Channel Brief: Pax8, Bitdefender Expand Security Partnership, Produce8 Launches Partner Program

Happy Friday, folks! What's on tap for your weekend? Drop me a line and let me know at [email protected]. As always, send me news, tips, rumors and innuendo for next week's channel briefs, too!

First and foremost, our Top 250 Public Cloud MSPs survey is open now, but it closes today. If your MSP practice includes working with a cloud provider, this survey is for you. Here’s the link to participate. Participation is free. Submit your MSP here for recognition today! And if you want to check our lists from previous years, you can find them here.

This week, TD Synnex announced that CEO Rich Hume is retiring and Patrick Zammit will take over the role effective September 1, 2024. This morning, we're looking into Produce8's newly launched MSP partner program, CompTIA's update to its longstanding Network+ certification and Pax8's expansion of its security partnership with Bitdefender.

IBM and AWS are teaming up to address customers' growing demand for effective AI governance solutions and data security solutions firm Seclore has named a new chief product officer, Ramin Farassat.

Grab your coffee. Here's what you need to know today.

Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. TD Synnex Announces New CEO: TD SYNNEX this week announced that Patrick Zammit will become the distributor's new chief executive officer, succeeding Rich Hume, who will retire from the role but remain on the TD SYNNEX board of directors. Hume joined what was then Tech Data in 2016 as COO, taking over as CEO in 2018. During his tenure, he has helped lead the company through a period of significant growth and transformation, including the acquisition of Avnet Technology Solutions, taking the company private in partnership with Apollo Asset Management and the successful merger of Tech Data and SYNNEX. Zammit has served as the company’s COO since January 2024 and led the European region beginning in 2017, following Tech Data’s acquisition of Avnet TS. His role expanded in 2021 to include responsibilities for the APJ region. His tenure at Avnet, which began in 1993, saw him in various management roles, culminating as global president of the technology solutions division, where he served on its executive board. His earlier roles at Avnet included president of EMEA electronic marketing and European CFO.The leadership transition is effective September 1, according to TD SYNNEX.

2. IBM, AWS Partner for Responsible AI, Risk Management and Compliance: IBM and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a strategic partnership to address the growing demand from customers for effective AI governance solutions. The integration of IBM watsonx.governance and Amazon SageMaker enables governance, risk management and compliance capabilities that streamline the AI model lifecycle, the companies said in a statement. This integration helps organizations manage model risks, adhere to compliance obligations and optimize operational efficiencies. It provides seamless workflows that automate risk assessments and model approval processes, simplifying regulatory compliance.

3. Seclore Names New Chief Product Officer: Data security solutions firm Seclore announced today it has hired a new Chief Product Officer, Ramin Farassat. Farassat's previous experience includes stints at Cisco and Egnyte and he will lead product growth and development for the company's data-centric security platform as Seclore grows its North American footprint. Following its biggest year last year, Seclore has had a momentous start to 2024 receiving recognition from the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards and Cyber Defense Magazine’s Global InfoSec Awards during the RSA Conference, its partner program receiving a 5-star rating from CRN, and announcing the launch of its Professional Services program in April.

4. CompTIA Introduces Updated Network+ Certification: CompTIA this week introduced an updated edition of CompTIA Network+, the professional certification that validates the core skills needed to securely establish and maintain the essential computer networks that are the backbone of the global economy, according to a statement. CompTIA Network+ is a crucial steppingstone for early career professionals seeking high-growth careers in networking and cybersecurity, CompTIA said, validating a wide range of practical skills needed to harden networks, deploy wired and wireless solutions, and ensure critical network availability.

5. Pax8, Bitdefender Expand Security Partnership: Pax8 and Bitdefender today announced an expanded partnership to add powerful endpoint protection and MDR services to bolster security offerings for Pax8 MSP customers. Pax8 will incorporate Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security Solutions, a multilayered security solution combining threat prevention, detection and response, options for MDR services, and á la carte add-ons depending on needs. The partnership addresses growing demand for advanced yet customizable security across all environments (on premises, cloud, hybrid).

6. Produce8 Launches First MSP Partner Program: Work analytics software vendor Produce8 announced the launch of its new managed service provider (MSP) partner program. The program is designed to enable MSPs to offer their clients Produce8’s advanced work analytics tools, enhancing productivity, optimizing operations, and improving employee experience, the company said in a statement. The new program will offer comprehensive technical tools and support, access to go-to-market strategies and sales support to help MSPs effectively promote and sell Produce8, ongoing training to keep partners updated on the latest features and best practices and flexible tiers (Select, Premier, Elite) to cater to different levels of partner engagement and business needs. Find out more about the program here.

7. Hurry Up, Cloud MSPs! Submit Your Survey to Our Top Cloud MSPs List: In case you missed it above, well, no you didn't. Don't forget! Our Top 250 Public Cloud MSPs survey is open now, but it closes today. There's still time! If your MSP practice includes working with a cloud provider, this survey is for you. Here’s the link to participate. Participation is free. Submit your MSP here for recognition today! And if you want to check our lists from previous years, you can find them here.

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