MSPmentor

This blog entry is a bit of a stretch, but stick with me. Novell has acquired Managed Objects, which specializes in “business service management.” The company’s software allows customers to monitor, manage and report on the availability of specific applications and IT systems.

Managed Objects mainly targets corporate IT. But the deal provides Novell a potential path to more aggressively target managed service providers. Here’s how.

Managed Objects’ product suite includes Service Level Manage software, which “let’s IT organizations accurately measure and report on application and IT service level quality…” according to the company’s Web site.

Also of note:

• Telecom is one of Managed Objects’ top four vertical industry targets.
• Managed service providers are listed among Managed Objects’ top four partner targets.

Managed Windows and Linux Systems?

I’m not suggesting that Novell will leverage Managed Objects to compete against Dell Silverback, Kaseya, Level Platforms, N-able and other MSP software platforms that target the small and midsize business markets.

Rather, Managed Objects sounds a bit more sophisticated and primarily targets internal corporate IT in large enterprises.

And it’s no secret that Novell wants to be the core management platform for corporate data centers that consolidate and virtualize around Windows Server and Novell SUSE Linux systems. Managed Objects could accelerate that cross-platform management effort.

Prime Opportunity

Still, there is a managed services play here for Novell. And in recent months, the company has been working to rebuild its partner network.

Novell in September named a new channel chief, Javier Colado, to strengthen the company’s partner program.

Colado’s first interview, with our sister site The VAR Guy, didn’t mention a strategy to engage managed service providers. But I think Managed Objects will force Novell to strongly consider an MSP industry play.

Off Target?

Am I correct? I’ve already heard from one software industry executive who said Novell will not use Managed Objects to make an MSP move. I’ve sent an email to Novell corporate PR seeking their perspective. In the meantime, I’m open to all opinions.

Side note: Apparently, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read was ahead of the general press with this story. In his personal blog, Read reported news of the Novell-Managed Objects deal a few hours before Novell had issued this official press release.

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