Lenovo is quietly working to integrate its mobile, desktop and server hardware with a range of RMM (remote monitoring and management) and PSA (professional services automation) platforms for managed service providers. Frankly, I’m surprised we’re not hearing similar types of statements from more PC vendors. Here are some observations.
Let’s start with the work at Lenovo. According to Jay McBain, director of SMB, Lenovo’s managed services integration work involves key platforms from Autotask, ConnectWise, Kaseya, Level Platforms, N-able and Zenith Infotech, among others. McBain stopped short of discussing delivery dates but he said Lenovo is committed to broad MSP platform support.
McBain asserts that Lenovo has an advantage in the managed services market, since Lenovo’s R&D work has long included software to ease enterprise systems management. He points to Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Technologies as proof that the company understands how to drive down the total cost of owning and maintaining servers, desktops and mobile systems.
PCs and MSPs
Until now, most of the PC-MSP integration chatter has involved Intel’s vPro technology. That’s a solid first step for the PC market, but I’m surprised PC makers themselves haven’t been more vocal about their commitment to supporting MSPs.
In recent weeks, I’ve heard some chatter from Toshiba — which appears to be working on relationships with several RMM and PSA tool providers. And Dell is certainly connecting the dots between its hardware and managed services software (Silverback and Everdream). But Hewlett-Packard has been particularly quiet, and I need to circle back with them to see if their PC division is getting serious about MSP platform support.
Meanwhole, Lenovo has gone on the record with its integration strategy. Rival PC makers need to follow suit.
Follow MSPmentor via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; and Twitter. And sign up for our Enewsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center.
Read More About This Topic
Share This Post
Posted In: Hardware as a Service | PSA | Platforms | RMM
Tags: Lenovo Autotask | Lenovo ConnectWise | Lenovo Jay McBain | Lenovo Kaseya | Lenovo Level Platforms | Lenovo N-able | Lenovo Partner Program | Lenovo Zenith Infotech | ThinkPad Autotask | ThinkPad ConnectWise | ThinkPad Kaseya | ThinkPad Level Platforms | ThinkPad N-able | ThinkPad Zenith Infotech
Interact: Add a Comment | Trackback Link | Permalink
Subscribe: RSS Feed
Get Started: Visit our new 
Hi, Joe: Any update on where HP is with its Managed Services — other than your note that they are slowly rolling out software lic to MSPs, etc..?
Hey Mark: We will check in with HP. Thinks have been a bit quiet with them. Once I hear something I will post another comment here and/or offer up a blog entry.
-jp