I've helped a lot of companies develop channel programs over the years, from some of the largest vendors out there to some very boutique players. What always impresses me most is the complexity and constant diligence it takes to effectively create and run a successful channel program.

I'd like to respond to an article I read today In PCWorld entitled "The Cloud Fails Again".

As talk of Cloud Computing grows so does the discussion surrounding an "Open Cloud". 

i would like to congratulate the companies who were named in CRN's 40 Most Innovative MSPs. Many of the companies named are members of the MSPAlliance and it is nice to see them get recognition for many years of hard work in the pursuit of managed services excellence.

You can view the entire list at www.crn.com

The biggest news of the Cloud this week by far was Intel's acquisition of McAfee. For this week's link roundup we're going to provide you with some articles we found interesting and an interesting debate.

‘Tis the season. Pencils, erasers, protractors, notebooks and lots of other stuff—all destined for the backpack.

Even the television commercials have gotten seasonal with school kids falling backwards as they put the stuffed backpack on again after a summer without it.

While the deal makes perfect sense in hindsight, this deal was out of left field in a number of ways. Setting aside the valuation issue, which has very little impact on MSPs or our industry (unless you are a software/hardware vendor), what does an Intel/McAfee deal mean for the average MSP?