Emerging technologies for MSPs

An overview of key trends in emerging technologies and how service providers can incorporate them into their business models.

Mobility Consulting: A Missed Channel Opportunity?

Mobile devices are disrupting your customers’ IT strategies, leading to lots of problems that need solving. Find out where the best opportunities lie and get advice from experts on how to approach the market, including what not to do.

Definition 15 Feb 2024

picture archiving and communication system (PACS)

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology used primarily in healthcare organizations to securely store and digitally transmit electronic images and clinically relevant reports. Continue Reading
News 13 Feb 2024

Integration of AI, legacy IT opens partner opportunities

Core in-house applications running on client-server systems and mainframes are candidates for a generative AI update, according to IT service provider executives. Continue Reading
News 05 Feb 2024

Partners: Businesses enlist AI in business model reinvention

IT services executives believe the most digitally advanced companies will embark on business model reinvention projects highlighting AI as a key technology for managing change. Continue Reading
News 29 Jan 2024

ServiceNow, IBM set partner programs for AI transformation

Technology providers reach out to service providers that can help them deliver business change, digital workflows and emerging technologies to enterprise customers. Continue Reading
Definition 21 Dec 2023

computational linguistics (CL)

Computational linguistics (CL) is the application of computer science to the analysis and comprehension of written and spoken language. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Dec 2023

Technology outlook: Service providers cite four key trends

What's on tap for 2024? The partner ecosystem expects to help customers scale generative AI projects, work with smaller models and play a bigger role at the edge. Continue Reading
Feature 01 Dec 2023

5 IT services industry trends on tap for 2024

The top IT services industry trends for 2024 should sound familiar, with cost optimization and guarded innovation among the trends expected for the coming year. Continue Reading
News 01 Dec 2023

AWS partners look to GenAI, competencies, marketplace sales

This week's AWS re:Invent conference was notable for AI, industry-specific offerings and accelerators, but partners also pointed to specializations and online deal-making. Continue Reading
News 01 Nov 2023

IT services M&A picks up in Q3 with deals in Europe

As transaction volume picks up, the EMEA region is getting more attention from IT services investors amid demand for digital transformation consulting. Continue Reading
News 02 Oct 2023

Partner ecosystem changeup prompts alliance rethink

The shifting partner ecosystem landscape could inspire IT service providers to consider new alliances or bolster existing ones amid fast-paced economy and technology trends. Continue Reading
News 14 Sep 2023

Cloud pricing hits new mark amid multiple drivers

Cloud costs continue to rise, according to the U.S. government's latest pricing data. Wages, energy demands, emerging tech and consumption patterns contribute to the trend. Continue Reading
News 31 Aug 2023

Google Cloud Next enlists partner ecosystem for AI push

Google Cloud Next rallied consultancies, systems integrators and other service provider partners to help customers effectively deploy generative AI in the enterprise. Continue Reading
Feature 31 Aug 2023

Generative AI in business: Fast uptake, earmarked funding

More than half of IT and business decision-makers said they have generative AI on the near-term adoption track, according to a report from TechTarget's Enterprise Strategy Group. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Aug 2023

8 machine learning benefits for businesses

For business leaders, machine learning's predictive capabilities can forecast product demand, reduce equipment downtime and retain customers. Continue Reading
News 22 Aug 2023

Generative AI adoption to grow with economic confidence

A PwC survey is the latest data point signaling a return to innovation spending, with generative AI adoption in the C-suite's plans. But business leaders remain sensitive to risk. Continue Reading
News 14 Aug 2023

Snowflake partner network takes on optimization

Snowflake optimization spans cost reduction, infrastructure rightsizing and query reengineering. But will partner demand endure or decline as customers mature? Continue Reading
News 07 Aug 2023

Google Cloud partner ecosystem ramps up for generative AI

Companies such as 66degrees and Capgemini aim to build generative AI tools using Google's platforms, offering enterprise customers industry and process expertise. Continue Reading
News 24 Jul 2023

Microsoft partners focus on IT cost optimization, migration

While AI was the main attraction at Microsoft Inspire, the company's partners are also busy taming infrastructure costs, helping clients modernize and managing cloud migrations. Continue Reading
News 19 Jul 2023

Microsoft partner ecosystem takes on AI boom, program shifts

Microsoft Inspire 2023 saw the company relaunch its partner program to address the expected boom in AI. Partners discuss technology developments and partner program changes. Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2023

AI, cloud trends shape next-gen managed services offerings

Service providers are launching new services, capabilities and delivery models to meet the needs of customers grappling with AI and complex cloud environments. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Jul 2023

Broadband infrastructure program explained: The details

With the $42.45 billion BEAD Program, each state will use allocated funds to connect all households to high-speed internet. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Jun 2023

Partners make zero-trust assessment a core security service

Service providers have made zero-trust assessments a key part of their emerging zero-trust offerings. Those evaluations create a roadmap that guides the clients' security journey. Continue Reading
News 26 Jun 2023

Partners: IT investment balances innovation, optimization

IT service executives expect to see customers pursue the transformative potential of AI and cloud in the second half of 2023 -- while keeping a close watch on costs and results. Continue Reading
News 13 Jun 2023

IT services firms seek growth in generative AI services

Partners launch specialized offerings and practices to address enterprise customer demand, citing generative AI's innovation and optimization potential. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Jun 2023

IT service execs point to 5 core zero-trust questions

A partner-customer dialog around zero trust should focus on the basics of organizational awareness, upskilling, funding, technical tooling and user experience. Continue Reading
News 05 Jun 2023

Partners could see enterprise AI rekindle tech innovation spend

New surveys suggest that generative AI is sparking interest among customers and optimism among partners. Is a resumption of forward-looking tech investment on the way? Continue Reading
News 22 May 2023

Startup partnerships play bigger role in challenging market

Channel allies become more valuable as startups look for cost-efficient routes to market and vie to stand out in crowded sectors such as cybersecurity. Continue Reading
Feature 16 May 2023

4 key ways partners sharpen digital transformation strategy

IT service providers employ methodologies, tools and platforms to keep initiatives on track. Their efforts aim to prevent projects from stalling before they deliver the goods. Continue Reading
News 15 May 2023

Partner ecosystem upbeat on market prospects, generative AI

Service providers express optimism despite the continuing economic uncertainty, looking to emerging technologies and services stalwarts such as cyber and cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Apr 2023

7 generative AI challenges that businesses should consider

The promise of revolutionary, content-generating AI models has a flip side: the perils of misuse, algorithmic bias, technical complexity and workforce restructuring. Continue Reading
News 24 Apr 2023

AWS partner ecosystem changes involve ISVs, generative AI

The cloud platform provider makes matches among ISVs and systems integrators as it cultivates AI relationships and simplifies its global partner programs. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Apr 2023

7 top generative AI benefits for business

This rapidly evolving artificial intelligence field has the potential to help organizations quickly generate content, improve customer service and develop new products. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Apr 2023

Zero-trust consulting opportunities abound amid tech confusion

Ten years on, tech buyers still find zero trust bewildering. Consultants aim to help them get a handle on -- and deploy -- this multifaceted security model. Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2023

IT services M&A slows, but could revive in 2H

M&A rebounded after the initial shock of COVID-19, but the pace has slackened amid economic uncertainty. The deals getting done reflect interest in specific skill sets. Continue Reading
News 20 Mar 2023

VMware Partner Connect reboots with accent on SaaS

VMware's partner program gets a new look as the company invests in the subscription model; Endor Labs, Graphiant and TrueFort also launch or update channel efforts. Continue Reading
News 13 Mar 2023

Cloud cost management takes center stage

IT shops appear ready to focus on cloud costs amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Service providers expect clients to invest more in FinOps and optimization tools this year. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Mar 2023

Health of digital transformation: Consulting firms list issues

Digital transformation can take too long and fail to deliver. Root causes include lack of focus, cultural barriers and technical challenges, according to IT services executives. Continue Reading
Definition 10 Feb 2023

Gartner Hype Cycle

The Gartner Hype Cycle is a graphical representation of the lifecycle stages a technology goes through from the initial development to its commercial availability and adoption, as well as its eventual decline and obsolescence. Continue Reading
News 06 Feb 2023

FinOps, co-innovation could unlock cloud business benefits

Industry studies underscore businesses' continuing struggle to obtain cloud computing benefits. A greater focus on strategy, financial management and co-innovation could help. Continue Reading
Guest Post 27 Jan 2023

How to kickstart 2023 with effective automation systems

Technologies such as robotic process automation, generative AI and collaborative robots can help organizations reduce risk and improve results in a range of industries. Continue Reading
Definition 27 Jan 2023

virtual reality gaming (VR gaming)

Virtual reality gaming (VR gaming) is the application of a three-dimensional (3D) artificial environment to computer games. Continue Reading
Feature 18 Jan 2023

Service providers explore 2023 technology trends

The uncertain economy influences the technology developments service providers expect to see in 2023, with customers likely to optimize and integrate existing assets. Continue Reading
News 10 Jan 2023

New year, new partner go-to-market strategy

The partner ecosystem continues to evolve as companies deal with emerging technologies and business models. Here's what SoftwareOne, Johnson Controls and IBM are pursuing. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Dec 2022

Cybersecurity outlook 2023: Consultants cite 6 trends

IT services executives predicted greater focus on user training and protection, supply chain security and machine learning. And digital transformation could spark zero-trust projects. Continue Reading
News 05 Dec 2022

Ukrainian software developers deal with power outages

IT services providers use a mix of diesel generators, portable power stations, Starlink and creative work scheduling to press on when the power is off. Continue Reading
News 02 Dec 2022

Top AWS cloud consultants earn 6-to-1 revenue multiplier

AWS ecosystem research suggests partners generate more services dollars when they invest in a broader portfolio of offerings; other partner developments at re:Invent. Continue Reading
News 31 Oct 2022

Capital One machine learning report points to partnering

A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
Guest Post 11 Oct 2022

Pliancy shuns MSP label, grows $30M business

The managed services business model may be an investor favorite at the moment, but Marcus Olson has avoided that term, emphasizing a consultative approach instead. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Sep 2022

New go-to-market strategy key to selling HPE GreenLake

Read about a trailblazing Canadian service provider's journey with the as-a-service hardware and software platform -- and the insights it gleaned along the way. Continue Reading
News 26 Sep 2022

Slack, Workday build partner ecosystems for industry clouds

Cloud providers are tapping consultants and integrators -- and their vertical market knowledge -- to spark digital transformation through industry-specific cloud offerings. Continue Reading
News 19 Sep 2022

MSP software landscape shifts amid consolidation, new tools

An evolving MSP software market offers service providers wider choices for running their businesses. Will they embrace platform consolidation or consider other options? Continue Reading
Feature 15 Sep 2022

Channel partners explore RPA for MSP, client use cases

MSPs can tap robotic process automation for a multitude of applications, but they must consider the challenges of change management and multi-vendor environments. Continue Reading
Definition 14 Sep 2022

degrees of freedom (mechanics)

In mechanics, degrees of freedom (DOF) is the number of independent variables that define the possible positions or motions of a mechanical system in space. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Sep 2022

3 essential aspects of MSP automation

Tools such as robotic process automation and cloud-based services help service providers relieve employees of mundane work, but adopters must navigate deployment challenges. Continue Reading
News 12 Sep 2022

Cloud consultants attract investors, grow revenue

Money keeps pouring into the cloud consulting and professional services market as industry executives cite steady demand for their services in an uncertain economy. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Aug 2022

Atlassian partners cite cloud migration, ITSM growth

The software company offers a range of partner opportunities as it pursues digital transformation and transitions from server products to cloud-based offerings. Continue Reading
Feature 03 Aug 2022

Low-code/no-code platforms for MSPs' in-house, external use

Service providers gain agility and efficiency benefits when using these emerging development platforms, and also land consulting opportunities with clients. Continue Reading
News 26 Jul 2022

Microsoft partner ecosystem revved up, riled by 2022 event

A contact center product launch, a space industry community and an upcoming partner program revamp topped the list of Microsoft Inspire developments; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
News 21 Jul 2022

Microsoft industry clouds hover over partner event

At Microsoft Inspire, industry-specific cloud offerings emerged as a key FY 2023 direction for the technology company and one in which it enlists partner ecosystem support. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Jul 2022

Partners see growth in maturing on-premises cloud technology

Colocation, data-center-as-a-service offerings and cloud-like consumption models offer customers alternatives -- or adjuncts -- to public cloud platforms. Continue Reading
Feature 13 Jul 2022

Partners weigh OEMs' private cloud options for clients

Dell Apex, HPE GreenLake and NetApp Keystone are among the pay-per-use hardware platforms partners can offer clients considering alternatives to the public cloud. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Jul 2022

The benefits and drawbacks of co-creating innovation

Collaborating ecosystem partners can access a broader range of talent and accelerate time to market, but they must closely manage their relationships. Continue Reading
News 11 Jul 2022

Managed services industry remains investor magnet

The high-tempo transaction pace continues as investors cite recurring revenue, attractive cash flows and favorable IT trends as reasons to pursue MSP deals; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Jun 2022

A guide to MSP patch management best practices

As software patch management challenges mount, industry experts offer advice to MSPs on prioritizing system risk levels, selecting proper tools and testing patches internally. Continue Reading
Definition 21 Jun 2022

quantum

A quantum (plural: quanta) is the smallest discrete unit of a phenomenon. Continue Reading
Feature 09 Jun 2022

Keeping pace with different types of manufacturing processes

It's horses for courses in the industrial sector as partners look to help various kinds of manufacturers run on the emerging technologies that track with their needs. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2022

In digital transformation, telecom needs a partner boost

Legacy business models and risk avoidance leave many telecom firms behind in the race to innovate, but the partner ecosystem could spark their progress; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
News 23 May 2022

Early-stage companies at MIT Sloan event tap partners

Companies participating in the business school's Innovation Showcase work with service provider partners, continuing a trend among tech startups; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 18 May 2022

Digital transformation in manufacturing melds emerging tech

Partners work with customers to absorb a mixture of AI, IIoT, hyperautomation, 5G and cloud computing, while dealing with the challenge of highly distributed organizations. Continue Reading
News 16 May 2022

Partners become central to SAP industry cloud business

At SAP Sapphire 2022, the software company highlighted partnerships with consulting firms that emphasized their vertical market acumen; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 03 May 2022

Partner ecosystem strategy: Co-innovation and other variants

Co-innovation, generative partnering and co-creation describe alliances among customers, service providers and tech vendors. But what do the terms mean and what are the benefits? Continue Reading
Feature 25 Apr 2022

Partners cite reinforcement learning use cases, gradual uptake

Consultants view reinforcement learning as a tool for decision-making at scale and a way to solve optimization problems, but its capabilities remain a mystery for some customers. Continue Reading
News 25 Apr 2022

Consultants ramp up vertical cloud development

Changing customer needs have prompted partners such as TCS, PwC and EY to pursue industry-specific strategies around cloud computing; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Apr 2022

Financial industry cloud model gains momentum

Channel partners working with industry clouds, such as IBM's Cloud for Financial Services, can limit the work customers must do to meet application security and compliance requirements. Continue Reading
Feature 19 Apr 2022

Consultants see retail payment systems adapt to pandemic

A mix of consulting and integration opportunities could drive partner business, as retailers look to adopt omnichannel technologies and hybrid sales models. Continue Reading
News 18 Apr 2022

Partners bring hybrid workplace technology to market

NWN Carousel and ROI Communications are among the service providers creating offerings for customers pursuing flexible work models; more IT channel news Continue Reading
Feature 13 Apr 2022

VoltaGrid taps Rackspace for AI Ecosystem portal, cloud app

With a lofty goal to revolutionize the mobile energy industry, VoltaGrid needed support to improve customer operations quickly. Learn how MSP Rackspace Technology stepped up. Continue Reading
Feature 05 Apr 2022

SD-WAN project covers security, latency and cloud

PM Pediatrics, an urgent care provider, hired service provider Vandis to improve branch security, but the project transformed into something much broader. Continue Reading
Feature 31 Mar 2022

Mission's machine learning consulting gig boosts image

E-card platform JibJab sought a better way to crop images for a new physical book product. Mission improved the process's accuracy in an effort that won a 2021 Top Projects Award. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Mar 2022

AIOps challenges ease into MSP system management

AIOps is still early in development; however, the technology will help channel partners and customers contextualize large volumes of data and streamline management processes. Continue Reading
News 11 Mar 2022

Partner ecosystems build IP with Cisco, SAP

Channel companies collaborate with technology providers, creating differentiated offerings that address customer demand for business outcomes; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Mar 2022

Channel partners prepare data analytics managed services

Customers may not fully understand AI and machine learning technology yet, but channel partners have been building their expertise to make the use cases a reality for clients. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Mar 2022

Technology service providers enter a golden age

The good -- the digital transformation project is now a priority. The bad -- IT is short staffed, equipment is back-ordered and everyone is burnt out. Who will do the work? Continue Reading
News 28 Jan 2022

Accenture, Celonis partner in process mining technology

The strategic relationship aims to speed up process improvement, embedding Celonis' technology in Accenture offerings such as MyConcerto and SynOps; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Dec 2021

Service providers predict 2022 technology trends

Cloud developments, data analytics technology and nascent metaverses could keep consultants and integrators occupied for the coming year and well beyond. Continue Reading
News 17 Sep 2021

Quantum computing ecosystem grows with Accenture, QCI moves

A quantum computing ecosystem is taking shape. Quantum methods may find initial applications in solving optimization challenges across various industries; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
Guest Post 17 Sep 2021

The importance of building an agile and resilient infrastructure

No one knows what the future will demand. Here's how channel partners can help their clients prioritize agility and resilience in their infrastructures. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Aug 2021

AI, zero trust support remote work technologies

Artificial intelligence and zero-trust frameworks have played a critical role in helping enterprises support a surging remote workforce. Continue Reading
News 11 Jun 2021

IT consultants go for green cloud computing

Sustainability and green cloud computing have gained a higher profile in recent months, leading consultancies like Accenture and ThoughtWorks to pursue new services; other news. Continue Reading
Guest Post 10 Jun 2021

What channel partners should know about modern CIOs

CIOs' traditional roles have evolved into a much more complex set of responsibilities. Learn about this key customer. Continue Reading
Guest Post 26 May 2021

Top 5 IT services trends for technology, service providers

As businesses embrace digital services, technology and service providers must align with five market-changing trends, according to Gartner analyst Twiggy Lo. Continue Reading
Feature 21 May 2021

IoT integration services evolve in maturing market

IT service providers are moving upstream to address client needs in an IoT market that has lost some, but not all, of its science project reputation. Continue Reading
News 30 Apr 2021

Digital innovation shift shakes up IT budgets

New research shows a change in attitudes toward IT investments, with business looking to go beyond modernized infrastructure to digital innovation; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
News 26 Feb 2021

Mission launches machine learning consulting practice

The AWS Premier Consulting Partner will target AI and machine learning projects in a broad range of industries; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
News 19 Feb 2021

Digital acceleration opens opportunities, widens tech gap

The pandemic has set the stage for increased investments in digital transformation and business innovation, an Accenture report found; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
Guest Post 21 Jan 2021

What low-code/no-code and pro-code mean for providers

Dave Sobel talks with SeedCode CEO John Sindelar about the low-code/no-code movement and how providers should be thinking about building on platforms such as Salesforce. Continue Reading
News 22 Dec 2020

Deloitte, Google highlight 3 workforce trends for 2021

Executives from Deloitte Consulting and Google Workspace discuss how workforce trends that emerged during the pandemic will gain momentum in the year ahead. Continue Reading
News 21 Dec 2020

Accenture: Retail supply chain ripe for reinvention

Retailers are responding to consumer behavior changes by reimagining the supply chain as a growth driver, according to an Accenture Interactive report; other news. Continue Reading
Feature 16 Dec 2020

Top 10 channel partner news stories from 2020

Our top 10 channel partner news stories of 2020 explore growing markets such as cloud services and automation, as well as moves by Microsoft, Accenture and Dell Technologies. Continue Reading
News 25 Sep 2020

Gartner forecasts RPA software growth, $1.58B market

RPA software adoption is on the rise, driven by companies seeking rapid transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic; other IT channel news from the week. Continue Reading