Brian Sherman Posts

IT spending by federal, state and local governments is expected to top $130 billion in 2011. That’s a significant pile of cash and has a number of VARs and MSPs wondering how they can get a piece of it. Other providers have watched from the sidelines, unsure if the government sector revenue is worth the perceived aggravation of red tape and other obstacles. Regardless of which situation describes your business, the opportunities presented by municipalities, as well as state and federal entities, ...

Every once in a while, I encounter an article in a science journal or see a television report on the latest developments in jet pack technology. Back in the mid-1970s I saw an early prototype of a single jet backpack in Popular Mechanics magazine, with the pilot going approximately the length of a football field before running out of fuel. It was not only cool, but seemed like something we’d all have access to with a little more development. With all of the advances in other technologies over th ...

Communication is a key element to business success and, when adding cloud services to your portfolio, there is no exception to the rule. A clear and concise discussion on the pros and cons of any new technology solution (or delivery method, in this case) is essential to setting the proper expectations. Without that conversation, your chances for building a successful cloud practice diminish significantly, leaving it up to your clients to decide if the initial and continued investment is worthwhi ...

The stock market and consumer confidence indexes continue to show signs of anxiety, with some economists suggesting it may take a couple more years before we get back on track. While that prediction may be too pessimistic, conservative spending habits will likely continue to be the norm for most businesses. Despite the doom and gloom, one key business sector is on the rise; SMB. That segment is also a major consumer of VAR solutions and services, so this should be welcome news for the IT channel ...

It seems like we’ve reached a critical point in the advancement of cloud technology, with significant announcements this week from a major distributor and the company that made ‘i’ a fashionable prefix. Perhaps more significant than the players in the news is that two device-centric organizations are making major investments in the virtual world. Perhaps hell hasn’t frozen over, but it may be defrosting a bit on the edges. With the wealth of cloud offerings for business consumers to choose from, ...

It seems like we’ve reached a critical point in the advancement of cloud technology, with significant announcements this week from a major distributor and the company that made ‘i’ a fashionable prefix. Perhaps more significant than the players in the news is that two device-centric organizations are making major investments in the virtual world. Perhaps hell hasn’t frozen over, but it may be defrosting a bit on the edges. With the wealth of cloud offerings for business consumers to choose from, ...

Despite the news highlighting how much debt the federal, state and local governments have racked up, the outlook for solution providers that support this sector is still promising. While the politicians debate budget priorities, a great opportunity exists for savvy channel partners who can address a myriad of issues facing municipalities, regional agencies and other public sector groups. The technology needs for government organizations don’t differ much from business customers, although the pro ...

Remember the famous Henry Ford quote on his Model T car, “You can have it in any color, as long as it’s black?” The early days of mass production were all about making a lot of things, but none of them were complicated. Options were minimal and design wasn’t a major focus for most manufacturers, but as consumers started to demand variety, companies started to offer a larger selection of products.That’s the same transition that technology is taking today, and solution providers get to be the guid ...

While today’s the day many people are especially careful to avoid black cats, walking under ladders or spilling salt, for the rest of us, it’s just another Friday. Okay, I admit to being a little superstitious, but I am also a firm believer that we make our own luck in life and our careers. When someone works hard and focuses on accomplishing a goal, their fortunes tend to be positive. Whether that is luck or old fashioned effort is your call. The news this week concerns the fortune of the IT ...

While today’s the day many people are especially careful to avoid black cats, walking under ladders or spilling salt, for the rest of us, it’s just another Friday. Okay, I admit to being a little superstitious, but I am also a firm believer that we make our own luck in life and our careers. When someone works hard and focuses on accomplishing a goal, their fortunes tend to be positive. Whether that is luck or old fashioned effort is your call. The news this week concerns the fortune of the IT wo ...