MSPmentor

As Dell moves to acquire Perot Systems for $3.9 billion, the deal has several potential implications for solutions providers and managed services providers (MSPs). Here are three pieces of information worth noting.

1. Long Live Small Business Solutions Providers: The Dell-Perot combination is all about enterprise computing — with an emphasis on large customers in such verticals as health care and government.

For small solutions providers and MSPs serving local and regional customers, I think this is a non-event — though I do wonder how Dell-Perot will compete with government-focused MSPs. Also, will Dell-Perot take on health care MSPs?

2. IBM Envy: Dell and Hewlett-Packard are seeking to emulate IBM’s Global Services business. HP’s buyout of EDS and now Dell’s buyout of Perot Systems are steps in that direction. I’m curious to see how two other server providers — Cisco Systems and the pending Oracle-Sun combo — react to IBM, Dell and HP services efforts.

3. SaaS Plus Services: Dell has been building a SaaS strategy around its Silverback Technologies, Everdream and MessageOne acquisitions. Will the Perot consulting team rally around those three SaaS offerings? If so, how soon?

Attention Government and Health Care MSPs: How are you feeling about the pending Dell-Perot business combo?

Image credit: Perot Systems

Follow MSPmentor via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; and Twitter. And sign up for our Enewsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

• Software vs. Services: Is the Line Disappearing?