Brian Sherman Posts

The preliminary news on Microsoft’s next version of Windows could lead to several ripples in the IT channel, far beyond its effects on the company’s escalating battles with rivals Apple and Google. According to long-time Microsoft expert and ZDNet blogger Mary-Jo Foley, the software company is on track to release Windows 8 (though this name hasn’t been finalized) in mid-2012, with beta clients getting access to the OS earlier in the year. The big question seems to be how many versions there will ...

Is the latest $2 billion public/private commitment to small business a real opportunity for the channel? The answer may not come until this decade is complete (it’s a 5-year program), but the details are worth a closer look by solution providers, vendors and business customers.Though the word “stimulus” has taken on a somewhat negative connotation with some, IT channel businesses are prospering from the healthcare technology incentives that the federal government enacted in 2009. Could this new ...

The channel is evolving to meet economic challenges and rapid changes in technology, but are women being squeezed out of the industry? According to the latest research, that would seem to be the case.  CompTIA is taking some steps to reverse the trend and appointed two influential professionals to chair the council that will put it into action. Other newsworthy IT channel issues involve the switch to notebooks for business use, with the movement away from desktop PCs, and an announcement that sh ...

Much like cloud computing and managed services, healthcare IT has become an attractive practice for many IT service providers. Attention is on the rise due to the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which provided incentives for the implementation of health information technology. In turn, the tech community is responding to meet the demand. IT providers with experience supporting physicians’ offices, clinics and hospitals are using these incentives to f ...

Some prominent industry executives have jumped into new organizations and roles the past few weeks and, based on the vacancies created by these defections, additional switches could be on the way. This news is a great sign for solution providers, as several vendors looking to enhance their IT channel programs entice the skilled (and admired) leaders from competitors and other technology companies. With expanded roles and the ability to revamp partnership plans for their new employers, it will be ...

After several years working in the IT channel, both as an industry writer and software company employee, I look forward to attending events where I can catch up with my peers and immerse myself in discussions on essential technology business issues. Conferences tend to energize and inspire those who attend, providing insight needed to make improvements in their business and encouraging additional research on products, services and other topics that could shape their company’s future. In ...

The channel is in a buying mood this week, from MSP business acquisitions to IBM stock, and a new distribution deal that should enhance the procurement process for ShoreTel partners. Is all this activity a sign the economy is back on solid ground, or could this be an indication of industry consolidation and a move to what many consider “safe investments”? You can be the judge, but several of this week’s topics provide fodder for that discussion.   Mergers and Acquisitions Ring in a Strong New Ye ...

Typically the week after the Consumer Electronics Show is rather mild for IT channel news, with the vendors and many VARs returning home and getting back to their day jobs. This year was different with a rather unusual timing for a consumer-oriented, but business-beneficial iPhone/Verizon announcement. While that news started a firestorm of blog and social media posts, several other notable topics hit the wires as well.   iPhone Rumors Come to an End (Finally!)It was the announcement many have b ...

“Who are the individuals that have made the most significant impact on the technology industry, or the IT channel?” I’ve asked this question of many of my IT channel friends over last several years, starting back in my days as an industry magazine editor and carrying through my current consultant role. While my reason was to highlight these individuals in blogs and articles, CompTIA intends to immortalize these “game changing individuals” permanently in their newly announced IT Hall of Fame.Off ...

Training and education are very similar to politics: pay attention to what’s happening close to home and you’ll do well in your career. Travel to remote event locations can require a significant investment of your company’s time and money; even more so when several employees are along for the trip. If it’s difficult (or impossible) for you to get away for the quality training you need and the industry networking opportunities you desire, check out events that are a short drive or flight away.In ...