Opinion


Who Is the 'One Great Salesperson'?

The new channel business model has little room for salespeople who are not also technology pros.

Microsoft's Surface Drama Continues with Shareholder Lawsuit

The RT version of Microsoft's tablet device has faced an uphill battle almost from the start. And now, it's drawn the ire of investors.

The Ultimate Sales Strategy

The sales techniques that worked five or 10 years ago won't work as well today. What modern prospects are looking for is a partner that can deliver Business Guidance Value.

Finding Your Company's Growth-Rate Sweet Spot

For IT companies, what's the ideal rate between growing too fast and not being able to keep up with demand, or growing too slowly and not having the resources to create demand?

Why the IAMCP Is Critical to Future Success in the Channel

The International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners has always been a useful resource, but it became invaluable after Microsoft flipped the switch on the Microsoft Partner Network. Howard explains how.

Dispatch from ChannelCon: ChannelCon-fused

As Howard finds at this year's CompTIA partner convention, yes, there's still a channel. But there's also something else.

Microsoft, HP, VMware and Rackspace: The War of the Cloud OSes

With the cloud landscape growing more crowded, the upcoming Windows Azure Pack could be what raises Microsoft's Cloud OS above the fray.

Below the Surface: Ignoring the Danger of Ignoring the Channel

In which Howard draws a link between a series of unfortunate Microsoft Surface-related events.

Parsing Through the WPC 2013 Rumors (UPDATED)

Are PAMs going away? Is a major partner executive leaving? As usual, there were plenty of rumors floating around this year's Worldwide Partner Conference floor -- some more well-founded than others. Howard separates fact from fiction.

Want Help from Microsoft? Better Know a Microsoft Segment

What's one of the most common missteps a partner can make when approaching a Microsoft employee? According to our former Microsoft insider, it's not knowing what he or she is responsible for.

N-Able and LPI Deals Signal an MSP Milestone

Besides shaking up the RMM landscape, the acquisitions -- just weeks apart -- are a sign that IT heavyweights are starting to pay closer attention to the MSP market.

Surviving WPC: The Secret's in the Planning

Navigating the Worldwide Partner Conference can be a major undertaking. Microsoft offers its WPC Connect tool as a way to manage meetings and keep track of sessions. Problem: Navigating the WPC Connect tool can also be a major undertaking.

The 'Hybrid Everything' Problem

Step aside, "cloud." "Hybrid" is the latest tech buzzword to lack a clear definition -- and in today's BYOD era, that's an issue.

Partners: 6 Ways To Beat the Summer Slowdown

Resist the urge to take a break in these months. Planning a well-thought-out summer campaign now can pay great dividends later.

WPC 2013: What's the Real Opportunity?

The only way to provide quality services across the Microsoft stack would be to partner with other Microsoft partners.

Microsoft Ready for Cloud Battle with Amazon

Nearly a year after disclosing plans to take on Amazon Web Services in the cloud, Microsoft Windows Azure Infrastructure Services is now available.

Is the 'Peak PC' Period Over for Microsoft?

The PC market isn't the stronghold it used to be for Microsoft, but its current stumbles don't necessarily mean a long-term decline, according to one analyst.

Got a Growth Story? We Have an Award for That

The RCP/Rocket award honors IT services companies whose unique business strategies have led to growth. The May 1 deadline for submissions is fast approaching.

Microsoft Partners Cannot Live by Fees Alone

Selling cloud service subscriptions isn't a bad strategy -- as long as you use them to set the stage for sales of your own suite of services.

Windows Phone 8 Device Impressions: Nokia Lumia 822

Scott finds that there are pros and cons to being a Lumia 822 user -- but it's mostly pros.