http://rcpmag.com/rss-feeds/features.aspx Now that Oracle has completed its Sun acquisition, HP and Microsoft renew their alliance. Partners are watching to see if and where they fit in the great game among the giant IT vendors. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/next-move.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/next-move.aspx In our annual RCP reader survey, the channel community is slightly upbeat about the changes coming in the Microsoft Partner Network, but unsure about what lies ahead. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/cautiously-optimistic.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/cautiously-optimistic.aspx With customer expectations reset, businesses find themselves in uncharted territory as the economy improves. We canvassed experts for advice on setting your own pricing before the market sets it for you. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/4-smart-pricing-strategies-for-2010.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/4-smart-pricing-strategies-for-2010.aspx Laptops and netbooks aren't just for road warriors anymore. Here's a look at just how big the portable-computer market is -- and the trends that are driving its growth. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/notebook-nation.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/notebook-nation.aspx Microsoft's maturing virtualization stack offers opportunities for partners with customers of all sizes, including the "S" in SMB. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/a-virtual-door-opens.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/a-virtual-door-opens.aspx Redmond will be releasing an arsenal of new enterprise technologies this year including upgrades of Office, SharePoint, SQL Server, Dynamics and more. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/microsofts-2010-product-roadmap.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/02/01/microsofts-2010-product-roadmap.aspx Smartphones will grow exponentially in the coming years. If you're betting on one mobile platform, you may want to rethink that strategy. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/preparing-for-the-multi-platform-mobile-opportunity.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/preparing-for-the-multi-platform-mobile-opportunity.aspx For many channel partners, government action on health care is producing both anxiety and opportunity. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/mixed-prognosis.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/mixed-prognosis.aspx Are we continuing in a recession or coming out of one? No one can be sure. In our fourth annual Marching Orders feature, RCP's experts offer advice to put your company in good stead either way. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/marching-orders-2010.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/01/01/marching-orders-2010.aspx As CIOs largely reject the early crop of cloud services for business-critical apps, Redmond readies private and hybrid cloud platforms. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/17/microsoft-private-cloud-formation.aspx Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:11:08 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/17/microsoft-private-cloud-formation.aspx More than 2,300 customers responded to a Microsoft-sponsored survey identifying what solution provider characteristics matter most to them, and how and why they choose a partner. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/survey-says-partners-matter-to-it-pros.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/survey-says-partners-matter-to-it-pros.aspx It is customary to end a year by reflecting on positive moments. But by nearly all measures, 2009 was one of the worst business years on record since the Great Depression. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/good-riddance.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/good-riddance.aspx As part of the recent overhaul of its partner program, Microsoft made a big bet on leveraging existing social networks. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/fumbling-toward-community.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/12/01/fumbling-toward-community.aspx Yousef Khalidi talked about Microsoft's new Azure cloud services at the Interop trade show on Thursday. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/20/interview-with-yousef-khalidi.aspx Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:53:15 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/20/interview-with-yousef-khalidi.aspx For Pelagic Solutions Inc., launching a business atop Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online leads to 78 deals in a year. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/racking-up-online-deals.aspx Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/racking-up-online-deals.aspx The essential questions partners have about the managed services market have some surprising answers. The upshot? It may still be a good time to become an MSP. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/5-questions-about-the-msp-market.aspx Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/5-questions-about-the-msp-market.aspx Some of the IT industry's top innovators are within striking distance of retirement age. Here's a look at what that means for them, their companies and the channel. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/passing-the-torch.aspx Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/passing-the-torch.aspx For partners, part of swine flu readiness is being able to provide best-in-class advice for customers. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/15/managing-h1n1.aspx Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:48:07 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/15/managing-h1n1.aspx Chicago-based PointBridge sprinted out of the gate with the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite -- to the tune of $640,000 in revenues in one year. Co-founder Todd Golden tells RCP how PointBridge did it. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/making-the-most-of-bpos.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/making-the-most-of-bpos.aspx Wayne Beekman is maneuvering his business to catch the cloud. Should you be doing that too? http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/making-a-cloud-play.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/making-a-cloud-play.aspx Windows 7 launches this month, giving partners -- and Microsoft -- a subtle chance at a revenue boost. Partner-readiness resources abound. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/getting-ready-for-windows-7.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/10/01/getting-ready-for-windows-7.aspx With a competitive pricing model established and different licensing options on the table, partners are starting to see how Microsoft's cloud-computing offering can drive new business. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/the-allure-of-azure.aspx Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/the-allure-of-azure.aspx Partners have 16 months to make the transition from the 6-year-old Microsoft Partner Program structure to the framework of the new Microsoft Partner Network. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/from-the-mspp-to-the-mpn.aspx Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/from-the-mspp-to-the-mpn.aspx Partners who understand what customers are looking for (hint: not just low prices) are better equipped to find and keep them. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/giving-customers-what-they-want.aspx Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/09/01/giving-customers-what-they-want.aspx Inaugural event in Redmond hopes to engage developers of mobile applications. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/18/windows-mobile-dev-camps.aspx Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:33:03 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/18/windows-mobile-dev-camps.aspx Microsoft makes the software, but channel partners sell and service it. Picking the right partner is critical for any Microsoft customer. Here's how to make the right choice. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/picking-a-partner.aspx Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/picking-a-partner.aspx With its choices of categories and countries from which winners come for its annual partner recognitions, Microsoft reveals its priorities and ambitions. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/the-microsoft-partner-awards.aspx Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/the-microsoft-partner-awards.aspx Even companies without a clear strategy for using micro-blogging to their advantage must monitor the ongoing "naked conversation" for complaining customers. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/excuses-to-tweet-at-work.aspx Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/excuses-to-tweet-at-work.aspx At a time of economic turmoil, RCP's third annual salary survey shows base pay for Microsoft partners is slightly higher than in 2008. But there are cracks around the foundation, as raises and bonuses will be harder to come by in the coming year. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/surveying-salaries-in-a-year-of-recession.aspx Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/08/01/surveying-salaries-in-a-year-of-recession.aspx Cloud computing, the economy and partner program changes make the future role of Microsoft partner account managers uncertain. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/whither-the-pam.aspx Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15:32 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/whither-the-pam.aspx An overhaul of the Microsoft Partner Program is set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Partner Conference this month. The details are murky but "everything is on the table," including the program name--now the "Microsoft Partner Network." http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/microsofts-new-deal.aspx Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/microsofts-new-deal.aspx While netbooks pose problems for Microsoft and partner business models, most indications show this computing trend is here to stay. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/spotlight-on-netbook.aspx Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/07/01/spotlight-on-netbook.aspx Web hosting specialist and Microsoft shop MaximumASP went looking for a virtualization solution. After evaluating the field, the Gold Certified Partner ended up sticking with Microsoft for a new virtual hosting business. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/06/01/finding-a-virtual-solution-in-its-own-backyard.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/06/01/finding-a-virtual-solution-in-its-own-backyard.aspx Redmond Channel Partner magazine identifies 13 must-see sessions at the upcoming Microsoft WPC in New Orleans. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/06/01/rcp-tracks-at-wpc.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/06/01/rcp-tracks-at-wpc.aspx How the recession is forcing partners to reinvent themselves and is changing the structure of the Microsoft ecosystem. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/shaping-a-new-identity.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/shaping-a-new-identity.aspx Facing strong competition from Apple and Google, Microsoft looks to re-tool Windows Mobile for the enterprise market. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/windows-mobiles-new-moves.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/windows-mobiles-new-moves.aspx With a new Ready to Go Campaign, Microsoft aims to help hosters and VARs sell full-featured e-mail services to small businesses. It's an appealing opportunity, but trust remains an issue. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/putting-the-right-brand-on-hosted-messaging.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/putting-the-right-brand-on-hosted-messaging.aspx ISVs provide the critical tools and applications that complete Microsoft solutions. Microsoft Tech-Ed is traditionally where many of those vendors announce their next products. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/teched-preview-building-out-the-ecosystem.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/05/01/teched-preview-building-out-the-ecosystem.aspx A roundup of green alternatives in the virtualization space. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/product-roundup-its-virtually-easy-being-green.aspx Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/product-roundup-its-virtually-easy-being-green.aspx The economy may be bad, but green is still good -- for everyone in the extended Microsoft ecosystem. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/lean-and-green.aspx Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/lean-and-green.aspx Find out which third-party programs your peers say sell better together with Microsoft solutions. http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/rcp-platinum-partner-program.aspx Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/rcp-platinum-partner-program.aspx Credit markets are frozen. Venture capital is in hibernation. The overall M&A market is falling off a cliff. Yet, in the worst economic quarter in decades, two midsize Microsoft partner firms in the Twin Cities area consummated a deal. How did it happen? http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/anatomy-of-a-merger.aspx Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/04/01/anatomy-of-a-merger.aspx