MSPmentor

When it comes to Dell’s partner communications, subtle statements — and non-statements — count for a lot. On the one hand, Dell has worked overtime to tell VARs and managed service providers how to participate in the company’s growing partner program. Kudos. But on the other hand, Dell is potentially sabotaging its own partner program with some of its software as a service (SaaS) press materials.

A prime example: Check out the press release announcing Dell has completed its $155 million buyout of MessageOne, a SaaS specialist. It plays up the small business managed services/SaaS angle (smart) but makes zero mention of Dell’s partners (not smart). Here’s the deal.

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TelePresence, that next-generation video conferencing technology, has yet to gain critical mass. But The VAR Guy, our resident blogger over at www.thevarguy.com, has been telling readers to expect TelePresence and the managed services market to converge on the hotel vertical.

He was right. A case in point: Marriott International says it’s deploying Hewlett-Packard’s managed TelePresence services and systems in its upscale hotels. Here’s the scoop. Read More >

The VAR Guy just awoke from an extended nap, which started sometime before Christmas. While he waits for his new Web site to launch — at www.thevarguy.com (update: it’s live now) — he decided to jump onto MSPmentor.net.

If you haven’t read The VAR Guy’s outbursts before, here’s all you need to know: He often swims against the tide. A case in point: While many folks bash Michael Dell’s channel strategy and managed services acquisitions, The VAR Guy has been defending Mr. Dell and his empire. Here’s why. Read More >