MSPmentor

I’ve been predicting for a few months that TelePresence — loosely defined as next-generation videoconferencing gear — will emerge as a big opportunity for managed service providers.

Cisco and AT&T finally backed up my claims this week, by announcing a managed  TelePresence initiative. The official press release included the standard jargon. But Cisco’s own company blog actually adds some timely perspective to the news. Here’s why.

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We’ve updated our MSPmentor Events Center to include a lengthy list of Webcasts, conferences and road shows focused on managed services. We’ll also be introducing our own MSPmentor Live Webcasts in June. Check out our complete Events Center for details.

Can a single visionary transform a solutions provider into a managed service provider? Or does it take multiple executives — each, with different talents — to build a thriving managed services business?

Before you answer, consider the situation at Computer Network Solutions LLC, a fast-growing MSP in Plainview, N.Y., that now manages more than 200,000 customer devices,

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Microsoft is aggressively pursuing business relationships with cable companies as it strives to strengthen its software as a service (SaaS) strategy, MSPmentor has learned. If it secures partnerships with cable companies, Microsoft could wind up competing with some managed service providers that offer hosted Exchange Server systems to small businesses.

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Solution providers have a lot to gain from adopting managed services. Less appreciated is the fact that vendors have a lot at stake, too. Increasingly they realize that adoption of managed services by their channel partners is not only a winning strategy, but an essential strategy for long term success in the SMB market.

MSP Partners represents a common voice for vendors that understand the importance of managed services and want to do their part to contribute to the growth of the business model and demonstrate their leadership and commitment to this business transformation.

So, who are the folks behind MSP Partners? And what are the goals for MSP Partners? Here are some answers. Read More >

Arnie Bellini has multiple irons in the fire. As CEO of ConnectWise, he’s using several tactics — education, collaboration and software integration — to help grow the overall managed services market — and drive customer interest in ConnectWise. In additional to competing with traditional rivals, ConnectWise could wind up facing off against new competitors. Here’s a sampling of the thoughts he shared during an April 18 phone conversation with MSPmentor.

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The convergence of open source with managed services and software as a service (SaaS) continues. The latest example: Red Hat, arguably the world’s best-known open source company, has created two staff positions to serve hosting partners. Plus, Red Hat is evaluating a strategy to work more closely with managed service providers, MSPmentor has learned. Here’s the scoop. Read More >

In our earlier blog entry, we wrote about the five mistakes reps make when selling managed services.

One of the most costly mistakes is failing to connect your managed service offering to a business problem. Many reps are afraid to call on people outside of their typical comfort zone (i.e. mid level IT). Here are some best practices and two sample call scripts to help solve this problem. Read More >