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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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