MSPmentor

LogLogic’s corporate blog contains a quick overview of the company’s new managed service provider program. Early participants in the program include Internet heavyweights like BT and VeriSign. You’ll find some info about LogLogic’s MSP program here.

I didn’t have a chance to attend the recent SMB Nation conference in Seattle. But Larry Lentz, a Microsoft Small Business Server guru, spotted a few trends at the event — including some thoughts on manged services. You can find Larry’s observations over on his personal blog.

Forgive me for this shameless plug, but here’s a prime opportunity for successful MSPs to step into the spotlight. Is your company among the industry’s top managed service providers? Click Here to take survey and your company could appear in our inaugural MSPmentor 100 list. Read More >

Most managed service providers focus on the small business market. But there’s ample opportunity to offer managed services into larger vertical markets — including the federal government. In the months ahead, Uncle Sam’s appetite for managed services will grow significantly, according to the Defense Department’s CIO. Federal Computer Week has a quick story about this trend that’s worth reading.

When people mention the city of Detroit to me, I think of struggling car companies and Thanksgiving football. But for Cbeyond, a managed service provider and Cisco Systems partner, Detroit represents a growing business opportunity. Cbeyond expects to employ roughly 100 people in the Detroit area by the end of this year as it seeks more small business customers for its IP telephony services. Equally important, Cbeyond has found creative ways to publicize its expertise. Here’s a look. Read More >

October is shaping up to be a busy month for Symantec’s various online software efforts. While the company prepares to launch Symantec Protection Network (a software as a service platform for partners), Symantec is also promoting its Managed Security Services (MSS) to customers. Here’s what Symantec’s strategy means to managed service providers. Read More >

So you want to be a manged service provider? Recurring revenue from multiple customers sounds wonderful. But don’t forget, MSP rewards also involve some big risks. Johnny Kessel, one of the most vocal managed service providers I’ve met on the Net, has created a list of seven potential traps awaiting MSPs. Here’s a rundown of the challenges you’ll face when leaping from IT solutions to managed services, according to Kessel. Read More >

It’s a classic Microsoft tactic: Arrive late to a party and then attempt to steal the show. The has company announced the next chapter of its Software as a Service (SaaS) effort. If you offer managed services, it’s time to listen up. I spent some time analyzing the Microsoft initiative and I see some clear opportunities–and challenges–ahead for managed service providers. Here’s a rundown of the 10 things MSPs need to know about Microsoft’s SaaS strategy. Read More >