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We're at the beginning of a new tech boom like nothing we've ever seen before. New economic models, the cloud, crowdfunding, and trends that haven't even seen the light of day yet are combining to form a "perfect storm". Hold onto your hats! This blog looks at innovative startups, new ways of thinking and the changes each will create over the coming year.

by Dan Blacharski

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Dan Blacharski has been a professional writer for over 20 years, ever since the corporate world unceremoniously booted him out of his cubicle in 1991. He divides his time between South Bend, Indiana and Bangkok.

Oracle's Sun acquisition is a game-changer

Posted Apr 20, 2009 - 03:48 pm

I can't say that it was totally unexpected, but it did happen rather suddenly. The deal between IBM and Sun collapsed, and Oracle wasted no time in swooping in to pick up the pieces with a deal to acquire Sun for $9.50 a share, or about $7.4 billion. What is surprising is that the deal is really not that much more than what IBM was offering.
Channel, Oracle, Sun Microsystems
Exchange Server 2010 Beta Launched

Posted Apr 18, 2009 - 06:25 pm

This week, Microsoft announced on its blog that the Beta release of Exchange Server 2010 is finally rolling out, and this is likely to have some big impact on the channel for many different reasons.
Channel, Microsoft Exchange
McKinsey's cloud report rains on cloud computing's parade

Posted Apr 17, 2009 - 07:53 pm

The response to McKinsey's recent report, "Clearing the air on cloud computing," has been overwhelming. The report claims that cloud computing doesn't have all the silver linings it claims, and it is particularly a bad deal for larger companies.
Channel, McKinsey
Microsoft commercials are doing the job

Posted Apr 16, 2009 - 06:50 pm

If you're in the business of selling Microsoft, or any sort of Microsoft-based hardware--and that makes up a pretty big majority of resellers--I don't think you're in danger of going out of business any time soon. The new set of Microsoft television commercials are a hit, and Windows 7 is going to once and for all put the Vista stigma to rest.
Channel, Microsoft
Intel just blowing smoke

Posted Apr 15, 2009 - 04:48 pm

After releasing its first quarter figures, Intel's top brass reflected on the shrinking industry, proclaiming "the worst is behind us." CEO Paul Otellini says the company believes PC sales found the bottom of the market during the first qua
Channel, Intel
Social networking and microblogging can be a VAR's best friend

Posted Apr 13, 2009 - 01:17 pm

Or not, depending on how you use it. I'm still amazed that Twitterers still think that sending out a microblog notice to tell everyone what they're eating or watching on TV, or communicating the unfortunate details of their latest hangover, is a useful thing to do.
Channel, Twitter
PC industry focuses on value and low cost

Posted Apr 11, 2009 - 11:54 am

The Recession has put us in a bargain-hunting mentality. Luxury goods are always wonderful, but the rich are embarrassed to buy them any more. The only retailers that are doing well are the dollar stores and Wal-Mart. Could it be that our consumer society is reforming into a nation of cheapskates?
Channel, Acer, AspireRevo
Secure Computing's channel absorbed at McAfee

Posted Apr 09, 2009 - 06:25 pm

Last November, McAfee closed its $465 million acquisition of Secure Computing. It was a good deal for McAfee, since Secure's firewalls and other security products have always been highly regarded. But when a smaller company is bought by a larger company, what happens to the smaller company's sales channel?
Channel, McAfee, Secure Computing
Google Apps gets a boost

Posted Apr 08, 2009 - 08:40 pm

I've always seen Google Apps as a SOHO sort of tool, but it seems that Google may have designs on larger businesses after all. Google Apps can now be linked with corporate data behind the firewall, through the Google Secure Data Connector.
Channel, Google, Google Apps
Big changes coming in Defense spending

Posted Apr 07, 2009 - 11:37 am

Yesterday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates released information about an overhaul of weapons priorities. According to today's Wall Street Journal, Gates said his proposed budget would "profoundly reform" military spending. Almost every big defense contractor is going to be affected.
Channel, Defense, Robert Gates

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October is...
Unified Communications Month

BY THE NUMBERS: UC&C

HOW-TO: Look alive and professional in Web meetings

TIP: Use your cell phone as a WiFi VOIP phone

TOOLBOX: Six alternative tools for small business collaboration

CASE STUDY: Enterprise social network moves ad agency into the future

Change Microsoft Office 2013's default search engine from Bing to Google

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Microsoft's Security Essentials isn't the best antivirus program, according to Microsoft

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AMD pushes forward with new video cards and a few surprises

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Keep your old Facebook posts out of search with this one settings change

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BRIC Nations Plan Their own "Independent Internet"

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