In this news roundup, we bring you the most important channel announcements of the week. From breaking news to partner programs to cutting-edge technology to industry-shaping trends, ChannelPro’s goal is to keep you informed and competitive in today’s dynamic MSP landscape.
Syncro Announces Commercial Availability of AI-powered Smart Ticket Management Solution for MSP and IT Operations
Integrated seamlessly into its existing platform, this advanced system is purpose-built to enhance MSPs’ and IT professionals’ efficiency in resolving tickets, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
Key quote from the press release:
“Our Smart Ticket Management solution is transformational for the MSP and IT markets. By leveraging AI to automate and simplify the ticket resolution process, we’re enabling our partners to achieve greater efficiency and productivity. This launch represents our ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” — Michael George, CEO, Syncro
Sophos Launches Dedicated Customer Success Team, Deepening Commitment to Customers and Channel Partners
Sophos Customer Success enables customers to maximize the value of Sophos solutions, delivering overall greater cybersecurity protection.
Key quote from the press release:
“Following the successful launch of Sophos’ Partner Care earlier this year, we saw an industry-leading opportunity to deliver a similar level of white-glove service directly to our customers. By creating a single point of contact for customers, we’re able to work more seamlessly to improve customer satisfaction on many levels. This ‘close touch’ availability also helps partners and MSPs better protect and service their customers.” — Angela Bucher, vice president of customer success, Sophos
N‑able Shares Latest Additions to Its Technology Alliance Program
Open MSP ecoverse provides a variety of technology integrations to deliver more efficiency, helping MSPs work smarter, not harder.
Key quote from the press release:
“By understanding the challenges MSPs face, we built TAP and our wider Ecoverse vision to help simplify an MSPs day. … We take our responsibility as a partner seriously. Our mission is to give our MSP partners both the tools and technical know-how to meet their goals. We believe TAP helps by providing more flexibility and choice in their technology decisions.” — David Weeks, vice president of partner experience, N‑able
Cisco Sees Recovery in Equipment Demand, Cuts 7% of Jobs Globally
Cisco Systems (Nasdaq: CSCO) said it witnessed rebounding demand for its networking equipment and announced a 7% cut in its global headcount to focus on high-growth areas, such as AI and cybersecurity, according to a Reuters report.
Key quote from the article:
“[The layoffs allow Cisco to] maintain focus on growth areas such as software, services, AI and cybersecurity, while balancing its financial obligations and reducing the percentage of hardware in its product mix.” — Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer, Running Point Capital
Dell Staff Not Surprised About Layoffs Following its AI Pivot
Dell laid off more workers, starting a process that some think may be the biggest in its history, Business Insider reported.
Key quote from the article:
“Most of it makes sense … reductions in sales and marketing because we’re relying more heavily on external sales channels that have deeper relationships with customers.” — A senior engineer from Dell, who wished to remain unnamed
ScanSource Acquires Resourcive
With the acquisition, ScanSource (Nasdaq: SCSC) is creating a new channel advisory business to be a platform for the channel model of the future.
Key quote from the press release:
“Having access to more resources will serve as a springboard for continued growth, enabling us to help our customers take their business to the next level and deliver on what our vision of a technology value creation partner can and should be.” — Kyle Hall, president, Resourcive
Note: Read more in this letter from Hall via Resourcive’s website.
DDoS Attacks Surge 106% from H2 2023 to H1 2024, New Zayo Data Reveals
Report highlights the alarming need for businesses to strengthen defenses as AI fuels cyber threats.
Key findings from the Zayo press release:
- Telecommunications companies are still the most targeted industry, making up 57% of all attacks. Other familiar industries experiencing the most frequent attacks include education (19%), manufacturing (5%), and cloud/SaaS (5%).
- Manufacturing has replaced retail as the industry facing the largest DDoS attacks, followed by healthcare (up 128.5% compared to H1 2023). Not only did this industry experience a 308% increase in attack duration from 2023 to 2024, these companies also suffered a 200% increase in DDoS attack size.
- Government entities continued to be the victims of the longest-duration attacks, with an average attack time of over six hours. This is up 41% from the H1 2023.
Ensono Introduces Ensono Flex for Unmatched IT Adaptability and Seamless Optionality Without Penalties
Ensono Flex helps clients with seamless transitions and transformations.
Key quote from the press release:
“Ensono has always positioned itself as an ally to business and technology leaders, emphasizing our role as an independent specialist team dedicated to our clients’ success. With Ensono Flex, we are solidifying this commitment by investing in our clients’ ability to navigate change effectively and efficiently, ensuring they can make the best decisions for their business without worrying about penalties.” — Brian Klingbeil, chief strategy officer, Ensono
Fortra Publishes Details on Windows Vulnerability Causing ‘Blue Screen of Death’
While impacted systems will automatically restart, this denial-of-service can still disrupt an organization’s operations. Users with low privileges could induce a system crash, impacting services and potentially resulting in data loss.
Timeline from Fortra’s advisory:
- December 20, 2023: Reported to Microsoft with a proof-of-concept exploit.
- January 8, 2024: Microsoft responded that its engineers could not reproduce the vulnerability.
- January 12: Fortra provided a screenshot showing a version of Windows running the January Patch Tuesday updates and a memory dump of the crash.
- February 21: Microsoft replied that it still could not reproduce the issue and was closing the case.
- February 28: Fortra reproduced the issue again with the February Patch Tuesday updates installed and provided additional evidence, including a video of the crash condition.
- June 19: Fortra followed up share that it intended to pursue a CVE and publish its research.
- July 16: Fortra shared it had reserved CVE-2024-6768 and would publish soon.
- August 8: Reproduced on latest updates (July 2024 Patch Tuesday) of Windows 11 and Server 2022 to produce screenshots to share with media.
- August 12: CVE publication date.
Jamf Signs 5-year Agreement to Accelerate Growth through Microsoft Azure
Jamf offerings will be hosted on Microsoft Azure cloud and available for purchase on Azure Marketplace providing greater value to joint customers
Key quote from the press release:
“By combining our market-leading expertise in Apple endpoint management and security with Microsoft’s cloud platform and AI security capabilities, we are equipping organizations with the tools they need to manage and protect the modern workplace — all while preserving the native Apple technology experience that end users love.” — Henry Patel, chief strategy officer, Jamf
Guardz Launches Free ‘Community Shield’ Plan to Empower MSPs
The new, complimentary community plan will secure MSPs with a unified detection and response platform for their internal operations, reflecting Guardz’s appreciation and continued support for the MSP community.
Key quote from the press release:
“We’ve gained so much from this collaborative community, and now we want to give back. By providing the Guardz platform for free, we aim to support MSPs’ growth and success while keeping their businesses secure. We believe that a secure MSP is better equipped to foster secure environments for their clients, creating a ripple effect of enhanced cybersecurity across the board and, ultimately, a safer digital world.” — Dor Eisner, CEO and co-founder, Guardz
Cynomi Enters into Strategic Partnership with Cavelo to Offer Comprehensive Cyber Solutions
Collaboration features deep product integration to enhance the value proposition for MSP partners and their clients.
Key quote from the press release:
“This collaboration is a significant win for the MSP community. By integrating Cavelo’s scan results with Cynomi’s content and logic via a seamless API, MSPs, and MSSPs can more accurately measure their cyber risk and strengthen critical vCISO processes, including data protection and evidence collection.” — Chad Fullerton, vice president, information security, ECI (a Cynomi and Cavelo client)
Trustifi Adds Automated DLP Rule-Setting Tool that Caters to Vertical Markets
Based on customer demand, Trustifi now provides preconfigured, one-click rule settings for email security in healthcare, finance, education, and general business.
Key quote from the press release:
“The marketplace is transforming at an amazing pace, and our solutions continue to evolve, addressing new challenges and delivering greater functionality. Enhanced automation and ease of use are a continued priority, resulting in one of our community’s most unique and capable email cybersecurity packages. The new, auto-configured DLP rule options are part of that legacy.” — Rom Hendler, CEO and co-founder, Trustifi
Aryaka Expands Channel Sales Partnership with Sandler Partners
Unified SASE as a service provider welcomes leading technology services distributor to DRIVE program for strategic partners.
Key quote from the press release:
“After working closely with Aryaka for the past three years, Sandler Partners has experienced its strong commitment to partners firsthand. With the DRIVE program, Aryaka has increased its investment in Sandler Partners and our independent partner community, including additional resources, strategic initiative planning, and access to exclusive programs. This is why we’re doubling down on our partnership with Aryaka.” — Justin Marano, chief revenue officer, Sandler Partners
The Path to AI Legislation in the US Runs Through the States
While a federal push has stalled, state governments across the nation are tackling the tech, Tech Brew reported.
Key piece from the article:
“The absence of comprehensive federal legislation is already leading to a patchwork of state laws with different rules and definitions that makes it more difficult for businesses operating across state lines. While federal guidelines like President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI do provide some standardized definitions that lawmakers in California have borrowed from, businesses are already reporting trouble navigating the disparate regulations.”
Coretelligent Joins Secureworks Global MSSP Partner Program to Bolster Cyber Readiness for Midmarket Customers
Partnership empowers Coretelligent to deliver cutting-edge threat prevention, detection, and response with the advanced Secureworks Taegis platform.
Key quote from the press release:
“In an era where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and relentless, organizations often find themselves in a challenging position to maintain robust security postures. Our collaboration with Coretelligent will be a game changer for how these businesses defend against these threats. By leveraging the Taegis XDR platform, MSSPs like Coretelligent are able to deliver world-class MDR services with state-of-the-art threat detection and response capabilities that can beat the adversary.” — Ian Williamson, general manager, global service providers, Secureworks (Nasdaq: SCWX)
Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management Introduces Risk-Based Deployment to Tackle Growing Cyber Threats and Automate Patching Process
New features in Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management enable automated risk-based patching based on vulnerability and compliance.
Key quote from the press release:
“Since threat actors are automating attacks, we need to automate remediation. By providing this new feature, we can enable organizations to keep up with their regular maintenance while accelerating response to applications that pose more immediate threats. Automating responses to priority updates for applications like browsers and telecom apps and enabling zero-day responses when a known exploit requires immediate action empowers IT and security teams to continuously and efficiently respond to new threats.” — Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, chief product officer, Ivanti
DoControl Now Available on Google Cloud Marketplace
The program aims to help partners generate new business opportunities and expedite sales cycles by facilitating connections between participating independent software vendors (ISVs) and the Google Cloud sales organization, as well as their customers.
Key quote from the press release:
“Modern companies must collaborate with both internal and external partners to drive business forward, but they need controls in place on how sensitive data is shared and accessed. With DoControl, organizations can secure their data without compromising productivity. In addition to enhanced security controls, this partnership allows organizations to purchase DoControl through Google Cloud Marketplace, simplifying the procurement process for purchasing a tool that is needed for your cloud security program.” — Omri Weinberg, chief revenue officer and co-founder, DoControl
Car Wars and GoTo Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Enhance Automotive Dealership Integration
Partnership brings dealers an advanced cloud phone system integrated with phone processes and lead management.
Key quote from the press release:
“The strengthened partnership between Car Wars and GoTo represents a significant advancement for automotive dealerships. Our combined efforts ensure that dealers have access to cutting-edge technology and unparalleled support, driving their success in today’s competitive market.” — Michael Day, vice president of partner sales, GoTo
Syngrafii Announces Strategic Partnership with MetaDolce Technologies
This partnership will offer customers a seamless integration of Syngrafii’s iinked Sign with MetaDolce Technologies‘ smart devices, delivering an optimized e-signature workflow with robust nonrepudiation capabilities for remote signings.
Key quote from the press release:
“Syngrafii has consistently demonstrated its ability to push the envelope in the highly competitive e-signature market. With the company’s ongoing innovations in in real-time video signing, biometrically accurate electronic signatures, and signature audit trail technology, Syngrafii is a clear choice for organizations requiring secure, robust e-signature solutions.” — Moshe Meppen, founder and CEO, MetaDolce Technologies
Chetu Introduces Services Partnership with UKG
With this collaboration, organizations utilizing Chetu and the UKG Ready suite can benefit from Chetu’s 24 years of experience in the HCM and custom technology solution vertical.
Key quote from the press release:
“The UKG partner ecosystem delivers best-in-class technology and services empowering customers to inspire their employees and improve business outcomes. Partners like Chetu help us achieve our mission of helping every organization be a great place to work through technology built for all.” — Claire Hawkins, group vice president, global delivery services, UKG
Image: iStock
