Tag Archives: CRN

Computers

IBM-Lenovo deal likely to focus on low-end, commodity servers, analyst says

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Any deal by IBM to sell parts of its server business to Lenovo is likely to focus on low-end commodity x86 hardware, not higher-end x86 systems such as IBM‘s PureSystems and iDataPlex servers, an industry analyst said Thursday.

IBM reportedly is in talks with Lenovo to sell all or part of its x86 server business. It’s unclear how far along the talks are or whether a deal will materialize, but unnamed sources told both CRN and The Wall Street Journal that discussions are under way.

Asked about the talks on IBM‘s quarterly financial call Thursday, IBM‘s CFO declined to comment on what he called “rumors.” An IBM spokesman also declined to comment.

It could make sense for IBM to off-load its commodity x86 business, where profit margins are relatively low, said Dan Olds, principal analyst at Gabriel Consulting. But he doesn’t see IBM selling off all its x86 businesses.

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From: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035747/ibmlenovo-deal-likely-to-focus-on-lowend-commodity-servers-analyst-says.html#tk.rss_all

Computers

IBM may sell x86 server business to Lenovo, reports say

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IBM is in “advanced discussions” with Lenovo over a possible deal for it to purchase IBM‘s x86 server business, according to two news reports Thursday.

Any such deal would reshape the massive x86 server market, which was worth US$35.8 billion last year and accounted for two-thirds of all server spending, according to figures from IDC.

The sale price isn’t known, but the deal could be worth billions of dollars if it goes ahead, said The Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed people familiar with the matter.

CRN reported the news earlier in the day, also citing unnamed sources. It said IBM wants $5 billion or $6 billion for the business.

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From: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035739/ibm-may-sell-x86-server-business-to-lenovo-reports-say.html#tk.rss_all

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Red Hat Named to CRN's 2013 5-Star Partner Program Guide

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Red Hat Named to CRN’s 2013 5-Star Partner Program Guide

5-Star designation in annual guide identifies CRN’s most elite vendor partner programs

RALEIGH, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Red Hat, Inc. (NYS: RHT) , the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, today announced it has been named to CRN’s 2013 Partner Program Guide, and awarded a 5-Star Partner rating. The CRN Partner Program Guide is a listing of manufacturers and software publishers that service solution providers or provide products to the IT Channel. The guide recognizes those vendors who have channel programs and derive a portion of their sales through the indirect IT Channel. The 5-Star Partner Program rating recognizes an elite subset of Partner Program Guide vendors who give solution providers the best partnering elements in their channel programs.

The list methodology is based on objective criteria that takes into account each vendor’s investments in program offerings, partner profitability, partner training, education and support, marketing programs and resources, sales support and communication. Vendors are assessed using the information that they provide in their completed applications.

This honor follows the recent recognition of several Red Hat executives named to CRN’s 2013 Channel Chiefs list. Mark Enzweiler, vice president, Global Channels and Alliances; Roger Egan, vice president of North America Channel Sales and Development; and Mike Byrd, director of Public Sector Channel Sales, were all recognized in CRN in February for their proven leadership, channel advocacy and commitment to the channel.

Over the last 12 months, Red Hat has fortified its commitment to partners through several significant innovations including a refreshed training curriculum for partners covering pre-sales, sales and delivery; a newly available virtual demo lab partners can use for training and customer demonstrations; a new Partner Lead Pass Program for passing qualified sales leads from Red Hat to qualified partners; and an updated marketing center to assist partners in generating leads and developing a pipeline for joint opportunities.

The 2013 Partner Program Guide is featured on CRN.com and the 5-Star Partners listing is highlighted in the March 2013 issue of CRN.

Supporting Quotes

Roger Egan, vice president of Channel Sales and Development, North America, Red Hat

“Red Hat

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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ADTRAN Awarded 5-Star Partner Rating for Elite IT Channel Program

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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ADTRAN Awarded 5-Star Partner Rating for Elite IT Channel Program

ADTRAN ADvantage Partner Program listed with top honors in CRN’s 2013 Partner Program Guide

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ADTRAN®, Inc., (NAS: ADTN) , a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced that it has been named to CRN‘s2013 Partner Program Guide, and awarded a 5-Star Partner rating. CRN‘s Partner Program Guide recognizes leading manufacturers who have a successful channel program and derive a portion of sales through the indirect IT channel. The 5-Star rating honors an elite subset of Partner Program Guide vendors who give solution providers the best partner elements in their channel programs. ADTRAN‘s award-winning ADvantage Partner Program was selected by CRN for delivering valuable resources and tools to channel partners, enabling them to ultimately improve their competitive edge.

“ADTRAN‘s channel program is continuously updated and improved based on partner feedback with partner success in mind. Being committed to full engagement and partner profitability has allowed the channel program to continue to grow,” said Ted Cole, ADTRAN‘s vice president of channel sales. “By combining ADTRAN‘s innovative technology, broad educational programs and award-winning customer support, the channel program continues to provide a path to success for our growing partner base.”

Most recently, ADTRAN announced a series of partner program enhancements for 2013 including incentives and expanded rewards across each partner level: Registered, ADvantage and ADvantage Plus. The program enhancements extend the path to success introduced last year, building on the full suite of partner enablement tools, along with the Triple Crown Program, rewarding partners for three specializations. Highlights of this year’s program include new enhancements for Registered partners such as guided discounts and deal registration; prioritized customer support for all specialized partners; and performance incentives, expanded sales coverage and access to refurbished equipment for ADvantage Plus, the top-tier partners.

“ADTRAN and the companies listed in CRN‘s 2013 Partner Program Guide represent a comprehensive list of the best channel programs in the market today,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director, for UBM Tech Channel’s CRN. “The 5-Star award is reserved for vendors that understand that a successful partnership does not rely solely on the technology. By offering their partners tools, education and regular updates, vendors on this list go above and beyond traditional support to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.”

CRN‘s 2013 Partner Program Guide will be featured on CRN.com, and the 5-Star Partner listing will …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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SimpliVity Garners Top CRN Awards for Its Commitment to the Channel

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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SimpliVity Garners Top CRN Awards for Its Commitment to the Channel

SimpliVity™ Awarded the 5-Star Partner Rating in CRN Partner Program Guide and SimpliVity VP of Sales and Services, Rich Shea, named CRN Channel Chief for 2013

WESTBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– SimpliVity Corporation, the provider of OmniCubeTM, the world’s only globally federated hyperconverged infrastructure system, today announced it has been awarded the CRN 5-Star Partner rating in recognition of both its attractive solution set and its commitment to its channel partners’ success. This follows on the heels of news last month that CRN named Rich Shea, SimpliVity’s Vice President of Sales and Services, a CRN Channel Chief for 2013, further validating SimpliVity’s position as a preeminent vendor for the channel.

“Broadleaf is pleased to congratulate SimpliVity on its 5-Star Partner rating from CRN. As a solutions provider that focuses on data storage, protection, virtualization, availability and recoverability, Broadleaf constantly evaluates trends that will shape IT and finds the vendors that will lead those trends. We have partnered with SimpliVity to deliver OmniCube, a superior hyperconverged infrastructure solution optimized for the virtualized environment, to our customers,” commented Jim Tenner, President of Broadleaf Services.

The CRN Partner Program Guide is the definitive listing of manufacturers and software publishers that provide products to the IT Channel. The 5-Star Partner Program rating recognizes an elite subset of Partner Program Guide vendors who give solution providers the best partnering elements in their channel programs. “The 5-Star award is reserved for vendors that understand a successful partnership does not rely solely on the technology. By offering their partners tools, education, and regular updates, vendors on this list go above and beyond traditional support to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director for UBM Tech Channel’s CRN.

“Our partners recognize the immense opportunity that OmniCube represents as data center customers seek the next generation of infrastructure for their virtual environment. Our partner program is designed to foster their success in finding opportunities and successfully delivering OmniCube to the market. SimpliVity is very pleased to be recognized by CRN for its commitment to its partners,” said Rich Shea, VP of Sales and Services for SimpliVity.

SimpliVity’s OmniCube™ is the only globally federated and hyperconverged infrastructure solution on the market today. It takes infrastructure convergence to a new level by enabling OmniCube systems around the globe to create an OmniCube Global Federation, enabling simplified scalability within the data …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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International Rectifier's IRS2980 LEDrivIR™ IC Named Finalist of 2013 EE Times and EDN ACE Awards

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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International Rectifier’s IRS2980 LEDrivIR™ IC Named Finalist of 2013 EE Times and EDN ACE Awards

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– International Rectifier, IR® (NYS: IRF) , a world leader in power management technology, today announced its IRS2980 LEDrivIR™ IC was named a finalist in the Ultimate Products – Power category of UBM Tech’s EE Times and EDN Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards.

Rated at 600 V, the IRS2980 utilizes hysteretic average current mode control for precise current regulation. The LED buck driver features low-side MOSFET drive with high-voltage internal regulator and high-side current sensing. The converter is compatible with electronic PWM dimming allowing for 0%-100% current control.

“The IRS2980 LEDrivIR™ IC offers improved performance at a lower system cost than alternative solutions for non-isolated LED driver applications and we are pleased that the device has been named a finalist in these highly prestigious awards,” said Adam White, IR‘s Senior Vice President, Global Sales.

Available in an SO-8 package, the IRS2980 LEDrivIR™ IC utilizes IR‘s advanced high-voltage IC process which incorporates latest-generation high-voltage level-shifting and termination technology to deliver superior electrical over-stress protection and higher field reliability, in addition to other new features and enhancements.

The Ultimate Products of the Year Award – awarded to the most significant product introduced in the last 12 months in 11 categories – is determined by large-scale peer review. Finalists in each category are chosen by expert editors from both EE Times and EDN with accompanying editorial reviews.

The Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards ceremony will take place on April 23, 2013, as part of UBM Tech’s DESIGN West and ESC Silicon Valley Conference.

About UBM Tech

UBM Tech is a global media business that provides information, events, training, data services, and marketing solutions for the technology industry. Its media brands and information services inform and inspire decision makers across the entire technology market — engineers and design professionals, software and game developers, solutions providers and integrators, networking and communications executives, and business technology professionals. UBM Tech’s industry-leading media brands include EE Times, Interop, Black Hat, InformationWeek, Game Developer Conference, CRN, and DesignCon.

About International Rectifier

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Time Warner Cable Business Class Named 2013 CRN Channel Champion

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Time Warner Cable Business Class Named 2013 CRN Channel Champion

Honored as the Top Vendor in the Network Connectivity Category

HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Time Warner Cable Business Class was named a 2013 Channel Champion by CRN in the category of Network Connectivity Services at an awards ceremony during the XChange Solution Provider conference on March 12, 2013 in Orlando, FL. CRN‘s annual Channel Champions awards are based on the results of a series of surveys conducted with top solution providers; the awards are presented to vendors receiving the best ratings in the areas of technological satisfaction, support satisfaction and financial benefits.

The CRN Channel Champions survey is the largest and broadest-based technology integrator market study in the industry, measuring the overall perceptions of vendor products and services by IT solution providers. The end result is a list of the most partner-friendly vendors in the channel, serving as a valuable resource for technology integrators when evaluating vendors and their programs.

“Since our launch of the TWCBC Partner Program our goal has been to provide partners with an unmatched level of support and a full suite of services that would give their business customers a compelling choice,” said Jim Delis, Group Vice President of National Sales for Time Warner Cable Business Class. “We are thrilled to be recognized by our partners and CRN for ‘support satisfaction’, and we look forward to continued success and growth with our valued partners.”

“To receive a Channel Champion award is a distinct honor,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director, CRN. “The win is a testament to a vendor’s dedication to supporting and maintaining a strong channel program. As such, this award is a direct result of their ability to develop and grow solid, mutually beneficial relationships with partners. We congratulate these leading technology vendors on this recognition.”

A sample list of Channel Champions award winners and related study will be published in the April 2013 issue of CRN magazine and online at www.CRN.com.

About Time Warner Cable Business Class

Time Warner Cable Business Class, a division of Time Warner Cable (NYS: TWC) , offers a full complement of business communications tools to small-and medium-sized businesses and enterprise-sized companies. Its …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Comcast Business Services Named 2013 CRN Channel Champion

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Comcast Business Services Named 2013 CRN Channel Champion

Honored as the Top Vendor in the Best in Network Connectivity Services Category

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company, was named a 2013 Channel Champion by CRN in the category of Best in Network Connectivity Services at an awards ceremony during the XChange Solution Provider conference on March 12, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. CRN‘s annual Channel Champions awards are based on the results of a series of surveys conducted with top solution providers. The awards are presented to vendors receiving the best ratings in the areas of technological satisfaction, support satisfaction and financial benefits.

The CRN Channel Champions survey is the largest and broadest-based technology integrator market study in the industry, measuring the overall perceptions of vendor products and services by IT solution providers. The end result is a list of the most partner-friendly vendors in the channel, serving as a valuable resource for technology integrators when evaluating vendors and their programs.

“This month marks two years since Comcast implemented its channel program, and this award is validation that our partners recognize our hard work and devotion to the channel,” said Craig Schlagbaum, vice president indirect channels at Comcast Business Services. “Our channel partners awarded Comcast this honor because of the company’s strong brand name, its extensive and reliable network infrastructure and the value of the products and services it offers. In an extremely competitive market, the CRN Channel Champions distinction sets us apart from other vendors by recognizing Comcast’s cutting-edge technology, reliable support and superior value, and it demonstrates to the industry that our partners consider us a best-in-class network service provider.”

“To receive a Channel Champion award is a distinct honor,” said Kelley Damore, senior vice president and editorial director, CRN. “The win is a testament to a vendor’s dedication to supporting and maintaining a strong channel program. As such, this award is a direct result of their ability to develop and grow solid, mutually beneficial relationships with partners. We congratulate these leading technology vendors on this recognition.”

A sample list of Channel Champions award winners and the related study will be published in the April 2013 issue of CRN magazine and online at www.CRN.com.

About Comcast Business

Comcast …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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ADTRAN's Ted Cole Honored as CRN Channel Chief

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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ADTRAN’s Ted Cole Honored as CRN Channel Chief

For seventh consecutive year, Ted Cole is recognized for implanting key channel programs to ensure partner success

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ADTRAN®, Inc., (NAS: ADTN) , a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced that Ted Cole, ADTRAN‘s vice president of channel sales, has been named one of CRN‘s 2013 Channel Chiefs. Selected based on ADTRAN‘s record of business innovation and dedication to the partner community, the annual list recognizes the best of channel management. Cole was honored for consistently advocating, promoting and executing effective channel partner programs and strategies across ADTRAN and the industry at large.

For more than seven years at ADTRAN, Cole has been instrumental in designing top programs for existing partners, as well as establishing leading recruitment tools for future partners. Cole also led the launch of ADTRAN‘s Partner Enablement Program, designed to reward partners for their engagement with unique promotions, special training and communication tools. Over the past year, Cole and his team have diligently worked to accelerate virtual WLAN (vWLAN) enablement for existing partners by launching a nationwide tour, webinar series, call campaigns and additional WLAN promotions. The successful integration of Bluesocket products has opened new doors for partners, allowing the ADTRAN channel team to add a new level of differentiation when engaging with current and future channel partners.

“ADTRAN‘s channel programs continue to build and strengthen our partners’ knowledge and understanding of the shifts in the market and best solution strategies, resulting in greater joint success,” said Rick Schansman, senior vice president and general manager, ADTRAN Enterprise Networks Division. “For seven consecutive years Ted has been honored by CRN for his outstanding leadership. His ability to create successful programs—from educating the sales team on product solutions to ensuring customer challenges and concerns are addressed—is a top reason in which ADTRAN is able to expand and strengthen its partner base.”

CRN‘s Channel Chiefs, in its 10th year, recognizes vendor executives who are dedicated to driving channel programs in the marketplace. Selected by the CRN editorial team, the leaders are chosen based on channel experience, channel-driven revenue and program innovation.

The 2013 Channel Chiefs is listed in the February issue of CRN magazine and featured online at www.crn.com.

About ADTRAN

ADTRAN, Inc. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Datalink Named to CRN's 2013 Tech Elite 250

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Datalink Named to CRN’s 2013 Tech Elite 250

Third Annual List Recognizes IT Solution Providers with Deep Technical Expertise and Premier Certifications in North America

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Datalink (NAS: DTLK) , a leading provider of data center infrastructure and services, today announced it has been named to CRN’s third annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies that are part of the 2013 Tech Elite 250 represent an elite group of IT solution providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most advanced technical certifications in the IT channel for data center and cloud infrastructures.

Being named to the Tech Elite 250 is a testament to Datalink’s ongoing commitment to advanced technical training to deepen its expertise in transformational data center technologies, such as cloud computing. Datalink leverages the training programs of its partner community, including NetApp, Cisco, VMware, EMC, Symantec, Hitachi Data Systems, and others, to attain and maintain 1,000+ advanced certifications. These certifications also enable Datalink to earn special designations, such as Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Premium Partner, Cisco Cloud Infrastructure, Cisco Data Center Unified Computing System Authorized Technology Provider, EMC Signature Partner, and others.

“Transforming a data center to a converged, cloud-ready infrastructure requires cross-discipline capabilities spanning servers, storage, and networks. Datalink’s continuous investments in training and hands-on labs are central to maintaining the highest degree of expertise across unified IT infrastructures,” said Datalink President and CEO Paul Lidsky. “Our proven expertise, along with a full lifecycle of cloud-enablement services—analysis and design through deployment, support, and management—helps our clients maximize the value of their cloud-based, data centers.”

“The 2013 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of solution providers that have invested in training and technical know-how to help their customers understand the benefits of some of the most sophisticated technology deployments in the market – and have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Tech Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s customers value most.”

About Datalink

A complete data center solutions and services provider for Fortune 500 and mid-tier enterprises, Datalink transforms data centers so they become more efficient, manageable and responsive to …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance