Good morning, channel partners. Here are five technology news updates, insights, chatter and plenty more to kick off your day for Wednesday, December 30, 2015.
Actually, today’s update features nine items for VARs, managed services providers (MSPs), cloud services providers (CSPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) to sip on…
9. Encryption Reboot: You already know that the U.S. government and Silicon Valley are battling over encryption policies. The U.S. government has been seeking back-door access to encrypted data, a request that many Silicon Valley companies reject over privacy concerns. Now, the FBI is attempting to "reframe" the conversation. That's a polite way of saying the government might be preparing legislation to force Silicon Valley companies to change their stance.
8. Budgeting for 2016: Anybody can plug hypothetical numbers into a spreadsheet. But do you know how to use probabilities and statistics to improve your budget and forecasting process? Here's a simple budgeting tip sheet from Bessemer Venture Partners to help you get started.
7. Samsung IoT TVs: Yes indeed, Samsung is launching "Internet of Things" smart TVs in 2016. The effort involves SmartThings, "an open platform that allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services -- from connected lights and locks to thermostats and cameras." Hmmm... We've all be waiting 30 years or so for a universal remote that actually works. Will SmartThings accelerate -- or derail -- those efforts? I have a hunch we won't like the answer...
6. Microsoft Azure Cloud Education: Still trying to wrap your arms around the Microsoft Azure cloud platform? Maybe the Microsoft Azure Tour technical training road show can get you started.
5. ChannelE2E Podcasts: Cloud Nation CEO Steve Ferman discusses virtual desktops as a service for VARs and MSPs in our latest ChannelE2E Podcast (Episode 057). Want to hear more? Then check out all of our ChannelE2E podcasts here, and tune in each Tuesday night at 9:01 p.m. ET (and sometimes in between) for new episodes.
4. The Big HIPAA Disconnect: We've all been warned -- numerous times -- that HIPAA violations can trigger big fines. However, hundreds of health providers have repeatedly violated HIPAA without being fined or sanctioned, according to Pro Publica. Still, that doesn't mean health care providers -- and their IT service providers -- can let their guard down. Similar to an IRS tax auditor, a HIPAA audit can show up when you least expect it... and the fines can be painful...
3. Tech Data's Own Cloud Migration: When a big distributor wants to shift its own IT operations to the cloud, who can help? One answer involves T-Systems -- Deutsche Telekom's corporate customer arm. That solution provider is helping Tech Data to migrate conventional IT systems in Europe to the cloud.
2. Good Technology Gives MDM Another Black Eye: Blackberry's buyout of Good Technology apparently didn't have a happy ending for many rank-and-file employees -- who apparently found their common shares worthless after the deal. That's why VMware apparently is looking to poach disgruntled Good employees. ChannelE2E's takeaway? This is yet another example of Mobile Device Management (MDM) failing to live up to its hype.
1. Testing Something New: You may already know about ChannelE2E's FAQ Board, which allows you to submit questions about managed services, cloud services, pricing models, compensation plans and so much more. But now we're testing something that's far more interactive. Give it a look. Submit questions. We'll be sure to reply with answers as we test the system in the days and weeks ahead.
More: Read all of our daily 5 Channel Partner Updates. Plus: Subscribe to our daily enewsletter. Thanks to those who already have.
