RCP Magazine

Pender's Blog

• Microsoft Selling 'Signature PCs' Directly

  A PC without all that trial software? We're in.

• Google Loves L.A.; Microsoft Maybe Less So
• SAP Earnings Disappoint
• Ubuntu Honcho Approves of Windows 7
• Microsoft To Open Outlook Data Format

More

What's New

• Racking up Online Deals

  For Pelagic Solutions Inc., launching a business atop Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online leads to 78 deals in a year.

• Ready, Set ... Wait and See

  Services Ready is a good idea, but it won't work in the long run unless Microsoft gets over it's paralyzing paranoia.

• Passing the IT Torch

  Some of the IT industry's top innovators are within striking distance of retirement age. Here's a look at what that means for them, their companies and the channel.

• 5 Questions About the MSP Market

  The essential questions partners have about the managed services market have some surprising answers. The upshot? It may still be a good time to become an MSP.

• Dissecting the Dell Deal

  Time to play that favorite channel parlor game: Can Dell be trusted?

• Managing the H1N1 Crisis

  For partners, part of swine flu readiness is being able to provide best-in-class advice for customers.

• Making the Most of BPOS

  Chicago-based PointBridge sprinted out of the gate with the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite -- to the tune of $640,000 in revenues in one year. Co-founder Todd Golden tells RCP how PointBridge did it.

• Nice Guys Can Finish First

  The temptation to strike fear into the hearts of your salespeople can become overpowering at this time of the year, but there are better ways to get results.

• Making a Cloud Play

  Wayne Beekman is maneuvering his business to catch the cloud. Should you be doing that too?

• Getting Ready for Windows 7

  Windows 7 launches this month, giving partners -- and Microsoft -- a subtle chance at a revenue boost. Partner-readiness resources abound.

• Shedding a Light on the SaaS Trail

  Despite uncertain prospects, a few partners are already investing in some of Microsoft's SaaS- and cloud-based initiatives.

• Microsoft: From Complacence to Competition

  When Microsoft does indeed rally around a competitive opportunity, the results can be startling.

• Giving Customers What They Want

  Partners who understand what customers are looking for (hint: not just low prices) are better equipped to find and keep them.

• Social Networking and the Revolution

  Despite the risks of social networking, it's not surprising that Microsoft would want to join in.

• Partners: In This Life, You're on Your Own

  Microsoft may hope its partners survive the economy, but it's not willing to sacrifice a lot of its own cash to make that happen.

• The Allure of Azure

  With a competitive pricing model established and different licensing options on the table, partners are starting to see how Microsoft's cloud-computing offering can drive new business.

• From the MSPP to the MPN

  Partners have 16 months to make the transition from the 6-year-old Microsoft Partner Program structure to the framework of the new Microsoft Partner Network.

• Can Dev Camps Give Windows Mobile A Boost?

  Inaugural event in Redmond hopes to engage developers of mobile applications.

• Excuses to Tweet at Work

  Even companies without a clear strategy for using micro-blogging to their advantage must monitor the ongoing "naked conversation" for complaining customers.

• Ballmer's Annual Partner Pep Talk Isn't About Specifics

  Ballmer talks about the resetting of the Microsoft Partner program and gives a small dig to Google in the process.

• Picking a Partner

  Microsoft makes the software, but channel partners sell and service it. Picking the right partner is critical for any Microsoft customer. Here's how to make the right choice.

• The Browser vs. the Windows 7 Desktop

  Windows 7's immediate success looks guaranteed. After that, the future of the OS is doubtful.