Channelpro Weekly Podcast

With Matt now returned from his restful family vacation at Disney World, he and Rich are back on the podcast beat with a look at some giant product launches from SonicWall and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, plus the hardware beauty pageant Matt hosts in ChannelPro’s October issue. You’ll also enjoy hear a behind-the-scenes editorial planning session for Matt’s big trip to Japan to celebrate the ThinkPad’s 25th anniversary, followed by a reunion with a very old ThinkPad from Matt’s tech museum and a chat about the fairly new Lenovo Yoga 720. And at some point in all that you’ll learn why Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, needs to wear one of those medical alert necklaces too. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 058 Title: Alexa's Fallen and She Can't Get Up Duration: 1:28:04 File size: 40.4MB Regulars: Re

Back after an unscheduled hiatus and glowing with pride over their just-completed SMB Forum event in Long Beach, Calif., Matt and Rich preview ChannelPro's forthcoming October issue and catch up on the latest news from Avast Business and HP before discussing Matt's thoughts on building pint-sized workstations and the channel's laudable efforts to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. That's followed by an appreciative take by Matt on a new keyboard from Logitech and a dip into our listener mailbag, during which we all get to hear Rich duck, dodge, and parry his way around a question about the now legendary iguanas lolling around his condo as you read this. It's a deeply personal topic, people. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 057 Title: Iguanas in the Ghost Shell Duration: 1:16:27 File size: 3

Freshly returned from vacation, Rich is tanned, rested, and ready, not to mention back on the show to discuss news from Webroot, ADTRAN, and Epson with Matt. Your two hosts then dive into some highlights from ChannelPro’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards, some vertical solution insights from Ingram Micro, and some lesser-known but valuable business metrics for MSPs. All of that is followed by a thought-provoking interview with Neal Bradbury of Intronis on the state of the North American managed services market and preceded by a speculative, conspiratorial thought or two from Rich about where all of the recent stories involving data protection vendor eFolder might be headed. If you’re like him, you’ll want to wear a tinfoil hat while listening to that part of the podcast to ward off the mind control rays from Planet Zeebs. Whatever that is. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: 

Never fear! With Rich on vacation you'd think Matt would be left to talking to himself into a padded room, but instead managed to rope a special guest for Episode 55! Dave Seibert of ITInnovators, Microsoft MVP, and a whole lot of other things is a long time contributor and friend to the magazine, and often appears on-stage at our live ChannelPro Events. Matt starts by introducing Dave with a little Q&A (like only Matt can give). After a week hiatus, Matt and Dave dive through a whole bunch of missed headlines, talking in-depth about CompTIA's new association for non-channel technicians, the big Axcient and eFolder merger news, and some new functionality in AVG Managed Workplace. Later Matt gets Dave's thoughts on some recent studies, then dive into Part 3 for DAVE'S museum and tech picks! As for the title, you'll just have to listen. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this li

Join your faithful hosts as they discuss Microsoft’s new pay-per-second Azure container service, a significant milestone in the adoption history of Windows 10, and some easy ways to increase the size of your Office 365 deals—before engaging in an extended rant about the sorry state of humanity and near certain doom that awaits us all inspired by a chilling new white paper from Sophos about ransomware-as-a-service. If you haven’t lost all hope for the future by this point, you’ll also hear the fascinating details about that study straight from senior Sophos exec Dan Schiappa in a recorded interview segment, get a look at Dell laptops old (from Matt’s tech museum) and new, and find out who won our listener contest. And if none of that cheers you up, just keep repeating “unicorns, leprechauns, and rainbows” to yourself until you feel better. It worked for us. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast

After a quick look at the week’s top headlines, Rich shares some thoughts about his visit last week to the annual meeting of managed services co-op The 20 and Matt shares some thoughts of his own about why QWERTY keyboards are likely to remain the preferred means of getting text into computers indefinitely. That’s followed by a visit to a venerable IBM keyboard from years gone by in Matt’s tech museum, a quick peek at a “clicky but quiet” present day keyboard from CHERRY, and a discussion of how cultivating application development skills can help channel pros strengthen margins and differentiate themselves from a sea of indistinguishable cloud resellers. Somewhere in there, Rich suggests an absolutely brilliant new name for an artificial intelligence solution too. Trademark it fast before he does!  Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/

Rich was in our nation’s capital for Microsoft’s Inspire partner conference this week, and he’s got lots (and lots and lots…) to say about the sweeping changes Microsoft has made to its sales and partner organizations, not to mention the new Microsoft 365 software-as-a-service suite. And in case that’s not enough Microsoft chatter for you, you’ll also hear two top executives from cloud-based workflow automation vendor (and big-league Azure partner) Nintex provide an insider’s perspective on the importance of Microsoft’s new Azure partner co-sales initiative. There’s more too, including a look at a story from ChannelPro’s July issue in which Joshua Liberman, of solution provider Net Sciences Inc., provides a detailed, step-by-step recipe for building an on-premises private cloud like the one he constructed for a client, and a trip to Matt’s tech museum to see something called “DOS,” whatever that is, that resides on something called “floppy disks,” whatever those are. And yes, it's true: your hosts just like t

Despite the fiercest of odds, Matt and Rich somehow keep things interesting for you during one of the slowest news weeks of the IT year, starting with a discussion of some new VDI products from Dell, proceeding to a look at the benefits of selling leased phone systems and unlocked smartphones, and continuing to a review of a new video surveillance recorder from TRENDnet. Then you’ll hear ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini describe his company’s ambitious, Lego-inspired architectural vision in his own recorded words, and hear Matt explain why Voltron is a better metaphor for what ConnectWise is attempting than Legos. You do know about Voltron, right? Either way, stick around for a visit with a laptop-sized hard drive from Matt’s tech museum and a look at some big, affordable present-day laptop drives from Seagate. And don’t forget our 50th episode giveaway either! Email your favorite moment from ChannelPro Weekly’s first 50 episodes or a burning question for its hosts to [email protected], or just tweet

It’s a golden anniversary 50th episode party, and you’re invited! Activities include a look at new products from Barracuda Networks and Continuum, a discussion of what the market-leading “MSP of tomorrow” should be thinking about today, a cautionary note about the security risks associated with PowerShell, and a review of ChannelPro’s summer reading list. All of that’s followed by an interview with Darren Gottesmann of Ingram Micro, plus a visit with some 72-pin memory modules from Matt’s tech museum and a hot new DDR4 module from CORSAIR with glowing multicolored lights. Stick around for the whole show, moreover, and you’ll find out how to win a free Intel Compute Stick and hear Matt finally fess up about the secret plot to take over the world that you just knew he’s been harboring all along. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw S

Now, sadly, a duo instead of part of a trio, Matt and Rich blitz through several weeks of news, including the launch of Datto’s managed power product and partner marketing platform; the much-discussed demo of a Datto VDI solution at DattoCon 2017; Continuum’s acquisition by Thoma Bravo, the same private equity firm that owns competitor SolarWinds MSP; and ConnectWise’s ambitious plan to build a Lego-like customizable management platform for multiple kinds of technology solution provider. Then Matt takes a look at some gaming hardware and software news from the E3 show, Datto CEO Austin McChord discusses IP cameras and IPOs in a recorded interview segment, and Matt showcases a failed Nintendo virtual reality product from his tech museum and some successful HP gaming notebooks. Listen closely, and you’ll also learn why getting lead generation assistance from Bill and Ed is a bad idea. Be excellent to each other, listeners! Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't

In this special edition of ChannelPro Weekly, Matt, Rich, and ChannelPro publisher Michael Siggins celebrate the meticulous professionalism, boundless generosity, and infectious laugh of their dear and now painfully absent friend Cecilia Galvin. Find out through stories and memories from three of the people who knew her best and worked with her closest exactly what made Cecilia such a special editor and special person. Then hear a mere sampling of the many people from across the worlds of IT and publishing who loved and admired Cecilia share their own thoughts about her, plus a “greatest hits” reel of Cecilia’s most delightfully characteristic moments from this podcast. Cecilia was a remarkable colleague and talent who had a bigger impact on more people than even she herself probably realized. Listen to this week’s episode, and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree. Interested in paying your own tribute to Cecilia? Send us your recorded thoughts or make a donation in her name to: St. Jude's Research Hospital 501 St.

Reunited once more now that Rich is back from vacation, the ChannelPro Weekly crew explore Ingram Micro’s expanded subscription-based purchasing program, Acronis’s blockchain-equipped data protection platform, and the ins and outs of getting started in social media marketing. That’s followed by a discussion of easy add-on revenue opportunities in dictation and voice recognition solutions with Mike Whalen of eDist Business, a look back at a gizmo from Matt’s tech museum that every would-be big shot once wanted you to see them using, and a chat about Microsoft’s eye-catching new Surface Laptop. Plus, we finally provide the once thing ChannelPro Weekly has been missing until now: Barnyard animal impersonations. One more reason this episode is finger licking good! Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 047 Ti

Matt and Cecilia take their best shot holding down the fort while Rich enjoys a long overdue vacation, roping in special guest and author Manuel Palachuk. Rich Jr. (played my Matt) takes a stab at going through a trio of news stories from eFolder, HP Enterprise, and NETGEAR. Then in part 2, Manuel (a.k.a. Manny) Palachuk joins the show for an insightful and interesting conversation about his winding career, leading to a new book and online portal that can help take any business to the next level. After parting ways with Manuel, the dynamic duo discuss an interesting solution for dealing with license dongles in heavy VM enviornments, as well as a story detailing opportunities in MFPs. Plus, Matt manages to scrounge up an extra geeky museum pick that Cecilia was able to identify(!), as well as a tech pick from Microsemi Adaptec. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://w

The ChannelPro Weekly team had to keep things moving this episode so Coach Matt could get to his daughter’s little league softball game, yet your trio of hosts managed to squeeze in a discussion of Veeam’s ambitious plan for conquering the business continuity market, a belated look at the news from last week’s Microsoft Build conference, and an introduction to this year’s ChannelPro Visionaries list. That was followed by an exploration of the forces driving increased interest in self-serve help desks and an interview with Larry Meador of ChannelOnline, which makes a solution that includes self-serve hardware and software ordering. Plus, Matt shared not one but two tech picks, both of which happen to be firewalls from WatchGuard. Finally, and contrary to what you’ll hear during this week’s show, we would prefer it if you don’t hit Rich with a stick should you run into him on the street somewhere. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can

Extra! Extra! ChannelPro has exclusive news about Kaseya, and Matt, Cecilia, and Rich are all over it. They also have plenty to say about SYNNEX becoming the exclusive North American distributor of HP’s 3D printing system, the “A” that Tech Data gave itself for onboarding the former Avnet Technology Solutions rapidly, a high-speed, high-volume scanner from Kodak, the difference between “managed” and “smart” switches, and the ransomware-related explosion in security training investments. Somehow after all that they also find time for an interview with the CEO of Adar Inc., which makes the all-inclusive, all-online Nerdio SMB network solution, and a look at both a very old Logitech webcam from Matt’s museum and a very new Logitech webcam that’s Matt’s tech pick of the week. And did you know that iguanas love Animal Planet? You will after listening to this week’s show! Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost a

After exchanging virtual high fives in the wake of a delightfully successful ChannelPro SMB Forum event in Chicago, your trio of hosts moves on to discuss Eaton’s strategy for generating sustained growth in a rapidly evolving power protection market, TRENDnet’s new DVR surveillance kits, how to make your move into print services, and why 1080p displays are finally about to lose their king-of-the-hill stature. Then they revisit a great Microsoft mouse from years gone by in Matt’s tech museum and a new Microsoft mouse worth checking out if you’re a member of the more-buttons-is-better crowd. Plus, somewhere in there they briefly liken distributors to the mafia without actually meaning to, before quickly veering back to sanity. It's one more reason why listening to this week’s show is an offer you can’t refuse! Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwor

Rich is back from his visit to the Ingram Micro Cloud Summit and itchin’ to talk about it, along with the newly released free edition of ConnectWise’s remote access solution and the secret to HTG Peer Groups’ success. Matt, meanwhile, has plenty of insights to share from his visit to Lenovo’s partner conference, not to mention recorded interviews with North American channel chief Sammy Kinlaw and president of Lenovo North America Emilio Ghilardi. There’s also a fond look back at a Motorola flip phone from Matt’s tech museum, an admiring peek at Motorola’s newest handset, and for reasons that will make at least a little sense when you listen, lots of talk about America’s favorite movies, music, and TV shows from the year 2000. Has it really been that long since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon came out? Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rs

Join our very first Rich-free podcast, who couldn't make it this week due to travel or as revenge for being called "Chuckles" last week (or a bit of both). Matt and Cecilia do their best to steer the ship in his absence, covering some product introductions from Epson as well as the new Windows 10 Creator's Update. Later, Cecilia discusses two very interesting stories that every CEO would be wise to check out, like can you (should you) leave your business to your children and knowing when business owners need to get out of the way of their team. Plus, Matt discusses an ancient Toshiba notebook for his museum pick, and contrasts it with a new one to highlight the stark differences. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 041 Title: Going Rich Free, Man! Duration: 1:09:53 File size: 32.1MB Regulars: Rich Free

Join your now fully healthy ChannelPro Weekly hosts as they peruse some all too easily overlooked announcements about Altaro’s virtual machine backup solution, ADTRAN’s managed Wi-Fi service, and a bunch of new products unveiled at the Channel Partners show in Las Vegas. That’s followed by Matt’s take on what the rise of cloud-based gaming PCs could mean for makers of high-end physical machines, a look at SaaS adoption trends, and an interview with Steve Grady of Equus Compute Solutions about how one of the biggest names in system building is adapting to changed market conditions. Enjoy! But heed this warning too: You do not want Rich Freeman to catch you calling him “Chuckles.” Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 040 Title: Chuckles for the Channel Duration: 1:21:26 File size: 37.3MB Regulars: Rich Fr

Is Matt STILL getting over that cold? Yes, though just barely and not enough to prevent him from joining the conversation about BitTitan’s new managed services automation release, Autotask’s new fixed-rate BDR pricing, and the margin opportunities in custom digital signage. There’s also an interview with Adam Attanasio of ImagIT, which provides outsourced tech help to MSPs, a look at Matt’s favorite travel routers old and new, and an overview of the (count ‘em!) 54 new A3 printers HP introduced this week that exposes just how poorly the ChannelPro Weekly crew understands what the heck an A3 printer is. Subscribe to ChannelPro Weekly!    Look for us in your favorite podcast app. If you don't see us (yet) then you can subscribe via RSS in almost any podcast app using this link: http://www.channelpronetwork.com/rss/cpw Show Information: Episode #: 039 Title: Ex"SKUs" me, HP Duration: 1:26:40 File size: 36.5MB Regulars: Rich Freeman - Senior News Editor, Cecilia Galvin - Editor in Chief, Matt Whitlock - Technolog