Print.IT Reseller - issue 87

01732 759725 12 BULLETIN Global collaboration Avaya has announced a strategic relationship with Microsoft to create a powerful set of joint cloud communications solutions to define the future of customer and employee experience. Benefitting from the complementary strengths of both companies, the joint solutions include the Avaya OneCloud CPaaS (Communications Platform as-a-service) now integrated with voice, video, chat and SMS capabilities of Microsoft Azure Communication Services for combined global reach, scale and functionality. “The global collaboration with Avaya is an example of how Microsoft, collaborating with other industry leaders, is meeting businesses’ requirements for integrated communications solutions that transform customer and employee experience,” said Scott Van Vliet, Corporate Vice President, Intelligent Conversation and Communications Cloud, Microsoft. To achieve maximum awareness and distribution of these powerful new communications solutions, the companies have designed and plan to execute a joint global go- to-market and co-selling strategy. www.avaya.com Rewards for partners BlackBerry has launched a new Protect & Earn programme to encourage net-new customer acquisition. Protect & Earn is an 11-month partner incentive program open to approved partners across multiple transaction models, including solution providers (VARs & SIs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) at gold, platinum and emerald levels. Partners will receive all further details on the program directly from their BlackBerry Channel Account Manager. In addition to the new program, BlackBerry already offers numerous exclusive benefits to the channel; partners have the opportunity to take part in sales and technical training, market development and authorised service provider programs for partners to grow profitable, differentiated cybersecurity businesses from day one. www.blackberry.com Global partner program Checkmarx, a provider of developer-centric application security testing (AST) solutions, announced its commitment to the channel with the launch of the Checkmarx global partner program. Built to empower partners to scale and innovate alongside Checkmarx, the new program places an increased emphasis on growth opportunities, continuous enablement, and rewards and incentives. Leveraging the company’s deep AppSec expertise, the global partner program enables partners to deliver the company’s expanding portfolio of AST products and services at scale with virtual training and enablement sessions, certification programs, and an enhanced partner portal that provides easy access to deal registrations, lead-sharing, and more. www.checkmarx.com CompTIA publishes cloud applications playbook CompTIA has published a new Cloud Applications Playbook, a resource designed to help SaaS vendors and solution providers be more successful in the cloud — and with each other. The playbook was produced by CompTIA’s Business Applications Advisory Council, a group of thought leaders and subject matter experts representing cloud software platforms and applications. Members of the council provide valuable insights that help develop resources and tools for the SaaS industry. www.comptia.org IPIA seeks to re-energise UK print With the goal of re-energising the print industry and stimulating market activity – while providing a platform for industry professionals to network and simply have fun – the IPIA will close 2021 with its first physical event for almost two years, supported all the way by its sister association the BAPC. The Recognising Excellence Gala and Expo will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford- Upon-Avon on Thursday, December 2, 2021. The event already has the backing of the Associations’ sponsors (Antalis, Canon, Duplo, Fujifilm, Imprint MIS, Konica Minolta, Vivid, Xerox and Xmpie), with additional exhibitors to be announced in the weeks ahead. It also has seen a ground swell of positive support from hundreds of members across the IPIA and BAPC. https://ipia.org.uk M-Files joins Gartner customer first program M-Files is now part of the Gartner Peer Insights Customer First Program for Content Services Platforms. By joining the Gartner Customer First Program, M-Files commits to building trust and credibility through encouraging reviews from all customers and recognising the benefits of honest, unbiased, and direct feedback. Gartner Peer Insights documents customer experience through verified ratings and peer reviews from enterprise IT professionals. As of September 1, 2021, 90% of respondents would recommend M-Files as a content services platform, based on 80 reviews over the past twelve months. www.m-files.com Kofax acquires Printix Kofax has acquired cloud-based SaaS print management software provider Printix. To date, Printix’s platform has primarily been marketed through a channel of managed service providers, distributors and cloud marketplaces. Kofax will extend these channels to leverage its large and well established MFD manufacturer and independent dealer partners. Reynolds C. Bish, Kofax’s Chief Executive Officer said: “This acquisition allows Kofax to continue enhancing our intelligent automation platform, increase our customer and partner ecosystem and establish a strong position in the high growth, cloud-based SaaS print management software market.” Jesper Christiansen, Printix’s Chief Executive Officer added: “This acquisition will allow Kofax to rapidly scale Printix’s market access, partner channels and customer base. Our existing customers and partners will benefit from Kofax’s much larger resources, global reach and broader portfolio of synergistic software and solutions, accelerating their digital workflow transformation journeys.” www.kofax.com