The VAR Guy

The VAR Guy is keeping a close eye on Vartopia, some sort of multi-vendor deal registration web site. Vartopia’s founders appear set to disclose their plans sometime today at VMware Partner Exchange, a massive partner conference this week in Las Vegas. Here are the early details.

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.

SmartSource, which has been in the IT staffing business since 1996, has launched TecDirect, a self-service online directory of VARs, certified technicians, and other technical professionals. Like entrenched competitor OnForce, TecDirect is aimed at helping solutions providers connect with qualified field staff. Where the two differ is that TecDirect is free for solutions providers. Here’s some perspective.

If you think security is important for businesses, imagine what would happen if someone cracked the network passwords for the infrared tripwire you have on the back door that leads into the family room. As advanced A/V and security setups join data networks in the home, VARs can potentially focus their business uptime and cybersecurity expertise on the consumer market. Here’s how.

No matter what the economic condition we find ourselves in, security remains an area that companies of all sizes continue to invest in.  And with very good reason — with every technological advancement comes a new security risk (and a new opportunity for VARs). Here’s why.

At OnForce, we see thousands of service work orders come through our marketplace every day. And with companies still looking to maintain their current infrastructure, the “fix, not buy” mentality has remained steady through 2009. And while many are still managing IT budgets tightly and are conservative, I cannot help but wonder: will this mentality change in 2010?

Services is the name of the game. If you doubt that, just look at recent moves by Dell when they acquired Perot Systems, Xerox purchasing ACS, and even when HP acquired EDS last year. But what do these deals mean to IT service pros?

Is the Maytag repairman preparing to drive The Geek Squad off the road? Ummm… Maybe. Sears Holdings — yes, that Sears — is beta testing ServiceLive.com, an online services marketplace where all types of independent contractors can bid on projects. Yes, the service includes an area for IT pros to bid on consumer and small business work. Here’s the scoop.

When The VAR Guy’s phone rang Thursday night, a rather upbeat voice was on the other line. “This is going to be our year,” crowed Maria Battaglia, senior VP of marketing at OnForce, an online marketplace for contract service professionals. Why was Battaglia so upbeat about OnForce and its partner community? The answer involves the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The VAR Guy landed in Boston Tuesday night, and will spend Wednesday meeting with Novell and OnForce, among other companies. No taxis. No limos. No rental cars. Instead, our resident blogger will depend on a few trusted local friends to get him around town. He’ll be back later today with a recap of his meetings.

Gas is expensive … inflation is rising … yada, yada, yada… where should solutions providers focus their efforts amid the economic turmoil? Finally, some answers from OnForce, the online marketplace for IT service providers. OnForce has analyzed recent trends within its marketplace, and spotted some key areas of opportunity for solutions providers.

The VAR Guy hears OnForce will give away Nintendo Wiis at CompTIA Breakaway next week. Our mystery blogger by day (and video game addict by night) will stop by the OnForce booth — with open arms and empty hands — to say hi. (Are wii clear?) Kidding aside, here are five things The VAR Guy wants to hear from OnForce at Breakaway.

PartnerPedia — a new social network for solutions providers and VARs — is set to launch in July, though an official launch date is yet to be announced. The VAR Guy got a preview on June 26. Here’s his take on the social networking site, with a few hints on who it compares to OnForce, LinkedIn and other options.

Okay, so the headline is a bit of an exaggeration. But here’s the upshot: FedEx — a major economic bellwether — just delivered horrible financial results, and nearly one-third of CEOs expect to make job cuts over the next few months. But OnForce, the online marketplace for IT service providers, is feeling pretty upbeat about business in North America. Here’s why.