The VAR Guy

Deploying Linux desktops across large organizations has been getting easier with each new release. However, in practice, installing, configuring and securing such deployments is not so simple. With this fact in mind, we recently got in touch with Likewise vice-president Ken Cheney for a hands-on look at using his company’s chief product to simply and secure corporate deployments.  Here’s what we found …

To get in CIOs’ pockets, it’s important to get inside their heads. And trust me, CIOs have a lot on their minds in 2011. By understanding what they’re thinking, channel partners can turn CIO challenges into attractive opportunities. Earlier this year, InformationWeek listed the Top 10 CIO Issues for 2011. Here are a few of the key points, and the opportunities for channel partners.

We’ve had a lot of coverage lately of Centrify and Likewise, two big names in the channel for Unix-Active Directory integration. But we’ve yet to write much about Quest, another major player, though one with a somewhat different focus. Lest we be accused of favoritism — or, worse, of neglecting a big part of the picture — here are some of the highlights of Quest’s offerings in the AD market.

When it comes to creating files, today’s users are prolific to say the least. User files represent the fastest-growing data type within organizations. Some estimates indicate that as much as 80 percent of all digital data is “unstructured”—in other words, file-based data generated by users—and it’s growing at an astounding rate of 60 percent per year. Here’s the thing: some users are packrats—saving multiple iterations of everything they create while others download every document they find on the Internet. When their hard drives fill up, they simply back up the data to the network. So, how can VARs help customers to get their data under control? The answer involves identity management. Here’s why.

Sponsored Video: The Novell Cloud Security Service (NCSS), designed for managed services providers and hosting partners, officially launches today. But what exactly is NCSS and what type of partner opportunities does the identity and security management platform offer? Novell Distinguished Engineer Dale Olds (pictured) provides some answers in this FastChat video.

Verizon Business today announces the launch of a Novell-powered identity management-on-demand, single sign-on solution for cloud applications, tackling one of the biggest challenges facing widespread adoption of software-as-a-service by wrapping itself around existing deployments. It’s not available through the channel quite yet, but here’s a quick look at the implications for the cloud market.

There’s a few players in the arena right now for getting your UNIX and Linux boxes to play nice with Microsoft Active Directory, but Centrify wants your attention. They take securing your network seriously but do it with what claims to be a simple solution that VARs and MSPs might want to take note at, especially if you’re a VAR setting up and managing data centers.

The VAR Guy has openly wondered — again and again — whether Novell will ever connect the dots between its various products groups. A potential answer to that question emerged today. It involves Novell’s Intelligent Workload Management (IWM) strategy, which melds cloud and virtualization opportunities with Novell’s solutions, according to Chief Marketing Officer John Dragoon (pictured). Here’s the scoop, and the implications for solutions providers.

As The VAR Guy reflects on the latest news out of BrainShare, one number sticks in his head: More than 700 partners — representing ISVs, integrators, consultants, VARs, etc. — are at the event. Not a bad showing. The VAR Guy connected with Novell’s Channel Chief, Pat Bernard, for more perspective. Here are five key takeaways from the conversation.

Novell didn’t deliver any home-run news during BrainShare on March 17, but the software company did manage to smack a few solid singles during the day. Overall, the buzz from Utah sounded pretty upbeat. Here’s a look at Monday’s developments, and The VAR Guy’s take on the situation.