Channel Brief: New Charter, Blumira, Beltex, More

Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and check out the return of our regular market briefing for managed services providers (MSPs), IT service providers (ITSPs), technology service providers (TSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs) cybersecurity consultants, systems integrators, VARs, independent software vendors (ISVs), and distributors.

Scroll down for a quick view of upcoming in-person channel and MSP events at the bottom of this post (while we spiff up our industry calendar behind the scenes. It will return!)

And please send your news tips, information, and industry chatter to editorial director [email protected].

Sip up.

A. Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. Executive suite moves - New Charter Technologies, backed by Palo Alto-based private equity firm Oval Partners, has named Peter Melby as CEO. Melby steps into the role having served as CRO of New Charter. He founded and served as CEO of Greystone Technology, a New Charter company. New Charter founder Mitch Morgan is moving from the role of CEO to executive chairman.

2. Cyberinsurance partnership - SIEM (security information and event management) and XDR (extended detection and response) provider Blumira, and Beltex, a FifthWall Solutions Policy Program, have forged a strategic partnership to provide enhanced cybersecurity insurance solutions for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The collaboration enables both companies to provide access to better coverage, lower rates and improved incident response capabilities for managed service providers (MSPs) and their SMB customers.

3. AI, analytics two-tier distribution - Longtime AI and analytics pioneer SAS has forged a new distribution agreement with Carahsoft Technology a government IT solutions provider. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as a SAS Public Sector Distributor, making the company’s analytics, AI and data management solutions available to US Government agencies through Carahsoft’s reseller partners and various contract vehicles and government schedules.

4. Macroeconomic headwinds coming? - Human resources SaaS provider Workday delivered stronger than expected Q4 profits driven by strong demand. But tech company layoffs in early 2024 could impact the company’s earnings in the quarters ahead, according to a Reuters report. 

5. Splunk, Cisco deal completed soon? - Data analytics software maker Splunk said that it expects its acquisition by Cisco to be completed at the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2. The company reported total revenue of $1.49 billion, beating analysts' expectation of $1.28 billion, according to LSEG data. The company’s revenues were bolstered by strong demand for its cybersecurity software and cloud solutions, according to a Reuters report.

B. In-Person MSP and Channel Partner Events