Channel Partners [13:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
A few readers asked me if our MSPmentor and The VAR Guy podcasts are available on Apple’s iTunes. The answer is “absolutely yes.” They’re all published and bundled in a single iTunes area right here. If you ever lose the link, simply search “thevarguy” on iTunes to find our podcasts again.
The VAR Guy’s sister site, MSPmentor, is running a week-long podcast series exploring the Master MSP (managed service provider) trend. Generally speaking, Master MSPs offer hosted services to aspiring MSPs and VARs. But how does the business model really work? Check out these fast-moving podcasts…
More >In today’s episode, Fonality CEO Chris Lyman discusses Asterisk, open source, the IP PBX market and Fonality’s partner strategy. More specifically, The VAR Guy Live: Podcast covers the following five key topics…
Fonality CEO On Asterisk, Open Source and IP PBXes for VARs [11:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadIn this episode, Stephen Cho, director of Google Apps Channels, answers six key questions the search giant’s new Google Apps Reseller program. Take a listen.
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