http://rcpmag.com/rss-feeds/bekkers-blog.aspx Certain elements of the Office suite should be especially attractive to partners supporting customers with Office on both Windows and Mac platforms. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/office-for-mac-2011.aspx Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:13:18 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/office-for-mac-2011.aspx Better than the iPad? Maybe not. More reliable in a dark alley? Heck yes. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/panasonic-previews-rugged-tablet.aspx Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:09:43 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/panasonic-previews-rugged-tablet.aspx Dell picked up some system management capabilities with the announcement that it will acquire KACE. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/dell-to-buy-system-management-appliance-vendor.aspx Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:08:03 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/dell-to-buy-system-management-appliance-vendor.aspx Tech Data is reselling the services of Austin, Texas-based TechTurn. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/tech-data-provides-solution-providers.aspx Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:05:17 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/tech-data-provides-solution-providers.aspx Microsoft this week released 13 security bulletins addressing 26 vulnerabilities. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/blizzard-of-security-patches.aspx Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:24:57 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/blizzard-of-security-patches.aspx While some channel-focused events have gotten smaller, VMware's own partner event has grown 50 percent since last year. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/vmware-attracts-crowd.aspx Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/vmware-attracts-crowd.aspx Former Microsoft executive shares his theory in the NY Times. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/microsoft-clumsy-innovator.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/02/microsoft-clumsy-innovator.aspx Partners will be the tip of the spear of a Microsoft effort to get SMB customers upgraded to Windows 7 and Office 2010. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/small-business-discounts-windows-office-pro.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/small-business-discounts-windows-office-pro.aspx Microsoft also will offer a stripped-down Starter Edition preloaded on new PCs. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/office-2010-pricing-official.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/office-2010-pricing-official.aspx The amount of gear required for a business trip continues to move in the right direction. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/rim-powerpoint-presenting-easier.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/rim-powerpoint-presenting-easier.aspx A GM of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group advises partners to transition into the new Microsoft Partner Network. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/julie-bennani-2010-marching-orders.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/julie-bennani-2010-marching-orders.aspx The outlook for 2010 is unsettled, but there's a good chance that execution will begin to matter again. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/first-rcpu-of-the-year.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:16:21 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/first-rcpu-of-the-year.aspx The corporate VP of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Group has some advice to partners about the 2010 launch wave. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/allison-watson-marching-orders-2010.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/allison-watson-marching-orders-2010.aspx The consulting exec says there are two things to pay attention to this year: M&A and business focus. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/mike-harvath-2010-marching-orders.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2010/01/mike-harvath-2010-marching-orders.aspx Company exec opens up about the company's enterprise strategies. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/google-qa.aspx Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:41:11 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/google-qa.aspx The move promises to give HP more ammunition in the battle for share with Cisco. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/hp-makes-bid-for-3com.aspx Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:38:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/hp-makes-bid-for-3com.aspx There are some channel implications here, especially on the managed service provider side. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/microsoft-seagate-team-for-cloud-backup.aspx Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:34:49 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/microsoft-seagate-team-for-cloud-backup.aspx Microsoft launched the newest version of its $1-billion-plus-per-year e-mail server in Tech-Ed Europe this week. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/channel-greets-exchange-2010.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:30:54 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/channel-greets-exchange-2010.aspx Here's hoping that this is the start of something good. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/pc-processors-to-the-rescue.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:28:11 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/pc-processors-to-the-rescue.aspx A few companies have been moving forward with Response Point-based products even after Microsoft put it in maintenance mode in June. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/quanta-response-point-phone-system.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:24:36 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/11/quanta-response-point-phone-system.aspx Move broadens Ingram Micro's hosted Microsoft offerings within the MSP-focused portfolio. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/intermedia-joins-ingram-micro-seismic.aspx Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:24:01 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/intermedia-joins-ingram-micro-seismic.aspx Several interesting angles in the financial reports for Microsoft partners. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/diving-into-microsoft-q1-results.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:19:50 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/diving-into-microsoft-q1-results.aspx Get in on this great deal before the marketing money runs out. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/hp-microsoft-frontline-has-funding.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:16:47 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/hp-microsoft-frontline-has-funding.aspx For the first time in several forecasts, the trends are slightly better than in the previous forecast. Don't get me wrong, they're still awful. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/gartners-2009-2010-it-spending-forecast.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:14:12 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/10/gartners-2009-2010-it-spending-forecast.aspx Despite initial doubts, New York-based Intermedia takes up the Microsoft Communication Services marketing campaign. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/hoster-taking-microsoft-message-to-private-label-resellers.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:45:11 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/hoster-taking-microsoft-message-to-private-label-resellers.aspx Demonstrating Microsoft technologies to customers just got a little easier. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partner-demo-showcase-built-on-azure.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:42:38 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partner-demo-showcase-built-on-azure.aspx Analysts expect drops in earnings per share and revenues. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-q4-fy09-earnings-on-thursday.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:40:23 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-q4-fy09-earnings-on-thursday.aspx P2P pioneer is upbeat about the new Microsoft Partner Network. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/another-review-of-the-wpc.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:37:59 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/another-review-of-the-wpc.aspx Some thoughts on the changes, from ISVs' new status to a quibble about the new wording. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/readers-react-to-microsoft-partner-network.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:46:09 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/readers-react-to-microsoft-partner-network.aspx In the future according to Microsoft, the computing is on the wall. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/wowed-by-microsoft-vision-video.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:42:54 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/wowed-by-microsoft-vision-video.aspx But between the economy and recent Microsoft cuts, we're left scratching our heads a little. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/turner-vows-33b-investment-in-partners.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:40:02 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/turner-vows-33b-investment-in-partners.aspx Partner opportunities have a lot to do with the pricing models Microsoft introduced. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partners-place-in-azure.aspx Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:41 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partners-place-in-azure.aspx One change to the channel program that's hitting pretty quickly. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/a-fast-track-for-c-sat.aspx Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:38:59 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/a-fast-track-for-c-sat.aspx Hot and muggy in the summer? Perfect place for WPC. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/wpc-2010-washington-dc-july-12-15.aspx Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:32:52 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/wpc-2010-washington-dc-july-12-15.aspx Microsoft announced global availability of Microsoft Communication Services on Tuesday at its Worldwide Partner Conference. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/smb-focused-communication-services-launched-globally.aspx Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:26:18 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/smb-focused-communication-services-launched-globally.aspx Partners will get a handful of new tools, programs and benefits around the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite this year. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/bpos-grows-up.aspx Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:12:14 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/bpos-grows-up.aspx Call it embrace and extend. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/dynamics-will-put-twist-on-partner-network.aspx Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:08:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/dynamics-will-put-twist-on-partner-network.aspx IDC releases predictions for the channel impact of Windows 7. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/idc-assesses-partner-impact-of-win-7.aspx Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:03:40 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/idc-assesses-partner-impact-of-win-7.aspx Microsoft is giving conference attendees a chance to help rebuild New Orleans. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partners-lend-helping-hand-in-no.aspx Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:01:09 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/partners-lend-helping-hand-in-no.aspx Microsoft announces changes to its partner program at its Worlwide Partner Conference (WPC). http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-launches-partner-network.aspx Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:54:05 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-launches-partner-network.aspx New list of 29 solution comptencies to replace current set. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-defines-new-competencies.aspx Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:51:25 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/microsoft-defines-new-competencies.aspx Microsoft releases official attendance tally of 5,500. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/attendance-for-wpc-back-at-2003-levels.aspx Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:49:15 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/attendance-for-wpc-back-at-2003-levels.aspx Jenni Flinders is named VP for the U.S. Partner Business Development and Sales division. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/major-shakeup-to-microsoft-channel-org.aspx Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:43:19 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/07/major-shakeup-to-microsoft-channel-org.aspx The number of Microsoft partners boasting Gold Certified status has been booming. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/a-gold-rush.aspx Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:56:27 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/a-gold-rush.aspx The numbers from Microsoft tend to be all over the place. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/sizing-the-microsoft-partner-program.aspx Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:37:22 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/sizing-the-microsoft-partner-program.aspx Microsoft prepares to unveil some changes to the partner program at this year's WPC. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/get-ready-for-microsoft-partner-network.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:40:07 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/get-ready-for-microsoft-partner-network.aspx Microsoft is moving to digital distribution for the Action Pack. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/microsoft-makes-action-pack-digital.aspx Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:46:28 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/microsoft-makes-action-pack-digital.aspx Microsoft CFO talks release schedules, preparedness and more. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/reller-touts-windows-7-to-financial-crowd.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:17:43 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/reller-touts-windows-7-to-financial-crowd.aspx New search engine gets an early start. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/microsoft-rings-in-bing.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:14:50 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/microsoft-rings-in-bing.aspx Microsoft has changed the terms of its financing program to require that 35 percent of any Microsoft-financed deal be for Microsoft software. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/other-shoe-drops-on-microsoft-financing.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:06:06 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/06/other-shoe-drops-on-microsoft-financing.aspx http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/asigra-launches-hybrid-partner-program.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/asigra-launches-hybrid-partner-program.aspx Public beta release of Microsoft's messaging server gives channel a look at what Redmond's been up to. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/exchange-2010-focuses-on-archiving-ss-and-uc.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/exchange-2010-focuses-on-archiving-ss-and-uc.aspx Security vendor had to produce a record number of malicious code signatures to keep up with threats in 2008. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/symantec-releases-internet-security-threat-report.aspx Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/symantec-releases-internet-security-threat-report.aspx Virtualization company introduces umbrella for channel programs, adds expertise-based competencies for its partners. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/vmware-consolidates-overhauls-partner-program.aspx Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/vmware-consolidates-overhauls-partner-program.aspx Patch Tuesday contained fixes for nearly two dozen problems in various Microsoft products, several of them rated critical. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/its-a-big-one.aspx Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/04/its-a-big-one.aspx Find out which third-party programs your peers say sell better together with Microsoft solutions. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/check-out-rcps-platinum-partner-programs.aspx Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/check-out-rcps-platinum-partner-programs.aspx Microsoft's stable of SMB-focused partners is a formidable asset. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/small-business-specialists-community-hits-20000.aspx Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/small-business-specialists-community-hits-20000.aspx Several migration strategies are working now, but SQL 2008 is still a major green field. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/partners-guide-to-sql-server-2008.aspx Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/partners-guide-to-sql-server-2008.aspx Company to sell off its business to competitors. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/bearingpoint-breaking-up.aspx Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/bearingpoint-breaking-up.aspx IDC survey shows the channel struggling to finance customers. http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/a-gap-in-it-financing.aspx Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2009/03/a-gap-in-it-financing.aspx