Key Channel Headlines: New Mimecast Partner Program, Changes to Microsoft’s Copilot Copyright, and More

Looking for the most important news headlines, industry research, and partner program announcements for small and midsized MSPs? Scroll on down!

TD SYNNEX Elevates StreamOne with New Commerce and Security Capabilities

PSA connectors and commerce APIs redefine cloud management experience.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Enhanced Cloud Management: Real-time IaaS tracking and FinOps tools on StreamOne improve cost management, enabling continuous billing and advanced cost optimization.
• StreamOne PSA Integration: New PSA connectors streamline billing reconciliation and automate processes, boosting operational efficiency for MSPs.
• White-Label Storefronts: Partners can offer a fully branded marketplace to their customers without deployment or maintenance costs, extending StreamOne capabilities under their own brand.

Veeam, #1 Leader in Data Resilience, Enhances Veeam Data Cloud Vault

New cloud storage offering delivers extended availability, unique and predictable cloud storage pricing via two new editions, and provides seamless integration with Veeam Data Platform, on the foundation of Zero Trust Data Resilience principles.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Security and Durability: With the new release, Veeam Data Cloud Vault now offers up to 12 nines of durability that protects against entire data center failure. Veeam applies best-in-class security measures to protect organizations against cyber threats, and in particular threats against their backup repositories.
• Predictability: Veeam Data Cloud Vault offers predictable, flat, per-TB pricing on two editions of cloud storage, inclusive of read/write requests, and egress fees.
• Simplified: Veeam Data Cloud Vault minimizes cloud and security skills gaps with on-demand, pre-configured and fully managed cloud storage built on Azure, directly integrated with the Veeam Data Platform interface. This includes the ability to procure, provision, and monitor Veeam Vaults directly from Veeam Data Platform, as well as the ability to directly restore to on-premises and Azure VMs.

Microsoft Announces Updates Around Commerce, Partner Incentives, and Licensing

Providing MSPs with a streamlined, scalable program to grow and differentiate their business through clear requirements and performance-based pathways. Mimecast enhances this experience with MSP APIs, fueling a stronger go-to-market strategy and offering new products and pricing.

Key benefits from the blog post:

• Copilot Copyright Commitment: Microsoft is extending its Copilot Copyright Commitment (CCC) to cover reseller partners, including updates to agreements to include CCC protection for qualifying claims, benefiting both existing and new resellers and their end customers.
• New Monthly Billing Option for Annual Microsoft 365 Subscriptions: Starting December 1, 2024, Microsoft will offer a monthly billing plan for annual subscriptions of Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Copilot for Sales, and Microsoft 365 Copilot for Services, priced 5% higher than the annual upfront payment option.
• Enterprise Agreement Renewal Changes: As of January 1, 2025, certain cloud Enterprise Agreements (EAs) in direct markets will not be renewable under the current structure. Impacted customers will be informed in January, with recommendations to shift to the Microsoft Customer Agreement for enterprise (MCA-E) for streamlined solutions or to CSP/MCA-E for SMC customers.

Mimecast Launches Partner ONE MSP Program to Unify and Strengthen Partner Experience

Providing MSPs with a streamlined, scalable program to grow and differentiate their business through clear requirements and performance-based pathways. 

Key benefits from the press release:

• Opportunity: Partners will be able to accelerate their growth strategy through performance-based incentives, recognition and rewards. This helps set the foundation for MSPs to build business.
• Support: Continuous support through the Mimecast Knowledge Hub and 24/7 access to the technical customer support team.
• Community: Integration into the Mimecast community with access to the exclusive partner forum and Mimecast Maverick Community for collaboration, troubleshooting and knowledge sharing.
• Enablement: A range of training opportunities and a multi-level certification program.
• Innovation: Access to new products, bundles and pricing in driving profitability and value to customer organizations.

NEW REPORT: Project Management Gaps Cost MSPs Profitability and Efficiency According to Moovila Research

Only 30% of MSPs effectively use project management tools while a staggering 50% of executives say PM challenges are impacting profitability.

Key stats from the report:

• Operational inefficiencies: Over 65% of MSPs reported difficulties in managing project timelines and meeting client expectations, indicating a strong need for better project visibility and proactive risk management.
• Resource allocation challenges: Nearly 70% of MSPs struggle with resource management, leading to project delays and increased operational costs.
• Demand for automation: More than 80% of respondents expressed interest in adopting AI and automation technologies to improve project management and reduce manual tasks, signaling a growing trend towards digital transformation in the MSP space.

Nutanix Expands Partnership with AWS

New partnership will simplify cloud migrations and offer access to AWS services for on-premises customers leveraging Nutanix Cloud Clusters on AWS.

Key benefits from the press release:

•  Faster, low-risk app migrations. Move workloads quickly and predictably with the Nutanix Move migration tool, without costly application refactoring and, at the same time, minimize migration risks with bi-directional portability.
• Effortless scale and flexibility. Drive IT automation across the entire hybrid cloud stack, on-premises and in the cloud leveraging the elasticity of AWS to manage expected and unexpected capacity demands.
• Increase cloud efficiency. Increase cloud resource efficiency to reduce cloud costs through use of bare-metal platforms in AWS with a unified control plane, consistent automation mechanisms and lifecycle management for virtual machines.

New NetApp Storage Offerings Modernize Workloads for Businesses of All Sizes

Updated all-flash storage offerings drive performance at all budgets and offer simplicity at scale.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Affordable High-Performance Storage: Scalable all-flash systems fit budgets of all sizes, letting MSPs offer clients enterprise-grade performance without high costs.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced power and rack space needs (up to 97% and 95% savings) help MSPs optimize data centers while lowering operational expenses.
• Built-in Security: Advanced ransomware protection and data management features ensure robust security, enhancing MSPs’ value in protecting client data.

ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?

“With today’s announcements, small to mid-size MSPs have a broad portfolio of all-flash unified data storage that will allow them to reach new customers and help them modernize their IT infrastructure with new ultra high performance enterprise-class systems starting at just 15.35TB and capacity-optimized storage that will provide them tremendous power, cooling, and real estate savings while delivering all-flash performance at close to the price of hybrid flash.” – Jeff Baxter, VP of product marketing, NetApp

Fortinet Continues to Expand Generative AI Across Its Portfolio with Two New Additions to Simplify Security Operations

FortiAI now spans seven unique Fortinet products with new GenAI integrations for FortiNDR Cloud to accelerate threat coverage analysis and Lacework FortiCNAPP to streamline investigation.

Changes to Fortinet’s portfolio according to the press release:

• FortiAI for FortiAnalyzer to provide real-time threat analysis, prioritization and automated response.
• FortiAI for FortiManager to more easily build network configuration scripts, perform troubleshooting, and automate remediation vulnerabilities and network issues.
• FortiAI for FortiSIEM to provide contextual intelligence and recommendations for investigating and responding to security alerts.
• FortiAI for FortiSOAR to guide and optimize threat investigations, remediation activities, and automate playbook creation.
• FortiAI for FortiDLP to summarize and contextualize data associated with observed high-risk activity.

12Port Introduces Zero Trust Network Microsegmentation for Managed Service Providers

Enables MSPs to enhance their security offerings with a simple, scalable microsegmentation solution.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Contain and Prevent Threats with Ease: Secure client environments by restricting lateral movement within segmented networks, aligning with a Zero Trust framework.
• Rapid Deployment: Agentless deployment and an intuitive setup help MSPs quickly secure client environments across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud settings.
• Scalable, Multi-Tenant Management: A multi-tenant architecture and self-service interface streamline operations, making it easy for MSPs to monitor and manage multiple client environments from a single console while allowing clients to access only their information using their authentication.
• Distributed Deployment Architecture: A centralized hierarchical control plane with distributed access gateways allows clients compartmentalization across isolated geographical locations while providing seamless management and analytical experience for MSP.
• Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with existing security tools, such as IAM, PAM, and SIEM systems, supporting a unified Zero Trust strategy.
• Specialized MSP Pricing: Tailored pricing for MSPs and MSSPs ensures accessibility and value.

Tigera Enhances Calico with Major Network and Runtime Security Updates

New features extend Calico network security to virtual machines and hosts, help operators tune and customize runtime security, and simplify the management of network security.

Key features from the press release:

Network Security Enhancements

• Policy Tiers and Support for AdminNetwork and BaselineNetwork Policies – Calico now supports new Kubernetes policies and Calico policy tiers that provide granular control over policy precedence, ensuring predictable, consistent enforcement and enabling better collaboration between teams.
• Extend Calico Network Security Beyond Kubernetes to VMs and Hosts – Calico can protect VMs and hosts running outside of a Kubernetes cluster, significantly expanding the scope of how users can leverage Calico to secure application workloads.
• Native Support for nftables – Calico introduces native support for nftables, ensuring that Kubernetes users can smoothly transition from iptables to nftables while maintaining performance and compatibility.
• New Sidecar Deployment for Envoy in Calico – Ensures greater levels of compatibility with certain Kubernetes platforms such as GKE, AKS, EKS and Wireguard.

Runtime Security Enhancements

• Fine-Tuned Runtime Threat Detection for Accuracy and Efficiency – Calico allows administrators to select which types of detectors to enable in their cluster, enabling teams to phase their deployment and tune and customize threat detection.
• Significant Reduction of False Positives – Calico enables operators to bypass threat detection for certain known processes, thereby eliminating false positives.
• Bolstered Network-Based Threat Detection – Calico supports the ability to customize SNORT rules for Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) on a workload basis to improve accuracy.
• Insight into the Exploitability of Vulnerabilities to Prioritize Remediation – Calico introduces new meta data including Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) and information on known exploits to estimate the likelihood that the software vulnerability will be exploited in the wild.

Boom Goes Large with Dedicated ‘Meeting Room In A Box’ Conference Kit

The all-in-one solution features an intelligent videobar, expandable mics and one-cable connection hub – designed to simplify installations and capitalize on high demand for Bring Your Own Device deployments.

Key benefits from the announcement:

• Simplified Installation and Maintenance: The kit’s all-in-one setup, with a videobar, expandable mics, and single-cable hub, reduces setup time and complexity, ideal for MSPs managing multiple client installations.
• Cost-Effective, BYOD-Friendly Solution: Boom’s BYOD approach supports client flexibility by allowing users to connect personal devices, lowering costs compared to dedicated in-room systems—perfect for SMB clients adopting hybrid work models.
• Platform Agnostic with High-Quality Features: The HALO videobar offers 4K video, AI-powered auto-framing, speaker-tracking, and an expandable mic system, ensuring quality video conferencing on any platform, making it an attractive, versatile option for MSPs to offer clients across various sectors.

Rocketseed Expands Global MSP Partner Program with Advanced Cloud Email Signature Management

Scalable, secure email signature management on Microsoft Azure to boost recurring revenue and enhance service portfolios for MSPs worldwide.

Key benefits from the press release:

Ending the Quest for a Place to Meet: Logitech Launches New Smart Office Tools

Auto Book and Auto Release ease room reservation hassles; Logitech View interactive office makes wayfinding intuitive.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Optimized Room Management: Logitech’s Auto Book and Auto Release features automatically handle room bookings and cancellations, ensuring spaces are efficiently used and minimizing unbooked occupancy.
• Enhanced Workplace Navigation: Logitech View’s interactive digital maps provide intuitive wayfinding in large offices, allowing employees to quickly locate rooms, desks, and amenities, improving productivity.
• Data-Driven Space Planning: Logitech Sync Insights offers IT and Facilities teams valuable analytics on space usage and occupancy, enabling smarter tech investments and more efficient space management.

AppDirect announces upcoming acquisition of IT spend management leader vCom Solutions

Acquisition furthers AppDirect’s mission to become the single platform for buying, selling, and managing recurring technology services.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Comprehensive IT Spend Management: Advisors gain access to vCom’s vManager platform, enabling full IT lifecycle management for clients.
• Broader Product Portfolio: The acquisition adds QuantumShift’s diverse catalog, offering new revenue streams in network, mobile, and cloud.
• Enhanced Partner Support: vCom partners join AppDirect’s ecosystem, maintaining dedicated service with expanded SaaS and cloud solutions.

ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?

“With the integration of VCOM into AppDirect’s portfolio, MSPs can now extend their existing technology management practices with robust expense management capabilities through the VCOM vManager platform.

“For small to midsize MSPs, this means the ability to match the comprehensive technology expense management (TEM) and IT management services historically provided only by larger MSPs. Additionally, they will benefit from AppDirect’s extensive catalog of telecom, SaaS, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other products relevant to their service offerings. This combined offering will help them to streamline operations, optimize costs, and ultimately drive greater efficiency and profitability without increasing the overhead necessary to launch new practices or manage new provider relationships.”  — Andy Ellerhorst, VP of Operations & Chief of Staff, AppDirect

Cisco and LTIMindtree Expand Partnership to Deliver Next-Generation Secure Access Globally

LTIMindtree is now leveraging Cisco Secure Access as its security service edge (SSE) solution to enable secure hybrid work experiences for its employees and customers worldwide.

Key benefits from the press release:

• LTIMindtree will leverage Cisco Secure Access as its new security service edge (SSE) solution to protect its 80,000 hybrid workers with secure internet access, advanced zero trust network access and embedded AI.
• Extending its networking partnership with Cisco, LTIMindtree now offers next-generation SSE to its global clients via Cisco Secure Access.
• Clients can work jointly with both companies to adopt a broad set of cloud security functions in a single, easy-to-use dashboard with Cisco Secure Access.

ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?

“Our expanded partnership with LTIMindtree will help businesses of all sizes to protect their hybrid workforces, so that they can be more secure with less hassle. AI-powered threats continue to grow, making it critical for small and medium sized businesses to access and adopt the latest security solutions that can combat today’s sophisticated attackers. Now, using Cisco Secure Access as its SSE solution, LTIMindtree enables these seamless and secure connected experiences for its customers around the world. ” — Raj Chopra, SVP and chief product officer, Cisco Security

Rubrik to Support Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization

The collaboration aims to deliver a secure, optimized solution to help simplify cyber resilience, provide faster data recovery, and enhance the reliability of the overall IT infrastructure.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization: Collaboration designed to pave the path for organizations to modernize virtual machines and applications while protecting and restoring environments for complete cyber resilience.
• Delivers enhanced data security and availability: To help organizations fortify their data, bolster their defenses against cyber threats, and streamline business operations in the face of evolving threats.

Portnox and Jamf Integration Delivers Agentless, Risk-Based Authentication for Networks, Applications & Infrastructure

Portnox unveils integration with leading mobile device management (MDM) solution to strengthen passwordless, risk-based authentication and access control offering.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Agentless Authentication: Enables risk-based, passwordless access for MacOS and iOS without needing third-party agents.
• Operational Efficiency: Simplifies management and lowers costs by supporting all device types on a single platform.
• Zero Trust Security: Enhances security with zero trust and compliance-ready access control for diverse client needs.

NEW REPORT: Backblaze Drive Stats for Q3 2024

Research into quarterly and lifetime Annualized Failure Rates (AFR) with insights and observations on drive performance trends.

Key stats from the report:

• Quarterly Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) Increase: AFR rose from 1.71% in Q2 to 1.89% in Q3 2024. That indicates a growing failure trend.
• 8TB Drives’ Higher AFR: 8TB drives showed an increase in AFR, rising to 3.04% in Q3 from 2.31% in Q2. That highlights a potential aging issue.
• Proactive vs. Reactive Failures: In Q3, 53% of failures were proactive, with 47% reactive. That provides insight into drive failure predictability and maintenance needs.

Microsoft Introduces New Adapted AI Models for Industry

Backblaze’s Q3 2024 report analyzes failure rates for 288,547 hard drives in its global data centers. They examimed quarterly and lifetime Annualized Failure Rates (AFR) providing insights on drive performance trends.

Key benefits for MSPs from the blog post:

• Enhanced Service Offerings: MSPs can leverage industry-specific AI models to provide tailored solutions. That improves client satisfaction and opens new revenue streams.
• Operational Efficiency: Utilizing these AI models can streamline processes such as data analysis and decision-making. That allows MSP’s clients to operate more efficiently and allocate resources effectively.
• Competitive Advantage: By consulting on advanced AI technologies, MSPs can differentiate themselves in the market.

Persona Announces Integration with Okta’s Workforce Identity Cloud to Enhance Workforce Identity Security

First out-of-the-box identity verification integration enhances security by verifying employees’ identities, strengthening protection against phishing attacks and deepfakes.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Easy Okta Integration: Persona’s verification integrates with Okta for identity checks at key points, no engineering needed.
• Diverse Verification Options: Supports ID checks, biometrics, and database verification for strong identity security.
• Advanced Fraud Defense: Uses risk assessments and signals to detect and block deepfakes and fraud.
• Compliance Ready: Aligns with NIST IAL2 and other standards, supporting regulatory compliance.

Leostream Expands VDI Management for Red Hat OpenShift; KubeVirt Integration Enables VDI on Any Container Solution

Leostream enables seamless VDI management on Red Hat OpenShift, transforming Kubernetes-based environments into powerful remote access platforms.

Key benefits from the press release:

• Flexible VDI Hosting: Supports VDI on any Kubernetes-based environment, giving MSPs more deployment options.
• Streamlined Access Control: Simplifies remote access and management with robust security and policy tools.
• Cost-Efficient Alternative: Offers an OpenShift-based VDI solution, reducing reliance on costly traditional setups like vSphere.

NEW REPORT: SolarWinds Releases First-ever ITSM Report

Research offers practical, actionable insights based on real-world ITSM strategies; exposes a harsh reality: IT professionals are burned out.

Key findings from the report:

• Automation Saves Time: Companies using automation in ITSM reduced incident resolution time by an average of 3 hours per ticket. That highlights the efficiency automation brings to service desks​.
• Self-Service Portal Impact: Implementing a self-service portal reduced incident resolution times by over 2 hours on average. That emphasizes the benefit of empowering users to resolve issues independently​
• SLA Compliance Boost: Organizations using Service Level Agreements (SLAs) resolved tickets 2 hours faster on average. That shows the importance of SLAs in maintaining efficiency and meeting customer expectations​.

ChannelPro: How does this report benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?

“SolarWinds’ ITSM Report allows MSPs to review data and compare resolution times. Because MSPs often have the added hurdle of each agent servicing multiple customers and context-switching, relying on automations, self-service portals, and knowledge bases is critical. MSPs that build a strong foundation of people and processes, accelerated by ITSM technology, can alleviate pain and help acquire and retain customers.” — RJ Gazarek, director of ITSM & database, SolarWinds

Featured image: DALL-E 3