In-Depth Features


Spotlight on the Netbook

While netbooks pose problems for Microsoft and partner business models, most indications show this computing trend is here to stay.

Microsoft's New Deal

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."

Should You Get Services-Ready?

Microsoft rolls consulting know-how into offerings that managed partners can take to upper midmarket and enterprise customers.

Finding a Virtual Solution in Its Own Backyard

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.

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference: The RCP Track

Redmond Channel Partner magazine identifies 13 must-see sessions at the upcoming Microsoft WPC in New Orleans.

Shaping a New Identity

How the recession is forcing partners to reinvent themselves and is changing the structure of the Microsoft ecosystem.

Tech-Ed Preview: Building Out the Ecosystem

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.

Putting the Right Brand on Hosted Messaging

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.

Windows Mobile's New Moves

Facing strong competition from Apple and Google, Microsoft looks to re-tool Windows Mobile for the enterprise market.

Free VM Discovery

Embotics' V-Scout ends the days of tracking your virtual machines via spreadsheet.

DR in a Box

PlateSpin Forge offers peace of mind at a reasonable price.

Lean and Green

The economy may be bad, but green is still good -- for everyone in the extended Microsoft ecosystem.

Product Roundup: It's Virtually Easy Being Green

A roundup of green alternatives in the virtualization space.

Anatomy of a Merger

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?

RCP Platinum Partner Program

Find out which third-party programs your peers say sell better together with Microsoft solutions.

Here's What You Think

<i>RCP</i> readers weigh in on our annual survey about the Microsoft Partner Program, the IT industry, SaaS and the economy.

Channel Ecosystem: Channel Gets a Crack at Windows 7

Microsoft launches Ecosystem Readiness Program for forthcoming operating system.

Making Sense of the Dynamics Business

Is Microsoft's Dynamics business holding strong or dropping fast? For partners and industry experts alike, that question is especially tricky to answer these days.

Web 2.0 Series: Web Wise

The best business Web sites are more than online billboards -- they're powerful sales tools. Here's how some Microsoft partners are using their public sites to attract new customers and better serve their existing ones.

SaaS: S+S Gets Private-Label Option

Joint Microsoft-HP program gives partners the option to put forward their own brand and control customer billing.