MSPmentor

So, you’re thinking about offering managed hardware as part of a monthly service contract. Before you make the move, consider this: Perhaps it’s time to take a close look at open source desktops (particularly Ubuntu Linux running OpenOffice) as an option for your customers. Here’s why.

Read More >

Circle the date: Dell is inviting partners and MSPs to participate in a major channel briefing on December 5. During the teleconference, Greg Davis, VP and GM of Dell’s Americas Channel Group, will discuss Dell’s long-term vision for working with partners, and he’ll announce Dell’s latest channel plans. The call runs 1:15 to 2:15pm eastern. You can join in by visiting here.

Read More >

Hi Folks. Thanks for visiting. Just a few quick updates on MSPmentor.net’s progress. We launched this site — a beta version — in late September. Since that time, several thousand VARs and managed services providers have visited MSPmentor.net. Here’s where we’re taking our growing reader base next.

Read More >

Circle November 29 and December 5 on your calendars. During those days, respectively, Dell will announce quarterly results as well as its new channel initiatives. Both events should provide important clues about Dell’s managed services strategy.

Read More >

Back in October, I asked readers if managed services could help VARs to better weather an economic slowdown. The overwhelming response from readers was “yes.” Now, MSP University is asking the same question again. And the blog entry, written by Erick Simpson, offers some compelling thoughts about MSPs thriving during weak economies. Take a look at MSP University’s perspective here.

Read More >

Is there a strong connection between managed services and going green? A few months ago, I would have dismissed such talk as mere vendor hype. But a few times a week, I now hear from managed service providers (MSPs) who are writing marketing plans for 2008 that strongly emphasize the connection between managed services and green thinking.

Read More >

As you likely heard, Dell is acquiring Everdream, the software-as-a-service and managed service platform provider. I firmly believe this will be part of a growing trend in 2008. Here are seven key lessons and considerations to keep in mind as Dell digests Everdream.

Read More >

At first glance, most VARs use managed services to remotely administer PCs, notebooks, servers, routers–traditional network infrastructure. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that there are opportunities to manage other types of IP devices–including medical equipment, facilities (heat, electric, air conditioning), etc. A great example of this comes from Germany, where a major medical equipment provider uses ComBrio’s managed services platform. Here’s how.

Read More >

During a discussion at CompTIA’s recent SMB Summit in Florida, some VARs mentioned that Cox Communications — the cable company — is attempting to push into managed services and develop closer relationships with small and mid-size businesses. Cox isn’t alone. Cable companies across the country are starting to offer managed IP services, which means solutions providers need to maintain face-time — and account control — with their customers.

Read More >

Business intelligence. Yawn. A lot of VARs don’t have much interest in the BI market — and even fewer offer BI as a managed service or software as a service (SaaS). Until recently, BI was mostly an opportunity for large integrators targeting big enterprises. But that’s changing.

Read More >

Doing business in the Middle East can be a tricky endeavor for technology companies. But plenty of IT experts have found success in the region. Sales of enterprise application software across the Arab Middle East and North Africa grew 16 percent in 2005 and roughly another 13 percent in 2006, according to IDC. Now, managed services and software as a service (SaaS) are gaining popularity across the region, too.

Read More >

For many managed service providers, hosted email represents a first foray into software as a service (SaaS). But email is a commodity these days — a nice, basic offering that pays decent dividends but won’t make you rich. If you’re looking for growing SaaS opportunities, it might be time to embrace hosted CRM (customer relationship management) or business intelligence. Here’s why.

Read More >

What if you launched a new product or service and never bothered to tell anyone? VARs and solutions providers make that mistake over and over again, because they don’t know how to shape their marketing messages, nor are they sure how to get the word out about a new product or service. Some VARs, however, are savvy to free PR and marketing opportunities. One prime example: Total Tech of San Diego knows how to blitz the media (including MSPmentor) with its PR messaging. Here’s a bit about their approach.

Read More >

Well, that didn’t take long. Only days after Cisco announced its managed services strategy, a major solutions provider says it has achieved the premium Cisco Powered Managed Service designations in Managed Unified Communications and Managed Security. The company, Getronics, has about 24,000 employees across 25 countries.

Read More >

When we launched this site in late September, we assumed that the bulk of our content would focus on managed services for small and mid-size businesses. But as we listen to the MSP marketplace, it’s clear that the managed services movement is pushing deep into large enterprises. And companies like ComBrio and Third Brigade are more than happy to answer the call for enterprise help. Here’s a closer look at the enterprise MSP trend.

Read More >

Call it the managed services paradox: Plenty of VARs want to offer managed services, but they often lack deep enough pockets to pay for robust managed services platforms. What’s the solution to this financial shortfall? Here are a few options.

Read More >

OnForce Senior VP Nadjarian

Read More >

Still skeptical about the promise and payoff of managed services? Maybe you should pay a visit to Nimsoft. The managed service platform provider says 3Q 2007 sales grew 130 percent compared to 3Q 2006. Nimsoft says it also achieved EBITDA profitability, though I don’t pay that much attention to that financial metric.

Read More >

I witnessed a rather interesting debate earlier this week at CompTIA’s SMB Summit. During the event, hosted in Bonita Springs, Fla., about 120 VARs debated the true definition of managed services. Eventually, attendees reached two clear conclusions: First, managed services are either (A) delivered remotely or (B) delivered on site — yes, on site. The real trick, all attendees agreed, is to deliver the remote or on-site services as part of a monthly contract/service fee.

Read More >

Voltage Security, which specializes in encryption technology, has launched a partner program that pushes security as a service (SaaS) opportunities out to channel partners. According to the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company, the program delivers recurring revenue opportunities to security VARs, managed service providers (MSPs), integrators and solutions providers.

Read More >