The Business Solutions Network

In a previous article, I pondered the "dirty" nature of the payment processing industry and received a lot of hate mail for my words. Even though my article was more of me wondering aloud than making definitive statements, some in the processing industry acted like I called their baby ugly.  Continue Reading..

Do shed the mindset that you're just a provider of ECRs or POS terminals. Your customers have business problems that you can solve if you look beyond the checkout area. Step up and become a true trusted advisor.  Continue Reading..

I had the opportunity to attend PSA (professional service automation) vendor Tigerpaw's National Conference recently in Chicago. In addition to record attendance and inspiring speakers like Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest, the keynote speech given by Tigerpaw President James Foxall really hit home with the hundreds of MSPs in attendance. It was practical advice that's often overlooked by many companies -- IT  vendors...  Continue Reading..

If customers asking about iPad-based POS keeps you up at night, it's time to stop worrying.  Continue Reading..

If you don't find the following fascinating as a technologist, it might be time to retire.  Continue Reading..

Last week I was at Synnex' (NYSE: SNX) National Partner Conference in Greenville, SC, where I found myself the first morning having a great conversation over breakfast with a network integrator. I asked him what he hoped to get out of the event and he told me he was looking to learn where to expand his business.  Continue Reading..

I'm going to give you a sneak preview of a feature article in next month's issue of Business Solutions because the VAR we highlight is doing some great stuff that's really impacting his business. The VAR is Andrew Strickler and his company is Tampa Bay POS. We featured Andrew in our magazine back in 2007.  Continue Reading..

In the world of physical security, cloud-based surveillance is in its infancy. This, for two primary reasons: First, technology is just coming around to enable cost-effective and high-functioning solutions. Second, traditional security dealers have been slow to adopt IP cameras, let alone the cloud.   Continue Reading..

If you've attended any of the recently-held trade shows and partner conferences, or have been following this blog or our magazine for any length of time, you'll know that the notion of adopting a more services-centric business model is all the rage.  Continue Reading..

One of the challenges I often hear about from retail IT VARs regarding switching to a managed services model is coping with the way money flows into their company. Many of you are used to getting large lump sums of money for your work as opposed to the smaller steady stream associated with recurring revenue models. The large lump sum might help in the short term and actually be a necessity to keep your business afloat, but a steady...  Continue Reading..