Good morning, channel partners. Here are five technology news updates, insights, chatter, and plenty more to sip on for Friday, February 12, 2016.
Actually, there are 12 items for VARs, managed services providers (MSPs), cloud services providers (CSPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) to sip on…
12. Autotask File Sync Partner Program: Autotask has launched a partner program for its File Sync and Sharing platform. Called the Autotask Workplace Partner Program (AWP), it features a single pane of glass for provisioning and managing client teams and storage allocations; a fixed-cost, channel-only sales model; internal use licenses; sales and marketing tools; and account managers. The partner program arrives amid growing focus on security for file sync and sharing systems. Although dozens of file sharing platforms exist, Autotask and eFolder rank among the most channel-centric players in the market.
11. FireEye Warning on IT Spending: At first glance, it seems like IT spending on cybersecurity would remain in strong growth mode, especially as international cyberattacks remained on the rise. However, FireEye warned yesterday that IT security spending for 2016 will likely "normalize" -- a code word for "um, we won't grow as fast as we used to." The statement sent FireEye shares down more than 3 percent in after-hours trading on Thursday night.
10. 5G Wireless: AT&T, like Verizon, will begin testing 5G wireless this year. The speeds will be 10 to 100 times the performance of today's networks. Watch for 5G to reach the home broadband market first, before spilling over into cellphones by 2019 or 2020, according to re/code. We're curious to see if/how or why 5G plays a role stitching together IoT network connections...
9. Meanwhile, In Europe: While we covered Kaseya's PSA strategy closely this week, the folks at TotallyMSP have an interesting interview with Atera CEO Gil Pekelman about PSA-RMM integration. The company claims to offer "all-in-one" software for MSPs -- sort of like the end-to-end platform we've been calling for... though I certainly don't know if Atera fully fulfills that vision.
8. Down Rounds: It's the term startups don't want to hear. So-called down rounds -- when your latest round of funding involves a lower valuation than a previous round. Sure, you've got more cash. But the actual value of your business actually declined in a down round. Fortunately, most outsiders never realize when a "down round" arrives. Until it spill overs into the IPO market. And that's starting to happen now. Ouch.
7. Welcome to 2010: Autodesk has shifted to subscription pricing. I look forward to hearing about their latest cloud milestones in 2025.
6. Boosting Office 365 Performance: Want to give your customers faster Office 365 performance? Perhaps Aryaka can help. The company is connecting customers directly to the Office 365 cloud, leveraging Azure ExpressRoute as the dedicated highway. Basically, Aryaka's Office 365 Acceleration platform delivers dedicated private connections that allegedly deliver faster speed, lower latency and better security than typical Internet and MPLS connections...
5. MSPs Serving Startups: It can be tempting to offer cloud and managed services to fast-growth startups. As their businesses grow, their IT consumption grows. Sounds great. Until the startups implode. So what happens to B2B startups during a recession? Hmmm... Here's a timely warning from TechCrunch, along with some tips on how to "recession-proof" your customer mix.
4. Verizon Public Cloud Shutdown: Verizon allegedly will shut down portions of its public cloud by April 12. We'll share more details today.
3. Top MSPs: If you've built a successful MSP then it's time to earn some free recognition. Participate in our Top Vertical Market MSP survey, and you could be honored when we unveil results.
2. Time: A wise relative, who is facing a major inflection point, recently said to me, "I'm not worried about money. I'm worried about time." With that thought in mind, I hope you're building your business as a way to fund more time for the important things in life.
1. Enjoy the Weekend: We will be closed Monday, February 15, 2016, for Presidents' Day. For our U.S. readers, enjoy the three-day weekend. Our daily newsletter will resume on Tuesday, February 16.
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