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Open source companies are finally getting hip to the IT channel, The VAR Guy believes. In fact, companies like Digium, GroundWork Open Source, Openbravo and Untangle are following Red Hat and Novell into the IT channel, on a global basis. Here's a look at their progress.

Software as a service (SaaS) and open source continue to converge. The latest example involves Apatar bridging the gap between Salesforce.com and QuickBooks. Here's the scoop from MSPmentor, which covers SaaS and managed services.

So, how high will Red Hatâ??s partner sales climb this year? The VAR Guy spoke with Red Hat VP Mark Enzweiler, noted some facts and figures, and then did some quick math. Take a look at the results, including some updates on JBoss partner momentum.

The Web is buzzing about Best Buy's decision to carry Ubuntu Linux. But I must admit: I'm not impressed. Here's what Best Buy should really be doing with Ubuntu.

Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz, the man who orchestrated Sun's $1 billion takeover of MySQL, could be on thin ice. Rumors are swirling that Sun is searching for a new CEO. Say it ain't so, says The VAR Guy. Here's the scoop.

Microsoft has launched the Windows Vista Small Business Assurance program, which aims to help partners (and their customers) "Move to Windows Vista with Confidence." Shockingly, The VAR Guy (an Ubuntu Linux user) actually likes the idea. Here's why.

Sustainable innovation â?? creating lots of new things again and again â?? is challenging. The VAR Guy wonders: Is open source the key to sustainable tech innovation? Is open source the best way to keep a maturing company feeling vibrant and young? Before you answer, consider some of these scenarios.

Tom McCallum, VP of investor relations at Red Hat, on July 7 wrote a blog that attempts to clarify Red Hat's recent quarterly results. Is McCallum trying to tactfully rally investors around Red Hat? Check out The VAR Guy's analysis.

At my college, I have volunteered to teach faculty, staff, and students the advantages of using Linux. After doing it for a couple of years, I have come up with a few tips that others might find helpful when showing new Linux users the ropes. Here's a look.

Previously, I introduced my theory of the Difficulty Divide. Itâ??s a concept that Iâ??ve used for several years when talking about why I use Linux, and why some people may give up on it. I also promised that I would present on how Iâ??ve modified it in recent years to reflect the current state of things. Before I do that though, I think some clarification is in order. Take a look.

As Xandros digests Linspire, what does the deal mean to Linux market leaders like Red Hat, Novell and Ubuntu â?? and would-be Linux customers? Here are some clues from The VAR Guy.

Older Eee PC models running Linux are going on sale as retailers gear up for the newer 9-inch model. The VAR Guy spotted this $275 deal for this Eee PC with a 7-inch screen. Here's the scoop.

Despite all the Red Hat and Ubuntu Linux hype, Novell keeps scoring small victories and picking up momentum. The latest example: Micro-Star International (MSI) has agreed to pre-load Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 on MSIâ??s mini-notebooks. Hereâ??s the scoop, from The VAR Guy.

My brother-in-law is searching for a laptop as a birthday present for his daughter. He isn't crazy about Windows Vista, but his quest shows just how little mainstream consumers know about Linux and OpenOffice -- and Ubuntu consumer systems. Here's his story so far.

If you're a service provider mulling your VoIP strategy, it's time to give open source and Asterisk a look. Skeptical? Demand for open source VoIP is growing 70 percent annual in Europe. Here's why, according to MSPmentor.

In a combination news story and podcast, SugarCRM CEO John Roberts describes the state of his company, growing demand for Sugar as a hosted service -- and even a potential IPO (initial public offering) around 2010. Here's the scoop from MSPmentor.

While most major server vendors show little interest in Ubuntu, a major Canadian Web host has started offering Ubuntu as a server option to its customers. Here are some quick details about the move, as reported by Works With U, a web site that covers the Ubuntu industry.

First, storage and CRM moved into the cloud. Now, even open source middleware is moving toward Software as a Service, thanks to a new partnership between Red Hat and Amazon.com. Here are some quick details from MSPmentor, which covers managed services and Software as a Service (SaaS).

Untangle -- an open source security specialist -- has inked a partnership with N-able, a managed services platform provider. The deal further accelerates the use of open source in the fast-growing managed services market. Here's why, according to MSPmentor.

Faced with a slow economy, tight travel budgets and rising energy costs, some open source fans may be forced to choose between OSCON (July 21-25, Portland, Oregon) and LinuxWorld Expo (August 4-7, San Francisco). For Ubuntu Linux fans, both shows are packed with Ubuntu info. So, is it possible to choose between the two, The VAR Guy wonders.