10. Initial Public Offering: One or more platform providers will test the IPO market in late 2008. My thoughts: I would have thought this would be Level (and maybe they will go out), but I’ve heard some big numbers associated with Kaseya. I have no insider info, but Kaseya seems to have a lot of heat.

6. The Price is Right: Low-cost “starter” solutions will be widely available from most platform providers. My thoughts: It’s about time! Most SMB MSP’s evolve from local VAR’s/consultants. These are not venture-funded firms. The idea of most spending $10K+ is usurious.

5. No Starter Fees: Hosted MSP solutions, available with no upfront costs, will proliferate as VARs seek solutions that involve monthly fees rather than lump-sum licensing costs. Two prime examples are SecureMyCompany and ProactiveWatch. My thoughts: Similar comments as #6. Terrific idea, pioneered by Zenith, that has mysteriously received less traction that its due.

3. The Truth Hurts: At least one major platform provider – likely specializing in security – will get burned by making false claims about its sales momentum and market penetration. Venture capitalists will begin asking questions and the CEO could be shown the door. My thoughts: I wait with bated breath….

2. One Dashboard for All: MSPs will demand platform interoperability, and APIs (application programming interfaces) that allow users to have a single dashboard for multiple platforms. My thoughts: Clearly, the network applications that feed data to MSA systems must be cross-platform. (Untangle has done this.) And, while many of the players accept simple SNMP, several of the API’s are unique.

1. Continued Growth: This is the easiest prediction of all. As the CEOs of Autotask, N-able and others have stated, only about 5 percent (or less) of small business PCs are covered by managed services. The opportunities ahead are huge, assuming MSPs, platform providers and industry associations can continue to communicate the value of managed services to a growing base of customers. My Thoughts: No doubt about it, immense global growth is in the offing. This is simply an idea whose time has come.

- Bob Walters, President and CEO, Untangle

Small business customers often don’t understand the value of managed services. A few bad VARs can make this situation go from bad to worse in 2008.