5 Companies That Came To Win This Week

The Week Ending Aug. 4

Topping this week's roundup of companies that came to win is General Electric Digital for a savvy acquisition of a startup that advances its Internet of Things technology portfolio.

Also making the list are Cisco Systems for launching a new partner initiative around its AppDynamics acquisition, Samsung for its new cloud service for turning IoT data into revenue, Kaspersky lab for its new channel chief hire, and Capriza for starting its first formal channel program.

Not everyone in the IT industry was making smart moves this week, of course. For a rundown of companies that were unfortunate, unsuccessful or just didn't make good decisions, check out this week's 5 Companies That Had A Rough Week roundup.

GE Digital Acquires Startup To Boost Internet of Things Lineup, Help Partners Built IoT Apps

General Electric's digital business continued to build up its expanding arsenal of Internet of Things technology this week when GE Digital said that it had acquired IQP, a Japanese startup with development technology for creating "code-free" IoT applications.

GE Digital plans to add the IQP technology to its Predix Studio software. Predix is GE's Industrial IoT (IIoT) platform and Predix Studio is the platform's rapid application development toolset. GE Digital executives said adding IQP to the mix would make it easier for a broader range of industrial developers – including IT, operational and finance professionals – to build custom IIoT applications.

GE Digital development and solution provider partners should also benefit from the enhanced development capabilities, leveraging IQP's web-based visual programming interface and pre-built design templates.

Cisco's AppDynamics Launches Stand-Alone Partner Program To Drive Application Sales

Cisco took steps this week to capitalize on its recent $3.7 billion acquisition of AppDynamics by launching a new channel program to enable partners to work with the AppDynamics application performance toolset.

The new Titan Partner Program is focused on boosting partners' skills with the AppDynamics App iQ Platform – skills that solution providers say are in high demand. The extensive training offerings include "Kick Starter" online courses that provide an introduction to the AppDynamics system and advanced-level courses aimed at providing value around digital transformation.

The program also offers dedicated sales engineering and field channel manager support, pre-sales and sales assistance with developing proof-of-concept systems, a rebate program to encourage partners to build an AppDynamics practice, and guaranteed margins by paying partners a percentage of a contract's total value.

Samsung Debuts Cloud Service Aimed At Turning IoT Data Into Revenue

Also on the topic of IoT, Samsung added some nifty new capabilities to its Artik Internet of Things platform that are designed to help manufacturers and service providers monetize the data flowing through their IoT devices.

Artik is Samsung's platform for managing and maintaining devices connected to IoT networks.

The new service, Artik Cloud Monetization For IoT, provides a way for companies to tap into the data generated by their IoT devices to create service plans and generate revenue. Device manufacturers, for example, can use Artik Cloud Monetization to create a brokering, metering and payments system, giving them the flexibility to define service plans that meet their business needs.

Samsung has been growing a channel ecosystem of companies to bring IoT solutions to vertical markets. Last year the company said it would invest $1.2 billion over four years for IoT-related research. The new Artik Cloud Monetization is a significant addition to its IoT offerings.

Kaspersky Lab Names New North American Channel Chief

Security software developer Kaspersky Lab named Jason Stein as its new head of North American channels this week, filling a critical post that's been vacant since the end of 2016.

While Stein is from outside the security technology segment of the IT industry, he comes to Kaspersky with an extensive background in the channel. Most recently he worked at Tier 4 Advisors as vice president of channel. He also held channel leadership roles at Effortless Office and PSI Networks.

Kaspersky's North American channel chief post has been vacant since Leslie Bois left in December to take a job at Veracode. Kaspersky's B2B sales executive has been overseeing the company's channels in the interim.

Kaspersky partners applauded Stein's hiring, saying he will bring a fresh perspective to the company's channel operations.

Capriza Launches Partner Program To Help VARs And SIs Capitalize On Mobility Push

Capriza is rolling out its first partner program, looking to expand its ranks of VAR and systems integrator partners who can leverage Capriza's mobile software development technology.

Capriza offers software that bridges the gap between legacy business applications and mobile devices. The company's technology turns pieces of business application functionality into "micro" apps that work with mobile devices, developing workflows between legacy applications and mobile devices without coding or APIs.

Along with reselling Capriza licenses, partners can provide services around the vendor's technology. Mobility is hot and with the new program Capriza is creating some interesting opportunities for its channel partners.