ChannelTrends: Going Green and Digging into Healthcare IT

Do you remember the days when the IT channel consisted simply of companies reselling hardware and software to customers? While a number of organizations still provide that service—and make money doing it—the overall technology market has changed significantly.

These traditional transactions have become more of a commodity these days, as prices and margins declined with customers shopping online and purchasing directly from vendors to get what they believe is the best value. While this isn’t news to VARs and MSPs, it illustrates why channel organizations are eager to explore and adopt new services that help them differentiate. Green IT definitely falls into that category, although it requires the right mix of clientele, technology expertise and marketing to make it a successful (i.e. profitable) focus for VARs and MSPs. 

One of this week’s announcements confirms not only one distributor’s commitment to green IT, but signifies the business opportunity for channel providers overall. In other news, healthcare IT continues keep our attention with additional details on the federal incentive program for EMR implementation with a new report offering valuable information for IT solution providers and vendors.

Making Green IT

What’s good for the environment could be profitable for the IT channel. With Ingram Micro’s announcement this week that the distributor joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program, it shows not only a greater corporate commitment to green IT, but extends their look into new operational efficiencies. This industry-government partnership recognizes and assists companies dedicated to environmental improvements through the measurable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you agree with the science behind the environmental push, most companies continue to benefit from leaner energy consuming technologies. The market for green IT is growing, and what Ingram and other companies learn from these programs will be shared likely with their channel partners to create new business opportunities and best practices.   

Environmental consulting goes beyond the technology, leading to new business units for savvy VARs and MSPs. For example, Ingram Micro has reduced their operational costs by changing several techniques that lessen the company’s use of resources.

"Over the years, our sustainability efforts have had a positive impact on both the environment and our bottom line,” said Keith Bradley, senior executive vice president and president, “For example, our packaging reduction program saved more than 700 tons of corrugated cartons in 2009, compared to 2008, and all of the cartons are 100 percent recyclable."

Green IT may not currently be a viable focus for every VAR business, but it is worthwhile for every channel organization to understand the issues and practices taking shape. If you’re interested in the true ROI and business opportunity, check out the CompTIA Green IT certificate and take time to investigate programs such as Climate Leaders. Keep ahead of the curve! 

Valuable Healthcare IT Provider report Released

“Meaningful use” is a key phrase for IT solution providers specializing in the healthcare vertical, relating to the implementation of EMR (electronic medical records) systems in medical facilities and doctors’ offices. That expression is critical to practitioners receiving a higher reimbursement rate that pays for the technology VARs and MSPs install, and this week the Health Research Institute of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) published a detailed report on the topic. This information includes a clarification of Stage 2 standards that the HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) will require of hospitals: providing 80 percent of their patients with access to their EHRs within 36 hours of discharge from a facility as of October 2012.

According to Glenn Mitchell, MD, chief medical officer at Mercy Health, “I don’t believe patients know what ‘meaningful use’ requirements are, and I don’t know that they necessarily should, but what they should be able to identify is that they are experiencing healthcare that is moving in a better direction than it was in the past.”

To accomplish that result, solution providers must provide greater interoperability between technologies such as EMR, email and UC (Unified communications) – giving hospital clients’ patients faster and more detailed medical information. For example, as lab test results come in and any follow up procedure is scheduled, details could be sent automatically to the patient via a call, text or email. That is a meaningful use.

Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel. His previous roles include chief editor at Business Solutions magazine and industry alliances director with Autotask. Contact Brian at Bsherman@techsuccesscommunications.com.