Retailers of all sizes are looking to figure out how they can leverage the power and customer-enhancing features of mobile POS solutions. However, at the recently-held RSPA RetailNOW, I learned about a factor that is the #1 obstacle to mobile POS deployments today.  Continue Reading..

During the recently held RSPA RetailNOW, a conference dedicated to retail IT resellers and software developers, I heard numerous times about how physical security technology -- specifically IP video surveillance -- is something that retail-focused solutions providers should be adding to their line cards. These statements came from attendees (retail VARs already having success selling IP video), as well as speakers and panelists...  Continue Reading..

We've written a lot about how recurring revenue can be used to vastly improve the profitability of your company -- and pad your pocketbook for years to come. If you're a POS VAR, payment processing services can be a fantastic source of recurring revenue and are a "must have" for your line card.  Continue Reading..

A couple weeks ago while at RSPA RetailNOW, I received a lot of positive feedback regarding my recent article on NCR Silver, an iPad-based mobile POS solution from NCR. As I wrote in that article, NCR was unable (or unwilling) to share details with me of how much a VAR could make selling Silver. Well, during one conversation at RetailNOW with a successful POS VAR who is an authorized NCR reseller, I was presented with some real...  Continue Reading..

I read an interesting story recently about how an editor at Gizmodo had his digital identity stolen. The hacker gained access to his Twitter account, his Gmail account, and his Apple account. After the security breach, the hacker deleted the victim's Gmail account, posted messages on his Twitter account, and even went so far as to remotely wipe out his MacBook, which contained more than a year and a half of family photos...  Continue Reading..

During a recent visit I had with a managed services provider in my area, I heard a story about one of the MSP’s recent customer wins that illustrated the stark contrast between the break-fix and managed services business models.  Continue Reading..

While I was at the CompTIA Breakaway show last week in Las Vegas, I was surprised how much emphasis was put on the topic of big data. I have to admit that prior to this event, this wasn't a topic that's been very high on my radar. However, after attending the MSP Partners meeting and seeing all the research CompTIA has on this topic, I'm becoming a believer in big data.  Continue Reading..

When we first featured managed services provider Systems Engineering in the May 2010 issue of Business Solutions magazine, the company was already a successful $17 million MSP with 20 years of experience and 79 employees.  Continue Reading..

I had the opportunity to visit managed services provider CMIT Solutions of Erie last week and met with CEO Beth Burnside and her team. During my visit, the MSP fielded a call from a new client, which had previously lost its IT person and needed help with its network, including updating its antivirus on 26 workstations.  Continue Reading..

After attending the CompTIA Breakaway show in Las Vegas last week, I came across several new sources that I would highly recommend -- whether you were able to attend this year's event or not. Topics range from the cloud to gaps in IT skill sets. All resources below are free of charge.  Continue Reading..