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SaaS: Earning A Second Look In 2009?
Posted January 12th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Software as a service stocks (SaaS) dropped more than 40 percent in 2008, according to our SaaS 20 Stock Index. But the index is holding its own so far in 2009, and MSPmentor readers indicate that they think that the SaaS sector is poised to have a strong year, according to our latest weekly poll.
Did Manage Services Or Executive Leadership Lift Eurodata’s Profits 21.5%?
Posted January 9th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
More proof that the best managed service providers are holding up pretty well during the recession: Eurodata Systems PLC, a solutions provider in London, says managed services helped the company lift profits 21.5 percent (I assume that’s 2008 vs. 2007). The 120-person company says demand for its managed services grew 17% last year, and Eurodata expects the trend to accelerate in 2009. But I think Eurodata needs to spin the story slightly differently: Executive leadership is the No. 1 reason the company is growing in a bad economy.
The Obama Administration: What MSPs Should Expect
Posted January 9th, 2009 by Maurice Saluan
President-elect Barack Obama will make history when he takes over the White House Jan. 20, and much of the world will be counting on the new U.S. president to revive an economy that has been stalling for at least a year. But how will President Obama impact managed service providers? Here are some thoughts.
CompTIA Plans Managed IT Services Summit
Posted January 9th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, plans to host a Managed IT Services Summit in Palos Verdes, Calif., from Oct. 6 to 8, MSPmentor has learned. It’s the second major MSP-focused conference announced this week.
Dell and Microsoft: Partnering On Managed Services?
Posted January 8th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Short term, Microsoft and Dell are launching joint marketing efforts for corporate IT management solutions. Long term, it’s clear to me that Microsoft — at some point — will make a subtle tweak to its System Center Management solution and begin to target managed service providers.
MSPAlliance Announces MSPWorld
Posted January 7th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The MSPAlliance is applying some polish to its managed services summit brand. Earlier this week MSPAlliance President Charles Weaver informed me the association was planning summits in multiple cities. Now comes word that Weaver (pictured) has re-branded the events as MSPWorld. And I have to admit: I like the move.
Dell: Watch for Global MSP Push?
Posted January 7th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Greg Davis (pictured) is leaping from Dell’s North American channel chief slot into a new role as Dell’s global channel chief. As an advocate of Dell’s managed services strategy, it’s safe to expect Davis to focus on a global MSP-oriented push. For VARs and MSPs that remain sceptical of Dell, here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Apple’s Genius Bar: The Ultimate Hardware as a Service
Posted January 7th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The best managed service providers remotely address nearly 99 percent of customers’ IT issues. But for that final one percent of problems — the headaches that require on-site support or face-to-face hand holding — I hope MSPs and hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) pros begin to emulate Apple’s Genius Bar concept. Here’s why.
Help Wanted: 14 Managed Services Careers
Posted January 6th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
If you’re seeking a career in managed services, the MSPmentor Career Center (www.MSPmentor.net/careers) now lists more than a dozen career opportunities. The latest career openings include:
- A managed services sales expert (Tampa Bay, Fla.)
- Network engineers for MSPSN’s NOC (location negotiable)
- IP telephony managed services (Bakersfield, Calif.)
If you’d like to advertise a position in the MSPmentor Career Center, the job board is free for anyone to use — as long as the career opportunity involves managed services, SaaS or the IT channel. Our current Career Center is a rudimentary system. Watch for enhancements to debut within a few weeks.
Building the Case for Managed Services (In India)
Posted January 6th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
While Europe and the United States struggle with the recession, it’s an opportune time for managed services software providers to set up shop in India, according to Prakash Chaudhari (pictured), the former director of business development at NetEnrich. In his personal blog, Chaudhari offers some compelling arguments for managed services in India.
MSPAlliance Schedules April Managed Services Summit
Posted January 6th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The MSPAlliance is preparing a range of managed services summits and conferences for 2009. While some event details are pending, MSPAlliance President Charles Weaver says managed service providers can start to plan for the following conferences:
LPI Level Platforms Introduces Managed Workplace 2009
Posted January 5th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Instead of relaxing for the New Year holiday, LPI Level Platforms was busy launching Managed Workplace 2009. The new managed services platform debuts today (January 5). LPI Level Platforms CEO Peter Sandiford (pictured) sent me a note January 2 with some quick thoughts about the update.
Weekly Poll: SaaS Stock Predictions for 2009
Posted January 5th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Our SaaS 20 Stock Index fell more than 40 percent during 2008. Will we see software as a service stocks rebound in 2009? I’m betting yes, but if you saw my track record on Wall Street you’d realize I am not a professional stock picker.
How to Reinvent Yourself In 2009
Posted January 5th, 2009 by Mitch York
I recently spoke with a B2B publishing expert. Her predicament is similar to the challenge facing some VARs and solutions providers: She knows her industry cold, as well as the suppliers and the entire value chain. But she asks a good question: so what? Are the skills relevant to the future economy? Let’s be conservative and say no. But her knowledge can be turned into something very valuable. If I were coaching this person, I’d ask her to consider these suggestions:
