A selection of the top partner-friendly products that were either launched or significantly updated in the past year has been curated by CRN staff. The responsibility of choosing the winners now lies with solution providers.
Enhanced Application Performance and Observability
With the increasing prevalence of applications operating in hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud settings, ensuring application performance has evolved into a more intricate endeavor. Tools for application performance management and observability aid IT organizations in upholding the health, performance, and user experience of business applications, as outlined by market research from Gartner. These tools cater to various roles including IT operations managers, site reliability engineers, cloud and platform teams, application developers, and software product owners.
Leading Observability Platforms:
Datadog Observability Platform
Dynatrace Unified Observability Platform
Grafana 11
IBM Instana Observability
New Relic Observability Platform
Splunk Observability Cloud
AI-Powered Personal Computing Solutions
The increasing adoption of AI applications, copilots, and other AI-driven software by everyday information workers and consumers to boost their productivity and creativity is fueling the demand for personal computers equipped with specialized processors, hardware, and software tailored for AI tasks. Gartner projects that global AI PC unit shipments will surpass 43 million this year and are forecasted to reach over 114 million by 2025.
Highlighted AI PCs:
Acer TravelMate P4 14 (AMD)
Apple MacBook Pro (M3)
Dell Latitude 7455 (Qualcomm)
HP EliteBook 1040 G11 (Intel)
Lenovo ThinkPad 14S Gen 6 (Qualcomm)
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel)
AI-Enhanced Productivity Suites
AI-based productivity software, including copilots and AI-powered assistants, has emerged as the preferred means for users to leverage the potential of AI technology for enhancing their daily tasks such as document creation and editing, image generation, research, task automation, and more. These tools, along with AI PCs, are instrumental in democratizing AI capabilities.
Featured Productivity Suites:
Microsoft Copilot
Google Gemini
AI Infrastructure Solutions
The widespread expansion of AI adoption in businesses necessitates substantial compute power and robust data processing capabilities for building, deploying, and running AI and machine learning applications. As a result, the demand for potent AI hardware in data centers and the cloud is escalating. These systems are expected to deliver superior performance and scalability to support AI initiatives.
Featured Infrastructure Solutions:
Dell PowerEdge R760xa
Lenovo ThinkSystem SR780a V3
Supermicro AS-4125GS-TNHR2-LCC
Advanced Big Data Solutions
The continuous surge in data volumes and the rapid growth of the global datasphere – the cumulative data created, captured, replicated, and consumed – by more than 20 percent annually is projected to reach around 291 zettabytes by 2027, according to IDC. Handling this overwhelming volume of data poses a major challenge for businesses, thereby propelling the demand for diverse big data tools that facilitate data access, management, movement, transformation, governance, and security.
Highlighted Big Data Solutions:
Cloudera Open Data Lakehouse
Databricks Data Intelligence Platform
HPE Ezmeral Data Fabric Software
Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform
Snowflake Data Cloud
Starburst Galaxy
Enterprise Business Applications
Business applications, encompassing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial management software, serve as the operational backbone for numerous businesses and organizations. These ERP applications automate and oversee core business processes, including accounting, finance, HR, supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and more.
Key Business Applications:
Epicor ERP
Oracle NetSuite
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Sage Intacct
SAP S/4HANA
Syspro ERP
Business Intelligence and Data Analysis
Many businesses and organizations are capitalizing on significant value and competitive advantages derived from data sourced through their IT systems, customer transactions, and external channels.
Businesses analyze this data to extract insights about markets, customers, and their own operations, utilizing it to propel digital transformation initiatives or develop new data-centric services and products.
Featured Business Intelligence Tools:
Amazon Redshift
Domo Data Experience Platform
Google Cloud BigQuery
MicroStrategy ONE
Qlik Sense
Salesforce Tableau
Data Protection, Management, and Resilience
Data stands as the crucial life force of modern enterprises. The unavailability or loss of data due to system failure, natural calamities, human errors, or cyber incidents can lead to significant disruptions.
Systems and services for data resilience and protection play a vital role in ensuring data accessibility and continuity, as well as in detecting, responding to, and recovering from data-related incidents.
Leading Data Protection Solutions:
Cohesity Data Cloud
Commvault Cloud Powered by Metallic AI
Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance
HYCU R-Cloud
Rubrik Security Cloud
Veeam Data Platform
Edge Computing and the Internet of Things
The drive to bring applications and data processing closer to data sources has instigated the proliferation of local edge servers and IoT devices. This trend spurs the need for products that adeptly manage and support the burgeoning landscape of distributed computing networks.
The worldwide market for edge computing hardware, software, and services is predicted to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.7 percent to reach $111.3 billion by the year 2028, as reported by Markets and Markets.
Notable Edge Computing Solutions
Leading Edge Applications
IBM Edge Application Manager
Red Hat Device Edge
Scale Computing Autonomous Infrastructure Management Engine (AIME)
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Micro Data Center R-Series
Integrated Cloud Infrastructure
Integrated cloud infrastructure merges cloud-based (frequently Infrastructure-as-a-Service) assets with on-premises/private cloud IT systems, collaborating and exchanging applications and data to furnish companies with the adaptability and scalability required to back distributed business workloads and procedures. A study from Allied Market Research indicates that the global hybrid cloud market size was $96.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to touch $414.1 million by 2032.
Prominent Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Dell Technologies Apex Hybrid Cloud
HPE GreenLake
IBM Hybrid Cloud
NetApp Hybrid Cloud
Nutanix Hybrid Multicloud
VMware Cloud Foundation
Managed Service Provider (MSP) Platforms
The realm of managed services has observed rapid growth within the IT sector, as more enterprises, establishments, and governmental bodies depend on MSPs to supervise their IT infrastructure and end-user systems.
This trend is fueling the demand for MSP platforms, encompassing remote monitoring and management tools, professional services automation systems, and other utilities that MSPs leverage to fulfill their responsibilities.
Key MSP Platforms
Atera
ConnectWise Asio Platform
HaloPSA
Kaseya 365
N-able Cloud Commander
Syncro Platform
Networking Solutions for Enterprises
Incorporating a variety of networking tools like routers, switches, hubs, and bridges, networking hardware has been a cornerstone of the channel. Nowadays, channel firms offer networking resolutions and services covering data center and cloud networks, workplace LAN and WAN, Network-as-a-Service, network automation and management, and network security frameworks.
Leading Enterprise Networking Products
Cisco Networking Cloud
HPE Aruba Networking Enterprise Private 5G
Juniper AI-Native Networking Platform
Nile NaaS
Prosimo AI Suite for Multi-Cloud Networking
Wireless Networking Solutions
Wireless networks play a pivotal role in enabling universal access to computing, communication, and collaboration, whether within homes, across office spaces, in industrial and manufacturing facilities, or at large venues like conference centers and sports arenas. Wi-Fi 7 signifies the seventh generation of wireless technology, offering heightened speeds and enhanced connectivity and capacity.
Top Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Solutions
Extreme Networks AP5020 universal Wi-Fi 7 access point
Fortinet FortiAP 441K Wi-Fi 7 access point
HPE Aruba Networking Wi-Fi 7 access point
Zyxel Wi-Fi 7 access point
Power Protection and Control
Systems and devices for safeguarding and managing power are pivotal for preserving essential IT infrastructure and sustaining data centers during critical events. This category of products encompasses technologies for monitoring and regulating power consumption, shielding IT systems against power surges, and supplying backup during power outages.
Prominent Power Management Solutions
CyberPower PFC Sinewave 1U UPS
Eaton 9PX 6kVA Lithium-Ion UPS
Schneider Electric Easy UPS 3-Phase 3M Advanced
Vertiv Liebert GXT5 Lithium-Ion UPS
Central Processing Units (CPUs)
CPU chips serve as the core processing units that empower servers, desktop and laptop PCs, and mobile devices. While Intel long dominated the CPU arena, AMD has made significant strides with highly competitive offerings in recent times. Concurrently, Apple has been developing its own custom “silicon” for its range of Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices.
Prominent CPU Solutions
AMD Ryzen Pro 8040 Series
Intel Core Ultra Series
AmpereOne
Apple M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)
Graphics processing units or GPUs are specialized processors initially designed to accelerate the performance of computer graphics. However, they are increasingly integrated into IT systems for high-performance computing tasks like data science and AI applications. Nvidia has been at the forefront of GPU development for a diverse range of applications, while rivals Intel and AMD have broadened their GPU product portfolios.
Leading GPU Solutions
AMD Instinct MI300X
Intel ARC A570M
Nvidia H200
Public Cloud Offerings
Public cloud platforms present organizations with a substitute to constructing and managing their individual IT systems and data centers. Public cloud providers also furnish a suite of cloud products and services such as app hosting, data storage, and analytics. The essence of cloud services is to limit capital expenditure for enterprises and grant increased flexibility by enabling them to adjust IT usage in response to requirements.
Leading Public Cloud Platforms
Amazon Web Services
CoreWeave Cloud
Google Cloud Platform
Microsoft Azure
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)
Snowflake Data Cloud
Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN constitutes a software-driven strategy for supervising and enhancing the performance and security of wide area networks that join users to applications and cloud platforms. Benefits of SD-WAN encompass enhanced performance and connectivity, fortified security, simplified management, and reduced operational expenses.
Prominent SD-WAN Solutions
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
Extreme Networks Extreme Cloud SD-WAN
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
HPE Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN
PaloAltiNetworks Prisma SD-WAN
Zscaler Zero Trust SD-WAN
Protection – Cloud and Application Security
The swift expansion of cloud computing has brought forth novel security obstacles for corporations and institutions as they embrace and employ dispersed IT infrastructure and applications that reside both inside and outside of the business firewall. Security technologies for cloud and applications offer a variety of capabilities including defense against inner and outer threats, identity and access management, and network supervision and administration.
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security
F5 Distributed Cloud Services Web Application Scanning
Orca Cloud Security Platform
Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
SentinelOne Singularity Cloud Security
Tenable Cloud Security
Wiz Cloud Security Platform
Protection – Data
Safeguarding data has become a top priority with the rise of ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes. Media reports are rife with stories of companies, medical facilities, insurance firms, government bodies and other groups encountering obstacles in accessing their crucial data or discovering that their data has been pilfered and is being vended on the Dark Web.
Data safety tools deliver a range of functionalities to fulfill their mission such as data encryption, user validation and regulation of data access, surveillance of data in real time for the identification and response to irregular activities, adherence to data management regulations, and more.
ForcePoint ONE Data Security
IBM Guardium Data Protection
Proofpoint Information Protection
Rubrik Security Cloud
Wiz DSPM
Zscaler Data Protection
Protection – Email and Web Security
Email and other online communications are possibly the most prevalent avenue for cybersecurity offenses like spam, phishing, malware distribution, and system hijacking.
Email security products, such as antivirus/antimalware applications, spam filters, authentication and encryption mechanisms, represent a fundamental component of a company’s comprehensive IT security blueprint. Web security utilities aid in repelling attacks against websites.
Abnormal Security Platform
Akamai API Security
Barracuda Email Protection
Cloudflare Application Security
Mimecast Advanced Email Security
Proofpoint Threat Protection
Protection – Endpoint Security
Companies can be particularly exposed through the endpoint gadgets (personal computers, laptops, smartphones) that employees utilize for their daily tasks, along with integrated devices, IoT and other peripheral computing structures. This is especially pertinent with present-day post-pandemic hybrid work methodologies where numerous of these devices are now situated beyond corporate security boundaries.
Products in this technology classification encompass antivirus and antimalware software, endpoint protection platforms, and endpoint detection/response and expanded detection/response software.
CrowdStrike Falcon Insight XDR
Huntress Managed EDR
SentinelOne Singularity XDR
Sophos Intercept X
ThreatLocker Protect
Trend Micro Trend Vision One
Protection – Identity and Access Management
Businesses employ identity and access management tools, reinforced by related rules and practices, to regulate digital identities and manage access to corporate IT systems and data. IAM tools, a foundational cybersecurity technology for zero trust IT initiatives, are vital for recognizing, authenticating, and sanctioning users – including employees and trusted business collaborators – while precluding unauthorized entry.
CyberArk Workforce Identity
Ping Identity PingOne for Workforce
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
Microsoft Entra ID
OpenText NetIQ Identity Manager
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud
Protection – Managed Detection and Response
Several companies and organizations, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, lack in-house cybersecurity knowledge. Many resort to managed detection and response (MDR) providers for contracted services that oversee clients’ IT systems, endpoints, networks, and cloud environments around the clock and take action against identified cyberthreats. MDR services usually combine cybersecurity units, sophisticated threat recognition tools, and security operations center functions.
Arctic Wolf MDR
CrowdStrike Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR
Huntress MDR for Microsoft 365
SentinelOne Singularity MDR
Sophos MDR
ThreatLocker Cyber Hero MDR
Protection – Network
Corporations face numerous hurdles in upholding the security and functionality of their network infrastructure. Potential threats encompass distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, network-borne ransomware, insider threats, and password attacks, among others.
Securing corporate networks has further become complex with the shift to remote work and the expanding adoption of cloud applications.
The specific technological elements of a robust network security policy encompass firewalls, SASE (secure access service edge) systems, network access control technology, antivirus and antimalware applications, intrusion prevention systems, and tools for cloud, application, and email security.
Cisco Hypershield
Fortinet FortiGate
SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge
Sophos XGS Firewall
ThreatLocker CyberHero MDR
WatchGuard ThreatSync+ NDR
Security – Security Operations Platform
Security Operations unites security and IT operational teams to enhance an organization’s cybersecurity stance across IT systems, networks, and applications. SecOps software integrates tools and procedures to offer a consolidated approach to cybersecurity to aid in identifying
Minimize security risks and vulnerabilities, mitigate potential threats, and enhance responsiveness to security breaches.
Arctic Wolf Security Operations
CrowdStrike Falcon Next-Gen SIEM
Google Security Operations
Microsoft Sentinel
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM 2.0
Splunk Enterprise Security
Security – Security Access Service Edge
Security Access Service Edge platforms merge network and security services into a unified cloud-based system – a crucial notion for overseeing present-day multi-cloud environments and hybrid workforces. SASE may encompass various functionalities such as zero-trust network access, secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and firewall services to exert centralized control over identity and access policies and operations.
Cato SASE Cloud Platform
Cisco Secure Access
Fortinet FortiSASE
Netskope One SASE
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE
Zscaler Zero Trust SASE
Storage – Enterprise
Data volumes are constantly expanding, and the global “datasphere” – the overall amount of data generated, captured, replicated, and consumed – is increasing by over 20 percent annually and is projected to reach roughly 291 zettabytes by 2027, as stated by market researcher IDC.
Ensuring the safe storage of that data is crucial. While more data is now being stored on cloud platforms, numerous businesses and organizations uphold on-premises data storage systems – either independently or as part of a hybrid setup – for various reasons such as data security and governance and minimized internet expenses.
Dell PowerStore
HPE Alletra Storage MP
Infinidat SSA Express
NetApp AFF C-Series
Pure Storage FlashArray//E
Quantum ActiveScale Z200 Object Storage
Storage – Software-Defined
Software-defined storage technology decouples or abstracts storage management and provisioning from the underlying hardware. One advantage is that pools of physical storage resources can be administered as a unified system, aiding in cost reduction compared to traditional storage area network (SAN) and network-attached storage (NAS) systems.
DDN Infinia
Dell PowerFlex
HPE GreenLake for Block Storage
IBM Software-Defined Storage
Pure Storage Purity
Unified Communications and Collaboration
Unified communications (including Unified Communications as a Service) integrates VoIP, instant messaging, video conferencing, and other communication capabilities through a single interface. UCC has gained significance with the surge in remote work and telecommuting.
UCC has been a mainstay for solution providers managing, supporting, and operating UCC systems. The global UCC market is estimated to reach $141.6 billion by 2027, according to Markets and Markets.
Cisco Webex
Intermedia Unite
Microsoft Teams
Nextiva Unified Customer Experience Platform
RingCentral RingCX
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