02/01/2008

February 2008 - Managed Service Provider Starter Kit

MSPs: looking for respect, breaking into the biz. Plus: Tools for the MSP; Centro debuts; selling with infrastructure optimization in mind; SAP's CRM 2007; more.


In-Depth

Optimize Sales

By Doug Barney

Microsoft's Infrastructure Optimization push gives partners a way to help customers get a handle on their IT investments -- and get a foot in the door on bigger engagements.


Do MSPs Face an Identity Crisis?

By Lee Pender

The phrase "managed services provider" means different things to different people, and the connotation isn't always positive. But MSPs are working to build credibility and show that their market holds big opportunities for customers, vendors and the channel.


Managed Services Tool Talk

By Rich Freeman

No managed services provider can afford to be without solid business and IT management applications. Here's a guide to some of the top offerings.


News

R.I.P. Netscape

By Anne Stuart

The Internet marks a major milestone this month -- but chances are, hardly anybody will notice.


Iron Mountain Digital Rolls Out Global Partner Program

By Scott Bekker

Iron Mountain Digital is formalizing a global partner program designed to extend the storage provider's reach to channel companies outside North America.


SAP Keeps It Simple with CRM 2007

By Lee Pender and Barbara Darrow, RCP Staff

New customer relationship management offering stakes enterprise software juggernaut's claim to SaaS bounty.


Softchoice Corp. Bulks up by Acquisition

Toronto-based Softchoice Corp., a major Microsoft large account reseller, has grown even larger thanks to a recent three-month buying spree.


Diamond Leaves ePartners, McCarthy Steps in as CEO

By Barbara Darrow

Software reselling veteran Howard Diamond has left ePartners Inc. and the company has promoted its former President, Michael McCarthy, to replace Diamond as CEO.


Partner + Partner = Profits

By Anne Stuart

With research confirming the value of P2P activity, Microsoft focuses on ways to help its partners join forces with each other.